The Royal Yacht Britannia
Explore Queen Elizabeth II's floating palace—Tripadvisor's No.1 UK Attraction with five decks of royal history.
Step aboard Queen Elizabeth II's former floating palace, now Tripadvisor's No.1 UK Attraction 2025. Explore five decks of this historic royal residence that sailed over one million nautical miles on nearly 1,000 state visits. Discover the State Apartments, the Queen's favourite Sun Lounge, the gleaming Engine Room, and crew quarters through a complimentary audio guide available in 30 languages. Enjoy waterfront views and freshly baked scones in the Royal Deck Tearoom.
A brief summary to The Royal Yacht Britannia
- Ocean Dr, Edinburgh, Leith, EH6 6JJ, GB
- +441315555566
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-3 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-3 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-3 pm
- Thursday 10 am-3 pm
- Friday 10 am-3 pm
- Saturday 10 am-3 pm
- Sunday 10 am-3 pm
Local tips
- Arrive early in the day to avoid afternoon queues, particularly during peak season. Last admission is typically 2 hours before closing, allowing ample time to explore at your own pace.
- Allow extra time if you wish to visit the Royal Deck Tearoom. Arrive at least 30 minutes before last admission to enjoy tea and scones with waterfront views without feeling rushed.
- Use the audio guide fully—it's available in over 30 languages and provides rich historical context and amusing anecdotes about life on board that enhance every room.
- The yacht is fully accessible with lifts and ramps to all five decks. Visitors with mobility concerns should note that the tour can be completed comfortably without physical strain.
- Parking is available at Ocean Terminal with accessible spaces. Alternatively, take the tram from Edinburgh city centre—services run every 8 minutes and offer a scenic approach to Leith.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Tram from Edinburgh City Centre
Take the tram service directly from Edinburgh city centre to Ocean Terminal in Leith. Services run every 8 minutes throughout the day. Journey time is approximately 15–20 minutes depending on starting point. Trams are accessible and provide a scenic approach to the waterfront. Single fares cost around £1.80–£2.00 GBP. This is the most convenient and frequent public transport option.
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Car with Parking
Drive to Ocean Terminal, which has a large car park with accessible parking spaces available. The location is approximately 2 miles north of Edinburgh city centre. Parking costs vary but typically range from £2.00–£4.00 GBP per hour, with daily rates around £8.00–£12.00 GBP. The car park is well-signposted and located directly adjacent to the Britannia entrance.
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Bus Service
Several bus routes serve Ocean Terminal in Leith, including services from Edinburgh city centre. Journey times range from 20–30 minutes depending on traffic and starting location. Bus fares are typically £1.80–£2.00 GBP for a single journey. Services run regularly throughout the day, though frequency is lower than tram services.
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Walking from Leith Shore
If staying in Leith, the walk to Ocean Terminal takes approximately 10–15 minutes from the waterfront area. The route is relatively flat and follows the harbour, offering pleasant views. This option is suitable for those with moderate mobility and provides an atmospheric approach to the yacht.
The Royal Yacht Britannia location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about The Royal Yacht Britannia
A Floating Palace with Four Decades of Royal History
The Royal Yacht Britannia served as the official floating residence of the British Royal Family for over 44 years, from 1953 to 1997. During this remarkable period, the yacht sailed more than one million nautical miles across the globe, hosting nearly 1,000 state visits where Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip entertained world leaders, prime ministers, and presidents. The ship was designed with the personal involvement of the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, who created a floating home that reflected their taste for understated elegance and comfort. After her decommissioning in December 1997, Britannia was given an extraordinary second life, becoming a visitor attraction in Edinburgh's historic Port of Leith in May 1998.Exploring Five Decks of Royal Life
Your self-guided tour unfolds across five accessible decks, each revealing different facets of royal and crew life aboard the yacht. The State Apartments showcase the formal spaces where the Royal Family entertained dignitaries, while the Sun Lounge—the Queen's personal favourite room—offers intimate glimpses into her private moments at sea. The Bridge allows visitors to experience the captain's perspective, while the Engine Room, gleaming with polished brass and steel, stands as a tour highlight. Below decks, the Crew's Quarters reveal how the 220 Royal Yachtsmen who served aboard lived and worked. A complimentary audio guide, available in over 30 languages, enriches every room with historical context, fascinating anecdotes, and details about daily life on board. The furnishings throughout remain remarkably modest and refined, reflecting the Queen's preference for a country home aesthetic rather than ostentatious grandeur.Modern Visitor Experience and Accessibility
The newly renovated Visitor Centre on the second floor of Ocean Terminal introduces the broader history of British Royal Yachts dating back to 1660, providing essential context before boarding. Lifts and ramps ensure access to all five decks, making Britannia welcoming to visitors of all ages and abilities. Beyond the standard audio guide, the attraction offers BSL and ASL tablets, Braille scripts, and audio tours for those with visual impairments. The tour typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours, though visitors are welcome to spend as long as they wish within opening hours. The Royal Deck Tearoom, with its stunning waterfront views over the Firth of Forth, serves freshly baked scones, sandwiches, soups, and cakes prepared in the original Royal Galley.Setting and Significance
Britannia is permanently berthed in Edinburgh's Port of Leith, just two miles from the city centre and easily accessible by direct tram. The yacht's location on the waterfront creates an atmospheric approach, with the vessel's distinctive profile visible from Ocean Terminal. As Tripadvisor's No.1 UK Attraction 2025, Britannia attracts visitors from around the world seeking insight into royal life and maritime heritage. The ship's role in major historical events—from state banquets to diplomatic missions—makes it far more than a museum; it is a tangible connection to decades of British history and the personal lives of the Royal Family.A Unique Historical Artifact
What makes Britannia exceptional is her status as the last British Royal Yacht. Historically, decommissioned royal yachts were scuttled, but Britannia broke this tradition, becoming a five-star visitor attraction instead. The modest yet elegant décor chosen by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip creates an intimate atmosphere that humanizes the monarchy, revealing how they lived and relaxed at sea. Hidden throughout the tour route are charming details—cuddly corgi figurines—that add whimsy to the experience. The yacht's preservation allows visitors to step back into the 1950s and beyond, experiencing a floating time capsule of royal life and the craftsmanship of mid-20th-century shipbuilding.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Scottish Merchant Navy Memorial
0.7 km
A solemn sandstone column in Leith honoring the bravery and sacrifice of Scotland’s merchant seafarers lost at sea in war and peace.
Forth Lock
0.7 km
Historic Forth Lock in Leith, Edinburgh, blends maritime heritage with vibrant waterfront life and scenic canal views.
Water of Leith Walkway Finish
0.9 km
Edinburgh’s scenic 13-mile riverside trail ends at Leith’s historic waterfront, blending nature, heritage, and urban charm.
Robert Burns Statue
1.0 km
A striking tribute to Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, set in the historic maritime district of Leith, Edinburgh.
Leith East Breakwater Lighthouse
1.1 km
Historic maritime beacon guiding ships into Edinburgh’s vibrant Leith Docks since 1876, now a cherished symbol of nautical heritage.
Queen Victoria Statue
1.3 km
A commanding bronze tribute to Queen Victoria and Leith’s Boer War heroes, standing proudly at the foot of Leith Walk since 1907.
Dugald Stewart Monument
3.1 km
A neoclassical tribute to philosopher Dugald Stewart, offering iconic views over Edinburgh from historic Calton Hill.
Burns Monument
3.2 km
Edinburgh's classical tribute to Scotland's national poet, a Neo-Greek temple with commanding city views.
Queen Mary's Bath House
3.2 km
A rare 16th-century Tudor pavilion near Holyrood Palace, steeped in royal mystery and linked to Mary, Queen of Scots.
Earl of Hopetoun Statue
3.2 km
A distinguished bronze statue honoring John Hope, 4th Earl of Hopetoun, set amidst the elegant Georgian surroundings of Edinburgh’s St Andrew Square.
Scottish-American Soldiers Monument
3.2 km
A unique Edinburgh memorial honoring Scottish soldiers who fought in the American Civil War, symbolizing liberty and transatlantic heritage.
Martyrs of Reform Monument
3.2 km
A towering 27m obelisk in Edinburgh honoring five radical reformists who shaped Britain’s fight for democratic rights in the 18th century.
Melville Monument
3.3 km
A towering neoclassical column in Edinburgh’s New Town, commemorating Henry Dundas with rich history and architectural grandeur.
Duke of Wellington Equestrian statue
3.3 km
Historic bronze statue of the Duke of Wellington on horseback, a commanding symbol of British military triumph in the heart of Edinburgh.
The Centre of Edinburgh
3.3 km
Historic Georgian landmark transformed into a modern, sustainable office hub in the heart of Edinburgh’s vibrant city centre.
Unmissable attractions to see
Ocean Terminal
0.2 km
Edinburgh’s premier waterfront shopping and leisure destination, blending retail, dining, cinema, and maritime heritage in vibrant Leith.
Port of Leith Distillery (entrance)
0.2 km
A poignant memorial in Leith honoring the valor and sacrifice of the Royal Marines 43rd Commando during World War II.
Leith Citadel
0.6 km
Explore the enduring 17th-century fortress guarding Edinburgh’s historic port in the vibrant Leith waterfront district.
Teuchters Landing
0.6 km
Waterside freehouse on Leith’s Shore — wide whisky range, rotating ales, dockside beer garden and roomy conservatory for all seasons.
Lind and Lime Gin Distillery
0.7 km
Discover Edinburgh’s artisanal gin heritage with interactive tours and tastings at Lind and Lime Gin Distillery in vibrant Leith.
The Leith Mural
0.7 km
A monumental mural in Edinburgh’s Leith district capturing decades of community history and maritime heritage through vivid street art.
Custom House Leith
0.7 km
Historic Georgian Custom House in Leith, evolving into Scotland’s first fully digital museum and vibrant cultural hub.
Shore
0.8 km
Historic waterfront district in Leith blending maritime heritage with vibrant dining, bars, and scenic river views.
The King's Wark
0.8 km
A centuries-old Leith gastropub serving seasonal Scottish seafood and classic pub fare in a cosy waterside setting.
0 Water of Leith Walkway
0.9 km
A tranquil 12-mile riverside walkway weaving through Edinburgh’s nature, history, and art, perfect for peaceful strolls and cultural discovery.
Lighthouse Park
0.9 km
Tranquil coastal park in Leith with iconic lighthouse views, maritime heritage, and sweeping panoramas over the Firth of Forth.
Leith
1.0 km
Historic Edinburgh port transformed into a vibrant waterfront district famed for Michelin-starred dining, lively pubs, and cultural charm.
Fishmarket Square
1.1 km
Historic Fishmarket Square in Newhaven, Edinburgh, where maritime heritage meets vibrant community life by the Firth of Forth.
Trinity House Maritime Museum
1.2 km
Explore Leith’s seafaring legacy in an elegant Georgian townhouse, home to a remarkable collection of maritime treasures and stories.
Newhaven Harbour
1.2 km
Historic fishing village and royal dockyard site with rich maritime heritage and scenic waterfront on Edinburgh’s Firth of Forth.
Essential places to dine
The Kitchin
0.6 km
Experience refined Scottish cuisine with a French touch in Edinburgh’s iconic Michelin-starred restaurant nestled in historic Leith.
Domenico's
0.7 km
A cozy, authentic Italian restaurant in Leith serving fresh Sicilian-inspired dishes with warm hospitality and generous portions.
Fishers
0.7 km
Historic 17th-century watchtower turned seafood haven in Leith, serving fresh Scottish fish with a relaxed, waterfront charm.
Roseleaf Bar Cafe
0.7 km
Eclectic family-run bar cafe in Leith serving fresh Scottish classics, inventive cocktails, and a quirky, artistic atmosphere.
The Shore Bar and Restaurant
0.7 km
Cozy waterfront dining in Leith offering superior seafood and modern European cuisine in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Kezban Mediterranean Restaurant
0.7 km
Authentic Mediterranean flavors and warm hospitality on the vibrant shore of Leith in Edinburgh.
Heron
0.9 km
Michelin-starred modern Scottish dining in Leith with innovative seasonal menus and scenic waterside views.
Tapa
0.9 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant flavors in the heart of Leith at Tapa, Edinburgh’s celebrated tapas bar and restaurant.
Nobles Cafe Bar & Restaurant
1.0 km
Leith's historic gastropub where Scottish seasons meet craft drinks, roaring fires, and port-side charm in a dog-friendly haven of flavor and vibe.
The Walnut
2.3 km
Cozy and unpretentious, The Walnut offers seasonal Scottish dishes with creative flair and excellent value on Edinburgh’s vibrant Leith Walk.
Down The Hatch Edinburgh
2.7 km
Bold Canadian comfort food and lively vibes meet in the heart of Edinburgh’s Antigua Street for a truly unforgettable dining experience.
L'Escargot Bleu Restaurant and Wine Bar
2.7 km
Authentic French bistro in Edinburgh blending classic cuisine with fresh Scottish ingredients and a cozy wine bar atmosphere.
The Gardener's Cottage
2.7 km
An intimate Edinburgh dining gem blending seasonal Scottish produce with rustic charm in a historic garden cottage setting.
Fhior
2.8 km
Experience innovative Scottish fine dining with seasonal tasting menus in a minimalist, elegant setting at Edinburgh’s acclaimed Fhior.
Educated Flea
2.8 km
Discover bold, inventive fusion cuisine with a Scottish twist in a cozy, friendly spot on Edinburgh’s vibrant Broughton Street.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Britannia Gift Shop
0.1 km
Discover exclusive royal souvenirs and nautical treasures at the Britannia Gift Shop, where the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II's yacht comes alive in every carefully curated item.
Build-A-Bear
0.1 km
Craft your own cuddly companion in Leith's lively workshop, where stuffing hearts and dreams creates lifelong memories for kids and families alike.
The Leith collective
0.3 km
Discover upcycled artistry and sustainable treasures from 65+ Leith makers in this eco-heartfelt shopping gem at Ocean Terminal.
Retro Clothing Outfit
0.3 km
Dive into decades of style at Retro Clothing Outfit in Leith's Ocean Terminal—vintage gems await in Edinburgh's creative coastal enclave.
ScotClans
0.8 km
Authentic Scottish clan and tartan products crafted with heritage and pride in the heart of Leith, Edinburgh.
Flux
0.8 km
Curated cards, artisan homewares and design-led gifts in a compact, maker-friendly shop on Bernard Street, Leith.
TBCo | Tartan Blanket Co.
0.9 km
Discover sustainable tartan magic in Leith: touch lambswool blankets, customize with embroidery, and carry home Scotland's cozy soul from this Edinburgh gem.
Destined for Home
1.1 km
Discover unique gifts and personal service in the heart of Leith at Destined for Home, Edinburgh’s charming boutique for distinctive treasures.
Georgian Antiques
1.3 km
Explore 50,000 sq ft of Scotland's finest antiques in Leith's historic heart – from Regency cabinets to gilded mirrors in one vast warehouse.
Logan Malloch Ltd
1.4 km
Edinburgh's Leith gem: artisanal gifts, art prints, witty cards, books & Scottish crafts in a charming shop on vibrant Leith Walk.
Wee Leith Shop
2.0 km
Quirky novelties and charming gifts await in this cozy Leith Walk gem, capturing the neighborhood's independent spirit with playful treasures for every home.
Planet.A Boutique
2.5 km
Discover Edinburgh’s stylish and sustainable gift shop offering unique local treasures and eco-friendly finds on Easter Road.
The Cats Miaou
2.5 km
A vibrant Leith gift shop bursting with quirky, pun-filled designs and ethically sourced handmade treasures in Edinburgh.
The Dragonfly
2.7 km
Discover unique gifts and local charm at The Dragonfly, a stylish boutique gift shop in Edinburgh’s vibrant Broughton Street.
Curiouser & Curiouser
2.7 km
A design-led independent shop in Edinburgh, filled with art, cards, homewares, and unique gifts with a Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Vine Bar
0.6 km
Experience the warmth of Leith at The Vine Bar, a cozy spot offering a delightful selection of local drinks and a welcoming atmosphere.
The Barologist
0.7 km
A characterful Leith pub-cocktail bar mixing inventive drinks, rustic plates and quirky interiors for relaxed nights and small celebrations.
Malt & Hops
0.8 km
Historic Leith pub since 1749, pouring real ales and whiskies by a roaring fire amid maritime charm on the Shore.
Three Marys
0.9 km
Leith's stylish cocktail gem with smoked margaritas, eclectic decor, and shareable plates in a historic portside nook—perfect for inventive sips and cozy evenings.
Smoke & Mirrors
1.3 km
Quirky Leith cocktail haven where magic-themed vibes meet masterful mixes in an intimate, colourful escape from Edinburgh's everyday.
Leith Dockers Club
1.3 km
Leith's 1946 social heartbeat: massive bar, function suites, beer garden, and community spirit for gatherings big and small.
The Lioness of Leith
1.4 km
Leith's quirky gastropub haven for gourmet burgers, craft cocktails, and electric vibes since 2013—where quality bites meet lively nights.
The Street
2.9 km
Casual cocktail bar by day, energetic late-night bar and small club by night — Picardy Place’s go-to spot for social evenings and weekend parties.
Nightcap
3.1 km
Intimate New Town speakeasy with whisky-led cocktails, reclaimed-wood warmth and attentive, bespoke service for relaxed late-night evenings.
The Alchemist St James Quarter
3.2 km
Experience Edinburgh’s vibrant cocktail theatre and unique dining at The Alchemist St James Quarter, where drinks come alive with magic and flair.
The Voodoo Rooms
3.3 km
Edinburgh's clandestine Victorian lair of cocktails, cabaret, and live tunes in opulent, hidden chambers.
The Last Word
3.3 km
A cosy, stylish cocktail bar in Edinburgh’s Stockbridge, famed for creative drinks, expert whisky selection, and a warm, intimate atmosphere.
Bramble Bar
3.3 km
Edinburgh's speakeasy legend: masterful cocktails, dim-lit nooks, and beats that linger until 1am in a Queen Street basement hideaway.
Cask
3.4 km
Discover Cask: Edinburgh's rooftop cocktail bar offering stunning views, innovative drinks, and delectable small plates in a vibrant atmosphere.
Grand Cru
3.4 km
Edinburgh's cocktail haven on Hanover Street, blending masterful drinks, modern European bites, and seamless day-to-night vibes in the heart of New Town.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Garibaldi's
3.3 km
Edinburgh's tiniest nightclub packs the biggest late-night punch on Hanover Street, with killer margaritas and a dance floor that never quits till 3am.
Why Not Nightclub
3.4 km
Edinburgh's multi-award-winning late-night haven with LED immersion, garden vibes, and non-stop beats on George Street.
Shanghai Nightclub
3.4 km
Edinburgh's Oriental nightlife den: Asian decor, themed beats, VIP vibes, and non-stop energy on George Street.
El Barrio Latino
3.5 km
Edinburgh's sizzling Latin nightclub where salsa beats pulse through New Town nights, drawing dancers to its vibrant Hanover Street heart until the early hours.
Opal Lounge
3.5 km
A stylish live music bar and nightclub in Edinburgh’s New Town, perfect for celebrations and vibrant nightlife.
The Hive Nightclub & Venue
3.7 km
Edinburgh's gritty Cowgate nightclub: cheap drinks, multi-room beats, and non-stop energy until 3am in the heart of Old Town.
The Shack Retro Bar & Club
3.7 km
Edinburgh's retro dance den blasting 60s-90s hits amid quirky decor and sweaty dance floors—pure nostalgic escapism on Rose Street.
Lulu Bar and Nightclub
3.7 km
Edinburgh's George Street gem: chic cocktails, thumping beats, and dance floors that ignite the night in upscale style.
Cabaret Voltaire
3.7 km
Vaulted live-music rooms and a relaxed upstairs bar—Cabaret Voltaire is Edinburgh’s atmospheric hub for alternative gigs and late-night clubbing.
La Belle Angele
3.8 km
Edinburgh’s intimate nightclub and live music venue blending historic charm with vibrant themed nights and diverse performances.
The Mash House
3.8 km
A vibrant Edinburgh nightclub and live music venue blending folk, electronic, and techno in a lively, casual setting.
The Liquid Room
3.9 km
Edinburgh's multi-level nightlife gem: techno thumps, live gigs, and warehouse vibes on historic Victoria Street.
Sneaky Pete's
3.9 km
Intimate live music and club nights in Edinburgh’s Old Town, where emerging talent meets vibrant nightlife.
Legends
3.9 km
Edinburgh’s only 24/7 rock nightclub, Legends pulses with raw energy and live alternative music in the heart of Cowgate.
The Bongo Club
3.9 km
Edinburgh’s underground hotspot blending eclectic music, live art, and a vibrant late-night scene in the historic Old Town.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Romantic
- Entertaining
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Retro Vibes
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
