The Royal Yacht Britannia (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is The Royal Yacht Britannia?
What makes it 90% Kids-Friendly: Kids’ audio guide, corgi treasure hunt, dress-up area and lift-access routes keep under-12s engaged, but narrow gangways require supervision and hands-on exhibits are scarce.
Positives:
- Under-5s go free: Children under 5 enter at no charge, so younger kids board free.
- All-ages audio guides: Free handsets offer a child-friendly version and multi-language support.
- Pram-friendly access: Lifts connect all decks and corridors fit most single buggies.
Challenges:
- Narrow sections: Some corridor corners are tight—wide double buggies may not fit.
- No dedicated nursing room: Breastfeeding mothers may need to find a quiet bench on lower decks.
What is The Royal Yacht Britannia?
- A 126-metre ocean-going vessel built by John Brown & Co. on the River Clyde to serve as the British royal family’s official yacht from 1954 until 1997
- A purpose-designed combination of state apartments, crew living quarters and convertible machinery enabling rapid transformation into a hospital ship during wartime
- A permanently moored maritime exhibit at Port of Leith in Edinburgh, preserving original décor and fittings across five decks
What is so special about The Royal Yacht Britannia for with kids?
- Tour five distinct decks with free audio guides.
- Join a corgi treasure hunt and costume photo fun.
- Relax with child-friendly tea and snack options on deck.
- Enjoy pram access and free entry for under-5s.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows a relaxed tour of all decks, a tearoom break and kids’ activities without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in The Royal Yacht Britannia
Explore State Apartments:
Walk through the royal living quarters across five decks.
Tip: Use your free audio guide to learn stories behind each room.
Cuddly Corgi Treasure Hunt:
Follow a map to spot hidden corgi mascots on board.
Tip: Pick up the treasure map at the ticket desk before boarding.
‘Be the Admiral’ Photo Station:
Dress in replica naval uniform in the Crew’s Quarters.
Tip: Arrive early to avoid queues at the costume station.
Royal Deck Tearoom:
Enjoy British tea, cakes and child-friendly snacks with a sea view.
Tip: Order kids’ portions when you board to secure a window seat.
When is the best time to visit The Royal Yacht Britannia (Edinburgh, United Kingdom)?
On sunny days, visit early for shade on the top deck. In winter, wear warm layers for the open decks.
Explore These Activities
Reviews of The Royal Yacht Britannia (Edinburgh)
Thomas Smyth
Classy and well done, just as you would expect. Fair price for the experience. The renovated dock area is worth seeing on its own. The details on board are explained well on the audio guides. It's weirdly attached to a shopping mall but it works. In September it was not overcrowded at all. Staff are exceptionally nice.
Anandaraman Kaippillil Ramachandran
The yacht was truly magnificent. We explored so many fascinating details inside—from the engine room to every intricate corner of its design. Honestly, I loved the experience. Tickets can conveniently be purchased online.
Darryl Osborne
Really easy to park right by the yacht itself in a multi story car park and shopping centre. On the top floor you access the Yacht via the ticket office, and then through a small exhibition giving you more information about the yacht. The yacht itself is fantastic and extremely well preserved, and the addition of the cafe beautifully done and sympathetic. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit.
Carol Cheung
I really enjoyed visiting The Royal Yacht Britannia. The whole place is very well presented and gives you a great sense of the history behind this royal yacht. Walking through the different rooms, from the elegant state apartments to the simple crew quarters, you really get to see both sides of life on board. The audio guide and displays are easy to follow, and they make the experience much more e...
Kim MacRae
Well organized. The self guided audio tour runs smoothly and each part is not too long. We were happy we did it! Nice trip from the city center to spend some time on the water of Leith. Taking the city bus was very easy. The view, food and drinks were amazing at the tea room. Worth the money.
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Family ticket (2 adults + up to 3 kids) | GBP 50 |
| Tearoom snacks and drinks | GBP 25 |
| Souvenirs | GBP 20 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 95 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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How to Make the Most of Your Visit to The Royal Yacht Britannia
- Book tickets online: Reserve family tickets in advance to skip the main queue.
- Arrive at opening: Early entry means quieter decks and photo spots.
- Pick up kids’ audio first: Collect child devices at the desk so your child stays engaged.
Map of The Royal Yacht Britannia
Address: Ocean Dr, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ, UK
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About The Royal Yacht Britannia
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+44 131 555 5566Explore Popular Things to Do
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