The Royal Yacht Britannia — Queen Elizabeth II's floating palace for 44 years, the last and greatest royal yacht of the United Kingdom. Launched at Clydebank in 1953, she sailed over 1,080,000 nautical miles in 43 years and 334 days, visiting more than 600 ports in 135 countries on 968 official visits. Permanently berthed at Leith Harbour, Edinburgh since 1998, she has been repeatedly voted "UK's Top Attraction" by TripAdvisor. Her five decks are fully preserved, including the State Dining Room, the Queen's private study, crew quarters and the gleaming Engine Room, offering the only window into royal life at sea.
From the glorious decks of the Queen's floating palace to the scent of scones at the Royal Deck Tearoom, strolling the Leith waterfront to feel the romance and history of Edinburgh's harbour
Start your morning from Edinburgh city centre by tram or bus to Ocean Terminal at Leith Harbour. Collect your multilingual audio guide at the second-floor visitor centre before boarding. Explore the five decks in sequence: from the Bridge overlooking the Firth of Forth, through the State Apartments where the Queen entertained world leaders, discover the Queen's favourite private study, then delve into the Crew's Quarters and the gleaming Engine Room. At midday, head up to the Royal Deck Tearoom to enjoy Cullen Skink (smoked haddock chowder) and freshly baked scones accompanied by panoramic views of the Firth of Forth. In the afternoon, stroll along the historic Shore of Leith, sampling Scottish seafood at centuries-old pubs. End the evening exploring the Fingal floating hotel's Lighthouse Restaurant, sister ship to Britannia.
Founded in 2006 by Chef Tom Kitchin and his wife Michaela, holding a Michelin star for 19 consecutive years. Housed in a converted warehouse on the Leith waterfront, the open kitchen lets diners witness the "Nature to Plate" philosophy in action. Signature dish: Scottish venison with blackberry jus and coastal foraged greens. Menu changes every six weeks with the seasons. Watch the chef brigade work their magic through the kitchen window. Average £60-£90.
Located aboard the Fingal floating hotel, Head Chef Andrea Sendon Alonso creates modern European dishes from Scotland's finest seasonal ingredients. The Art Deco restaurant holds double AA Rosettes, with window tables overlooking Britannia's silhouette. Signature dishes include Scottish langoustines with lemon curd and slow-braised local lamb with mint foam. Breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner available by reservation. Cocktail bar set in the original engine room. Average £40-£70.
One of the most popular seafood restaurants on the Leith waterfront, just a 5-minute walk from the yacht. The chef insists on using only fish caught in Scottish waters, with the oyster bar serving seasonal varieties from Loch Fyne and Isle of Mull. Signature dishes include whole roasted sea bass with fennel salad and Scottish smoked salmon platter. Wine list focuses on Scottish craft ales and Lowland whiskies, with live Celtic harp music on weekends. Average £25-£45.
Leith's own specialty coffee roastery, an 8-minute walk from the yacht. Known for their dark-roast Edinburgh blend espresso and single-origin Kenyan pour-overs, paired with homemade banana bread and almond croissants. The interior retains the old harbour warehouse brickwork and beams, making it the perfect stopover on your way back from the yacht. Enjoy the courtyard in summer or cosy up by the fireplace in winter. Average £5-£12.