The Royal Yacht Britannia is one of Edinburgh, Scotland’s most popular tourist attractions. Located in the historic port of Leith, the vessel has served as the official royal yacht of the UK’s royal family since 1953. Today, visitors can explore the yacht’s maritime history and take a tour of the vessel.
History of the Royal Yacht Britannia
The Royal Yacht Britannia was built in 1953 and served as the royal yacht of the UK’s royal family for over 40 years. During that time, she travelled over 1,000,000 miles and was home to the royal family for over 900 official visits. Her final voyage was in 1997 when she returned to the UK from the Far East. She has since been permanently moored in Edinburgh, Scotland and opened to the public in 1998.
What to See and Do at the Royal Yacht Britannia
Visitors to the Royal Yacht Britannia can explore the vessel’s five decks and learn about the history of the yacht and the royal family’s life on board. There are interactive displays and audio tours available to help visitors get the most out of their experience. The yacht also features a café, gift shop, and the Royal Deck Tea Room, where visitors can enjoy traditional afternoon tea.
Yacht Tours
The Royal Yacht Britannia offers both guided and self-guided tours of the vessel. The guided tours are led by knowledgeable guides who provide insight into the yacht’s history and the royal family’s life on board. The self-guided tours allow visitors to explore the yacht at their own pace, with audio guides available in several languages.
Admission
Admission to the Royal Yacht Britannia is £16 for adults and £9.50 for children aged 5-15. Children under 5 are free. There are also discounts available for seniors, students, and families.
Tips for Tourists
- Allow at least two hours to explore the Royal Yacht Britannia.
- Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved.
- Bring a camera to capture memories of your visit.
- Take advantage of the audio guides to learn more about the yacht and the royal family’s life on board.
- Purchase tickets online to avoid queues.
Practical Information
The Royal Yacht Britannia is located at Ocean Drive, Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland. The vessel is open daily from 9:30am to 5:30pm. Visitors are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing to ensure they have enough time to explore the yacht.
The Royal Yacht Britannia is one of Edinburgh’s most popular tourist attractions, offering visitors a unique insight into the maritime history of the UK’s royal family. With guided and self-guided tours of the yacht, interactive displays, and the Royal Deck Tea Room, the Royal Yacht Britannia is an experience not to be missed.
