Visitors can tour all five decks of Britannia, and see how the royals and the crew lived, worked, and entertained on board. Some of the highlights of the tour include:
- The State Apartments, where the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh hosted dignitaries and celebrities, and where they had their private quarters. The apartments are decorated with elegant furniture, paintings, and photographs, and feature personal touches such as the Queen’s writing desk, the Duke’s naval charts, and a baby grand piano.
- The Sun Lounge, where the Queen enjoyed reading and relaxing, and where she had her afternoon tea. The lounge has a panoramic view of the sea, and is filled with plants and flowers.
- The Royal Deck Tea Room, where visitors can enjoy a selection of homemade soups, sandwiches, cakes, and speciality teas and coffees, served on the original Britannia china. The tea room also offers stunning views of the waterfront and the Edinburgh skyline.
- The Bridge, where the Captain and the officers navigated and steered the ship. The bridge is equipped with various instruments, controls, and communication devices, and displays the ship’s original wheel and bell.
- The Engine Room, where the engineers and stokers maintained and operated the ship’s machinery. The engine room is immaculately clean and polished, and showcases the two Pametrada steam turbines, the electric generators, and the boilers.
- The Sick Bay, where the ship’s doctor and nurse treated the crew and the guests for any illnesses or injuries. The sick bay has a dispensary, a surgery, and a ward, and displays some of the medical equipment and supplies used on board.
- The Laundry, where the laundrymen and seamstresses washed, dried, ironed, and mended the clothes and linens of the royals and the crew. The laundry has a washing machine, a dryer, an ironing board, and a sewing machine, and exhibits some of the uniforms and garments worn on board.
- The Crew’s Quarters, where the Royal Yachtsmen and the Royal Marines slept, ate, and socialised. The quarters are divided into messes, cabins, and dormitories, and reflect the different ranks and roles of the crew. The quarters also feature a cinema, a bar, and a gymnasium, where the crew enjoyed their leisure time.
In addition to the tour, visitors can also experience some of the special events and activities that Britannia offers, such as:
- The Evening Tours, where visitors can explore the ship after hours, and enjoy a glass of champagne and a slice of the Britannia fudge in the State Drawing Room.
- The Royal Yacht Britannia Gift Shop, where visitors can find a range of souvenirs and gifts, such as Britannia china, jewellery, clothing, books, and toys.
- The Royal Racing Yacht Bloodhound, where visitors can see and sail on the 1930s yacht that belonged to the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, and that was used to teach Prince Charles and Princess Anne how to sail.
- The Fingal Hotel, where visitors can stay in a luxury floating hotel that was formerly a lighthouse tender, and that is moored next to Britannia. The hotel has 23 cabins, a restaurant, a bar, and a ballroom, and is decorated with nautical and Art Deco themes.
The Royal Yacht Britannia is one of the most popular and acclaimed attractions in the United Kingdom. It has been voted as the best UK attraction by TripAdvisor in 2023, and has received over five million visitors since it opened in 1998.
Why You Should Visit the Royal Yacht Britannia
The Royal Yacht Britannia is more than just a ship. It is a floating palace of history and elegance, where you can learn about the lives and stories of the British monarchy and their loyal crew, and where you can enjoy a taste of royal hospitality and service. Whether you are a fan of the royals, a lover of ships, or a seeker of adventure, you will find something to fascinate and delight you on board Britannia. So, don’t miss this opportunity to visit one of the most iconic and prestigious attractions in the UK, and book your tickets online today. You won’t regret it.
