Rainy Days Aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia

An exterior shot of Britannia, in Edinburgh. There are colourful dress flags flying from the mast. it is raining.

A fantastic way to spend a rainy day in Edinburgh is aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia. Here are some tips and highlights to make the most of your day with an adventure which makes the best of indoor and outdoor activities aboard Queen Elizabeth II’s former floating palace.

Why you should visit Britannia on a rainy day:
• An all-weather attraction with majority of the tour indoors. 
• Inside entrance to our Visitor Centre within Ocean Terminal. 
• Covered multi-storey car park. 
• Ocean Terminal is easily accessible from Edinburgh's city center by tram and bus. 
• Onboard Royal Deck Tearoom
• Indoor Shop
• Visitors can pre-book their visit

A man and a woman talking to a Visitor Assistant indoors in the Drawing Room onboard Britannia in Edinburgh.

No matter the weather, you can comfortably explore the five decks, each filled with fascinating exhibits and historical artefacts, with a breath of fresh sea air in between.

Onboard highlights include: 
The State Apartments: Marvel at the homely rooms where the Royal Family spent their time. The elegant décor and personal items on display, kindly on loan from the Royal Collection, offer a glimpse into their lives at sea.

The Royal Deck Tearoom: The historic appearance of the Royal Deck has been re-created with an awning-style roof and original teak deck. The awning was formerly used to protect the Royal Family and their guests from the sun; today our awning and glass walls are to protect visitors in all seasons whilst providing wonderful views out to the Firth of Forth and Fife. Take a break and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, along with delicious soups, sandwiches, scones and cakes, all made in the Royal Galleys.

The Engine Room:
Discover the gleaming heart of the Yacht and learn about the impressive engineering that powered Britannia on its many voyages.

A family of four sitting at a table by the window in the indoors Tearoom on Britannia in Edinburgh. The man is pouring tea.

Complimentary audio guide
Use the complimentary audio guide, BSL/ASL tablet or Braille script to listen to stories and anecdotes about Britannia’s history and its Royal passengers, imagining what life was like aboard this floating palace.

Visit our Shop
Back ashore, don't forget to visit the Shop before you finish your visit to browse the fantastic range of exclusive gifts and nautical items. Whether you are looking for a Royal memento or a unique present, there is something for everyone.

A rubber duck dressed in an Admiral's uniform sitting in the rain.

A rainy day visit to The Royal Yacht Britannia is a memorable and enjoyable experience, so grab your umbrella and raincoat, embrace the weather, and come aboard for a Royal adventure. Book your visit now!


Photo copyright: 
Ruth McQuiggan
Helen Pugh