The Royal Yacht Britannia is one of the most iconic and historic ships in the world, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the royal lifestyle and the ship’s fascinating maritime heritage. Located just two miles from Edinburgh’s city center at Ocean Terminal, this floating royal residence has earned the title of Tripadvisor's Best UK Visitor Attraction 2023-2024 and has won the prestigious Travellers' Choice Best of the Best award.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, a fan of maritime engineering, or simply curious about the British Royal Family, here’s everything you need to know about the Britannia Yacht.
A Royal History: Britannia’s Legacy
Commissioned in 1954 and built by John Brown & Sons in the United Kingdom, the Royal Yacht Britannia served as a home away from home for the British Royal Family for over 40 years. This 126-meter-long yacht hosted some of the world's most prominent figures, including Nelson Mandela and Winston Churchill, while remaining a deeply personal space for Queen Elizabeth II and her family.
The yacht was decommissioned in 1997 and has since been preserved as a visitor attraction by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, a self-funding charity. By visiting, you contribute to the preservation of this historical treasure for future generations.
What Makes Britannia Special?
Exploring Britannia is a journey into a floating royal palace. Visitors can tour five decks and experience life as it was for the Royal Family and their crew.
- The Bridge: Channel your inner captain as you stand in the commanding Bridge.
- The State Apartments: Follow in the footsteps of royalty through these grand spaces.
- The Sun Lounge: Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite room, where she relaxed and enjoyed her time on board.
- The Crew’s Quarters: Discover life below deck and learn about the experiences of the dedicated crew.
- The Engine Room: A gleaming highlight of the tour, showcasing engineering brilliance.
- Royal Sailing Exhibition: Admire artifacts and exhibits that celebrate Britannia’s rich maritime history.
The experience is further enhanced by a multilingual audio tour available in over 30 languages, including a children’s version, Braille scripts, and accessibility features like ASL/BSL tablets.
Royal Deck Tearoom
No visit to Britannia is complete without a stop at the Royal Deck Tearoom. Enjoy soups, sandwiches, cakes, and scones while admiring stunning waterfront views.
Gift Shop
Take home a piece of the experience with exclusive Britannia souvenirs, nautical gifts, china, and toys available at the Ocean Terminal Gift Shop.
Britannia’s Specifications
Britannia is a marvel of design and engineering. Built with a steel hull and superstructure, she is 126 meters long with a beam of 17 meters and a draught of 4.6 meters. The yacht’s two Parsons engines provide a top speed of 22.8 knots, and she carries an impressive 490,000 liters of fuel.
The yacht can accommodate up to 250 guests and 271 crew members, including the captain. With a gross tonnage of 5,769 GT, Britannia is ranked 35th among the world’s largest yachts and remains the largest ever built by John Brown & Sons.
Plan Your Visit to Britannia
Getting There
Britannia is conveniently located at Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh. Here's how to reach the attraction:
- By Tram: Take the tram toward Newhaven and get off at the ‘Ocean Terminal’ stop.
- By Bus: Lothian Buses (10, 16, 34, 35) and Regal Tour buses run regularly from the city center.
- By Train: Arrive at Edinburgh Waverley Train Station, just two miles away.
- By Car: Free parking is available at Ocean Terminal’s multi-story car park (Level C). Use the postcode EH6 6JJ for satnav guidance.
- By Plane: A 40-minute drive from Edinburgh Airport.
Exclusive Experiences on Britannia
Private Tours
For a truly unique experience, book a private morning or evening tour of Britannia. Explore all five decks while learning exclusive insights about the Royal Family and crew life on board.
Evening Events
Host an unforgettable event in Britannia’s elegant setting. From exclusive dinners to receptions, Britannia offers an unparalleled venue for special occasions.
Accessibility and Visitor Comfort
Britannia is highly accessible, welcoming wheelchair users, single buggies, and visitors with limited mobility. It’s an all-weather experience, making it a perfect attraction year-round.
Preserving History
The Royal Yacht Britannia is cared for by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust. Every visitor helps support the preservation of this historical icon for future generations.
Explore Britannia’s Sister Ship, Fingal
Just moments from Britannia, the luxury floating hotel Fingal offers 22 beautifully designed cabins inspired by the maritime heritage of the Northern Lighthouse Board. It’s a perfect extension of your Britannia experience.
The Royal Yacht Britannia is more than just a ship—it’s a symbol of history, tradition, and royal legacy. Whether you're stepping into the shoes of royalty in the State Apartments, enjoying a scone in the Royal Deck Tearoom, or marveling at the engineering in the Engine Room, Britannia offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
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