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Royal Yacht Britannia

The Queen and the Royal Family’s vessel for over 44 years , the Royal Yacht Britannia has become one of the most famous yachts in the world.

A long life

Britannia was launched in Scotland in 1953 and, since then, has served the Royal Family on 968 official voyages , travelling over one million miles, stopping at 600 ports and in over 135 countries .

The Queen felt at home when she travelled on the vessel and the photos of her children and grandchildren still hang on the walls of the Britannia , as well as various personal items and gifts that were given to the family on their travels around the world.

Throughout its 44 years of service, Britannia has been a residence for official receptions, banquets, and State visits . For these events, 45 members of the royal household would climb on board with 5 tons of luggage.

In 1997, after over 40 years of service, the vessel was decommissioned and is now berthed at Leith Port where curious visitors can explore the majestic Britannia.

The visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia begins in the Visitor Centre found on the second floor of the Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre . In this centre, you’ll be able to discover the vessel’s past through numerous photographs.

Before visiting the Royal Yacht, you'll be given an English audio guide with all the details of the vessel.

Beginning with a visit to Britannia’s Bridge , visitors will also explore the State Apartments , the Crew’s Quarters, and finish at the Engine Room .

Although the Queen’s chambers are very plainly decorated, other parts of the vessel are extremely lavish, like the Rolls Royce that sits permanently in the vessel’s garage.   

A ship like no other

Even if you're not passionate about boats, wandering through the Royal Yacht Britannia’s rooms will satisfy any inquiries about the Queen and the Royal Family you might have . Information such as who slept in what room, how many people worked on board, what visitors were invited to visit the Britannia and the countries it has visited, make for an entertaining tour.

Ocean Terminal.

From January to March: Open daily: 10 am – 5 pm From April to October: Open daily: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm November and December: Open daily: 10 am – 5 pm

Adults: £ 18 ( US$ 23.70) Students: £ 16 ( US$ 21.10) Children (aged 5 – 17): £ 9 ( US$ 11.90) Children under 5: free entry

Buses: Ocean Terminal , 11, 22 or 35.

Nearby places

Royal Botanic Garden (2.7 km) Calton Hill (3 km) Scottish National Portrait Gallery (3.1 km) Palace of Holyroodhouse (3.2 km) Scottish Parliament (3.3 km)

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The Royal Yacht Britannia

Experience Tripadvisor's Best UK Attraction 2023. Follow in the footsteps of Royalty and explore this floating Royal residence with a fascinating audio tour of five decks (available in over 30 languages).

Tripadvisor's Best UK Visitor Attraction (AGAIN) 2023-2024 and Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Best of the Best award winner 

Please note The Royal Yacht Britannia is scheduled to be closed 7-10 October for planned building works outwith our control. 

Visit this award-winning attraction, just two miles from Edinburgh's city centre at Ocean Terminal.  The Royal Yacht Britannia played host to some of the world’s most famous people, from Nelson Mendela to Winston Churchill, but above all was home for the British Royal Family for over 40 years. Now you can discover the heart and soul of this most special of Royal residences.

You'll receive a truly warm welcome at Britannia's Visitor Centre before you board this famous ship where you will discover the history of Royal Yachts and view displays and historical photographs of Britannia's fascinating past before boarding Queen Elizabeth II's former floating palace.

What will you see?

• Tour Britannia’s five decks
• Feel like the captain of the ship in the Bridge
• Follow in the footsteps of Royalty through the State Apartments
• See Queen Elizabeth II's favourite room- the Sun Lounge
• Discover below decks in the Crew’s Quarters
• Admire a tour highlight, the gleaming Engine Room
• Take in the Royal Sailing Exhibition
• Enjoy soups, sandwiches, cakes and scones in the Royal Deck Tearoom and admire the stunning waterfront views.

The tour is available in:

• Audio handset tour, available in over 30 languages
• Children’s audio tour
• Audio tour for those with sight loss
• ASL and BSL tablet
• Braille script ​​​​​​ ​​​​​

Complete the Britannia experience with a visit to the  Gift Shop in Ocean Terminal, where you’ll find exclusive Britannia souvenirs, china, toys, gifts and nautical items.

Berthed just moments away, Britannia's sister ship, floating hotel Fingal, offers 22 luxurious cabins inspired by the former Northern Lighthouse Board tender's rich maritime heritage. For further information, visit Fingal's website .

HELPFUL INFORMATION:

-  All weather experience -  Highly accessible for wheelchair users, single buggies and those with limited mobility. Read our accessibility statement here . -  Free Annual Pass for 12 months admission included -  The entrance to Britannia is temporarily on the Ground Floor of Ocean Terminal shopping centre.

How to get here?

By tram: Take the tram to stop 'Ocean Terminal' (Newhaven direction).

By bus:  Regal Tour Bus and Lothian Buses 10, 16, 34 and 35 run from the city centre towards Ocean Terminal. Regal Tour buses depart regularly from Waterloo Place / St Andrew Square in the centre of Edinburgh. The Majestic Tour is operated by Edinburgh Bus Tours .

By train:  Arrive in the city centre at Edinburgh Waverley Train Station, just 2 miles from Britannia. 

By car: Follow signs to Edinburgh and Leith or North Edinburgh. Then follow brown tourist signs for Britannia. Free car parking at Ocean Terminal (level C is nearest). For satnav our postcode is EH6 6JJ. Go inside the shopping centre for Britannia’s entrance and the start of the tour. By plane: Britannia is approximately 40 minutes’ drive from Edinburgh Airport.

For further information on finding Britannia, please see here .  

OPENING TIMES

The Royal Yacht Britannia is scheduled to be closed 7 – 10 October for planned building works out with our control.

Please check the Britannia website for full opening times and prices. EVENING EVENTS Exclusive dinners and receptions can be hosted on board. Call our events team on +44 (0) 131 555 8800 and see how we can create your event of a lifetime, or visit the events section of our website .

PRIVATE TOURS A private tour on board The Royal Yacht Britannia is an exclusive experience, giving you access to Britannia’s five decks, and a unique insight into the history of the Royal Yacht and how the Royal Family and crew lived and worked on board. Both Morning and Evening tours are available. Call our events team on +44 (0) 131 555 8800 or for more information visit click here . PRESERVING BRITANNIA Britannia is cared for by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust , a self-funding charity registered in Scotland (SC028070). By visiting Britannia you will be helping us to preserve this important piece of history for future generations.

www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk See our reviews on Tripadvisor Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Pinterest Follow us on Instagram

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Transport and Parking

• On Public Transport Route
• Public Parking Nearby

Accessibility

• Hearing Loop
• Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
• Lift or stairlift
• Large print, braille or audio
• Level Access
• Wheelchair access throughout
• Accessible toilets
• Wheelchairs or mobility aids provided
• Suitable for visitors with limited mobility

Dietary Options

• Gluten Free

Typical Prices

• Baby Changing Facilities
• Public Toilet Facilities
• Lunch Available
• Licensed Bar
• Cafe or Restaurant

Payment Methods

• American Express
• Diners Card
• Credit Card
• Coastal Location
• Sea/Loch View

Awards & Schemes

Related items of interest

• Sailing on Royal Racing Yacht Bloodhound

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Truly Edinburgh

Visitor Guide & Content Hub

The Royal Yacht Britannia: history and visitor information

The Royal Yacht Britannia, once a grand symbol of the British Royal Family, is now permanently docked in Leith the port of Edinburgh .

©Mark Millar, Royal Yacht Britannia

Today visitors to Scotland’s capital city can explore the magnificent ship that served as a floating palace for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and her family for over four decades.

The Role of the Royal Yacht Britannia in the British Royal Family

The yacht provided a sanctuary for the royal family offering them a respite from the demands of public life.

It allowed them to escape the prying eyes of the media and enjoy moments of relaxation and privacy.

As they travelled the world it was, said the queen, the one place she could truly relax.

Today the world’s most famous yacht is an Edinburgh five-star visitor attraction and exclusive events venue.

the Royal Yacht Britannia history

Plans to build a new yacht to replace the ageing Victoria and Albert III had first been considered in 1938 during the reign of King George VI but in austere pre-war Britain, it didn’t seem appropriate.

However in 1951, with the king’s health failing, the government decided to push ahead with their plans for a new ship. Sadly King George died before the work was completed.

construction and design of the Royal Yacht Britannia

Like two of the other great ocean-going passenger liners, the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth II, the royal yacht’s life began on the River Clyde. 

It was built in John Brown’s shipyard in Clydebank near Glasgow and launched on 16 April 1953.

Following sea trials, the ship was commissioned into the Royal Navy the following year.

It was the latest in a long line of royal yachts that stretched back to the seventeenth century when the Dutch gave the world’s first royal yacht Mary to Charles II as a gift.

Original designs of the ship had specified a dual role – a hospital ship to be used in times of conflict and a royal yacht. She was never used in the former capacity.

However, in 1986, during a voyage to Australia, without the Queen aboard, the ship diverted to Aden to help in the evacuation of those trapped on the beaches by an ongoing war in the region.

Over 1,000 terrified people were rescued and crammed into every available space.

Both the Queen and Prince Philip took a keen interest in the design of the vessel, working with Sir Hugh Casson on plans for the interior decorations.

The young couple selected fabrics, furniture and paintings, many of them taken from the Victoria and Albert III in an effort to keep costs under control.

The state apartments aft of the funnel were not extravagantly decorated.  Instead, they have a traditional ‘country house’ feel.

This is particularly noticable in the drawing room where chintz-covered armchairs and sofas sit on a plain silver-grey carpet overlaid by a magnificent Persian rug. 

A baby grand piano stood in the corner often providing after-dinner entertainment. Princesses Diana, Margaret and Alexandra were all known to enjoy playing. 

Famous guests aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia

Writer Brian Hoey reminds us of the night Sir Noel Coward came to dinner during a Caribbean cruise. 

“He literally sang for his supper, playing many of his own compositions into the wee small hours. Even on the royal yacht, there was no such thing as a free meal.” 

Frank Sinatra and Elizabeth Taylor also pulled up a chair in the State Dining Room.

Of course, they weren’t the only well-known people to visit the yacht.

Over the years Rajiv Gandhi, Sir Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, Bill Clinton and Nelson Mandela were only a few of the others on a long list of the world’s most powerful people who enjoyed royal hospitality.

© Mark Millar, Royal Yacht Britannia

Supper’ in Britannia’s dining room could be a splendid occasion. In preparation for a state banquet, Royal Navy stewards would lay the burnished mahogany table with military precision. 

They would carefully place the floral decorations, candelabras and exquisite crystal wine glasses.

With a ruler in hand, they measured the precise position of each shining piece of silver cutlery. Menus were printed and seating plans were discussed before Britannia set sail. 

The Queen and Prince Philip had their own bedrooms and sitting rooms, decorated to reflect their personal taste. The Queen preferred chintz and floral while the Duke liked the more functional wood panelling. 

This elegant lady became a favourite with all generations of the royal family but particularly the Queen who always said it was the only place she could truly be at ease.

Honeymoons at Sea

Four royal couples opted for a honeymoon at sea, onboard the Royal Yacht Britannia.

They were Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips, Prince Charles and Princess Diana, Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones, and Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson.

Princess Diana

A young Princess Diana was happiest when proceedings were kept informal, she was a very special guest as far as the naval crew were concerned. 

On one memorable occasion, she was found in the Junior Ratings Mess leading the crew, or yachtsmen, as they were called, in a rendition of What , Shall We Do With The Drunken Sailor. 

One remark in particular sums up the feeling and affection the crew had for her.  “There are 275 men aboard and every one of them is in love with Princess Diana.”

It’s fitting that Prince William and Prince Harry, who often spent their summer holidays on trips to the Western Isles of Scotland loved the freedom and privacy the royal yacht allowed them.

Ambassador for Britain

Beyond its role as a private residence, it was an unofficial ambassador for Britain serving as a platform for diplomatic and official engagements.

Britannia undertook numerous state visits, carrying the royal family and government officials to countries around the world. The yacht became a powerful symbol of British soft power, projecting an image of elegance, grace, and stability to the international community.

On what became known as Sea Days, it would throw open the doors to the world of commerce.

That allowed businessmen to showcase the best of British craftsmanship and design and promote their companies and products to the world.

The yacht became a floating showroom for British excellence, helping to boost exports and attract foreign investment.

The Overseas Trade Board estimated that between 1991 and 1995 the exchequer benefited to the tune of £3 billion.

Decommissioning and the transformation into a visitor attraction

After over four decades of service, the Royal Yacht Britannia was decommissioned in Portsmouth on 11 December 1997.

During that long service, the ship sailed over one million nautical miles stopping at 600 ports in 135 countries. 

Rather than being sold or scrapped, the decision was made to preserve the yacht as a visitor attraction, allowing the public to experience first-hand the grandeur and history of this wonderful vessel.

At the Paying-Off Ceremony, the queen clearly sad at the occasion, said: “Looking back over forty-four years we can all reflect with pride and gratitude upon this great ship which has served the country, the Royal Navy and my family with such distinction.” 

WHAT ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF A VISIT TO THE ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA?

• Enjoy freshly made food and a warm welcome at the Royal Deck Tearoom.
• Visit the gleaming Engine Room to inspect the John Brown built turbines which drove the ship over a million nautical miles in its many years of service.
• The Wheelhouse , not on the Bridge as you might expect, is on the deck below. Yachtsmen unable to see ahead followed instructions from the officers through voice pipes.
• Admire the lavish State Dining Room , decorated with gifts received on foreign visits.
• Visit the Officers’ Wardroom , sometimes compared to a gentleman’s club, where officers would relax after work. Traditionally the captain did not dine there unless invited.
• Crew’s Quarters: These are much more cramped than the royal and officers’ quarters. They give a glimpse into the living conditions of the working crew. You can also visit the sick bay and the laundry room.

Special events

The Britannia also hosts a series of special events throughout the year, including music evenings and cocktail nights. It is also available for private hire, with the State Dining Room being a popular venue for dinners and receptions.

If you’re visiting during the busiest periods and just turn up, the queues can be long, so be prepared for a wait.

However, many of the available tour options will let you avoid queuing and you can book online on the official Britannia website.

But if you prefer to explore yourself, there are free audio guides in 30 languages to help you find your way around. A range of concession prices is also available.

Can you stay overnight on the Royal Yacht Britannia?

While you cannot stay overnight, you can at the nearby Fingal, a floating hotel moored nearby.

This unique hotel is also owned by the Royal Yacht Britannia Trust and is one of E dinburgh’s luxury hotels.

Also nearby is the newest Edinburgh whisky distillery –the Port of Leith Distillery which opened in October 2023.

VISITOR INFORMATION

For further information on admission times and help planning your visit, go to the Britannia website.

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How to get to Royal Yacht Britannia in City Of Edinburgh by bus or light rail?

Directions to royal yacht britannia (city of edinburgh) with public transport.

The following transport lines have routes that pass near Royal Yacht Britannia

How to get to Royal Yacht Britannia by bus?

Click on the bus route to see step by step directions with maps, line arrival times and updated time schedules.

From The Royal Bank of Scotland Group Headquarters, City Of Edinburgh

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• Ocean Terminal, North Leith, 7 min walk, VIEW
• Ocean Drive, North Leith, 7 min walk, VIEW
• North Leith Sands, Newhaven, 8 min walk, VIEW
• Prince Regent Street, North Leith, 10 min walk, VIEW
• Leith Theatre, Newhaven, 13 min walk, VIEW

Light Rail stations near Royal Yacht Britannia in City Of Edinburgh

• Ocean Terminal (Edinburgh Trams), North Leith, 7 min walk, VIEW

Bus lines to Royal Yacht Britannia in City Of Edinburgh

• 200, Corstorphine, VIEW
• N200, Edinburgh Airport, VIEW
• 34, Sighthill, VIEW
• 35, North Leith, VIEW
• N35, Riccarton, VIEW
• 10, Bonaly - Ocean Terminal, VIEW
• 36, Gyle Centre - Ocean Terminal, VIEW
• 16, Broughton, VIEW
• N16, Bonaly, VIEW
• 12, Duddingston, VIEW
• 7, Newhaven, VIEW
• 14, West Pilton, VIEW
• N14, Granton, VIEW
• 21, Wester Hailes, VIEW

What are the nearest stations to Royal Yacht Britannia?

The nearest stations to Royal Yacht Britannia are:

• Ocean Terminal, North Leith is 445 meters away, 7 min walk.
• Ocean Drive, North Leith is 456 meters away, 7 min walk.
• Ocean Terminal (Edinburgh Trams), North Leith is 469 meters away, 7 min walk.
• North Leith Sands, Newhaven is 528 meters away, 8 min walk.
• Prince Regent Street, North Leith is 676 meters away, 10 min walk.
• Leith Theatre, Newhaven is 958 meters away, 13 min walk.

Which bus lines stop near Royal Yacht Britannia?

These bus lines stop near Royal Yacht Britannia: 10, 16, 200, 35.

Which light rail line stops near Royal Yacht Britannia?

What’s the nearest light rail station to royal yacht britannia in city of edinburgh.

The nearest light rail station to Royal Yacht Britannia in City Of Edinburgh is Ocean Terminal (Edinburgh Trams), North Leith. It’s a 7 min walk away.

What’s the nearest bus stop to Royal Yacht Britannia in City Of Edinburgh?

The nearest bus stops to Royal Yacht Britannia in City Of Edinburgh are Ocean Terminal, North Leith and Ocean Drive, North Leith. The closest one is a 7 min walk away.

What time is the first light rail to Royal Yacht Britannia in City Of Edinburgh?

The T50 is the first light rail that goes to Royal Yacht Britannia in City Of Edinburgh. It stops nearby at 03:02.

What time is the last light rail to Royal Yacht Britannia in City Of Edinburgh?

The T50 is the last light rail that goes to Royal Yacht Britannia in City Of Edinburgh. It stops nearby at 23:56.

What time is the first bus to Royal Yacht Britannia in City Of Edinburgh?

The N200 is the first bus that goes to Royal Yacht Britannia in City Of Edinburgh. It stops nearby at 03:05.

What time is the last bus to Royal Yacht Britannia in City Of Edinburgh?

The N16 is the last bus that goes to Royal Yacht Britannia in City Of Edinburgh. It stops nearby at 03:15.

See Royal Yacht Britannia, City Of Edinburgh, on the map

Public Transit to Royal Yacht Britannia in City Of Edinburgh

Wondering how to get to Royal Yacht Britannia in City Of Edinburgh, United Kingdom? Moovit helps you find the best way to get to Royal Yacht Britannia with step-by-step directions from the nearest public transit station.

Moovit provides free maps and live directions to help you navigate through your city. View schedules, routes, timetables, and find out how long does it take to get to Royal Yacht Britannia in real time.

Looking for the nearest stop or station to Royal Yacht Britannia? Check out this list of stops closest to your destination: Ocean Terminal; Ocean Drive; Ocean Terminal (Edinburgh Trams); North Leith Sands; Prince Regent Street; Leith Theatre.

Bus: 10 16 200 35 N200 34 N35 36 N16 12 7 14 N14 21 Light rail: T50

Want to see if there’s another route that gets you there at an earlier time? Moovit helps you find alternative routes or times. Get directions from and directions to Royal Yacht Britannia easily from the Moovit App or Website.

We make riding to Royal Yacht Britannia easy, which is why over 1.5 million users, including users in City Of Edinburgh, trust Moovit as the best app for public transit. You don’t need to download an individual bus app or train app, Moovit is your all-in-one transit app that helps you find the best bus time or train time available.

For information on prices of bus and light rail, costs and ride fares to Royal Yacht Britannia, please check the Moovit app.

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Royal Yacht Britannia Address: Ocean Drive street in City Of Edinburgh

Popular routes to Royal Yacht Britannia, City Of Edinburgh

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Travelling around City Of Edinburgh has never been so easy. See step by step directions as you travel to any attraction, street or major public transport station. View bus and train timetables, arrival times, service alerts and detailed routes on a map, so you know exactly how to get to anywhere in City Of Edinburgh.

When travelling to any destination around City Of Edinburgh use Moovit's Live Directions with Get Off Notifications to know exactly where and how far to walk, how long to wait for your line , and how many stops are left. Moovit will alert you when it’s time to get off — no need to constantly re-check whether yours is the next stop.

Wondering how to use public transport in City Of Edinburgh or how to pay for public transport in City Of Edinburgh? Moovit public transport app can help you navigate your way with public transport easily, and at minimum cost. It includes public transport fees, ticket prices, and costs. Looking for a map of City Of Edinburgh public transport lines? Moovit public transport app shows all public transport maps in City Of Edinburgh with all bus or light rail routes and stops on an interactive map.

City Of Edinburgh has 2 transport type(s), including: bus or light rail, operated by several transport agencies, including First Greater Glasgow, First Aberdeen, Lothian Buses, McGill's Bus Service, Stagecoach East Scotland, Stagecoach Bluebird, Xplore Dundee, Community Transport Glasgow, Prentice Westwood, McCall's Coaches, J P Minibus, National Rail, R Robertson & Son, Burnbrae Garage and Ember

Public transport routes with stations closest to Royal Yacht Britannia in City Of Edinburgh

Bus lines with stations closest to royal yacht britannia in city of edinburgh, ocean terminal, north leith, ocean drive, north leith, north leith sands, newhaven, prince regent street, north leith, leith theatre, newhaven.

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Sneak Peek Inside The Royal Yacht Britannia Edinburgh & Tour Review

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Catch a glimpse of Queen Elizabeth’s preferred room, see the honeymoon bed requested by Charles, and find out why a wombat takes pride of place in a roof fan during this self-guided tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh. After 44 years of royal service, HMY Britannia is berthed at Ocean Terminal in Leith and open to visitors who want to learn more about how the royals live.

However, a tour of Britannia is much more than just pulling back the curtains on an episode of The Crown, the tour goes deep into life at sea logistics, touches upon UK history and discusses the engineering of this floating palace.

You’ll get a sneak peek at the bowels of the Britannia as well as its bow. So let’s dive into the Royal Yacht Britannia tour review and photography.

Visit The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh

Setting and location.

While there is no shortage of royal attractions in the Old Town, the Royal Yacht Britannia is actually located in the lesser-known, very hip and adored Edinburgh neighbourhood, Leith .

You can get to Leith via public bus, taxi or the hop on/hop off bus tour using the Majestic Tour line .

If you have a car, the Royal Yacht Britannia is one of the very few Edinburgh attractions that you can park at for free.

Parking is available at the Ocean Terminal shopping centre/mall where you will find the entrance of the yacht reception area.

Once you go through reception you will see a number of storyboards and artefacts as you move through to collect your audio guide.

Guest restrooms are located in this area and on the yacht.

Royal Yacht Britannia Audio Guide

The audio guide is narrated by the dreamy BAFTA award winner Mark Bonnar who you may recognise from the outstanding UK TV show, Line of Duty and the Scottish TV series, Shetland.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mark Bonnar (@mark_bonnar)

Visitors can choose between the sanitised audio device which is held up to the ear or using their own headphones and phone.

At each station, you type in a number to access the corresponding facts and stories about the exhibit.

The audio tour comes in 30 languages and there is a children’s version.

British and American Sign Language tablets are also available.

There are five decks to explore which take around 1.5 hours to walk through.

To access each deck you use the stairs or elevator in Ocean Terminal then walk over a bridge to get to the deck.

You do this each time you move between the decks, starting at the top and working your way down.

You can enjoy coffee and/or lunch at The Royal Deck Tea Room, which is only open to those who have paid to visit HMY Britannia.

Look how lovely and light the tea room is!

Afternoon teas are available, dahlin’.

Five Deck Tour

The tour kicks off among the tempting buttons, teasing dials and shiny plaques of the top deck Bridge.

This is where much of the control took place which was the responsibility of the Britannia’s Admiral or Commodore.

There is only one seat in this room that overlooks the yacht bow reserved for the man in charge.

Next, the tour takes you outside to the bow which is probably one of the most recognisable areas since this is where the royals would wave from when arriving at their destination.

A wooden lip was added to the bow to keep the wind from lifting up a royal skirt!

One of my favourite spots was the two-inch teak Verandah Deck which acted as a games deck, muse for art, hosted private engagements and doubled up as a swimming pool area for the kids!

The deck was cleaned daily before 8am and all work was conducted in silence so as to not disturb the royals as they slept.

The deck is also where the family photos were taken and acted as the pre-reception area for Zara and Mike Tindall’s wedding.

The tour then takes you inside the yacht, through the Queen’s favourite room, the Sun Lounge, which has floor to ceiling windows viewing the Verandah Deck.

Next up is a nosey into the State Apartments which include the separate bedrooms of Queen Elizabeth (first image) and Prince Phillip (second image) and the honeymoon suite (third image) which has a double bed, at Prince Charles request.

Did you know that you can stay in a castle in Scotland?

The tour also has access to The State Drawing Room with its country home feel, piano and games.

This room was used for relaxing and entertaining.

Live music was an important part of HMY Britannia’s life and the Royal Marines Band could switch between a ceilidh and classical song with no hesitation.

They could also play every national anthem of the countries the royal yacht docked at, which is a reminder that this vessel has sailed over one million miles.

The lower you go down the decks, the greater insight you get into the workings of HMY Britannia.

From the pecking order living arrangements, including segregated pubs, to the bedroom dorms, it is evident that life at sea onboard Britannia was not an easy one for workers and sailors.

However, they appeared to create a good balance between work and fun creating games including one with a stuffed wombat, I won’t spoil the surprise!

During the tour, you will learn more than just facts about the royal family but also stories about the seamen, superstition, tradition and logistics.

Along with the original room content, there is lots of artwork and photography that compliment the audio guide.

If you are planning a trip from the States, check out this article on things every North American should know before visiting Scotland .

Essential Information

• Address: Ocean Dr, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ
• Self-guided audio tour: 1-2 hour s
• Kids enjoy the corgi treasure hunt
• Elevator and ramps throughout
• On-site restaurant

Cancellations

With GetYourGuide, tours have a 24-hour cancellation guarantee so if you can’t make it, you don’t lose your money.

Frequently Asked Questions About HMY Britannia

HMY Britannia was used for royal service from 1954 to 1997.

It was announced on 23 June 1994 that HMY Britannia would not be refitted due to cost.

Yes, over 300,000 people visit the royal yacht each year.

The Royal Yacht Britannia is looked after by the Royal Yacht Britannia Trust.

Other Things To Do Near The Royal Yacht Britannia

The Royal Yacht Britannia is located in Ocean Terminal which is home to a number of restaurants, a cinema and the cool Leith Collective should which is a great store for local souvenirs.

A five-minute walk from Ocean Terminal is Leith Shore and the independent bars and restaurants that surround it.

Enjoy fine dining at The Kitchen, seafood at The Ship On The Shore, brunch at The Kings Wharf or Nobles, lunch at The Hideout Cafe, afternoon tea at Mimi’s Bakehouse, cocktails at the Roseleaf or a cold pint at Teuchters Landing.

Our Leith Guides

• A guide to lively Leith
• Things to do in Leith
• Where to eat in Leith
• Leith’s best bars
• Where to stay

From Leith you can walk up Leith Walk to Princes Street or along the Water of Leith Walkway to Stockbridge where you will find a Sunday market, cafes galore and a path to the historic Dean Village.

Find out more about Stockbridge here .

Essential Edinburgh Information 

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Disclaimer: This guide was written in partnership with GetYourGuide. I, Gemma, have been working alongside GetYourGuide since 2017. Opinions are my own.

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How to get a glimpse of the Royal family’s life behind closed doors

T he British landscape is awash with royal properties, from stately palaces to historic castles. These include three of the monarch’s official royal residences:  Buckingham Palace ,  Windsor Castle , and Edinburgh’s Palace of Holyroodhouse. 

But while these historic buildings may have the level of grandeur you imagine when you picture the Royal family at home, in truth, royals are only “resident” in these buildings on occasion. For some, they are even considered business premises – though they rather put the rest of our offices to shame.

When it comes to days off from official business, members of the Royal family are more likely to be found in their private homes, such as the King and Queen’s Highgrove House in Gloucestershire, or the Prince and Princess of Wales’s family home of Adelaide Cottage in Windsor Home Park. 

While the private homes are exactly that – private – there are plenty of places around Britain where you can walk in the footsteps of the Royal family and get a small glimpse into their lives. Here are some of the best. 

Buckingham Palace, London

Let’s start with the most famous of all royal residences: Buckingham Palace. Elizabeth II largely regarded it as her office, spending weekdays there attending to official business before retreating to Windsor at the weekends.

Now, of course, the palace – whose origins can be traced back to the reign of King James I in the early 17 th  century, but which has been the London home of British monarchs since 1837 when Queen Victoria moved in – is the King’s official London residence.

Buckingham Palace  is the setting for royal and national celebrations and commemorations; on His Majesty’s official birthday (Trooping of the Colour) on June 15 2024, gathered crowds were delighted to see the Princess of Wales on the balcony with her family – her first official public appearance since announcing she had cancer. It’s also where the monarch hosts dignitaries and official banquets – the King held a reception for world leaders at the palace on the eve of his mother’s funeral on September 18 2022.

As it is a working palace, Buckingham Palace is only open to the public at set times. For 11 weeks each summer, its grand state rooms are opened. During this time, visitors can see the crimson-and-gold Throne Room, the Royal Mews, and the enormous Ballroom, where all those extravagant state banquets are held. In 2024, for the first time in its history, visitors were also able to tour the principal rooms of the East Wing , including the Central Room, which leads onto the famous balcony. In addition, there are exclusive guided tours at select dates throughout the year.

Those without a ticket or travelling at the wrong time of year can still watch the spectacle of the Changing of the Guard, which takes place outside the palace several days a week at 11am (weather dependent, but  check the schedule ). 

The ceremony has its roots in the reign of King Henry VI and sees the New Guard of soldiers – wearing the customary bearskin hats – march to Buckingham Palace from St James’s Palace and Wellington Barracks accompanied by music. They parade in front of the palace and relieve the Old Guard (the soldiers on duty). 

If you are lucky and the King is in residence (the Royal Standard flag will be flying) then there will be an even higher number of sentries than normal taking part in the ceremony.

How to do it

Buckingham Palace  (0303 123 7300) is open for 11 weeks each summer (July 11–September 29 2024). The Goring (read our review  here ), a favourite hotel of the Royal family, has double rooms from £757 including breakfast. 

Windsor Castle, Berkshire

At the start of the Covid pandemic, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip retreated to this castle on the banks of the River Thames to shield with 22 staff members in what became known as “HMS Bubble”. After Prince Philip’s death in April 2021, the late Queen remained at Windsor; indeed, she never spent another night at Buckingham Palace.

The castle was originally built for William the Conqueror to defend London from western approaches, but it became a royal palace under King Henry I. Subsequent monarchs extended the palace with its most ambitious makeover undertaken by King Charles II, who wanted to emulate the opulence of his cousin Louis XIV’s Palace of Versailles.

As well as seeing the rich interiors of the castle, and famous items such as Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, which celebrated its centenary in 2024, visitors can pay their respects to the late Queen by visiting her final resting place within the King George VI Memorial Chapel inside St George’s Chapel.

In 2022, the Prince and Princess of Wales moved to nearby Adelaide Cottage in Windsor Home Park with their three children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis – who attend school locally. Unlike his mother, King Charles rarely visits Windsor, except for official events, such as Garter Day – a celebration of Britain’s oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry – held each June, and to host special engagements.

Windsor Castle  (0303 123 7300) is open daily throughout the year, with some special tours held in July and August only. Castle Hotel Windsor (read our review  here ) has double rooms from £228 including breakfast.

Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh

The King’s official residence in Scotland, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is a rather grand building that sits at the opposite end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile to the castle. The palace has links with many famous figures from Scottish history – including Bonnie Prince Charlie, who set up court here in 1745 – but the person most visitors want to hear about is Mary, Queen of Scots. Her bedroom can be reached via a winding staircase in the north-west tower of the palace and is a delight to discover with its low doorway (despite Mary being around 6ft tall), decorative oak ceiling and painted frieze.

The reigning monarch stays at the palace every year during Holyrood Week (or Royal Week) from late June to early July. During this time, they take part in the symbolic Ceremony of the Keys in which the monarch is handed the keys to the city of Edinburgh by the Lord Provost amid much pomp and ceremony.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse  (0303 123 7306) is open every day from July-Sept; it’s closed Tue-Wed in all other months. Cheval Old Town Chambers (read our review  here ) has private apartments from £400 including breakfast.

Highgrove House, Gloucestershire

Though Clarence House (not currently open to visitors) in London is their official home, when they are not on official duties, the King and Queen love nothing better than to return to their countryside home of Highgrove in the Cotswolds. As the house is a private home, you can’t peek behind its neoclassical façade, but tours of the exquisite gardens – which Charles has dedicated himself to creating since buying the property in 1980 – are lovely. 

On the 1.5-hour Champagne Tea and Garden Tours, an experienced guide will take you through the gardens, which include the Chelsea Flower Show award-winning “Carpet Garden”, based on a sketch by the King himself, and are a real passion project of His Majesty. You will then be led to the Orchard Room Restaurant for a Champagne afternoon tea, with sandwiches, cakes and fresh scones, before having the chance to purchase bespoke Highgrove products – including food and drink made from produce grown here – in the shop in the Coronation Pavilion.

Highgrove  tours are available on select dates between April and September. Calcot & Spa (read our review  here ) has double rooms from £334 including breakfast.

Balmoral, Aberdeenshire

Elizabeth II spent her final weeks in Balmoral and this palace in the Highlands was reputedly her favourite home . 

She is not the only royal to have felt an affinity for the place. Queen Victoria, who fell in love with the Highlands during her very first visit in 1842, was the first monarch to call it home. She and Albert loved to escape public life here, embarking on incognito expeditions through the Highlands. 

The late Queen spent every summer at Balmoral (August–October) and she would regularly be joined by other members of the Royal family. In 2024, the King and Queen returned to Balmoral, confirming that the holiday tradition continues. However, unlike his mother, when Charles visits, he prefers to stay in his Birkhall house on the estate, rather than in the castle itself – indeed he’s so fond of it that he and Camilla spent part of their honeymoon here.

The Royal family are considered locals in the nearby village of Ballater and are regularly seen attending services at nearby Crathie Kirk, as they were in 2024.

When the monarch is not in residence, the site is open to visitors. Though traditionally visitors to Balmoral have only been able to see a very small section of the castle’s interiors – including the ballroom where Ghillies Balls have historically been held – in 2024, tours were launched that granted access to some of the other rooms for the first time too, including the dining room, library, and drawing room.

Tickets for these tours predictably sold out very quickly, but even if you can’t nab a spot on a future tour, it’s the majestic setting amid acres of greenery with views across to the Cairngorms that makes a visit here worthwhile. It’s also worth checking the website for news of any upcoming Balmoral Expedition Tours, which are due to resume in late October 2024, and take you around the vast estate in a 4x4.

Balmoral  (01339 742 534) is open for pre-booked self-guided tours every summer and a small selection of guided tours of the interiors (March 23 to Aug 11, 2024). The Fife Arms (read our review  here ) has double rooms from £763, including breakfast.

Sandringham, Norfolk

The Royal family traditionally spends Christmas at the sprawling estate of Sandringham. The private country retreat has been a popular haunt since 1862, when the Jacobean house was built for King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra while Edward’s mother was still on the throne.

It was also a favourite of King Charles III’s grandfather, King George VI, and great-grandfather, King George V, who both died here. The house and gardens are a joy to explore. Norfolk is also where Anmer Hall, another of William and Catherine’s homes, is located.

Sandringham  (01485 544 112) house and garden are open daily from March to October. The Brisley Bell (read our review  here ) has double rooms from £151 including breakfast.

Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh

Until 1997 the Royal family would take annual holidays around Scotland’s Western Isles aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia. After the yacht was decommissioned, it was docked in the portside Edinburgh suburb of Leith and has since become one of Scotland’s most popular attractions.

A tour of the yacht allows you to peer into the bedroom that Queen Elizabeth II slept in while on board and reveals a glimpse of what life in the Royal family is like when the eyes of the world are not upon them. The late Queen clearly missed her days on board; after the yacht was no longer available to her, she chartered the Hebridean Princess, which offers small-ship cruises, on two separate occasions for special celebrations.

The Royal Yacht Britannia  (0131 555 5566) is open daily year-round. Fingal (read our review  here ) is a luxurious floating hotel nearby. It has double rooms from £375 including breakfast.  The Hebridean Princess  (01756 704 704) offers cruises from March to November with prices from £3,440 pp for four nights). Read more about the travels of Elizabeth II  here .

Kensington Palace, London

This west London mansion was the beloved home of Princess Diana and both the Diana Memorial Fountain and the Diana Memorial Playground can be found in its extensive gardens. Apartment 1a is still the London pad of the Prince of Wales and his family, though they are rarely there these days, preferring the privacy of Windsor or Norfolk.

For many years, Kensington was known for the magnificent balls that were held across its ornate interconnected rooms and began in the late 17th century during the era of King William and Mary. The already grandiose interiors were later added to by the Georgians when Kensington became the hub of high society. Elaborate decoration, such as the painted walls around the King’s Staircase which features many characters from George I’s court, were also added. 

As well as standard tours of the palace, regular exhibitions draw on its rich history, telling the stories of past and present royals in new and dynamic ways. The permanent display Victoria: A Royal Childhood tells the story of one of the palace’s most famous residents. Queen Victoria was born here, and the exhibition includes personal items such as her doll house. Other rolling exhibitions let visitors see precious items from the palace’s archive; often including iconic outfits worn by various members of the Royal family or telling the stories of those who worked here.

Kensington Palace  (0333 320 6000) is open daily year-round. The Baglioni  (read our review  here ), opposite Kensington Gardens, has double rooms from £665 including breakfast.

This article was first published in May 2023 and has been revised and updated.

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30 August 2024

Photography has always played an important role on   Britannia. While she was in service, there was always a 'Yottie' appointed, nicknamed 'Snaps', to take photographs of life on board the Royal Yacht.

In keeping with this tradition, we now have our own Photographer in Residence, who has been capturing our very own Weekly 'Snaps' - a collection of snapshots of life around the ship today.

Previous Weeks 2024

Previous weeks 2023, previous weeks 2022.

Visitors at the Royal Brow of The Royal Yacht Britannia.

A visitor enjoying the complimentary audio guided tour, which tells the fascinating story of Queen Elizabeth II's former Royal Yacht.

Housekeeper, Renata, polishing the tea set in the State Drawing Room, where the Royal Family would spend time relaxing.

Anhelina, Housekeeper, keeping the Engine Room in pristine condition.

A warming coffee in the Royal Deck Tearoom with a lovely stencil of Britannia on top.

A visit to the Tearoom is a must during your tour to try our morish soup and wedges.

The Royal Deck Tearoom is relaxing place to enjoy a cool drink.

A view of the Bridge, at the top of the Yacht, where Britannia was commanded as it sailed across the globe.

A visiting cruise ship in the Port of Leith, viewed from the State Drawing Room.

Discover the Earth Squared Highland cow range which is available to purchase in our Gift Shop.

Delicious fudge, made by Britannia's own Confectioner, can be tasted at our NAAFI, located on the tour route.

Greig in the workshop creating a storage unit.

Mark working on a storage drawer.

Nigel varnishing one of Britannia's many handrails.

A close up of a drawer being constructed.

A crest being painted by Stevie.

Intricate paint work is completed on the crest.

Beautiful table settings in Fingal's Ballroom, the ideal venue for a special event.

Simona, Waiter, enjoying the sunshine on Fingal's deck.

Gorgeous details of the Art Deco inspired interiors of The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar.

The private deck of Fingal's top cabin, the luxurious Skerryvore Suite.

Visiting Britannia

TRIPADVISOR'S NO.1 UK ATTRACTION 2023 - 2024

The Royal Yacht Britannia is scheduled to be closed 7 – 10 October for planned building works out with our control.

Click on the Visit page  for more information before you visit.

Step aboard to enjoy a great day out!

Fingal Hotel

Get away from the everyday aboard Britannia’s sister ship, Fingal.  Extend your visit with a stay in one of Fingal’s luxurious cabins, your own oasis by the sea. 

TRIPADVISOR'S NO.1 UK LUXURY HOTEL TRIPADVISOR'S NO.1 UK SMALL & BOUTIQUE HOTEL AA Hotel of the Year Scotland, AA five-star hotel and 2 AA Rosettes

Learn more: fingal.co.uk