- Royal Deck Tearoom
- Group Visit
- Accessibility
- Annual Pass
- Our Green Tourism
- Weekly Snaps
- Things to do in Edinburgh
- What's On
- Private Events
- Private Dining
- Drinks Reception
- Private Tours
- Burns Supper
- Meet The Team
- Historical Timeline
Explore Britannia
- Royal Residence
- Life Below Decks
The Royal Yacht Britannia, Ocean Drive, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ
Tel: 0131 555 5566 Email us: [email protected]
- Search this website
It was from this area that Britannia was commanded as the Royal Yacht sailed the oceans of the world. From here the Officers navigated, log books were recorded and orders issued.
This is where the Admiral worked, entertained and often ate during his time on board. Not only did the Admiral have ultimate responsibility of ensuring that Britannia ran like clockwork, but he was also in charge of a staff of some 19 Officers and 220 Yachtsmen.
The Royal Deck was used for games and entertaining. Today this is where you can enjoy freshly prepared delicious scones, cakes, soups and sandwiches with waterfront views and a warm welcome.
Here the Royal Family relaxed in privacy, sunbathing or enjoying games of quoits or deck hockey. Prince Philip would occasionally set up his painting easel here and there was even a collapsible swimming pool for the Royal Family to take a dip if they wanted.
This beautiful teak-lined room was one of Queen Elizabeth II's favourite spaces on board. It was a family room and offered privacy from the rest of the ship.
This was the largest and grandest room on board Britannia. Here Queen Elizabeth II and The Prince Philip entertained some of the world’s most powerful figures like Sir Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher.
The spacious and elegant Drawing Room served both as a place for the Royal Family to relax and also as a reception room for up to 250 guests.
The NAAFI shop was well stocked with everything the Officers and Yachtsman might need - from toothpaste to Britannia souvenirs.
Britannia was the only ship in the Royal Navy to have a laundry service permanently on board. The 240 Officers and Yachtsmen might have had to change uniform up to six times a day, meaning that the laundry machines, dryers and steam presses worked non-stop.
A proud testament to British marine engineering - every piece of machinery, every gadget, stopcock, switch and dial operated faultlessly until Britannia was decommissioned in 1997.
Plays were performed and music was played to delight and entertain The Royal Family and the crew.
There were endless games organised on board with treasure hunts, picnics, fun exercise games and water fights. On warmer days the Royal children could even splash about in an inflatable paddling pool on the Verandah Deck.
Visiting Britannia
TRIPADVISOR'S NO.1 UK ATTRACTION 2023 - 2024
PLEASE PRE-BOOK YOUR TICKETS TO GUARANTEE ADMISSION Start your tour at our entrance, currently located on the Ground Floor of Ocean Terminal. Please note that tickets purchased in person are by card/contactless only.
Click on the Visit page for more information before you visit.
Step aboard to enjoy a great day out!
Fingal Hotel
Get away from the everyday aboard Britannia’s sister ship, Fingal. Extend your visit with a stay in one of Fingal’s luxurious cabins, your own oasis by the sea.
TRIPADVISOR'S NO.1 UK LUXURY HOTEL TRIPADVISOR'S NO.1 UK SMALL & BOUTIQUE HOTEL AA Hotel of the Year Scotland, AA five-star hotel and 2 AA Rosettes
Learn more: fingal.co.uk
We've noticed that you're using an out of date browser. We recommend that you update to the latest version to enhance your browsing experience.
Availability Search for The Royal Yacht Britannia
Terms & conditions.
This booking system and any information appearing on this page relating to the availability of any accommodation is provided by third parties and not by VisitScotland. It is intended to provide real time availability information relating to accommodation which is also provided by third parties. You may use this booking system to place direct bookings with third party accommodation providers. Any booking you make will not be placed with VisitScotland and we will have no liability to you in respect of any booking. If you proceed to make a booking you will leave our Website and visit a website owned and operated by a third party. VisitScotland does not have any control over the content or availability of any external website. This booking system and any information appearing on this page is provided for your information and convenience only and is not intended to be an endorsement by VisitScotland of the content of such linked websites, the quality of any accommodation listed, or of the services of any third party.
The Royal Yacht Britannia
Experience Tripadvisor's Best UK Attraction 2023-24. Follow in the footsteps of Royalty and explore this floating Royal residence with a fascinating audio tour of five decks (available in over 30 languages).
Tripadvisor's Best UK Visitor Attraction 2023-2024 and Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Best of the Best award winner.
Visit this award-winning attraction, just two miles from Edinburgh's city centre at Ocean Terminal. The Royal Yacht Britannia played host to some of the world’s most famous people, from Nelson Mendela to Winston Churchill, but above all was home for the British Royal Family for over 40 years. Now you can discover the heart and soul of this most special of Royal residences.
You'll receive a truly warm welcome at Britannia's Visitor Centre before boarding Queen Elizabeth II's former floating palace.
What will you see?
Tour Britannia’s five decks
Feel like the captain of the ship in the Bridge
Follow in the footsteps of Royalty through the State Apartments
See Queen Elizabeth II's favourite room- the Sun Lounge
Discover below decks in the Crew’s Quarters
Admire a tour highlight, the gleaming Engine Room
Take in the Royal Sailing Exhibition
Enjoy soups, sandwiches, cakes and scones in the Royal Deck Tearoom and admire the stunning waterfront views
The tour is available in:
Audio handset tour, available in over 30 languages
Children’s audio tour
Audio tour for those with sight loss
ASL and BSL tablet
Braille script
Complete the Britannia experience with a visit to the Gift Shop in Ocean Terminal, where you’ll find exclusive Britannia souvenirs, china, toys, gifts and nautical items.
Berthed just moments away, Britannia's sister ship, floating hotel Fingal, offers 22 luxurious cabins inspired by the former Northern Lighthouse Board tender's rich maritime heritage. For further information, visit Fingal's website .
- All weather experience - Highly accessible for wheelchair users, single buggies and those with limited mobility. Read our accessibility statement here . - Free Annual Pass for 12 months' admission included - The entrance to Britannia is temporarily on the Ground Floor of Ocean Terminal shopping centre.
How to get here?
By tram: Take the tram to stop 'Ocean Terminal' (Newhaven direction). For further information, please visit Edinburgh Trams
By bus: Regal Tour Bus and Lothian Buses 10, 16, 34 and 35 run from the city centre towards Ocean Terminal. Regal Tour buses depart regularly from Waterloo Place / St Andrew Square in the centre of Edinburgh. The Regal Bus Tour is operated by Edinburgh Bus Tours .
By train: Arrive in the city centre at Edinburgh Waverley Train Station, just 2 miles from Britannia.
By car: Follow signs to Edinburgh and Leith or North Edinburgh. Then follow brown tourist signs for Britannia. Free car parking at Ocean Terminal multi-storey car park (level C is nearest). For satnav our postcode is EH6 6JJ. Go inside the shopping centre for Britannia’s entrance and the start of the tour. By plane: Britannia is approximately 40 minutes’ drive from Edinburgh Airport.
For further information on finding Britannia, please see here .
Please check the Britannia website for full opening times and prices. EVENING EVENTS Exclusive dinners and receptions can be hosted on board. Call our events team on +44 (0) 131 555 8800 and see how we can create your event of a lifetime, or visit the events section of our website .
PRIVATE TOURS A private tour on board The Royal Yacht Britannia is an exclusive experience, giving you access to Britannia’s five decks, and a unique insight into the history of the Royal Yacht and how the Royal Family and crew lived and worked on board. Both morning and evening tours are available. Call our events team on +44 (0) 131 555 8800 or for more information visit click here . PRESERVING BRITANNIA Britannia is cared for by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust , a self-funding charity registered in Scotland (SC028070). By visiting Britannia you will be helping us to preserve this important piece of history for future generations.
Transport and Parking
- On Public Transport Route
- Public Parking Nearby
- No Pets Allowed
Accessibility
- British Sign Language
- Hearing Loop
- Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
- Lift or stairlift
- Large print, braille or audio
- American Sign Language
- Wheelchairs or mobility aids provided
- Accessible toilets
- Wheelchair access throughout
- Suitable for visitors with limited mobility
Dietary Options
- Gluten Free
Typical Prices
- Baby Changing Facilities
- Public Toilet Facilities
- Lunch Available
- Licensed Bar
- Cafe or Restaurant
Payment Methods
- American Express
- Diners Card
- Credit Card
Awards & Schemes
Related items of interest
- The Royal Deck Tearoom aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia
Cookies are required to view this content. Change your preferences at Manage Cookie Settings
The content of many of our web listings is provided by third party operators and not VisitScotland. VisitScotland accepts no responsibility for (1) any error or misrepresentation contained in third party listings, and (2) the contents of any external links within web listings ((1) and (2) together hereinafter referred to as the "Content"). VisitScotland excludes all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the Content. The Content is provided for your information only and is not endorsed by VisitScotland.
What's Nearby
Accommodation, attractions, food & drink, terms and conditions.