Back to museums

The Royal Yacht Britannia

DesignMaritimeHistoryClosed · Opens 9:30amFrom £23Ocean Terminal (Edinburgh Trams, Newhaven line)

Launched in 1953, HMY Britannia served the British Royal Family for 44 years, sailing more than a million nautical miles to over 600 ports in 135 countries before she was decommissioned in 1997. Now permanently berthed at Ocean Terminal in Leith and cared for by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, she opens five decks to visitors: the understated State Apartments where Churchill, Mandela, Reagan and Yeltsin were entertained, the Queen's own bedroom, the Bridge, the cramped crew quarters and an Engine Room barely changed since 1953. The self-guided Signature Tour comes with commentary in 42 versions, covering 36 languages plus BSL, ASL and Braille, and the Royal Deck Tearoom serves afternoon tea under a canopy on the aft deck.

What's On

Now
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr

Permanent Collections

Plan Your Visit

Getting there

Ocean Terminal, Ocean Drive, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ, Scotland

Nearest station: Ocean Terminal (Edinburgh Trams, Newhaven line), Ocean Terminal (Lothian Buses 10, 16, 22, 35), Edinburgh Waverley rail station

Show on map

Hours

Mon09:30–18:00
Tue09:30–18:00
Wed09:30–18:00
ThuToday09:30–18:00
Fri09:30–18:00
Sat09:30–18:00
Sun09:30–18:00

Admission

From £23

Adult £23 booked in advance April–October, £22 November–March; £25/£24 on the door; flexible tickets £27/£26. Young person 16–21, student and child 7–15 £11.50 advance; children 0–6 and accompanying carers free; Armed Forces £15/£14 advance. Groups of 15+ get 10% off. Admission includes a free Annual Pass.

Nearby

Inverleith House, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

ArchitectureFree34 min walk

Collective

ArchitectureFree37 min walk

National Galleries Scotland: Portrait

ArtFree38 min walk

Museum of Edinburgh

DesignFree41 min walk

Visitor Information

How much does The Royal Yacht Britannia cost?
Standard adult admission to The Royal Yacht Britannia is £23. Adult £23 booked in advance April–October, £22 November–March; £25/£24 on the door; flexible tickets £27/£26. Young person 16–21, student and child 7–15 £11.50 advance; children 0–6 and accompanying carers free; Armed Forces £15/£14 advance. Groups of 15+ get 10% off. Admission includes a free Annual Pass.. Prices for special exhibitions and timed-entry slots may differ.
What are the opening hours of The Royal Yacht Britannia?
The Royal Yacht Britannia is open Open daily, 363 days a year. April–October 09:30–18:00 (last entry 16:00); November–March 10:00–17:00 (last entry 15:00). Closed 25 December and 1 January. Early closing Thursday 17 December 2026 (closes 14:00, last admission 12:00); last admission 14:30 on 24 December.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
Where is The Royal Yacht Britannia?
The Royal Yacht Britannia is located at Ocean Terminal, Ocean Drive, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ, Scotland, in the Leith area of Edinburgh. The nearest stations are Ocean Terminal (Edinburgh Trams, Newhaven line), Ocean Terminal (Lothian Buses 10, 16, 22, 35), Edinburgh Waverley rail station.
What can I see at The Royal Yacht Britannia?
Queen Elizabeth II's floating palace, berthed in Leith — five decks of state rooms, crew bunks and gleaming engines. Current highlights include Explore Britannia: Five Decks, Life Below Decks, The Royal Residence: State Apartments.
Do I need to book The Royal Yacht Britannia in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended, especially for weekends, school holidays, and special exhibitions. Tickets are normally on the museum's website, and a pre-booked timed slot helps you avoid queues at the entrance.
When is the best time to visit The Royal Yacht Britannia?
Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.

Geograph / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

DirectionsVisit Website