Royal Yacht Britannia

Royal Yacht Britannia
Royal Yacht Britannia featuring heritage elements, boating and interior views
Royal Yacht Britannia featuring interior views, heritage elements and boating
Royal Yacht Britannia which includes heritage elements and boating
Royal Yacht Britannia featuring interior views and boating


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 metres) 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 travelling 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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Things to do near Royal Yacht Britannia

At the Royal Yacht Britannia, visitors can explore a variety of engaging activities, including art exhibitions, vibrant festivals, and captivating theatre performances. Don't miss the opportunity to embark on a private tour or choose from a range of guided tours that offer insights into the yacht's rich history. Additionally, city bus tours provide a delightful way to discover Edinburgh's sights while enjoying the scenic views around this iconic attraction.

Shopping

For shopping near the Royal Yacht Britannia, visit Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre, only 62m away, offering a vibrant mix of shops and entertainment. St James Quarter and Multrees Walk, both 1.2km away, provide a lively atmosphere with a variety of stores and family-friendly options.

Recreation

Murrayfield Stadium, located 2.5km from Royal Yacht Britannia, offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts. The Royal Commonwealth Pool, just 1.9km away, is ideal for families seeking leisure and relaxation in the water. Meanwhile, the Queen's Hall, also 1.9km distant, provides an entertaining cultural experience through music concerts.

Adventure

At Midlothian Ski Centre, enjoy exhilarating skiing experiences merely 1.2km from the Royal Yacht Britannia. For thrill-seekers, Bedlam Paintball offers an action-packed adventure, also located 1.2km away. If climbing is your passion, head 5.6km to the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena Ratho for outdoor challenges.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the Royal Yacht Britannia with a show at the Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, offering a mix of culture and entertainment. For family fun, visit Camera Obscura and World of Illusions. Wind down at Greyfriar's Bobby, a charming pub perfect for drinks and romance.

Find the best attractions near Royal Yacht Britannia

When visiting the Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh, you'll find a delightful mix of cultural attractions, including galleries, monuments, and charming streets. This iconic yacht offers a unique family experience and serves as a gateway to explore the rich heritage of the area. Whether you're interested in outdoor activities or immersing yourself in local culture, there’s plenty to discover around this historic vessel.

  • Royal Mile: A vibrant street filled with history and culture, the Royal Mile stretches through the heart of Edinburgh, offering a mix of shops, restaurants, and street performers. Explore its cobbled streets and discover hidden gems along the way.
  • Palace of Holyroodhouse: The official residence of the monarch in Scotland, this historic palace boasts stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. Visitors can delve into the rich history and art within its walls, making it a significant cultural landmark.
  • St. Giles' Cathedral: Renowned for its magnificent stained glass and unique crown steeple, St. Giles' Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The warm atmosphere and rich history offer a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling city.

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 Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May50.0°F (10.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
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 when accommodation prices are lower. Booking about a month in advance or taking advantage of last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia can yield significant savings. Tuesdays are typically the cheapest days for hotel stays, whereas Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia’s search tools to filter by budget and hotel type, and combine hotel, flight, and activity bookings for additional discounts. Don't forget to look out for special offers and compare room rates to ensure you get the best deal.

  • 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: Book your hotel around Royal Yacht Britannia about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • 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: Expedia’s search tool enables you to choose your budget, preferred destination, and additional criteria. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation for the Royal Yacht Britannia with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.