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The Royal Yacht Britannia

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Venue Type

Unique Venue

City

Edinburgh

Region

Scotland

Standing

500

theatre

dinner

bedrooms

About Venue

Located in the historic Port of Leith, Edinburgh, The Royal Yacht Britannia is one of the world's most unique and prestigious event venues. Once the floating residence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family for over 40 years, the former Royal Yacht now hosts exclusive corporate events, private dining experiences, drinks receptions and gala celebrations within its magnificent State Apartments and Royal entertaining spaces.

Having welcomed presidents, prime ministers and world leaders from across the globe, Britannia offers guests the opportunity to entertain in surroundings steeped in royal history while enjoying exceptional hospitality and fine dining prepared in the original Royal Galleys. The beautifully preserved interiors, polished teak decks and spectacular waterside setting create an unforgettable backdrop for exclusive events unlike anywhere else in the UK.

Permanently berthed at Leith's waterfront, just two miles from Edinburgh city centre, The Royal Yacht Britannia combines royal heritage with modern event management, delivering extraordinary experiences for corporate entertaining, incentive events and private celebrations.

Event Spaces

State Dining Room

The magnificent State Dining Room is where Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II hosted heads of state and distinguished guests during official visits around the world. Featuring original royal décor, elegant furnishings and large picture windows overlooking the harbour, the room provides an exceptional setting for private dining, executive entertaining and prestigious gala dinners.

State Drawing Room

Adjacent to the dining room, the elegant State Drawing Room traditionally welcomed guests for Champagne receptions before dinner. Rich in royal history and filled with natural light, it offers an impressive space for drinks receptions, networking events and VIP hospitality while retaining its original period character.

Royal Deck

Positioned high above the water with panoramic views across the Firth of Forth, the Royal Deck was once used by the Royal Family for cocktail parties and informal entertaining. Today it provides a spectacular contemporary space for receptions, summer events, product launches and private celebrations, combining indoor comfort with access to the yacht's famous teak decks.

Officers' Wardroom

Originally the private dining room for Britannia's senior officers, the Wardroom offers an intimate and atmospheric setting for executive dinners, board meetings, whisky tastings and small private celebrations surrounded by authentic naval heritage.

Exclusive Yacht Hire

The entire Royal Yacht can be hired exclusively, allowing guests to enjoy private access to the State Apartments, Royal Deck and entertaining spaces alongside behind-the-scenes tours, exceptional catering and personalised event experiences that recreate the standards of royal hospitality.

Facilities and Services

The Royal Yacht Britannia offers an entirely bespoke event experience with exclusive evening hire, dedicated event managers and award-winning in-house catering prepared in the original Royal Galleys. Guests enjoy private access to the yacht's historic entertaining spaces, guided tours of the State Apartments and exceptional service inspired by Britannia's royal heritage. The venue can incorporate live entertainment, pipers, branding opportunities and tailored dining experiences, while professional audiovisual equipment, Wi-Fi and presentation facilities can be arranged for corporate events. Nearby luxury accommodation aboard Fingal, the Trust's floating hotel, is also available for clients wishing to extend their experience.

Location and Access

Located at Ocean Drive in Leith, The Royal Yacht Britannia is permanently berthed within Edinburgh's vibrant waterfront district, approximately two miles from the city centre. The venue benefits from excellent road access and nearby tram and bus services connecting directly with central Edinburgh and Edinburgh Waverley Station. Guests arrive via the dedicated visitor entrance before boarding the yacht, while event suppliers and production teams can arrange managed loading access through the service areas by prior agreement. Accessible lifts and step-free routes serve the principal event spaces, and extensive public parking is available adjacent to the venue. Edinburgh Airport is approximately 9 miles away, making Britannia easily accessible for both UK and international guests.

Ideal For

Corporate Hospitality
Private Dining
Awards Dinners
Incentive Events
Networking Receptions
Client Entertaining
Executive Dinners
Product Launches
Luxury Celebrations
Exclusive Venue Hire

Key Features

Former Royal Yacht of Queen Elizabeth II
Exclusive Evening Hire Available
Historic State Apartments
Royal Dining & Reception Rooms
Panoramic Waterfront Views
Award-Winning In-House Catering
Private Guided Tours Included
Unique Heritage Venue
Luxury Floating Hotel Nearby
One of Scotland's Most Prestigious Event Venues

Why Hire

The Royal Yacht Britannia offers an experience unlike any other venue in the UK, allowing guests to entertain aboard one of the world's most famous ships. Combining royal history, exceptional hospitality and magnificent event spaces, it provides an unforgettable setting for corporate entertaining, gala dinners, incentive events and exclusive private celebrations.