Royal Yacht Britannia

Royal Yacht Britannia
Royal Yacht Britannia featuring boating, heritage elements and interior views
Royal Yacht Britannia showing boating, interior views and heritage elements
Royal Yacht Britannia featuring boating and heritage elements
Royal Yacht Britannia featuring boating and interior views


Glimpse the life of royalty in the elegant rooms of what was once the Queen of England's personal cruise liner and Britain's ambassadorial ship overseas.

The magnificent Royal Yacht Britannia, docked at Ocean Terminal, provides fascinating insight into the wealth and opulence enjoyed by Britain's head of state. The craft, which served the Windsors for over 44 years, is 412 feet (126 meters) long and classy from bow to stern. Follow in the footsteps of Britain's monarchs and explore the sumptuous bedrooms and gilded staircases.

The Britannia first launched in 1953 and served the Royal Family as a floating residence and for transportation to visit other nations. The yacht was used as both a venue for entertaining guests from around the world and a floating home for Queen Elizabeth II.

Start in the Visitor Centre in Ocean Terminal before boarding. Photos from the ship's history shed light on the legacy of the craft.

Visit five decks, which contain fancy dining rooms, servants’ quarters and Her Majesty's bed chamber. Imagine being the Queen's engineer in the shiny Engine Room and inspect the various dials and pistons. Other rooms below the decks include the Sick Bay and Galley.

The luxurious State Apartments offer even more clues about the life of a traveling monarch. See the Rolls-Royce that the Queen would have been chauffeured in around foreign nations and the dining room where other dignitaries and heads of state were entertained.

Use one of the audio guides, included in the ticket price and available in multiple languages, to learn about the gigantic vessel. Visiting families can choose tours with child-friendly narration.

Stop for an afternoon drink or a light lunch in the on-deck tearoom, which was once the dining room of royalty. Enjoy a cup of tea served in fine china, with views over the water to accompany your refreshments.

To get here, take a bus to Ocean Terminal, which is a 2-minute walk from the yacht. Free parking is available for drivers. Your ticket to the Royal Yacht Britannia, which is open every day of the year except Christmas and New Year's Day, entitles you to apply for a free annual pass that means you can visit again and again.

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Marine North Berwick
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The Scotsman Hotel

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Reviews of Royal Yacht Britannia

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
231
5 - Excellent 68%
4 - Good
80
4 - Good 23%
3 - Okay
26
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
5
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Note that you can convert your ticket to an annual one at no cost. Cafe very good (and a bit pricy) but does get busy although the (limited) range of food is excellent. Staff superb.

5/5 - Excellent

Ishbel

Parking in multi-storey car park alongside Britannia is easy to reach and free.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Excellent place to visit, All staff very friendly and professional

5/5 - Excellent

Dave

This is a bit out of central Edinburgh so you'll need to get the bus if you're near the centre. You have to go through a shopping centre to get to the ticket office.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Hotel staff v helpful, told me which bus to catch, and gave me a 10% discount card

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great to see. Well worth it.Easy bus route and shops near by

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront by IHG

3 out of 5
Britannia Way, Ocean Drive, Edinburgh, Scotland
Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront by IHG
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

4 out of 5
23-27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, Scotland
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
Malmaison Edinburgh

Malmaison Edinburgh

4 out of 5
1 Tower Place Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland
Malmaison Edinburgh
Apex Grassmarket Hotel

Apex Grassmarket Hotel

4 out of 5
31-35 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
3 Johns Place Townhouse

3 Johns Place Townhouse

4 out of 5
3 John's Place, Edinburgh, Scotland
3 Johns Place Townhouse
Ocean Mist Leith

Ocean Mist Leith

2.5 out of 5
14 Shore, Edinburgh, Scotland
Ocean Mist Leith
Fingal - A Luxury Floating Hotel

Fingal - A Luxury Floating Hotel

5 out of 5
Alexandra Dock, Historic Port of Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland
Fingal - A Luxury Floating Hotel
YOTEL Edinburgh

YOTEL Edinburgh

4 out of 5
Erskine House, Queen Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
YOTEL Edinburgh
CoDE Pod  – The CoURT - Edinburgh

CoDE Pod – The CoURT - Edinburgh

2 out of 5
1 a Parliament Square, Edinburgh, Scotland
CoDE Pod – The CoURT - Edinburgh
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Royal Yacht Britannia

At the Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh, immerse yourself in a variety of activities including an engaging audio tour that brings the historic vessel to life. Consider booking additional experiences, and explore the city with convenient bus tours. While nearby, enjoy the vibrant local art scene, festivals, and theatrical performances, ensuring a well-rounded visit filled with entertainment options.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near the Royal Yacht Britannia, visit Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre, a mere 161m away, offering a variety of entertainment and family-friendly options. St James Quarter and Multrees Walk, both 3.2km away, provide a vibrant atmosphere for further exploration.

Recreation

At Murrayfield Stadium, immerse yourself in the exhilarating atmosphere of Scottish rugby, just 6.4km from the Britannia. Enjoy serene performances at Queen's Hall, a cultural gem located 4.8km away. For a family-friendly experience, visit the Royal Commonwealth Pool, also 4.8km away, perfect for relaxation and fun.

Adventure

For an adventurous experience near Royal Yacht Britannia, head to the Midlothian Ski Centre, located 3.2km away, for thrilling skiing opportunities. Alternatively, enjoy the excitement of Urban Paintball Edinburgh, situated 1.4km away, or visit Bedlam Paintball, also 3.2km away, for an adrenaline-fuelled adventure.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Royal Yacht Britannia with a visit to the Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre for a captivating show, or enjoy an evening of adventure at Camera Obscura and World of Illusions. For a more relaxed vibe, unwind at the Canongate Tolbooth pub, perfect for drinks and romance.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Royal Yacht Britannia

Within and around the Royal Yacht Britannia, visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including charming streets, captivating galleries, and historic monuments. These points of interest cater to those seeking cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly activities, making it an ideal destination for a well-rounded holiday in Edinburgh.

  • Royal Mile: A historic thoroughfare in the heart of Edinburgh, the Royal Mile stretches through the Old Town, offering a vibrant atmosphere filled with shops, street performers, and traditional Scottish culture. Explore its cobbled streets and discover hidden gems around every corner.
  • St. Giles' Cathedral: Renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate stained glass, St. Giles' Cathedral is a cultural treasure. Step inside to experience its serene ambiance and learn about its significance in Scotland's religious history.
  • St. Andrew Square: This charming square, surrounded by elegant Georgian architecture, provides a lovely space to relax. Enjoy the blend of city life and natural beauty, with lush greenery and art installations enhancing the atmosphere.

Best time to go to Royal Yacht Britannia

The best time to visit Royal Yacht Britannia is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January38.5°F (3.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March41.5°F (5.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April45.1°F (7.3°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May50.0°F (10.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
September54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
October49.5°F (9.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Royal Yacht Britannia

To save money during your visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia, consider travelling between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Booking a month in advance typically yields the best rates, and Tuesdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia's search tool for budget-friendly options, including eco-certified hotels. Additionally, look for last-minute deals and consider package options that combine flights, hotels, and activities for further savings. Lastly, explore free attractions in Edinburgh to enhance your experience without stretching your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Royal Yacht Britannia are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Royal Yacht Britannia about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Royal Yacht Britannia is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Royal Yacht Britannia is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly accommodations currently available. To find the most affordable prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Royal Yacht Britannia with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.

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