Introduction

The Royal Yacht, that is rather a big ship than a yacht, is now docked in Leith - the port of Edinburgh. A big building was built on the pier with plenty of photos and exhibitions, regarding this ship.It was really a great experience for me, although not all parts of the ship could be visited.They even have a garage for the Queen's Rolls Royce on board.

The Royal Yacht Britannia is the most famous of Leith's local attractions and the most famous ship in the world. Tourists come in huge numbers every year to board the decks of this Royal Yacht where four Royal couples spent their honeymoons, including Prince Charles and Princess Diana.

The Royal Yacht Britannia has sailed more than one million miles around the globe, taking the Royal Family on more than 900 official voyages and holidays all over the world, from places like Antarctica to the south seas.

History

Royal residence

Plans to build a new Royal Yacht to replace Victoria and Albert III began during the reign of King George VI. But The King died in 1952, four months before the keel of the Yacht was laid. His daughter, Princess Elizabeth succeeded him to the throne and the new Queen together with her husband, Prince Philip, took a guiding hand in the design of the Yacht, personally approving plans prepared by Sir Hugh Casson, Consultant Architect, and selecting furniture, fabrics and paintings.

An ambassador abroad

The Royal Yacht Britannia has helped to make The Queen the most travelled monarch the world has ever known. Not only has The Queen and her family travelled the world on Britannia, but the world - its statesmen and leaders - has visited them on board. From Sydney to Samoa, The Queen's guests have been entertained just as they would be at a royal palace on British soil.

The Royal Edinburgh Ticket

If you are planning to visit all of Edinburgh’s royal attractions then why not purchase a Royal Edinburgh Ticket? This special ticket includes admission to Edinburgh Castle, The Palace of Holyroodhouse, The Royal Yacht Britannia and 2 days’ unlimited travel on all City Tour Buses and The Majestic Tour.

2007 Prices
Our prices include use of a hand-held audio guide. This is available in a wide range of languages.
 
Adult                                                           £9.50
Senior Citizen (aged 60+)                          £7.50
Child (aged 5-17)                                       £5.50
Child (under 5)                                           Free
Family (2 Adults & up to 3 Children)         £26.50
Student (full time, with ID)                         £7.50
HM Armed Forces                                  £7.50
Assoc of Royal Yachtsmen Members    Free

Admission times
Britannia is open every day, except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. We suggest you allow up to 2 hours for your Britannia experience.

April to October
Daily 9.30am to 4.30pm (last admission)

November to March*
Daily 10.00am to 3.30pm (last admission)

* Last admission on Christmas Eve is 2.30pm.