Edinburgh’s The Royal Yacht Britannia: A Must-See Destination

Story and Photos by Mary Casey-Sturk, LM Travel Editor

During a recent trip to Scotland’s capital city, I made a point to visit The Royal Yacht Britannia, and I’m so glad I did.

Opened as a visitor attraction in 1998 in Leith, Edinburgh, it ranks high on places to visit in the UK due to its history and connection with the late Queen Elizabeth II who is often quoted as saying, “Britannia is the one place where I can truly relax.” As the late Queen was born in 1926, I felt the 100^th anniversary of her birth year was a good time to visit and learn more.

After over a decade of not having a Royal Yacht, the John Brown & Co shipyard (in Clydebank near Glasgow) received the order from the Admiralty for a new ship in 1952. Sadly, King George VI passed away just two days later.  Queen Elizabeth II was now responsible for commissioning the new Royal Yacht.

Decommissioned in 1997, at the Paying-Off Ceremony, the Queen 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.”

During a visit to Britannia, you’ll learn the entire history of this storied vessel as you explore the Visitor Centre featuring galleries filled with royal garments, Naval uniforms, images, maps, and stories of those who sailed this impressive vessel. It’s a really engaging area and visitors can take their time before heading into The Royal Yacht.

Once aboard, you’ll get the opportunity to explore five decks including areas used by crew and the Royal Family during its 40+ years of service. Among the spaces you’ll see include the massive formal dining room used for State Dinners, the Queen’s bedroom, family living room, crew quarters, the infirmary, engine rooms, vehicle garage and more.

The Royal Barge, crewed by former Royal Yachtsmen, is also here. It played a ceremonial role in the Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the River Thames June 3, 2012. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip traveled on the Royal Barge at the start of the Pageant, seen by millions on television.

The Britannia shares compelling stories throughout the visit via an audio tour and signage noting places of interest, including the recent filming of scenes for Downton Abbey: A New Era in 2021. In their “Follow In The Footsteps” signs, you’ll also see images of the late Princess Diana embracing her sons and a visit from King Charles III in 2023.

I was struck by the coziness of it and the informality in areas, it truly felt like a family home. In other areas, I enjoyed learning about how the crew lived and worked, seeing their rooms and pubs. Pubs, plural. It made me think about all the stories that must have been shared among those who kept Britannia as a retreat for the Royal Family, a place where the Royals honeymooned (Princess Margaret and Anthony Armstrong-Jones being the first in 1960), and also in an urgent capacity when it assisted the evacuation of British nationals in South Yemen in 1986.

In tribute to the late Queen, some rooms have a stuffed corgi tucked away, see if you can find them all! In the gift shop, located at the exit, you’ll find them for sale and all sorts of other items dedicated to The Royal Yacht, Scottish items, books and more. If you arrive hungry, they have you covered as well. Visitors have the choice to dine in the Royal Deck Tearoom or Tea on the Quay (seasonal). In the Royal Deck Tearoom, you can treat yourself to a traditional tea, sandwiches, soups and desserts.

Nearby, Britannia’s sister ship, the Fingal Hotel, is home to the Lighthouse Restaurant serving cocktails and meals in an Art Deco-inspired setting. This is a five-star floating boutique hotel located just steps from The Royal Yacht.

Finding The Royal Yacht is easy, it’s just steps away from the Edinburgh Tram’s Ocean Terminal stop and the Visitor Centre is located inside the Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre.  Accessibility: Britannia’s five decks are highly accessible via a central elevator and they have extensive information listed on their website for visitors. After your visit, you may wish to explore more of the historic port of Leith.

http://www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk