Royal Yacht Britannia

HMY Britannia served as the British Royal Family's floating residence from 1954 to 1997, when she was decommissioned following a decision by the incoming Labour government not to fund a replacement. She is now permanently moored at Ocean Terminal in Leith and open to visitors as one of the most detailed preserved royal vessels in the world. The tour (self-guided with audio guide, included in ticket price) covers five decks: the State Apartments where the Queen and Prince Philip hosted world leaders and dignitaries (the last dinner service for 56 people is still set in the State Dining Room), the Sun Lounge where the Royal Family relaxed, the engine room (operational until 1997), the crew quarters (220 sailors lived in conditions visibly more cramped than the royal decks above), and the bridge. The Britannia operated 968 official voyages across 44 years and covered over one million nautical miles. GBP 19 adult, GBP 10.50 child. Allow 1.5-2 hours for the full tour. The Ocean Terminal shopping centre is adjacent if you need lunch before or after. Britannia is the most visited paid tourist attraction in Scotland. It is in Leith, 3 miles from the city centre: get there by Lothian Bus (route 11 or 22 from Princes Street, 20-25 minutes, GBP 1.80) or taxi (GBP 8-10).