Leith,
Edinburgh,
EH6 6JJ
The Royal Yacht Britannia first launched in 1953 was the official seafaring vessel of Queen Elizabeth II and the British royal family for over four decades. Used for state visits, royal vacations, and diplomatic trips, the vessel is now a popular tourist attraction moored in Edinburgh where it offers a fascinating glimpse into royal life.
Throughout its working life, the Royal Yacht Britannia was the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II during her overseas tours, sailing over one million miles around the world while promoting British interests abroad.
The vessel is now kept in immaculate condition by the Royal Yacht Britannia Trust and is open year-round for visitors to follow in the footsteps of world leaders as they explore the royal’s private quarters and the below-deck rooms. Self-guided audio tours will take you to every nook and cranny of this enormous ship while information panels explain what life would have been like on board the vessel in its heyday.
There’s also an excellent restaurant onboard on the upper deck as well as a gift shop in the visitor centre, and as Britannia is moored alongside Ocean Terminal you can easily visit the restaurants, shops, and cinema that the waterfront shopping complex has to offer.
1: The Royal Yacht Britannia served as the floating residence of the British Royal Family for over 40 years. Exploring this iconic vessel gives you a unique opportunity to delve into the fascinating maritime history of the Royal Family and discover the stories behind their voyages and state visits.
2: The Royal Yacht Britannia has been meticulously preserved since its decommissioning in 1997. As you explore the ship, you’ll be able to view the opulent interiors which include the State Apartments, the Royal Bedrooms, and the impressive Royal Deck Tea Room.
3: The Royal Yacht Britannia is located in the historic port of Leith, just a short distance from Edinburgh’s city centre. The yacht is docked permanently, allowing visitors to soak in the waterfront views while they explore the vessel. After your visit, you can take a walk to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Leith with its charming shops and restaurants.
1: Although the tickets are a wee bit pricey there’s a lot to see so you’ll spend a good 2-3 hours on Britannia. While the tickets are expensive if you only make one visit, they allow unlimited re-entry for one year, so keep hold of them in case you decide to return another day.
2: Ocean Terminal is a nice shopping centre with a cinema and several cafes and restaurants. You could easily stretch your Britannia visit to last most of the day if you use those facilities.
3: If you want to explore the city centre after a visit to Britannia take Lothian Bus services 11, 22, 34, 35 and 36. Highlights of Edinburgh include Edinburgh Castle (obviously), Calton Hill , The Scott Monument , Holyrood Park and Holyrood Palace .
The ship is entered via the visitor centre in Ocean Terminal which is situated on the top floor of the shopping mall. As you walk around Britannia’s five main decks on a self-guided tour you can listen to an audio guide that explains what life was like on board not only for the royal inhabitants but also for the Royal Navy crew that manned it during its voyages.
Starting at the bridge you pass through the state apartments, the crew quarters, and the engine room before finally reaching the racing yacht Bloodhound which is part of an interesting royal sailing exhibition.
There are many highlights of this ship that all family members will enjoy – including the huge state banquet room with its massive dining table and the gleaming Rolls Royce Phantom that used to travel on the ship along with the Royal Family.
If you fancy a wee treat you can pick up some delicious homemade fudge in the NAAFI sweet shop. but make sure you leave enough room for the Royal Deck Tea Room where you can sample top-notch Scottish cuisine as well as coffee and sandwiches. The entry ticket includes free re-admittance for one year so if you ever go back to Ocean Terminal you could always take another visit just for the restaurant.
Britannia was built at the Clydebank shipyards near Glasgow and successfully launched in 1953, with its maiden voyage to Malta beginning in 1954. During its time at sea, Britannia was manned by volunteers from the Royal Navy, some of whom liked it so much they served onboard for over 20 years.
Whenever royalty was on the vessel a full troop of Royal Marines accompanied them, and during this time they would have sailed around the globe several times as the royal family undertook their ambassadorial duties in almost every nation on earth. Britannia also performed services as an aid ship, evacuating over 1,000 refugees from the civil war in Aden in 1986, and was ready to be converted into a hospital ship at a moment’s notice.
Britannia was eventually decommissioned in 1997 after mounting political pressure regarding the cost of maintenance made its continued use impossible. The ship was finally tied up at Ocean Terminal where The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust was set up to look after it. Today, more than 300,000 people visit the Royal Yacht Britannia each year, making it one of the top five tourist attractions in Scotland.
Check out the Britannia Visitor Centre : Start your visit at the Britannia Visitor Centre located in Ocean Terminal. There, you can discover Britannia’s fascinating history through exhibits and photographs before you step aboard the yacht itself.
Explore the Royal Yacht Britannia : Step aboard the British monarch’s former floating palace and explore the state apartments, crew’s quarters, and engine room. This magnificent ship offers a unique glimpse into royal life at sea thanks to audio guides which are included in the ticket price.
Tea at The Royal Deck Tea Room : After your tour, unwind at the Royal Deck Tea Room. Enjoy traditional teas, delicious cakes, sandwiches, and spectacular views of the docks and the Firth of Forth . It’s a great way to reflect on your visit to Britannia before deciding where to go next.
Attend a Special Event : The Royal Yacht Britannia hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from Hogmanay celebrations to Burn’s Night suppers . To see which events are coming up next, head to the official Royal Yacht Britannia website .
Visit The Gift Shop : You cannot miss Britannia’s gift shop in Ocean Terminal which offers a wide range of exclusive gifts and souvenirs. From royal memorabilia to nautical-themed toys, you’re bound to find the perfect memento for your visit.
Ocean Terminal . 74 Ocean Dr., Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6JJ. 2-minute walk. A large shopping centre that’s one of the first arrival points for ships sailing into the Firth of Forth. Ocean Terminal contains a collection of restaurants, coffee shops, and department stores.
Leith . 8-minute walk. A vibrant and historic area of Edinburgh that is renowned for its trendy bars and restaurants. Leith is architecturally significant for the number of restored Victorian warehouses that line Commercial Street and Bernard Street. Some of Scotland’s best restaurants are located in Leith, including The Kitchin and Wishart.
The Water of Leith . Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6HE. 11-minute walk. A walkway that runs for 12 miles from the Colzium Hills outside of Edinburgh to Leith. The majority of the path is set on quiet pavement that runs alongside the river. Much loved by locals for its wildlife.
Leith Links . 4 Links Gardens, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 8AA. 18-minute walk. Informal gardens and a play park that was historically a golf course but has been revamped into a recreation area.
Scotch Malt Whisky Society . The Vaults, 87 Giles St, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6BZ. 13-minute walk. The Vaults is the main site for the SMWS in Edinburgh. Visitors can sample a range of quality single malt whiskies as well as gins and rums, along with optional expert-led tasting sessions.
Where is the royal yacht britannia berthed.
The Royal Yacht Britannia is berthed at Leith Port in Edinburgh, next to the Ocean Terminal shopping centre. Ocean Terminal is a 15-minute drive from Edinburgh city centre, and the Royal Yacht Britannia Visitor Centre is on the second floor. Address: Ocean Terminal, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6JJ.
No, the British Royal Family does not currently have a yacht. The last royal yacht was the HMY Britannia, which was decommissioned in 1997 and is now a museum ship in Edinburgh.
The Royal Yacht Britannia is owned and managed by the Royal Yacht Britannia Trust.
The Royal Yacht Britannia was decommissioned in 1997 due to maintenance costs and changing politics which meant the yacht was considered unnecessary. It was estimated in 1996 that a refit would cost £17 million and would only prolong the ship’s life for an additional 5 years.
Craig Neil is the author, photographer, admin, and pretty much everything else behind Out About Scotland. He lives near Edinburgh and spends his free time exploring Scotland and writing about his experiences. Follow him on Pinterest , Facebook , and YouTube .
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Experience Tripadvisor's Best UK Attraction 2023. Follow in the footsteps of Royalty and explore this floating Royal residence with a fascinating audio tour of five decks (available in over 30 languages).
Tripadvisor's Best UK Visitor Attraction (AGAIN) 2023-2024 and Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Best of the Best award winner
Please note The Royal Yacht Britannia is scheduled to be closed 9 & 10 October for planned building works outwith our control.
Visit this award-winning attraction, just two miles from Edinburgh's city centre at Ocean Terminal. The Royal Yacht Britannia played host to some of the world’s most famous people, from Nelson Mendela to Winston Churchill, but above all was home for the British Royal Family for over 40 years. Now you can discover the heart and soul of this most special of Royal residences.
You'll receive a truly warm welcome at Britannia's Visitor Centre before you board this famous ship where you will discover the history of Royal Yachts and view displays and historical photographs of Britannia's fascinating past before boarding Queen Elizabeth II's former floating palace.
What will you see?
The tour is available in:
Complete the Britannia experience with a visit to the Gift Shop in Ocean Terminal, where you’ll find exclusive Britannia souvenirs, china, toys, gifts and nautical items.
Berthed just moments away, Britannia's sister ship, floating hotel Fingal, offers 22 luxurious cabins inspired by the former Northern Lighthouse Board tender's rich maritime heritage. For further information, visit Fingal's website .
HELPFUL INFORMATION:
- All weather experience - Highly accessible for wheelchair users, single buggies and those with limited mobility. Read our accessibility statement here . - Free Annual Pass for 12 months admission included - The entrance to Britannia is temporarily on the Ground Floor of Ocean Terminal shopping centre.
How to get here?
By tram: Take the tram to stop 'Ocean Terminal' (Newhaven direction).
By bus: Regal Tour Bus and Lothian Buses 10, 16, 34 and 35 run from the city centre towards Ocean Terminal. Regal Tour buses depart regularly from Waterloo Place / St Andrew Square in the centre of Edinburgh. The Majestic Tour is operated by Edinburgh Bus Tours .
By train: Arrive in the city centre at Edinburgh Waverley Train Station, just 2 miles from Britannia.
By car: Follow signs to Edinburgh and Leith or North Edinburgh. Then follow brown tourist signs for Britannia. Free car parking at Ocean Terminal (level C is nearest). For satnav our postcode is EH6 6JJ. Go inside the shopping centre for Britannia’s entrance and the start of the tour. By plane: Britannia is approximately 40 minutes’ drive from Edinburgh Airport.
For further information on finding Britannia, please see here .
OPENING TIMES
The Royal Yacht Britannia is scheduled to be closed 9 & 10 October for planned building works out with our control.
Please check the Britannia website for full opening times and prices. EVENING EVENTS Exclusive dinners and receptions can be hosted on board. Call our events team on +44 (0) 131 555 8800 and see how we can create your event of a lifetime, or visit the events section of our website .
PRIVATE TOURS A private tour on board The Royal Yacht Britannia is an exclusive experience, giving you access to Britannia’s five decks, and a unique insight into the history of the Royal Yacht and how the Royal Family and crew lived and worked on board. Both Morning and Evening tours are available. Call our events team on +44 (0) 131 555 8800 or for more information visit click here . PRESERVING BRITANNIA Britannia is cared for by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust , a self-funding charity registered in Scotland (SC028070). By visiting Britannia you will be helping us to preserve this important piece of history for future generations.
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The Royal Yacht Britannia, once a grand symbol of the British Royal Family, is now permanently docked in Leith the port of Edinburgh .
©Mark Millar, Royal Yacht Britannia
Today visitors to Scotland’s capital city can explore the magnificent ship that served as a floating palace for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and her family for over four decades.
The yacht provided a sanctuary for the royal family offering them a respite from the demands of public life.
It allowed them to escape the prying eyes of the media and enjoy moments of relaxation and privacy.
As they travelled the world it was, said the queen, the one place she could truly relax.
Today the world’s most famous yacht is an Edinburgh five-star visitor attraction and exclusive events venue.
Plans to build a new yacht to replace the ageing Victoria and Albert III had first been considered in 1938 during the reign of King George VI but in austere pre-war Britain, it didn’t seem appropriate.
However in 1951, with the king’s health failing, the government decided to push ahead with their plans for a new ship. Sadly King George died before the work was completed.
Like two of the other great ocean-going passenger liners, the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth II, the royal yacht’s life began on the River Clyde.
It was built in John Brown’s shipyard in Clydebank near Glasgow and launched on 16 April 1953.
Following sea trials, the ship was commissioned into the Royal Navy the following year.
It was the latest in a long line of royal yachts that stretched back to the seventeenth century when the Dutch gave the world’s first royal yacht Mary to Charles II as a gift.
Original designs of the ship had specified a dual role – a hospital ship to be used in times of conflict and a royal yacht. She was never used in the former capacity.
However, in 1986, during a voyage to Australia, without the Queen aboard, the ship diverted to Aden to help in the evacuation of those trapped on the beaches by an ongoing war in the region.
Over 1,000 terrified people were rescued and crammed into every available space.
Both the Queen and Prince Philip took a keen interest in the design of the vessel, working with Sir Hugh Casson on plans for the interior decorations.
The young couple selected fabrics, furniture and paintings, many of them taken from the Victoria and Albert III in an effort to keep costs under control.
The state apartments aft of the funnel were not extravagantly decorated. Instead, they have a traditional ‘country house’ feel.
This is particularly noticable in the drawing room where chintz-covered armchairs and sofas sit on a plain silver-grey carpet overlaid by a magnificent Persian rug.
A baby grand piano stood in the corner often providing after-dinner entertainment. Princesses Diana, Margaret and Alexandra were all known to enjoy playing.
Writer Brian Hoey reminds us of the night Sir Noel Coward came to dinner during a Caribbean cruise.
“He literally sang for his supper, playing many of his own compositions into the wee small hours. Even on the royal yacht, there was no such thing as a free meal.”
Frank Sinatra and Elizabeth Taylor also pulled up a chair in the State Dining Room.
Of course, they weren’t the only well-known people to visit the yacht.
Over the years Rajiv Gandhi, Sir Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, Bill Clinton and Nelson Mandela were only a few of the others on a long list of the world’s most powerful people who enjoyed royal hospitality.
© Mark Millar, Royal Yacht Britannia
Supper’ in Britannia’s dining room could be a splendid occasion. In preparation for a state banquet, Royal Navy stewards would lay the burnished mahogany table with military precision.
They would carefully place the floral decorations, candelabras and exquisite crystal wine glasses.
With a ruler in hand, they measured the precise position of each shining piece of silver cutlery. Menus were printed and seating plans were discussed before Britannia set sail.
The Queen and Prince Philip had their own bedrooms and sitting rooms, decorated to reflect their personal taste. The Queen preferred chintz and floral while the Duke liked the more functional wood panelling.
This elegant lady became a favourite with all generations of the royal family but particularly the Queen who always said it was the only place she could truly be at ease.
Four royal couples opted for a honeymoon at sea, onboard the Royal Yacht Britannia.
They were Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips, Prince Charles and Princess Diana, Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones, and Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson.
A young Princess Diana was happiest when proceedings were kept informal, she was a very special guest as far as the naval crew were concerned.
On one memorable occasion, she was found in the Junior Ratings Mess leading the crew, or yachtsmen, as they were called, in a rendition of What , Shall We Do With The Drunken Sailor.
One remark in particular sums up the feeling and affection the crew had for her. “There are 275 men aboard and every one of them is in love with Princess Diana.”
It’s fitting that Prince William and Prince Harry, who often spent their summer holidays on trips to the Western Isles of Scotland loved the freedom and privacy the royal yacht allowed them.
Beyond its role as a private residence, it was an unofficial ambassador for Britain serving as a platform for diplomatic and official engagements.
Britannia undertook numerous state visits, carrying the royal family and government officials to countries around the world. The yacht became a powerful symbol of British soft power, projecting an image of elegance, grace, and stability to the international community.
On what became known as Sea Days, it would throw open the doors to the world of commerce.
That allowed businessmen to showcase the best of British craftsmanship and design and promote their companies and products to the world.
The yacht became a floating showroom for British excellence, helping to boost exports and attract foreign investment.
The Overseas Trade Board estimated that between 1991 and 1995 the exchequer benefited to the tune of £3 billion.
After over four decades of service, the Royal Yacht Britannia was decommissioned in Portsmouth on 11 December 1997.
During that long service, the ship sailed over one million nautical miles stopping at 600 ports in 135 countries.
Rather than being sold or scrapped, the decision was made to preserve the yacht as a visitor attraction, allowing the public to experience first-hand the grandeur and history of this wonderful vessel.
At the Paying-Off Ceremony, the queen clearly sad at the occasion, 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.”
The Britannia also hosts a series of special events throughout the year, including music evenings and cocktail nights. It is also available for private hire, with the State Dining Room being a popular venue for dinners and receptions.
If you’re visiting during the busiest periods and just turn up, the queues can be long, so be prepared for a wait.
However, many of the available tour options will let you avoid queuing and you can book online on the official Britannia website.
But if you prefer to explore yourself, there are free audio guides in 30 languages to help you find your way around. A range of concession prices is also available.
While you cannot stay overnight, you can at the nearby Fingal, a floating hotel moored nearby.
This unique hotel is also owned by the Royal Yacht Britannia Trust and is one of E dinburgh’s luxury hotels.
Also nearby is the newest Edinburgh whisky distillery –the Port of Leith Distillery which opened in October 2023.
For further information on admission times and help planning your visit, go to the Britannia website.
Please book a timed ticket online to guarantee admission.
Our tickets are sold by arrival times and once you are on board you can stay as long as you wish within our opening hours.
Refunds are available up to 48 hours before your visit. Bookings can be moved free of charge. To request a refund please e-mail [email protected] with your order reference.
Yes, please call 0131 555 5566 or email [email protected] . Please note that calls are answered, and e-mails monitored Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.
Tours are self-guided and include an audio tour available on your mobile or an audio handset which is included in the price of admission.
Due to operating out of our temporary Ticket Centre, we are currently unable to store luggage.
Our Tea Room, Gift Shop and NAAFI will be open.
Britannia is highly accessible via a central lift. For further information please see our accessibility page where you can find our access statement.
We offer a discounted rate for armed forces. This is available from our ticket desk in Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre.
Visitors to Britannia should use the Ocean Terminal Car Park. Parking is free. There are accessible spaces and dedicated parent and child parking bays available.
There is no allocated motorhome parking, car parking is free and there is a multi-story car park. There are however, frequent bus and tram services to Ocean Terminal.
We close 2 hours after the last admission.
Ocean Terminal is currently undergoing redevelopment, adding new leisure and retail businesses, as well as residential spaces. As part of this redevelopment, Britannia will also be gaining a new Visitor Centre and Gift Shop which will involve us operating out of temporary accommodation whilst these new facilities are being created.
Last admission on 24 December is 2:30pm and 31 December is 3:00pm. The Royal Yacht Britannia is closed on 25 December and 1 January.
We recommend you allow 2 hours for your visit. Please allow longer if you wish to visit our stunning Royal Deck Tea Room .
We welcome guide dogs, hearing dogs and other recognised assistance dogs. It is not possible to bring other dogs into Ocean Terminal or on board Britannia.
You are welcome to take photographs on board. There are some great photo opportunities on the outer decks.
There is no hotel accommodation on The Royal Yacht Britannia. Our sister ship, Fingal , offers 22 luxurious cabins, inspired by Fingal’s rich maritime heritage and named after Stevenson Lighthouses. Fingal Hotel is now permanently berthed just moments away from Britannia in the historic Port of Leith. Stay aboard and treat yourself to an unforgettable experience in The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar , serving Afternoon Tea , dinner and spectacular cocktails , open to overnight guests and non-residents.
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The Royal Yacht Britannia, Ocean Drive, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ
Tel: 0131 555 5566 Email us: [email protected]
The Royal Yacht Britannia is scheduled to be closed 9 & 10 October for planned building works out with our control
Just a 20-minute drive from Edinburgh's city centre, in Leith.
The entrance to the tour is on the Ground Floor of Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre.
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The Royal Yacht Britannia is scheduled to be closed 7 – 10 October for planned building works out with our control.
Leave the car at home and cycle along the traffic-free Water of Leith. Bike racks are outside Ocean Terminal. For cycle routes, see CycleStreets . For bike hire, contact the Leith Cycle Company or Bike Trax .
Edinburgh trams now run from Edinburgh Airport through the city centre and down to Leith. To visit Britannia get off the tram at stop Ocean Terminal.
Adult tickets cost £2 each way in the city zone. Child tickets are £1 each way. If you are returning to the city, you can purchase a return ticket for the same day at £3.80 for adults and £1.90 for children. Tickets must be purchased from the machines on the platform before travel. T icket vending machines accept most debit and credit cards including American Express as well as 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2 coins. No change is given.
If you are travelling to or from Edinburgh Airport there is a single ticket for £7.50 or an open return for £9.50.
For more information and for combination tickets of the city zone tram with local Lothian Buses, click here .
Lothian Bus services from Edinburgh city centre are 10, 16, 34 or 35. Tickets can be purchased with contactless card payment or with correct change. Single tickets cost £2.00 or a day ticket costs £5.00 however the daily cap by using contactless is cheaper at £4.80.
Alternatively, Regal Tour buses depart from Waterloo Place / St Andrew Square in Edinburgh's city centre. The Regal Tour Bus is operated by Edinburgh Bus Tours .
The nearest train station is Edinburgh Waverley .
For satnav, our postcode is EH6 6JJ . Follow signs for Edinburgh and Leith, or North Edinburgh. There is a free multi-storey car park as part of Ocean Terminal.
At the junction of Commercial Street, Lindsay Road and North Junction Street, turn on to Ocean Drive. Passing the Holiday Inn Express on your right, across the junction (traffic lights), after passing the large white Ocean Terminal sign on your left, take the first left turn into the multi-storey car park. We recommend parking on level C or E as they both allow direct access into the shopping centre.
Please see our videos below for instructions on how to go from the car park into Ocean Terminal and find the entrance to Britannia.
Visit Google Maps to help plan your journey.
To arrive by taxi, please ask the driver to drop off outside Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre. Please then enter through the main shopping centre entrance and follow the signs to our Ground Floor location within the centre.
If you are berthed in Leith our entrance to the tour is inside Ocean Terminal, 5 minutes' walk from your cruise ship.
If you are berthed at South Queensferry, take a shuttle bus to Edinburgh and catch the tram to Ocean Terminal. A taxi will cost approximately £35 and take 30 minutes to 1 hour (depending on traffic).
Britannia is approximately 40 minutes' drive from Edinburgh Airport .
The Lothian Bus Skylink 200 service travels directly from the airport to Britannia . Tickets can be purchased from the driver. Please note that the correct change is required. Alternatively download the Lothian Buses 'm-tickets' app which allows you to buy tickets to be shown to the driver on your mobile phone.
For further details on transport links, please visit Edinburgh Airport's Guide .
(Last Admission 6pm)
TRIPADVISOR'S NO.1 UK ATTRACTION 2023 - 2024
The Royal Yacht Britannia is scheduled to be closed 9 & 10 October for planned building works out with our control.
Click on the Visit page for more information before you visit.
Step aboard to enjoy a great day out!
Get away from the everyday aboard Britannia’s sister ship, Fingal. Extend your visit with a stay in one of Fingal’s luxurious cabins, your own oasis by the sea.
TRIPADVISOR'S NO.1 UK LUXURY HOTEL TRIPADVISOR'S NO.1 UK SMALL & BOUTIQUE HOTEL AA Hotel of the Year Scotland, AA five-star hotel and 2 AA Rosettes
Learn more: fingal.co.uk
S hips are some of the most fascinating and majestic creations of mankind. Their size, stories, and place in history can keep travel fans and history buffs entertained for hours. If you want to see some of the most splendid, exciting, and historic ships, here are some that you really should consider visiting.
Arguably the most iconic ship in American history, The Mayflower carried pilgrims from England to what would become the United States in 1620. While the original ship is long gone, her replica, The Mayflower II sailed from England to the US in 1957 and was restored to her original glory in 2020.
The HMS Victory was once the flagship of the British fleet. The ship was launched in 1765. In 1805, it led the the defeat of the French and Spanish forces at Trafalgar and eventually served in the War of American Independence. Still a commissioned warship, she belongs to the National Museum of the Navy and can be visited at Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard.
One of the United States’ largest warships, built in 1941, the USS Wisconsin, saw action in both World War II and Korea. Now you can visit the ship and tour the outer deck, the galley, and the library. You can also schedule more in depth tours as well as overnight visits. The ship is docked in Norfolk, Virginia, home to the world’s largest naval base.
A battle cruiser from the Second World War, the HMS Belfast was in service for more than 25 years and is the last remaining ship of her kind. She has been open to the public since 1971 and sits moored between the London Bridge and the Tower Bridge on the Thames River. You can explore her decks and check out the exhibits onboard as the ship is open daily.
Now standing where she was built, the last three-masted wooden ship to be built in the UK, the RSS Discovery was first launched in 1901. The RSS Discovery carried the first British crew to explore the Antarctic. The ship is part of the Discovery Point visitor center which is home to films, galleries, and artifacts of the ship.
Until 1955, the USS Midway was the largest ship in the world and it was used as an aircraft carrier that provided a floating runway for the US military. The ship served in the Vietnam and Gulf Wars. It has since been made over into a museum and can be visited in downtown San Diego along with more than 30 restored aircraft.
The Vasa was a Swedish warship from the early 1600s. She sank just a few meters into her maiden voyage in 1628 and was not recovered until 1961. Amazingly, she was salvaged with a fully intact hull and can now be seen at The Vasa Museum in the Royal National City Park on Djurgarden Island in Stockholm.
Nearly half a million people visit The Royal Yacht Britannia in Scotland every year. The ship was Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite ship and was a floating royal palace until it was taken out of service in 1997. Not only can you visit and tour this masterpiece, but you can have tea just like the Queen in the Royal Deck Tearoom.
Part of the founding of the original United States naval fleet the USS Constitution was commissioned in 1794 and launched in 1797. She defeated four enemy ships in the War of 1812. She can now be seen at Boston's Charlestown Navy Yard where she also has her own museum.
A representation of Britain’s seafaring history, the Golden Hind carried the first English expedition to travel around the world. When the ship returned from its maiden voyage, it had enough spoils to pay the British national debt. While the original ship from the late 1500s is lost to time, there is a full-size replica of the ship in London and another in Brixham.
King Henry VIII’s favorite warship, Mary Rose launched in 1511 and was lost during the Battle of Solent. She was raised in 1982 and encapsulated in the museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, which also contains 19,000 other naval artifacts. Visitors can see the lower and main decks as well as enjoy a guided tour.
The world’s only surviving pre-dreadnought battleship is the Japanese Imperial Navy’s Mikasa. She was built in England in 1900 and served in the Japanese-Russo War. She now serves as a museum ship in Yokosuka. Visitors can explore the decks, the bridge, the living quarters, and even the main artillery.
The SS Great Britain was a passenger steamship in the 1800s that carried passengers from Bristol to New York. Her transatlantic service would influence travel and shipping for decades to come. She was restored in 1970 and is now a museum that sits in Bristol’s historic harbor. Visitors can tour passenger cabins and dining halls, as well as her decks.
The Oseberg, Gokstad, and Tune will be housed at the Museum of the Viking Age (formerly the Viking Ship Museum). The ships were brought to land as burial mounds sometime before 1000 AD. While the trio may not be the largest ships, their age makes them intriguing and the artifacts housed with them are a fascinating discovery as well.
The height of luxury and technology at the time of her launch, this gem of the Cunard Line was a favorite of Hollywood stars and British Royalty. The Queen Mary was her line’s flagship vessel until she was retired in 1967. You can now visit her moored in Los Angeles' Long Beach as a hotel and tourist attraction.
Launched in 1969, the Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) made more than 800 Atlantic crossings, 25 trips around the world, and spent almost four decades at sea. She even served as a troop ship during the Falklands War. She now belongs to the government of Dubai and operates as a luxury hotel where you can still see some of her original rooms and artifacts on display.
The Cutty Sark was the fastest, and the last tea clipper built in Britain. Most of her time on the seas was as a cargo ship and she sailed the distance to the moon more than four times. She now belongs to the Royal Museums Greenwich in London where she has been on display since 1957. You can still visit her wheel, hull, and captain’s table.
The USS Missouri has some of the largest naval guns ever built and some of the largest to ever be fired in war. This is the ship where the Japanese surrendered to American forces at the end of World War II. It also starred in the movie Battleship (2012). The ship is still able to be toured and has special commemorative military events throughout the year.
Everyone knows the story of the sinking of the Titanic and to visit the wreck site will put quite a hole in your budget! However, the groundwork has been laid for you and you can check out permanent Titanic Museum Attractions in Branson, MO, and Pigeon Forge, TN. Both museums also contain an exact replica of Titanic's hand-crafted Grand Staircase.
The LST-325 Memorial Landing Ship is the last fully operational Landing Ship Tank from WWII. Among her fascinating history, she served as part of Force “B”, the backup force for the troops going ashore at Omaha Beach on D-Day. She can be viewed and toured in Evansville, Indiana throughout most of the year, but in the fall she makes her own tour of the United States inland rivers.
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The Royal Yacht Britannia is scheduled to be closed 9 & 10 October for planned building works out with our control. Click on the Visit page for more information before you visit. Step aboard to enjoy a great day out!
You can still visit, as long as you arrive within our opening hours. Our team at the ticket desk will let you on board as soon as possible on your arrival. ... The Royal Yacht Britannia is scheduled to be closed 9 & 10 October for planned building works out with our control.
A Royal residence for over 40 years, The Royal Yacht Britannia sailed over 1,000,000 nautical miles on 968 state visits with the Royal Family where they entertained prime ministers and presidents. Now Tripadvisor's No.1 UK Attraction 2023 - 2024, you can discover across five decks stories of life at sea for both the Royal Family and the 220 ...
How to Visit the Royal Britania. You can visit the Britannia any day of the year on Edinburgh's waterfront. Hours vary by season, and you can find them listed and purchase tickets on the yacht's website. Private tours are also available, and you can visit the Royal Deck Tearoom, where the Royal Family hosted cocktail parties and receptions ...
Access to the Royal Deck Tea Room is only available if you have purchased a ticket to tour the Royal Yacht Britannia, and they are unable to accommodate reservations. The Royal Yacht Britannia: A Fantastic Gift Shop. After finishing your tour of the ship and having a bite in the tea room, do not miss the gift shop at the end of the tour.
Step aboard Queen Elizabeth II's former floating palace and experience this iconic attraction for yourself. Rated Tripadvisor's No.1 UK Attraction (AGAIN), Britannia is one of the most famous ships in the world…Royal Deck Tearoom. Only 15 minutes from Edinburgh City Centre. Lothian Bus services from Edinburgh city centre are - 10, 16, 34 ...
Royal Yacht Britannia used to be Queen Elizabeth's Palace on Water and is now Scotland's most popular tourist attraction. Known by many names such as Her Majesty's Yacht Britannia, Queen Elizabeth's Yacht, HMY Britannia, etc., this Yacht was in the Queen's service for 44 years and sailed more than a million miles worldwide.. It is a perfect opportunity to see how the British Queen ...
Today, more than 300,000 people visit the Royal Yacht Britannia each year, making it one of the top five tourist attractions in Scotland. Things to Do. Check out the Britannia Visitor Centre: Start your visit at the Britannia Visitor Centre located in Ocean Terminal. There, you can discover Britannia's fascinating history through exhibits and ...
Visit this award-winning attraction, just two miles from Edinburgh's city centre at Ocean Terminal. The Royal Yacht Britannia played host to some of the world's most famous people, from Nelson Mendela to Winston Churchill, but above all was home for the British Royal Family for over 40 years. Now you can discover the heart and soul of this ...
construction and design of the Royal Yacht Britannia. Like two of the other great ocean-going passenger liners, the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth II, the royal yacht's life began on the River Clyde. It was built in John Brown's shipyard in Clydebank near Glasgow and launched on 16 April 1953. Following sea trials, the ship was commissioned ...
Step aboard Queen Elizabeth II's former floating palace and experience this iconic attraction for yourself. Rated Tripadvisor's No.1 UK Attraction (AGAIN), Britannia is one of the most famous ships in the world…Royal Deck Tearoom. Only 15 minutes from Edinburgh City Centre. Lothian Bus services from Edinburgh city centre are - 10, 16, 34 ...
As part of this redevelopment, Britannia will also be gaining a new Visitor Centre and Gift Shop which will involve us operating out of temporary accommodation whilst these new facilities are being created. Last admission on 24 December is 2:30pm and 31 December is 3:00pm. The Royal Yacht Britannia is closed on 25 December and 1 January.
As you kindly mention, by stepping aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia, visitors do gain an insight into life at sea by touring the five decks of the Yacht. From the Bridge to the State Apartments, and the Crew's Quarters too, visitors can see where the Royal Family and crew of Royal Yachtsmen lived, worked, and relaxed.
Royal Yacht Britannia. 23,619 reviews. #1 of 543 things to do in Edinburgh. Speciality MuseumsShips. Closed now. 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Write a review. About. Step aboard Queen Elizabeth II's former floating palace and experience this iconic attraction for yourself.
10 reasons to visit The Royal Yacht Britannia. 1. Truly unique. Royal Yachts have been utilised by the British Royal Family for centuries. At the end of each yacht's seafaring days they were scuttled with another yacht taking its place. Decommissioned in 1997, after 40 years travelling all over the world, Britannia was to be the last Royal ...
An absolute highlight of our visit to Edinburgh was taking a bus to Leith to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia! What a stunning place to visit, the whole tour is perfect with excellent commentary. Allow at least 2-3 hours hours to get the most out of your visit as there is so much history to absorb and it would be a shame to rush through.
The Royal Yacht Britannia is scheduled to be closed 9 & 10 October for planned building works out with our control. Click on the Visit page for more information before you visit. Step aboard to enjoy a great day out!
Step aboard Queen Elizabeth II's former floating palace and experience this iconic attraction for yourself. Rated Tripadvisor's No.1 UK Attraction (AGAIN), Britannia is one of the most famous ships in the world…Royal Deck Tearoom. Only 15 minutes from Edinburgh City Centre. Lothian Bus services from Edinburgh city centre are - 10, 16, 34 ...
As part of this redevelopment, Britannia will also be gaining a new Visitor Centre and Gift Shop which will involve us operating out of temporary accommodation whilst these new facilities are being created. We are delighted that you wish to visit The Royal Yacht Britannia, a top attraction in Leith, just 2 miles from Edinburgh's city centre.
To visit Britannia get off the tram at stop Ocean Terminal. Adult tickets cost £2 each way in the city zone. Child tickets are £1 each way. If you are returning to the city, you can purchase a return ticket for the same day at £3.80 for adults and £1.90 for children. Tickets must be purchased from the machines on the platform before travel.
Royal Yacht Britannia, Leith, Scotland, UK. Nearly half a million people visit The Royal Yacht Britannia in Scotland every year. The ship was Queen Elizabeth II's favorite ship and was a ...
An absolute highlight of our visit to Edinburgh was taking a bus to Leith to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia! What a stunning place to visit, the whole tour is perfect with excellent commentary. Allow at least 2-3 hours hours to get the most out of your visit as there is so much history to absorb and it would be a shame to rush through.
Step aboard Queen Elizabeth II's former floating palace and experience this iconic attraction for yourself. Rated Tripadvisor's No.1 UK Attraction (AGAIN), Britannia is one of the most famous ships in the world…Royal Deck Tearoom. Only 15 minutes from Edinburgh City Centre. Lothian Bus services from Edinburgh city centre are - 10, 16, 34 ...