What is the Royal Yacht Britannia?
Britannia was the British royal family's floating residence for more than 40 years, carrying Queen Elizabeth II on state visits around the world, and on family holidays, until she was decommissioned in the 1990s. Today she's permanently berthed in Leith, Edinburgh's port, and is one of Scotland's most popular attractions.
You explore five decks with an included audio guide: the State Apartments where the royals entertained presidents and prime ministers, the Queen's and Duke of Edinburgh's bedrooms, the sun lounge, the crew's quarters, the sick bay, the laundry and the gleaming engine room. The tour ends at the Royal Deck Tea Room.
Ticket prices
Children, seniors, students and families pay reduced prices. See the official site for the full list.
Online is cheaper and faster
Booking online saves about £2 per adult over the desk price and guarantees your arrival slot on busy days. Choose a flexible ticket only if your plans may change.
🎟️ Skip the ticket line
Check the crowds, find the best time slot, and book through our authorised partner.
How arrival times work
Tickets are sold by arrival time to spread visitors through the day. Once you're aboard, there's no time limit: stay as long as you like within opening hours. Visits usually take about 1.5-2 hours, plus time in the tea room.
Last entry is in the mid-afternoon (earlier in winter), and the attraction closes about two hours after the last entry. It's closed on 25 December and 1 January, with an earlier last entry on 24 December.
How busy is Britannia?
Our crowd data shows Britannia has almost no quiet day of the week. Sunday is slightly the busiest, but every day follows the same pattern: calm in the first hour, then peak crowds from about noon to 3 pm, when coach tours and cruise passengers arrive.
Cruise ship days at Leith and the summer festival season (August) are especially busy.
Crowds by day and time
From the typical weekly visitor pattern for The Royal Yacht Britannia, based on Google’s popular-times data.
How to skip the queues
- Book online for the cheapest price and a guaranteed arrival slot.
- Choose the first arrival slot of the day, before the coach tours.
- Go up to the tea room early if you want a window table, or go at the end of your visit after the lunch rush.
- Avoid cruise-ship days in Leith if you can.
- Combine with lunch in Leith instead of eating on board at peak time.
Getting there
Britannia is berthed alongside the Ocean Terminal shopping centre. Enter through the centre and follow the signs to the visitor centre.
Mistakes to avoid
- Paying the desk price when online is cheaper.
- Booking a midday slot in August or on a cruise-ship day.
- Arriving after last entry: it's in the mid-afternoon, not at closing time.
- Rushing it. Allow at least 1.5 hours aboard.
Is the Royal Yacht Britannia worth it?
Yes. It's a rare, intimate look at royal life, surprisingly modest in places, and the audio guide is excellent. It's worth the trip out to Leith. Book a morning slot online for the calmest visit.
🎟️ Included in the Royal Edinburgh Ticket. Could a pass save you money? Compare Edinburgh tourist passes →
FAQs
How much are tickets for the Royal Yacht Britannia?
+
About £23 for adults online in advance from April to October (£25 at the desk, £27 flexible), and about £1 less from November to March. Children, seniors and families pay less.
Do I need to book the Royal Yacht Britannia in advance?
+
It's recommended. Booking online is cheaper and guarantees your arrival time on busy days.
How long do you need on Britannia?
+
About 1.5-2 hours, plus time in the Royal Deck Tea Room. There's no time limit once you're aboard.
Where is the Royal Yacht Britannia?
+
At Ocean Terminal in Leith, Edinburgh. Take the tram to the Ocean Terminal stop.
When is Britannia least busy?
+
At first entry in the morning. Noon to 3 pm is the busiest time every day. See our crowd forecast.
Heading to The Royal Yacht Britannia?
See how busy it is right now and the quietest hours for your date, then walk in when the line is short.
Check live crowds →Sources
How we research: every guide is written by the BeatTheCrowd team from official sources and recent traveller reports, cross-checked against each other, and dated so you know how fresh it is. Last checked 1 November 2026. Prices and rules change, so always confirm on the official site before you book.
