What to see at The Royal Yacht Britannia
There are five decks to explore on board the Clydebank-built former Royal Yacht of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. A floating palace, holiday home and ambassador for the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, Britannia travelled around the world many times over for more than forty years.
What will be your highlight during a visit to The Royal Yacht Britannia?
-Wander through the stunning yet understated State Apartments, where royalty, world leaders and celebrities met. Step into The State Drawing Room, where Sir Noël Coward, Princess Diana and Princess Margaret all tickled the ivories on the Welmar grand piano, which was secured to the floor, in case of inclement weather.
-Marvel at the grandest room onboard, The State Dining Room, where the spectacular banquets’ guest lists included incredible names from the pages of world history such as Churchill, Thatcher, Mandela, Reagan, Clinton and Yeltsin. Spot the gifts and mementoes collected from far flung places which line the walls in a mini museum of curiosities: a two-metre long whalebone, which Prince Philip found on Deception Island and a wooden carving of a shark signed by all the adults living on Pitcairn Island in 1971, descendants of Fletcher Christian, the leader of the Bounty mutiny.
-On a sunny Edinburgh day, bask in Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite room on Britannia, The Sun Lounge, where the Royal Family would take breakfast and afternoon tea. Look out for the hidden drinks cabinet and the rum tub!
-Don’t miss a photo opportunity on the Verandah Deck next to Britannia’s famous bell, the only place on board where The Royal Yacht’s name can be found, and the Deck where games would be played by members of the Royal Family.
-Below deck, discover another side to Britannia as you experience the working ship’s life through The Bridge, The Admiral’s Quarters, Officers’ cabins, The Wardroom, Galleys, the Laundry and even the onboard Operating Theatre!
-Take home a sweet memory of a freshly-made fudge treat from the NAAFI onboard shop.
-Imagine the noise and the hustle and bustle within the immaculate Engine Room, barely changed since construction in 1953, and containing polished chrome, white enamel and gleaming black steam turbines.
-Learn about the Royal Family’s love of sailing in the Royal Sailing exhibition.
-Raise a glass in the Royal Deck Tea Room while you can enjoy the far-reaching Leith waterfront views and choose from a delicious Champagne Cream Tea or melt-in-the-mouth cakes and scones, all prepared in the original Galleys.
-For young Captains in the making, spot the Cuddly Corgis in Britannia’s Corgi Treasure Hunt and specially created Children’s audio guide.
-Before you disembark and say farewell to The Royal Yacht Britannia, don't forget to indulge in some retail therapy in the Gift Shop where you can take home exclusive Britannia souvenirs from your amazing time aboard.
