Royal Yacht Britannia Tours

Royal Yacht Britannia featuring a marina
Royal Yacht Britannia featuring interior views, heritage elements and boating
Royal Yacht Britannia which includes heritage elements, interior views and boating
Royal Yacht Britannia which includes 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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Best Lodging Options Near Royal Yacht Britannia

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

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

Malmaison Edinburgh

4 out of 5
1 Tower Place Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland
Malmaison Edinburgh
3 Johns Place Townhouse

3 Johns Place Townhouse

2 out of 5
3 John's Place, Edinburgh, Scotland
3 Johns Place Townhouse
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
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
Apex Grassmarket Hotel

Apex Grassmarket Hotel

4 out of 5
31-35 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
Ocean Mist Leith

Ocean Mist Leith

2.5 out of 5
14 Shore, Edinburgh, Scotland
Ocean Mist Leith
4 Friends House

4 Friends House

2 out of 5
106 Ferry Rd., Edinburgh, Scotland
4 Friends House
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

When visiting the Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh, be sure to explore nearby attractions like festivals, theater, and shopping. Don't miss the royal tours that offer a glimpse into the yacht's history, indulge in a whisky tour for a taste of Scotland's finest, and discover the relaxing sun lounge. These activities will enhance your experience and provide a memorable visit to this iconic royal vessel.

Food and drinks

Enjoy delightful local dishes at the nearby Edinburgh Gin Distillery, just 3 miles away, where you can savor unique gin cocktails. For a charming experience, visit Potter About, located 6 miles away, perfect for family dining and romantic meals.

Shopping

The closest shopping option is Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre, located 0.1 miles from Royal Yacht Britannia, offering a variety of shops and entertainment. For more options, head to The Hub and Scottish Gems, both 2 miles away, featuring unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

Explore the vibrant atmosphere at Murrayfield Stadium, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Enjoy ice skating at Murrayfield Ice Rink, where adventure meets entertainment. For a relaxing day outdoors, head to Silverknowes Golf Course and experience a scenic round of golf amidst beautiful surroundings.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of skiing at Midlothian Ski Centre, located 2 miles from Royal Yacht Britannia, where you can enjoy a variety of slopes. For an adrenaline rush, try Bedlam Paintball, also 2 miles away, offering exciting paintball battles. For motorsport fans, Knockhill Racing Circuit is 17 miles away, featuring exhilarating races.

Nightlife

Experience a captivating night at the Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, just 2 miles from the Royal Yacht Britannia, showcasing vibrant performances. For a fun adventure, visit Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, also 2 miles away. To unwind, enjoy drinks at Greyfriar's Bobby, 3 miles away, for a romantic atmosphere.

Find the best attractions near Royal Yacht Britannia

While visiting the Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh, immerse yourself in the rich culture by exploring nearby attractions like the stunning castles and the scenic Leith waterfront. Enjoy outdoor activities at the beach or stroll through the vibrant streets. Don't miss the chance to learn about the royal yacht and its historical significance, making your trip a perfect blend of culture and relaxation in this beautiful part of Scotland.

  • Edinburgh Castle: Perched atop Castle Rock, this historic fortress offers breathtaking views and a deep dive into Scotland's history. Explore the Crown Jewels, learn about royal tales, and soak in the romantic atmosphere that surrounds this iconic landmark.
  • Royal Mile: This vibrant street stretches through the heart of Edinburgh, connecting the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Wander through charming shops, traditional pubs, and historic sites while enjoying the lively city vibes that make this area so special.
  • University of Edinburgh: Founded in 1582, this prestigious university is steeped in history and culture. Stroll through its beautiful campus, visit the fascinating museums, and appreciate the rich intellectual heritage that has shaped Scotland.

Best time to go to Royal Yacht Britannia

Visitor numbers around Royal Yacht Britannia is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. 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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January38.5°F (3.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageModerately Low
February39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowModerately Low
March41.5°F (5.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April45.1°F (7.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May50.0°F (10.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageModerately High
July58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighModerately High
August57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageModerately 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 LowModerately Low
December39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Royal Yacht Britannia

When visiting the Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh, consider exploring nearby free attractions like the Royal Mile and Princes Street to save on entertainment costs. For accommodation, aim to book during the cheaper months of January to February or November. Use Expedia to find great rates and last-minute deals, especially if you book a month in advance. You can also save by bundling your hotel, flights, and activities through Expedia packages. Don’t forget to join the One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future stays!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing around Royal Yacht Britannia is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay around Royal Yacht Britannia are January to February and November, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are moderately higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Royal Yacht Britannia is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize 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 environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, 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 booking an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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