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The Royal Yacht Britannia, dressed with signal flags, moored at Ocean Terminal in Leith

No. 1 Top Landmarks & Attractions 2026

Royal Yacht Britannia

Edinburgh, United Kingdom · City guide: Edinburgh

The British royal family's floating palace for 44 years, now moored in Edinburgh's port of Leith.

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Photo: Billy McCrorie, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

The Royal Yacht Britannia is No. 1 in Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Best of the Best 2026 ranking of the top attractions in the world, which is based on traveller reviews. Britannia was launched at John Brown's shipyard in Clydebank in 1953. For 44 years she served Queen Elizabeth II and the royal family, sailing more than a million miles on state visits, royal tours and holidays, until she was decommissioned in 1997.

Britannia is now permanently berthed at Ocean Terminal in Leith, Edinburgh's port, and run as a visitor attraction by a charitable trust. The self-guided tour comes with an audio guide and covers five decks, from the State Apartments and the Sun Lounge to the crew's quarters and the gleaming engine room.

A dining room aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia laid for a formal event
A dining room aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia laid for a formal event. Photo: Billy McCrorie, CC BY-SA 2.0, source

Best time to visit

Britannia is open all year apart from a few days around Christmas and New Year. Go early in the day or on a weekday to avoid the busiest times, especially during the Edinburgh festivals in August.

Highlights

  • 1

    State Apartments

    The royal family entertained world leaders and celebrities in the State Dining Room and Drawing Room. Both still hold gifts and furnishings from the yacht's years of service.

  • 2

    Royal bedrooms

    The Queen's and the Duke of Edinburgh's bedrooms are strikingly simple. They reflect the private, relaxed life the family enjoyed on board.

  • 3

    Crew quarters and engine room

    See how the officers and Royal Yachtsmen lived and worked, from the Wardroom and the laundry to the spotless engine room.

  • 4

    Royal Deck Tea Room

    The yacht's café on the former Royal Deck serves tea, scones and light meals with views over the harbour.

  • 5

    The royal Rolls-Royce

    A Rolls-Royce Phantom V is kept in its own garage on deck. It was carried aboard for use on overseas visits.

Getting there

Britannia is berthed at Ocean Terminal, a shopping centre in Leith about 3 km north of Edinburgh city centre. Edinburgh Trams run from the airport and the city centre to the Ocean Terminal stop, and several Lothian bus routes also serve Ocean Terminal. The visitor entrance is inside the shopping centre, which has parking.

Practical tips

Tickets & hours
Buy tickets online in advance or on arrival. Prices and opening hours change with the seasons, so check the official website.
Time needed
Allow at least an hour and a half, and longer if you stop at the tea room.
Currency
Pound sterling (GBP). Cards are accepted almost everywhere.
Safety
Edinburgh is generally safe. In an emergency, dial 999 or 112.
Visa & entry
Many visitors, including citizens of the US, Canada, Australia and EU countries, now need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. Check gov.uk for the current rules.

Official information: The Royal Yacht Britannia (official website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

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