Frequently Asked Questions

TICKET QUESTIONS

Do I need to pre-book tickets?
Book online through our website in advance to save on our standard tickets, click here to book. You can purchase:
Adult, NATO Armed Forces (with ID), Student (with ID), Young person (aged 16-21 with proof of age), Children (aged 7-15), Children (aged 0-6), Carer and Educator tickets through our ticketing partner Digitickets. We have a special rate available online up to the day before. On the day, you can still buy tickets through our website and the price is the same as at the ticket desk, with the advantage that you can access Britannia via our pre-booked ticket entrance.  

You are also welcome to buy tickets on the day of your visit (card or contactless payment only). For visitors wishing to join the enhanced group Royal Tea on Britannia tour, we kindly advise that tickets must be booked in advance from our website, no later than 4.00pm on the day before your visit.

How are the tickets sent?
Tickets will be e-mailed to the e-mail address provided during ticket purchase. This e-mail can be shown on your phone/tablet or printed out. 

Can I add my tickets to my Google Pay/Apple wallet?
Yes, your booking confirmation email has buttons with the option to add your tickets to your Google Pay/Apple wallet.

How can I pay for tickets?
You can pre-book standard self-guided tour tickets through this website to receive our special advance ticket price. Click here to book.

At the ticket desk, you can pay via card or contactless. Please note that we do not currently accept cash. 

For visitors who wish to join our Royal Tea on Britannia tour, tickets can only be purchased in advance from our website. 

Is the ticket price the same online as it is at the ship?
No, we have a special rate available online up to the day before on our standard self-guided tour tickets. On the day, you can still buy tickets through our website and the price is the same as at the ticket desk, with the advantage that you can access Britannia via our pre-booked ticket entrance.  

There are no ticket reductions available for the enhanced group Royal Tea on Britannia tour. 

How much does it cost to visit The Royal Yacht Britannia?
Our prices are shown online and you can buy tickets online through our ticketing partner, Digitickets, on this website. Click here to book.

Can I pre-book with my Britannia gift vouchers?
It is not possible to pre-book with Britannia Gift Vouchers. Please follow the instructions on your voucher and then bring your vouchers with you on the day and our team at the ticket desk will process your admission. We regret that Britannia Gift Vouchers cannot be redeemed against the Royal Tea tour, as places must be reserved in advance by no later than the day before the visit.

I have complimentary tickets, do I need to pre-book?
With complimentary tickets, you do not need to pre-book your visit. Simply visit on your chosen date/time within our admission hours and show your tickets at our entrance. These tickets do not have an expiry date.

Can I pre-book with my Annual Pass?
Annual Pass holders do not need to pre-book, just come along at your chosen date/time within our admission hours and show your pass at the admission entrance on the Second Floor of Ocean Terminal.

MOVING YOUR TICKET/REFUNDS

Can I change my date/time slot if I can no longer make it?
Yes, please email enquiries@tryb.co.uk, Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00. Please note that if you have moved your booking into a different month where a higher ticket price is in place, an additional cost may be incurred to move the booking. When moving ticket dates, no refund on price difference is applicable.

Can I get a refund?
For Standard self-guided tour tickets, refunds are available up to 48 hours before your visit. To request a refund please e-mail enquiries@tryb.co.uk with your order reference.

For Flexible tickets, a full refund is available. To request a refund please e-mail enquiries@tryb.co.uk with your order reference.

I pre-booked my ticket but I will be early/late, can I still visit? 
Absolutely, you can still visit when you arrive within our opening hours. Our team at the ticket desk will get you on board as soon as possible on your arrival.

I booked my tickets through Get Your Guide. How do I change my booking?
If you purchased your tickets through Get Your Guide, any changes to your booking must be made directly with them. Please visit the Get Your Guide website or check your confirmation email for instructions on modifying your reservation.

TYPES OF TICKETS/DISCOUNTS

What is a Standard Ticket?
A Standard Ticket allows you to pick an entry for a specific date and time. Included in your ticket price is our audio guide, available in 34 languages, BSL/ASL tablet and Braille as well as an Annual Pass for 12 months of free admission. The ticket is refundable up to 48 hours before your visit date. These tickets can be moved to another date, an additional cost may be incurred.

What is a Flexible Ticket?
A Flexible Ticket allows you to visit on any date and time within our admission days/hours. The ticket is refundable up to the day of your visit or can be moved to another date/time free of charge. Included in your ticket price is our audio guide, available in 34 languages, BSL/ASL tablet and Braille as well as an Annual Pass for 12 months of free admission. 

Who can receive an Educator ticket?
Educators are anyone aged 18+ who work in a recognised education establishment. Please show staff ID to our Welcome Host at the admission entrance on the day. 

Do you offer carer tickets?
Should you visit with someone acting in a carer capacity, they can receive free admission to Britannia. This ticket is available through this website or at the ticket desk. For both website and in person purchases, please bring along the relevant paperwork on the day- if you don't have any supporting paperwork, please chat to our Welcome Host at the admission entrance on the day. 

Do you offer military discount?
Yes, we offer a NATO Armed Forces ticket on the self-guided tour. Please show proof of service such as a Military ID or the Defence Discount Service card or equivalent at the admission entrance.

Do you offer NHS/Blue Light card discount?
We offer a special rate through NHS Staff Benefits and through the Blue Light Card (local offers). Please see their websites for how to redeem and for further details. Please bring along NHS ID/Blue Light Card. 

Do you offer discounted tickets for seniors?  
No. Our tickets include the use of a tour commentary (audio guide, BSL/ASL tablet or Braille script) and a free Annual Pass, which allows each visitor to return free of charge, for up to a year.

Do you accept ASVA cards?
Yes, ASVA cardholders receive free entry on the self-guided tour. Please note that your visit cannot be pre-booked. Simply arrive on any day during our admission hours and present your ASVA card at the ticket desk.

I have booked the Britannia Bus Tour, are tickets to visit Britannia included?
There is a bus tour of Edinburgh called the 'Britannia Tour' however, this is operated by a third party. Tickets to visit Britannia are not included in the 'Britannia Tour' bus ticket.

The Royal Edinburgh ticket however does include 48 hours on the Edinburgh Bus Tours (City Sightseeing, Edinburgh Tour and Regal Tour), as well as entry to The Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

PLANNING YOUR VISIT

How long does a visit last?
You are welcome to visit for as long as you wish within our admission hours. On average, visitors take 2 hours to visit - make sure to add in more time to enjoy a hearty lunch or tea and cake/scones in the Royal Deck Tearoom.

When does the Yacht close and how long do I have after last admission?
On our website, you choose a start time for your visit but once you are on board you can stay as long as you wish within our opening hours. We close 2 hours after the last admission. 

*The last entry on 15, 17, 19 and 20 August is at 3pm. Last entry on 24 December is 2:30pm. The Royal Yacht Britannia is closed on 25 December and 1 January.

†On Thursday 17 December, last admission to the Royal Yacht is at 12:00pm and closing time is at 2:00pm.

Is Britannia accessible?
Britannia is highly accessible via two central lifts. For further information please see our accessibility page where you can find our access statement.

Please note, should you visit with someone acting in a carer capacity, they can receive free admission to Britannia. This ticket is available through this website or at the ticket desk. For both website and in person purchases, please bring along the relevant paperwork on the day.

How does the commentary work as I tour Britannia?
Our self-guided tour has a commentary which is included in your admission ticket and is available in audio in 36 languages, BSL/ASL tablet, audio for the visually impaired, children's version and plain English and in Braille script.

If you would like to listen through your mobile phone, if possible please bring your own headphones. If you are unable to do so, we do have headphones available on request from our handsets desk.   

Is there a dress code to visit?
There is no dress code to visit however due the nature of the decks on board the ship, please wear sensible shoes, no high heels. Please wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing for touring the five decks.

Can I visit Britannia on a rainy day?
Yes, Britannia is an all-weather attraction with the majority of the tour taking place indoors. Read our 'Rainy day' blog to find out more.

Can I leave luggage somewhere whilst I visit?
Yes, you can leave luggage with our team at the Handset Desk before boarding the ship.

Do you have a risk assessment?
Yes, you can see our risk assessment here.

GETTING TO BRITANNIA

How do I get to Britannia?
You can easily get to Britannia from the city centre via local bus or the tram. We also have free car parking within Ocean Terminal. Click here for directions.

Is there car parking?
There is a multi-storey car park with a two metres height restriction as part of Ocean Terminal. There are accessible parking spaces and dedicated parent and child parking bays available.

Is there motorhome/caravan parking available?
There is no motorhome/caravan parking due to the height restriction in the Ocean Terminal multi-storey car park, which is two metres. Ocean Terminal can be reached by Lothian buses or trams. Please find out how to get to Britannia here. 

Is there coach parking?
Please be aware that there are currently no designated coach parking bays outside Ocean Terminal, and available parking in the surrounding area is limited. We kindly request that all coach drivers adhere to the Highway Code and comply with all parking regulations at all times.

FACILITIES

Will the Royal Deck Tearoom, NAAFI and Shop be open?

Yes, our Tearoom, Shop and NAAFI will be open.

*The last entry on 15, 17, 19 and 20 August is at 3pm. Last entry on 24 December is 2:30pm. The Royal Yacht Britannia is closed on 25 December and 1 January.

Will there be facilities and catering?
Yes, our toilets and the Royal Deck Tearoom will be open. 

Can I pre-book a table in the Royal Deck Tearoom?
No, as tables are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Please note that you must purchase a Britannia admission ticket or be an Annual Pass holder to visit the Royal Deck Tearoom.

ANNUAL PASS

How can I apply for an Annual Pass?
We are delighted that you wish to visit again! To receive your Annual Pass following your visit, please apply here. Your Annual Pass will be emailed to you. 


GENERAL QUESTIONS

Can I bring my dog on board?
We welcome guide dogs, hearing dogs and other recognised assistance dogs. It is not possible to bring other dogs into Ocean Terminal or aboard Britannia.

Can I take photographs on board?
You are welcome to take photographs on board. There are great photo opportunities, especially on the outer decks.

Can you stay on The Royal Yacht Britannia?
There is no hotel accommodation on The Royal Yacht Britannia. Our sister ship, Fingal Hotel, is a 5-10 minute walk from Britannia within the same historic Port of Leith, with 22 luxurious cabins inspired by Fingal’s rich maritime heritage as a former Northern Lighthouse Board tender. The onboard Lighthouse Restaurant, welcomes both those staying on board as well as walk ins for seasonal dinner and spectacular cocktails. Table reservations are required for Afternoon Tea.

ABOUT BRITANNIA

What happened to The Royal Yacht Britannia?
After 44 years sailing around the world, the decommissioning service was on 11 December 1997 in Portsmouth. It was soon after decided that Edinburgh was the chosen location for Britannia to start the ship's next chapter as a visitor attraction. Britannia opened to the public on 5 May 1998.

Where is The Royal Yacht Britannia?
The Royal Yacht is now permanently berthed alongside Ocean Terminal, in Leith which is 2 miles from Edinburgh's city centre.

Why was Edinburgh chosen as the location for Britannia after decommissioning?
The Rt Hon. George Robertson spoke of his decision in an interview for BBC Radio Scotland: 'I had to make a difficult decision between two very close schemes... they'd had a slightly more imaginative scheme involving the use of some of the state rooms for very special occasions and secondly because Leith has got that ocean-going tradition that fits in with Britannia's million mile background and of course, for centuries it has that Royal tradition of yachts and ships that have brought Royal families over these centuries to Edinburgh.'

Who owns The Royal Yacht Britannia?
Britannia is now owned and cared for by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, a charity with the principal activity to encourage as many people as possible to visit Britannia, in order to learn more about this iconic vessel and the ambassadorial role she undertook throughout the world.

Where was The Royal Yacht Britannia built?
Britannia was built in John Brown's Shipyard in Clydebank. To read more on Britannia's history, click here.

Who are the 'Yotties'?
The 'Yotties' is the affectionate name given to the Royal Yachtsmen who worked aboard Britannia during Royal service. Once a year, usually in May, many of the Royal Yachtsmen return to the Yacht for their annual Working Party where they volunteer their time to assist our own dedicated Maintenance team in preserving Britannia. Find out more about life below decks here. 

Last updated: March 2026