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While visiting Edinburgh, get a glimpse into what life was like for the Royal Family by touring the Royal Yacht Britannia. First launched by Queen Elizabeth in 1953, the Britannia has sailed over 1,000,000 miles around the world and has been everywhere from the Australia to Asia!
Royal Yacht Britannia
This ship was more than just a way to travel, it was a home where the entire family could travel together and even the way Prince Charles and Princess Diana went on their honeymoon.
The ship was formally decommissioned in 1997, and now serves a museum where it has the same furnishings as it did when the Queen would have last taken it.
Royal Yacht Britannia Tour
The fact that you can tour the actual yacht that the Queen spent so much time on is pretty amazing. And the idea that it is still furnished the same way is also quite remarkable.
While you can tour it on your own, the audio tour is complementary and will take you on a guided and detailed tour of everything you will see on the Britannia’s five main decks.
The audio tour is so helpful because it gives great information on the details to look out for.
There is also a kid version of the audio tour that will help keep the kids entertained, as well as a Corgi-spotting activity where kids look for the Queen’s corgis (in the form of stuffed animals) on the ship.
What You Will See on Royal Yacht Britannia
State Apartments and Royal Bedrooms
The Royal Yacht Britannia is the only place you can see the bedroom of a living British monarch.
One of the fascinating details of the royal bedrooms is that the Queen’s room was adjoining to that of her husbands.
When Prince Charles and Diana slept here, they had separate beds, but stayed in the same room.
The Lounge
The Sun Lounge where the Royal Family could relax and taken in the views from the large windows that span across the front of the room.
State Dining Room
This dining room would be where the Queen would entertain heads of state and other dignateries. It seats 96 people and the table features the Royal China that is embossed with the Britannia crest.
The Royal Deck Tea Room
Don’t miss taking time to relax here and grab a coffee or snack!
We had pastries and coffee, while the kids enjoyed a hot chocolate. This space was once used for cocktail parties and receptions.
While on board, you can also sample home-made fudge in the NAAFI sweet shop! It is delicious and a great take away gift.
Royal Yacht Britannia Ticket Information
We suggest purchasing your tickets in advance because only a certain number of people are permitted access to the ship at a time. You should plan to be on the ship for approximately 2 hours.
- Adults $23 USD
- Seniors 60+ $20 USD
- Children 5-17 $12 USD
- Children 0-4 FREE
Royal Edinburgh Ticket
If you choose to purchase the Royal Edinburgh Ticket, you will fast track admission to The Royal Yacht Britannia along with some of the major attractions in Edinburgh.
It also allows you to use the Hop on hop off bus which can take you here from central Edinburgh.
How to get to the Royal Yacht Britannia
- The nearest train station is Edinburgh Waverley.
- If coming by car, simply follow brown Britannia signs. There is free parking at Ocean Terminal
- Britannia is berthed alongside Ocean Terminal. Here you will find an upscale waterfront shopping center with more than 70 shops, bars, restaurants and a cinema. Britannia’s Visitor Center is located on the second floor of Ocean Terminal.
Have you visited the Royal Yacht Britannia? What was your favorite part of the ship?
Ketki says
Wow so royal – right from the furniture to tapestry. It is interesting to visit places like palaces, yachts which were previously owned by prince and princesses and to have that feeling of ‘being a part of kingdom’ even for a few minutes.
Kris says
I had no idea that this was something you could tour! It always amazes me how elaborately decorated royal quarters are. I love the bit of trivia that it’s the only bedroom for a living monarch that can be toured.
Ruth says
I didn’t know about this yacht! It has certain resemblance to the Queen Mary ship docked in Long Beach, California. The inside of the yacht is beautiful. It looks like a hotel! I was expecting something more somber but there are tons of light and pastel colors. I will not miss having something to eat on-board.
Shareen - www.pearlsandparis.com says
This looks like an amazing tour! I can’t wait to visit Edinburg!
umiko says
Wow! It’s so spacious. How many houses do yo think could fit in in the ship? Of all the rooms you showed in the pictures, the Sun Lounge looks less formal compare to others. It’s my favorite room in the ship.
C-Ludik says
I heard that 95% of the original items from when Britannia was in royal service are still on board including furniture, artefacts, paintings and photographs. Is it right ? I guess that there is something for everyone on the visit whether you are interested in the Royal Family, the Royal Navy, history, or just want to spend a great day out 🙂
Brianna says
This ship really does look fit for royalty! What a neat experience. I wonder how they dealt with security when it was in use. Especially if everyone knew that the boat held people from the royal family!
Brigitte says
wow that is so cool!
I have never been on a yacht so this looks pretty amazing.
Great to see what it looks like from the inside as well!
Rosemary says
What an amazing tour and peek into the Royal family’s private quarters. Interesting that couples never slept in the same bed together. Wonder if it’s due to security??? The tea room looks amazing! Great tour experience.