The Royal Yacht Britannia is an iconic vessel that served as the official royal yacht of the British Royal Family from 1954 to 1997. Now docked in the port of Leith, Edinburgh, it is a popular tourist attraction and museum ship that offers visitors the chance to explore its decks and experience the luxury of royal life.
History of The Royal Yacht Britannia
The Royal Yacht Britannia was built at the John Brown & Co shipyard in Clydebank, Scotland and was launched by Queen Elizabeth II in April 1953. It was the 83rd royal yacht of the British Royal family and was used by the royal family for over forty years, making it the longest-serving royal yacht in British history.
The Britannia was used for official state visits, royal tours, and royal honeymoons, and was the site of many important events such as the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty in 1985. After it was decommissioned in 1997, it was decided that the yacht would be permanently docked in Edinburgh and opened to the public as a tourist attraction.
Yacht Tourism in Edinburgh
The Royal Yacht Britannia is the centerpiece of Edinburgh’s yacht tourism industry. The vessel is open to the public for guided tours and allows visitors to explore its decks and experience the luxury of royal life.
The tours are led by knowledgeable guides who provide an insight into the maritime history of the vessel and the royal family’s life onboard. Visitors can explore the state rooms, royal bedrooms, and crew quarters, and learn about the history of the vessel and its place in royal history.
Attractions on The Royal Yacht Britannia
The Royal Yacht Britannia offers a variety of attractions for visitors to explore. The yacht features a range of naval architecture, including the bridge, the engine room, and the royal apartments.
The yacht also houses a range of luxury items such as the royal china, the royal silverware, and the royal bed. Visitors can also explore the royal galley, the royal dining room, and the royal quarters.
What to Expect on a Tour of The Royal Yacht Britannia
When visiting The Royal Yacht Britannia, visitors can expect a range of interesting and engaging activities. The tour includes an audio-visual presentation, a guided tour of the vessel, and the opportunity to explore the yacht’s decks.
The tour also includes the chance to explore the royal apartments, the royal china, and the royal silverware. Visitors can also learn about the history of the vessel and its place in royal history.
Tours and Admission
The Royal Yacht Britannia offers guided tours of the vessel which last approximately one hour. The tour includes an audio-visual presentation, a guided tour of the vessel, and the opportunity to explore the yacht’s decks.
Admission to The Royal Yacht Britannia is free for children under the age of 5 and costs £15 for adults. The tour is wheelchair accessible and audio guides are available in a range of languages.
Tips for Tourists Visiting The Royal Yacht Britannia
- Book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes as the tour involves a lot of walking.
- Bring a camera as there are plenty of photo opportunities onboard.
- Allow plenty of time to explore the yacht and take in all the sights.
- Take advantage of the audio guides to learn more about the yacht and its history.
Practical Information
The Royal Yacht Britannia is located in the port of Leith, Edinburgh. It is open to the public from 9:30am to 4:30pm daily. The last admission is at 3:30pm.
The yacht is easily accessible by public transport with regular bus and tram services to the port of Leith. There is also a car park nearby for those travelling by car.
Conclusion
The Royal Yacht Britannia is a unique tourist attraction in Edinburgh that offers visitors the chance to explore its decks and experience the luxury of royal life. It is a great way to learn about the maritime history of the vessel and the royal family’s life onboard. With a range of attractions, tours, and admission, it is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Scotland.
