Is the Royal Yacht Britannia worth Visiting?
Is the Royal Yacht Britannia worth Visiting? – The Royal Yacht Britannia recently won the best historic attraction award from Which so that’s a very positive start. There are five decks of ship to explore, including the Queen’s bedroom, the honeymoon suite, a fleet of v cool vehicles plus a corgi treasure trail for kids. This attraction works in all weather, but makes an excellent Edinburgh rainy day activity, so here’s the lowdown.
After decommissioning in 1997, the esteemed Royal Yacht could have docked anywhere. Competition was fierce to host it, but the pitch that won brought the vessel to Leith. Visitors get a real ‘Upstairs, Downstairs’ experience comparing how the Royals lived, in contrast with the ‘work hard play hard crew’.
You can get to Leith via bus, tram, taxi or the hop on/hop off bus. The tour bus is cancellable 24 hours beforehand so book now and decide later. Access to the ship is through the Britannia reception area within the Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre (which is also home to shops and a soft play centre). Pick up your audio guide at the Britannia reception, which is v simple to operate. Then it’s time to step aboard.
The tour starts at the bridge with all the steering, gadgets and power, and great views over the bow where the Royals would position themselves to wave at the crowds. Then you visit the Verandah deck with its thick teak floors that had to be cleaned daily by 8am without disturbing the Royals. This was an area for games, sunbathing, events, whatever was required. My favourite room came next, the Sun Lounge (pics above). Turns out it was the Queen’s favourite room too. It’s airy and relaxed and the sea views must have been fantastic.
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Within the State rooms things get intimate. It’s fascinating to see the relatively simple bedrooms of the Queen and Prince Philip, plus the honeymoon suite installed at Prince Charles’ request. I was drawn to the relaxed country feel of the chintz State Drawing Room (above). It’s nowhere near as grand as it sounds, and appears to be a comfortable family room. On the other hand, the Dining Room feels appropriately formal and has hosted SO many international leaders the mind reels.
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On the lower decks discover the quirky lives of the crew. The segregation between ranks is clear, with different bars and restaurants reserved for different sailors. Tales of a toy wallaby in a ceiling fan, plus a wooden monkey make it clear the crew got up to a fair amount of mischief.
The practical side of the ship is also clear – this prestigious ships was carrying the Queen after all and required everything she may require to look amazing, keep healthy and keep safe. There’s a huge floating laundry room, a very well-equipped sick bay for any emergency, plus a fleet of vehicles including a grand Rolls Royce, a Landrover and a v James Bond style landing vessel.
Finally, take a coffee break or have lunch at The Royal Deck Tea Room. It’s only open to those who visit Britannia so should never get too busy.
Families – Is the Royal Yacht Britannia worth Visiting?
When your kids have completed the Corgi Trail and found all the corgis hidden around the ship, they can claim a badge in the gift shop. The gift shop is extensive, and also sells soft toy corgis if you wish to take one home.
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Where to Stay
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Browse accommodation in Leith/Edinburgh here. Or book into the yacht’s partner ship, Fingal. Fingal is a former Lighthouse Board vessel that underwent a £5 million conversion to become a luxury floating hotel. It’s really something! Royalty has stayed here when conducting business aboard Britannia. And any guest aboard Fingal receives complimentary tickets to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Fingal’s restaurant boasts two AA rosettes, and welcomes non-residents too. I enjoyed my starter of Orkney scallops with ruby grapefruit and taramasalata. Then I opted for a vegetarian main, and it really delivered – harisa roast celeriac with hispi cabbage and potato fondant.
Afternoon tea is also available, served Wednesday – Sunday from 12.30pm – 3.30pm. It starts with an amuse bouche of sweet potato velouté. The savoury highlight for me was the Wye Valley asparagus and chorizo tart. And the sweet treats included a gorgeous Amaretto and raspberry white chocolate bar and a lemon and poppyseed macaron.
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