Name: The Royal Yacht Britannia
Rating: 5.0

The Royal Yacht Britannia

The Royal Yacht Britannia, Ocean Drive, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

Website

Contact

Message

Description

Her Majesty's Yacht Britannia is the former royal yacht of the British monarchy. She was in their service from 1954 to 1997. Everyone is welcome at Britannia! Come rain or shine, we're an all-weather visit, with a refreshing breath of sea air in between the five highly accessible decks.

Want to visit somewhere truly unique? Why settle for an ordinary day out when you could dive into history aboard not only a ship but the last British Royal Yacht in the world! From the crown to the crew, come rain or shine, we’re an all-weather visit, with a refreshing breath of fresh sea air in between each of the five decks.

Price starts from £22.00 for Adults, £11.50 for Young Person (16–21 years) and £11.50 Children(7-15 years & under 6s free). If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Five-Deck Tour: Explore the expansive ship, from the luxurious State Apartments to the bustling Crew’s Quarters.
Complimentary Audio Guide: Enjoy the tour at your own pace with narrations available in 31 languages, including a dedicated version for children.
Interactive Family Fun: Keep younger visitors entertained with the "Cuddly Corgi Treasure Hunt" hidden throughout the ship.
Royal Deck Tearoom: Relax with views of the waterfront while enjoying soups, sandwiches, and freshly baked scones made in the Royal Galley.

What to See

The State Apartments: Walk where monarchs and world leaders dined and socialised, experiencing the height of 20th-century royal decor.
The Engine Room: See the heart of the ship, where the gleaming machinery that powered Britannia on its million-mile journey is still kept in pristine condition.
The Crew’s Quarters: Step into the daily lives of the Royal Yachtsmen, complete with uniforms that children can try on for a photo.
The 11-foot LEGO Replica: Marvel at the intricate model of the ship, a favourite exhibit for visitors of all ages.
The Royal Deck: Wander the beautiful wooden deck where the Royal Family would relax during their travels.

Facilities

Toilets: Accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities are available in the Visitor Centre and on board.
Buggy Parking: The tour is pushchair-friendly, with lifts and ramps throughout the five decks.
Food & Drink: The Royal Deck Tearoom is available on board (note: no external food or picnic areas are provided).
Accessibility: The ship is highly accessible; wheelchairs can be hired for free at the ticket desk.

Pro-Tips

Best Time to Visit: Start your tour at least 30 minutes before the last admission time if you plan to visit the Royal Deck Tearoom.
Parking: Free parking is available at the Ocean Terminal car park; Levels C and E provide the easiest access to the Visitor Centre.
Audio Guide: Ask for the children’s version of the audio guide at the start of the tour to keep them engaged.

Targeted FAQs

Is it worth it for toddlers? Yes, the ship is highly accessible for pushchairs, and children under 6 enter for free, making it a budget-friendly option for families with small children who enjoy exploring.
How long does a visit take? An average audio-guided tour lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, though you should allow extra time if you plan to enjoy the Royal Deck Tearoom.
Where is the best place to park? Free parking is available at the Ocean Terminal multi-storey car park; Levels C and E offer the most direct, step-free access to the Visitor Centre.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

Families frequently note that the audio guide is excellent at keeping children interested in the ship's history.
The "Cuddly Corgi" hunt is a hit with younger children and makes the long tour feel like a game.
The staff are highly regarded for being helpful and knowledgeable about royal history.

What Visitors Don't Like

Some visitors mention that the ship can feel quite crowded during peak tourist times or weekends.
The strict policy on bringing your own food can make it difficult for families on a tighter budget.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

The ship is filled with authentic items from its time as a Royal Residence:
The Royal Bedchamber: See the surprisingly modest room where the Queen slept.
The State Dining Room: View the grand table set with original crystal and cutlery.
The Sun Lounge: Discover the family’s favourite relaxation area on the top deck.
The Admiral's Cabin: Explore the private quarters of the ship's commander.
The Laundry Room: See the original equipment used to keep the royal linens pristine.
The Sick Bay: View the medical facilities once used by the ship's doctor.
Ship's Galley: Look into the kitchens that prepared meals for royalty and crew.
Post Office: See the dedicated onboard mail room.
Garage: Home to the Royal Rolls-Royce.
Engine Room Gauges: The brass instruments used to monitor the ship’s speed and power.

Beyond the Main Attraction

The ship is located at the Ocean Terminal, providing easy access to:
Leith Waterfront: A vibrant area perfect for a walk after your tour.
Fingal Hotel: A luxury floating hotel (a former lighthouse ship) located just a 5-minute walk away, perfect for afternoon tea.

New for 2026: Royal Tea on Britannia

To mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Queen Elizabeth II, the Royal Yacht Britannia introduced an enhanced guided tour experience. This exclusive offering provides a unique perspective on life aboard the royal vessel:
Behind-the-Ropes Access: Begin your visit by boarding via the "Royal Brow," a historic entrance previously reserved exclusively for the Royal Family.
Expert-Led Commentary: Enjoy an enhanced guided tour of the State Apartments and State Dining Room, where you will hear unique stories about the ship's royal history.
Communal Royal Tea: Indulge in a selection of Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite treats in the Royal Deck Tearoom, including Coronation chicken sandwiches and Victoria sponge.
Leisurely Exploration: Following the tea and guided tour, you are free to explore the remainder of the ship at your own pace using the complimentary audio guide.

Events: For more upcoming events please visit here.

Website

Contact

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult: £22.00–£25.00 (Gift Aid eligible).
NATO Armed Forces: £14.00–£17.00 (Gift Aid eligible, ID required).
Young Person (16–21): £11.50–£12.50 (Gift Aid eligible, ID required).
Student: £11.50–£12.50 (Gift Aid eligible, ID required).
Child (7–15): £11.50–£12.50 (Gift Aid eligible).
Child (6 and under): Free.

Pricing URL: https://tickets.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk/event-tickets/20462?catID=20701&

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

The Royal Yacht Britannia does not offer traditional "birthday party" packages for children. However, they do provide private hire for milestone birthday celebrations, including private dining and drinks receptions in the State Apartments.

Contact for private event inquiries: [email protected]

Jan–Mar: 10:00 (first entry), 15:00 (last entry), 17:00 (closing).
Apr–Oct: 9:30 (first entry), 16:00 (last entry), 18:00 (closing).
Nov–Dec: 10:00 (first entry), 15:00 (last entry), 17:00 (closing).

Address: The Royal Yacht Britannia, Ocean Drive, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ, UK

Post Code: EH6 6JJ

Council: Edinburgh

County: Edinburgh and Lothia

By Car: For satnav, our postcode is EH6 6JJ. Follow signs for Edinburgh and Leith, or North Edinburgh. There is a free multi-storey car park as part of Ocean Terminal. The height restriction in the car park is two metres. There is no motorhome/caravan parking within Ocean Terminal. Outside Ocean Terminal, there are six 160kW chargers with two bays designated for accessible parking, powered by renewable energy and using the latest market-leading infrastructure from SSE.
By Train: The nearest train station is Edinburgh Waverley. Plan your journey via the ScotRail website.
By Bike: Leave the car at home and cycle along the traffic-free Water of Leith. Bike racks are outside Ocean Terminal. For cycle routes, see CycleStreets. For bike hire, contact the Leith Cycle Company.
By Tram: Edinburgh trams now run from Edinburgh Airport through the city centre and down to Leith. To visit Britannia get off the tram at stop Ocean Terminal.
By Bus: Lothian Bus services from Edinburgh city centre are 10, 16, 34 or 35. Tickets can be purchased with contactless card payment or with correct change. Single tickets cost £2.20 or a day ticket costs £5.50 however the daily cap by using contactless is cheaper at £5.00.
Parking: There is a free multi-storey car park as part of Ocean Terminal. The height restriction in the car park is two metres. There is no motorhome/caravan parking within Ocean Terminal.