Royal Yacht Britannia, The

2 reviews

1. 

   Darren Moore, March 26, 2014 9:44 pm business - Royal Yacht Britannia, The
   5/5

   “Highly recommended.” I wasn’t sure what to expect from a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia, but I was pleasantly surprised. From a low key entrance in Ocean Terminal shopping centre, Leith, you go through an exhibition that details, amongst other things, the history of Royal Yachts and also has the original wheelhouse on display.

   After the exhibition, you’re given a handset and told by the friendly staff to complete the tour at your own pace. You can do the tour in a huge range of languages, twenty seven in fact, making the Britannia tour the most translated in the world! It’s also lovely to be able to take photographs, as that’s something I’ve missed on other tours I’ve done where you’re not allowed.

   The tour starts on the bridge, and it’s pretty old fashioned, but must’ve worked well. It’s great to look out to the stern from the point of view of the captain. The next level shows where the admiral used to live and also the royal apartments themselves. One of the staff was at the stern of the ship to take our photograph in the same place the Queen and her family used to be snapped on their holidays! I was amazed that the Queen’s bed was so small and that the whole décor on the ship was so relatively simple. It has an old fashioned elegance that is really appealing.

   Next we stopped off at the tearoom, which is just upstairs from the royal apartments. There is a small lift though if you have mobility difficulties. The whole ship is fully wheelchair accessible which is pretty impressive. The array of scones and cakes in the tearoom was extensive and it’s a great place for a light lunch too. The view is nice across the water and I can recommend the roasted red pepper soup. The staff in here were really professional, smartly dressed and friendly too – it’s all waiter service.

   On with the tour. Next we saw the officer’s wardroom and galleys. The galleys are still used as the ship hosts evening events on board. I hate to think how much it would cost to hire it out though! The highlight in my view was the state dining room, which was spectacular. This area was where the Queen would entertain guests and also dine with the family. Looking into the drawing room, it felt as though they had just left.

   The next level down showed where the crew would sleep. It surprised me how cramped it all was. There’s also the NAFFI here too where you can buy fudge that’s made on board the ship – yum. You can sample any flavours you like for free, and there are lots to choose from.

   Towards the end of the tour we saw the gleaming engine room and an exhibition detailing the royal family’s interest in sailing throughout the last century. We exited though the shop (of course!) and there seemed to be something there to suit every budget. Even if you don’t want to buy anything it’s a very pleasant place to browse and again the staff couldn’t be more helpful.

   Altogether it was a lovely place to spend the afternoon. I’m told it gets fiercely busy in August, but then so does everywhere in Edinburgh at that time. There’s also a few areas where you’re outside for a bit, so it’s be best done on a dry day. Highly recommended.

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     The Royal Yacht Britannia - Business Owner, March 28, 2014 9:09 am business - Royal Yacht Britannia, The

     Thank you for your review, Darren. It is wonderful to hear about your visit, and I am delighted that you had an enjoyable experience. As you have visited once, you can apply for your free Annual Pass which allows you free entry for 12 months and a 15% discount in our Tea Room and Gift Shop. Thank you again for visiting.

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2. 

   Wee Jock Poopong McPlop, February 19, 2019 1:13 pm business - Royal Yacht Britannia, The
   5/5

   Ahoy there me hearties!

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