UK Holiday Breaks
UK Holiday Breaks
Holiday sun graphic
Home > Scotland > Things to do in Lothian Scotland > The Royal Yacht Britannia

The Royal Yacht Britannia

Permanently moored at the Ocean Terminal shopping centre, this was the floating residence of Queen Elizabeth II for over 40 years. It is located in Leith, Edinburgh, postcode EH6 6JJ.

What to Expect and Enjoy
You get to tour all five decks of the ship. It’s a fascinating look at how the Royal Family lived and worked at sea.

  • The State Apartments: You can see the dining room where world leaders were entertained, and even the Queen’s bedroom. It is surprisingly modest and “homely” rather than flashy.
  • The Engine Room: Even if you aren’t into ships, the engine room is spotless—everything is painted white and the brass is polished until it shines. It’s quite a sight!
  • The Tea Room: You can have tea and scones on the Royal Deck. It has a lovely atmosphere and great views over the water.

Best For and Time Spent
This is a big hit with adults, couples, and seniors. While children are welcome and get their own “corgi treasure hunt” to keep them busy, it is a much quieter, more refined experience than a theme park.

  • Duration: You’ll likely spend about 2 hours on board.

Helpful Tips for Your Visit

  • Parking: You park in the Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre car park, which is free and very convenient.
  • Accessibility: The ship is surprisingly accessible with lifts for wheelchairs and buggies.
  • Nearby: Since you are at a shopping centre, there are heaps of restaurants, a cinema, and high-street shops right at the entrance to the yacht. It’s a great “rainy day” option because the tour is mostly undercover.

More Places Nearby

Almond Valley Heritage Centre Arthur’s Seat Blackness Castle Camera Obscura & World of Illusions Dalkeith Country Park Dalmeny House Dirleton Castle and Gardens Dynamic Earth East Links Family Park Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh Ghost Tours Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA) Edinburgh Zoo Five Sisters Zoo Fountain Park Foxlake Adventures Glenkinchie Distillery Hopetoun House House of the Binns Inveresk Lodge Garden Jupiter Artland Linlithgow Palace Lost Shore Surf Resort Malleny Garden Midlothian Snowsports Centre Murrayfield Stadium Tour Musselburgh Racecourse National Museum of Flight National Museum of Scotland Newhailes House North Berwick Harbour Rosslyn Chapel Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Scottish National Gallery Scottish National Portrait Gallery Scottish Parliament Visitor Centre Tantallon Castle The Edinburgh Dungeon The Palace of Holyroodhouse The Royal Mile The Scottish Seabird Centre
Disclosure: This site may contain affiliate links and paid advertisements. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. See our Affiliate Disclosure.