The Royal Yacht Britannia - Image 1

The Royal Yacht Britannia

Edinburgh, United Kingdom•4.7(13.1k)•Museum, Heritage Site

Explore the former royal yacht in Leith and discover life aboard the Queen's floating palace.

The Royal Yacht Britannia at Ocean Terminal in Leith offers families the chance to explore five decks of the former royal vessel. Discover how Queen Elizabeth II lived and entertained aboard her floating palace for over 40 years. The self-guided audio tour reveals fascinating stories of royal travels and ceremonies. Families can explore the State Apartments, crew quarters and even the Royal Bedrooms. The Royal Deck Tearoom serves scones with waterfront views, while the shop stocks toys, games and souvenirs. Highly accessible with lifts and ramps, it's one of Edinburgh's top attractions.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 10:00 – 15:00
Tuesday: 10:00 – 15:00
Wednesday: 10:00 – 15:00
Thursday: 10:00 – 15:00
Friday: 10:00 – 15:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 15:00
Sunday: 10:00 – 15:00

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor

Typical visit duration

1-3 hours

Booking

Book in advance

Recommended ages

6 years – 15 years

Perfect for

#History
#Boats

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

Royal Deck Tearoom

Historic tearoom with home-made food

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What Parents Say

KiddyCompass™ Family

We analysed 1,142 parent reviews from the past 12 months and distilled the key insights for you.

Updated 27 February 2026

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Google Reviews

4.7(13.1k reviews)
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Kevin Beecher

Kevin Beecher

a month ago

The Britannia is an amazing piece of history, and from the moment you step on board you genuinely feel as though you are walking in the Queen’s footsteps. Every room, corridor, and deck tells a story, and it’s incredible to see how beautifully preserved everything is. The audio guide is fantastic—really clear, engaging, and full of interesting facts that help you appreciate what life was like for the Royal Family and crew when the yacht was in service. It adds so much depth to the visit and makes the experience feel very personal. I would also highly recommend booking the afternoon tea. It’s a really special occasion, served in lovely surroundings with great attention to detail. The cakes, sandwiches, and scones are delicious, and enjoying them while looking out over the water makes it feel even more memorable. The staff are all extremely friendly, helpful, and professional, which adds to the whole experience and makes you feel genuinely welcomed. Overall, the Britannia is well worth a visit. It’s fascinating, relaxing, and surprisingly moving. If you’re planning a trip to Edinburgh, this should definitely be on your list—it’s an absolute must and a highlight of any visit to the city.

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William Davies

William Davies

a month ago

This is a must see in Edinburgh - simply the best thing I’ve visited in years. £21 entry is hugely impressive value for a moment in history . We spent over 2 hours on the self guided tour which was excellent. Visiting the on board cafe too was really great. The employees there are a credit to the whole atmosphere and were so friendly. Lots of interest for everyone including kids with hoot stops on board with bits of uniform etc

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Katerina Prochazkova

Katerina Prochazkova

a month ago

Visiting the Royal Yacht Britannia was an unforgettable experience – the three hours on board passed quickly and left me feeling truly satisfied. The tour takes you from the Bridge and the crew’s quarters all the way to the private cabins of the Royal Family, the official state rooms used for receiving guests, and even the impressive engine room. Each area feels authentic and offers a fascinating contrast between the daily life of the crew and the elegance of the royal apartments. I especially enjoyed the chance to stop at the Royal Deck Tearoom, where you can relax with freshly prepared food, cakes, and drinks while enjoying the view from the deck. Overall, the visit was very well organized, with clear routes and plenty of time to explore. Britannia is a place that beautifully combines history, elegance, and comfort, and I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Edinburgh.

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Steve

Steve

a month ago

We took a day trip out the Royal Yacht Britannia and it was well worth it, It's like going back in time when you see all the furnishings and layouts of the rooms. there is a lot to see but you can just take your time and take it all in. The self guided tour is very good but we just had one between us as there is plenty of signs explaining what things are. We used the onboard restaurant, had to queue for a little while but it is worth it as the food and service was first class. This is one of those trips you have to do if you are in Edinburgh it is well worth it. Steve and Jenny.

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Wolfgang Jakob

Wolfgang Jakob

3 months ago

A fascinating and fun visit! We had such a great time exploring The Royal Yacht Britannia! It’s beautifully preserved and full of interesting stories about the royal family and life at sea. The self-guided tour is super easy to follow and gives you a real sense of what it was like on board from the elegant state rooms to the crew’s quarters below deck. Everything is so well presented, and the staff were friendly and welcoming. The onboard café is also lovely, with great views over the water. Whether you’re into history, ships, or just something unique to do in Edinburgh, this place is definitely worth a visit. We left really impressed and with huge smiles!

Reviews last updated: 24 January 2026

Events at The Royal Yacht Britannia

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 24 January 2026

Frequently asked questions about The Royal Yacht Britannia

Is The Royal Yacht Britannia free to visit?

The Royal Yacht Britannia is a paid attraction — see the official website for current ticket prices.

What ages is The Royal Yacht Britannia suitable for?

The Royal Yacht Britannia is best for children aged 6 to 15.

Is The Royal Yacht Britannia dog-friendly?

Dogs are not permitted at The Royal Yacht Britannia.

Is there parking at The Royal Yacht Britannia?

Yes, The Royal Yacht Britannia has on-site parking.

Is there food at The Royal Yacht Britannia?

Yes — Royal Deck Tearoom is on site at The Royal Yacht Britannia. Historic tearoom with home-made food

Is The Royal Yacht Britannia pushchair-friendly?

The Royal Yacht Britannia isn't the easiest for pushchairs, prams or buggies — stairs or uneven terrain may make a baby carrier a better option.

How long should we plan to spend at The Royal Yacht Britannia?

Plan 1–3 hours for a visit to The Royal Yacht Britannia.

How do I get to The Royal Yacht Britannia by public transport?

The Royal Yacht Britannia is well-served by public transport — buses 10, 16, 34, 35, 36 stop nearby, and Ocean Terminal tram stop is about 2 minutes' walk away. For the full list, see the public transport section above.
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