The Royal Yacht Britannia

TL;DR: The Royal Yacht Britannia is an unforgettable Edinburgh experience with an excellent audio guide, beautifully preserved rooms, and deep historical significance. Don’t miss the tea room for a snack and wonderful tea! The Royal Yacht Britannia was one of my favorite stops in Edinburgh. Walking through the ship and listening to the fantastic audio guide provided so much insight into life on board, from the crew’s quarters to the Queen’s private spaces. The attention to detail in preserving the rooms makes it feel like stepping back in time. One of the most fascinating details is that all the clocks on board are stopped at 3:01—the exact moment the Queen last stepped off before the ship was decommissioned. It’s a touching tribute to its history and royal legacy. To top off the experience, I highly recommend stopping at the tea room above the third deck for a snack and some wonderful tea. It’s a perfect way to soak in the atmosphere while enjoying a relaxing break. This is a must-visit in Edinburgh!

Amazing experience and glimpse of the Royal Family. The audio guide helped so much to understand better the way of living during the trips, how everything worked and especially the fact that we can literally walk through history! I recommend this experience so much. It took us 1:45 to listen carefully the audio (also available on your phone) and take our time to properly see everything (really not crowded in February apparently)

A big fan of Royal Family history, I was thoroughly impressed and delighted at the perfectly curated Yacht. It was impressive from the very first step on until the very end. We enjoyed the recorded headphones which easily guided you through each and every room giving intimate details with enlightening moments from history. We stopped at the Tea Room and enjoyed mushroom soup, hot chocolate, and champagne. The views from the Tea Room were stunning. Set aside plenty of time to enjoy every second. There is a chill on the shore, so bring a jacket and something to cover your ears. If you are intrigued by the Royals, you’ll love this experience!

Great to be able to see virtually all areas. Audio guide was excellent. Some great information and facts. Can use supplied device or via your phone. Good couple of hours, plus tearoom if you fancy. Not too busy today, but I guess height of season could be different. We didn't need to book but I'm sure at busy times you will need to.

Visiting the Royal Yacht Britannia was an incredible experience! It’s truly impressive and unique to be in the very places where the royal family—especially the late Queen Elizabeth II and Lady D—once gathered. This was one of her favorite locations, and it’s easy to see why. The yacht is exceptionally well-preserved, and there’s even a charming tea room on board. The venue is also available for events. The visit includes an audio guide available in several languages, allowing you to explore at your own pace. I highly recommend this visit to anyone who appreciates the royal family and, in particular, has admiration for the Queen. It’s also an astonishing piece of engineering, having been launched in the 1950s, making it a fascinating blend of history and craftsmanship. Overall, a must-see!

An incredible visit to the royal yacht Britannia, from the bridge to the engine room, from the Admiral's cabin to the galley, from the Royal Apartments and salons to the cabins and showers of the junior crew, from the Top Officers saloon to the laundry. Complete immersion in history. Individual audio guides are very helpful in this. Many languages ​are ​available. Very polite staff and a delicious Tea Room. Parking at the shopping center nearby is free. It is very convenient and interesting. Surely highly recommended!

All aboard! The Royal Yacht Britannia is one of the top attractions to visit while in Edinburgh! It felt surreal to be on the Royal Family's home on the seas, which they used for over 40 years! Seeing many photos from decades past of Charles and Diana's honeymoon and the Queen's many voyages, it was quite an experience to actually see the interior. The decor is not as opulent as one might expect. It had a much more relaxed everyday feel to it, which was a bit of a surprise but also part of its charm. It was really interesting to hear the history following along with the self guided audio tour. I enjoyed visiting the tea room the most! I was fortunate to be the first to enter and see the entire space before the crowds took over. The coffee, tea, and scones were delightful! Tickets to visit the yacht can be purchased in advance. They also have family pricing options available at a discount. The last stop for me was the gift shop. I was thrilled to find a mini corgi souvenir amongst other memorable items to take home with me! I highly recommend making a day trip out to see the Royal Yacht while visiting Scotland!

Visiting the beautiful Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh was an unbelievable experience! I had the pleasure of enjoying a delightful Devonshire tea aboard the ship in the charming restaurant, which added such a special touch to the day. The tour of this historic vessel was absolutely fascinating, and every moment was a treat. I’m already looking forward to my next visit—it’s an experience I’ll cherish forever. Thank you to everyone who made it so memorable!