Royal Yacht Britannia Tours and Activities

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

Tours & day trips

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Popular places to visit


Top Royal Yacht Britannia Hotel & Accommodation Deals

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
Apex Grassmarket Hotel

Apex Grassmarket Hotel

4 out of 5
31-35 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
Cairn Hotel

Cairn Hotel

2 out of 5
10-18 Windsor Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Cairn Hotel
Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile

Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile

4 out of 5
231 Canongate, Edinburgh, Scotland
Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
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
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

Near the Royal Yacht Britannia, visitors can enjoy a range of activities including art exhibitions, vibrant festivals, and theatrical performances. For golf enthusiasts, the nearby golf courses provide a great way to relax. Additionally, the Edinburgh City Sightseeing tours are perfect for exploring key attractions around the city, ensuring you make the most of your visit to this historic site.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Royal Yacht Britannia, head to Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre, a mere 161m away, offering a vibrant mix of shops. St James Quarter and Multrees Walk, both 3.2km away, provide excellent choices for gifts and souvenirs if you're up for a drive.

Recreation

At Murrayfield Stadium, immerse yourself in the excitement of live sports events, perfect for adrenaline seekers. For a relaxing day, Bruntsfield Links Golf Course offers serene outdoor golfing experiences, while Blackford Hill provides tranquil walking trails, ideal for wellness and relaxation amid beautiful natural scenery.

Adventure

At the Royal Yacht Britannia, venture to Midlothian Ski Centre for thrilling skiing and snow sports vibes just 3.2km away. For an adrenaline rush, head to Bedlam Paintball, also 3.2km away, where adventure awaits. For climbing enthusiasts, the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena Ratho, 14.5km away, offers an exhilarating outdoor experience.

Nightlife

After exploring the Royal Yacht Britannia, catch a show at Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre for a dose of culture. For family fun, visit Camera Obscura and World of Illusions. Wind down at Canongate Tolbooth, a cozy pub perfect for a drink and a romantic vibe.

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

Find the best attractions near Royal Yacht Britannia

When visiting the Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh, you'll find plenty of attractions that cater to culture enthusiasts and families alike. Explore nearby galleries and monuments, or take a stroll down the picturesque streets. Don't miss the opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of the yacht itself while enjoying the beautiful outdoor scenery around the area. It's a perfect blend of heritage and leisure for every traveller.

  • Royal Mile: A vibrant thoroughfare stretching from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal Mile is bustling with shops, street performers, and historic sites. It's a perfect place to immerse yourself in the city's lively atmosphere and explore its rich history.
  • Palace of Holyroodhouse: As the official residence of the Queen in Scotland, this stunning palace offers a glimpse into royal life. Visitors can explore beautifully decorated state rooms and the ruins of the adjacent Holyrood Abbey, all steeped in culture and history.
  • St. Giles' Cathedral: Known for its iconic crown steeple, this medieval cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Inside, you'll find intricate stained glass windows and a rich sense of spirituality, making it a must-visit for culture enthusiasts.

Best time to go to Royal Yacht Britannia

The best time to visit Royal Yacht Britannia can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Royal Yacht Britannia falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Royal Yacht Britannia falls in January, 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 Rain (Dry)Mostly 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 on your visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia, consider travelling between January and March for lower accommodation prices. Aim to book your hotel about a month in advance, or check Expedia for last-minute deals. Tuesday is the cheapest day to stay, while Saturday is the priciest. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and sort by price, and consider package deals that combine hotels, flights, and activities for additional savings. Look for options with free cancellation for flexibility and take advantage of public transport to keep costs down.

  • 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: 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.
  • 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, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Royal Yacht Britannia hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.