Visit Royal Yacht Britannia with our Great Savings Guide

What are the odds of popping out to Tesco Express and finding yourself outside the Queen’s bedroom? Quite high, it turns out, if you happen to be in Edinburgh.

Berthed behind Leith’s Ocean Terminal shopping centre, a short trip from the city centre, the last Royal yacht, HMY Britannia, is regularly listed as one of the UK’s most popular attractions.

Launched in 1953 as a floating Royal residence and state venue, it was designed to evoke ‘a country house at sea’. During its operational life, it sailed over a million nautical miles, visiting 135 countries, before being decommissioned in 1997.

Visitors access the yacht via an engaging exhibition in the shopping centre, where smartly uniformed and impeccably mannered staff welcome you to displays showing the ship’s history and development. From there, you’re free to explore the vessel’s five levels, from the bridge down to the engine rooms, via the Royal apartments, state dining rooms and staff quarters. An easy-to-use audio handset provides fascinating context, answering questions such as ‘Why are the portholes on one side of the yacht higher than the other?’ or ‘Where does one keep one’s Rolls-Royce on voyages?’

Gallery

The obvious areas of interest will be the Royal apartments, including the bedrooms, studies, dining and drawing rooms. I was less surprised that the Queen and Prince Philip had separate bedrooms (why wouldn’t you?) and more surprised that they slept in standard single beds. Not a king- or queen-size between them!

The grandeur of the state dining room, where cutlery was measured out with a ruler before entertaining dignitaries such as Nelson Mandela and Boris Yeltsin, stands in stark contrast to the relaxed informality of the teak-clad Sun Lounge - the late Queen’s favourite room. Board games, a record player and a painting easel hint at how off-duty time was enjoyed.

Below stairs, both literally and figuratively, you’ll find the officers’ messes and crew quarters. With numerous bars, galleys, a post office, an operating theatre and a vast laundry, you’re given a glimpse into how the 200+ crew also lived during voyages.

A new virtual reality tour of the engine rooms can be taken using a VR headset worn in the crew showers (cleverly repurposed as enclosures to prevent visitors from falling over!).

And for a taste of the high life yourself, the Royal Deck Tearoom (where the Royals themselves used to relax) offers grand views across the dock and the ship’s stern. The delicious scones sell out quickly - so get there early. Staff, however, remain diplomatically silent on whether the late Queen preferred hers with cream or jam first. 

Member saving: 20% discount at the Royal Yacht Britannia with the Great Savings Guide. Find out more here.

Stay at: Edinburgh, Balbirnie Park, Yellowcraig Club campsites.

Please visit camc.com/greatsavingsguide for vouchers, discount codes, and pre-booking where applicable, along with terms and conditions for all offers. Make sure to check the site and attraction opening dates and times before your visit or travel.