Royal Yacht Britannia - © Robert Breuer
Royal Yacht Britannia is synonymous as being the royal yacht having given service from 1953 to 1997 on a number of trips. Over the years the royal yacht became an iconic symbol of the royal family and entertained a number of influential people. Britannia was used in hundreds of visits both close to the UK and around the world. Britannia has a long and distinguished history and was much loved by members of the royal family. Since it was decommissioned in 1997 she has been moored permanently in the City of Edinburgh, offering visitors the chance to see the splendour of the royal yacht and take a fascinating tour around the ship.
Attractions
The Royal Yacht Britannia is moored at Ocean Terminal in Edinburgh, a world heritage city and is now an exhibition ship having given many years of distinguished services as the Royal Yacht. Visitors can now see the iconic yacht for themselves and enjoy a tour of the ship.
The ship was first used back in 1953 and over the years set sail for locations all over the world playing host to some of the most influential people in the world including US presidents Eisenhower, Ford and Reagan, Sir Winston Churchill, Boris Yeltsin and Nelson Mandela among others.
The yacht was made with the input of the Queen and became a royal residence with personal touches to the rooms added by the Queen. Over the years the yacht became much loved by the royal family and offered them a taste of home wherever they went around the world. There were approx 300 Royal Yachtsmen and Royal Household staff here when she was in active service.
Britannia played a significant role in helping to establish the Queen as the most travelled monarch in history, with the yacht such a fine royal residence it was possible to invite guests and dignitaries and have them entertained as they would have been if they had visited the UK.
When going on a state visit, it is estimated approx five tonnes of luggage, that included everything the Queen and guest would require were taken ensuring that nothing was overlooked, the size and capacity of the ship made this possible. Over the years Britannia played a leading role in acting as was an ambassador for UK business and promoting trade and industry worldwide.
The yacht also has a reputation as a Romantic ship with a number of royal couples using the ship for their honeymoons, examples include Princess Margaret and Anthony Armstrong-Jones, Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips and the Prince and Princess of Wales back in 1981.
Visitors to the ship are given a complimentary audio handset that recalls interesting stories and further insight in to the life of the British Royal Family.
The Audio Tours are available in a number of languages for international visitors. The self guided tours begin at the Bridge and takes in five of the wonderful decks, taking visitors through the State Apartments and the crew’s quarters, and completing the tour in the Engine Room. Most of the items on board are actually original pieces which have been loaned by the Royal Collection.
Tour Highlights to look out for are the impressive State Dining Room, the Officers’ Wardroom and the Sun Lounge. There is also the on-board Garage that houses one of the Queen's Rolls-Royces. Visitors can also see inside The Queen’s Bedroom offering a very rare insight, given this is not possible at the other royal residences across the UK.
How to Get There
By Car:
The city of Edinburgh is connected to the motorway network in Scotland. The M8 motorway from Glasgow and the A74(M) from England provide access to the city. Edinburgh is approx a 2 hour drive from Aberdeen, 2 and half hours from Newcastle, 4 hours from Manchester and 5 and a half hours from Birmingham. Britannia is located at Ocean Terminal a few miles outside the city centre.
From Edinburgh city centre take the A900 to Leith and follow the brown tourist signs for Britannia.
For those using Satellite Navigation systems the postcode to use is EH6 6JJ.
There is free parking available at Ocean Terminal and at blue car park level E which the closest to Britannia.
By Bus/Coach:
Majestic Tour buses offer a service that departs regularly from Waverley Bridge in the heart of Edinburgh. This route takes you via the Royal Botanic Gardens prior to arriving at Ocean Terminal for Britannia. The Majestic Tour is operated by Edinburgh Bus Tours. For more information please see: Edinburgh Bus Tours
Alternatively Lothian Buses offer bus services to Ocean Terminal (including numbers 1,11,22,34,35) that depart from Edinburgh city centre. For more information please see: Lothian Buses
Mega Bus offers a number of routes to Edinburgh from UK cities and towns.
National Express offers a number of services to Edinburgh from locations across the UK.
By Train:
Edinburgh Waverley Station is the main railway station in Edinburgh. There are regular train services from London (King's Cross) to Edinburgh (Waverley station), the journey time is just under 5 hours and the National Express line is currently the fastest intercity railway in the UK.
ScotRail offers an alternative overnight service, the Caledonian Sleeper which takes passengers from London (Euston Station) and Edinburgh 7 nights a week.
From Waverley Station there are bus services run by Lothian Buses that can take visitors to Ocean Terminal located close by to where Britannia is moored.
Contact Details
The Royal Yacht Britannia
Ocean Terminal
Leith
Edinburgh
EH6 6JJ
Scotland
Telephone: +44 (0)131 555 5566
Fax: +44 (0)131 555 8835
email: enquiries@tryb.co.uk
Website: Royal Yacht Britannia
Facilities & Information
Opening Times:
Opening Dates:
January, February, March, November & December
Mon to Sun: 10.30 to 15.30
April, May June, September, October
Mon to Sun: 10.00 to 16.00
July & August:
Mon to Sun: 09.00 to 16.00/16.30
NOTE: There are altered opening hours during different months of the year, it is recommended visitors check all timings and dates before they go on their visits.
Further Information:
Admission Prices:
Adults: £10 approx, Child (aged 5 to 15): £6 approx, Concessions: £9 approx, Family Ticket: £30 approx & Children under 5: Free Entry.
A tour of Britannia takes approx 1.5 to 2 hours.
Information:
There are toilets on board and baby changing facilities.
There is a Gift Shop selling souvenirs, gifts, toys and books.
The Royal Deck Tea Room on the ship offers visitors with great harbour views and a range of drinks, refreshments and cakes and scones.
Map
View Larger Map
For Local Search and Directions see: Royal Yacht Britannia Map
Tips & Other Considerations
There may be some variations on the opening hours depending on the time of year and other factors. It is wise to double check before going to ensure the attraction you wish to see is open and avoid disappointment.
Follow common sense travel tips to stay safe. Remain alert, vigilant and aware of your surroundings & environment at all times. Ensure your wallet/purse and valuables are hidden away from public view (especially at tourist attractions & places with crowds). If you have a bag try to use a shoulder bag with a good quality, strong strap, that is put across your shoulder not on your shoulder making it more difficult for anyone to take your bag.
If you are travelling by car to Edinburgh ensure you are well prepared with maps and Sat Nav to aid your journey, particularly if you are not familiar with the local area and roads. Use the journey planner for door to door directions and check traffic information and updates before you travel.
When looking for local car parking in the city of Edinburgh, ensure you fully understand the rules, regulations & charges for car parks and street parking before you park your car. Car parking rules are strictly enforced and any infringement of the rules can result in vehicles being fined, clamped or towed away. The rules & regulations can be complex, if you are not sure, do not to park there.
When travelling by public transport, check for service updates prior to beginning your journey for any delays, disruption or cancellations to services that may impact on your journey. Ensure you have the service timetables for the trains, buses and coaches. Remember when the last services are and ensure you make it to the train/bus/coach stops well in time.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities
