For many years we'd wanted to visit The Royal Yacht Britannia, we finally had the chance, what an experience it was!
Royal Yacht Britannia is docked at Ocean Terminal, Leith, Edinburgh. We travelled by car for a day trip. For those travelling by rail/air to Edinburgh a regular bus service from the city centre will take you the short journey to Leith. There are also national chain hotels in Leith for those wanting to stay.
Free car parking is available in the multi storey car park adjoining the Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre which houses the ticket office for Royal Yacht Britannia and entrance to the Yacht. A lift from the car park takes people to the correct level for Britannia.
Our tickets cost £10 for hubby as he is 60 and £11.75 for me as I am a couple of years younger!. There was an offer on, pay once and get free entry to Britannia for a year. so we took the application form to visit again for free.
We were given an audio handset detailing the tour. The handset is available in several languages, and with a higher volume setting for the hard of hearing. A text version of the tour is available on request. Guide/Assistance dogs are welcome.
I have mobility problems so I was pleased there are lifts to the decks and plenty of places to sit down, should I have needed a wheelchair these can be provided.
The tour was wonderful, the State Apartments and Royal Bedrooms stunning. The State Dining Room being my favourite!. There are also the Officers Quarters, Crew Rooms, Offices, working areas, laundry, Sick Bay and Engine room to see.
We stopped half way through our tour for refreshment at The Royal Deck Tea Room. A variety of snacks are sold. We did have to wait a while for window seats but it was worth the wait as we lovely views of the Firth of Forth and distant views of the Forth Bridges. We each had a pot of refreshing tea and a nicely baked scone, costing just over £6 per person..
Towards the end of the tour we came across the NAFFI Sweet Shop which sells fudge made on Britannia. After sampling the fudge we could not resist a purchase!
The Britannia Gift Shop, was busy , it sells a variety of Scottish gifts.
We left Britannia knowing we would be back!
In the local area there are a variety of restaurants and cafes as well as the Indoor Ocean Terminal Shopping centre with so many interesting shops. Edinburgh with all its attractions is just a short journey away. The picteresque East Lothian coast and English Northumbrian Coast are just a short drive/rail journey away.
My tip. Allow plenty of time for the tour, there is so much to see and dont forget your camera,photography is welcomed on board.
