The Royal Yacht Britannia Exhibition and Retail Experience are shipshape and ready to welcome visitors
2025 marks the next chapter in The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust’s legacy with the opening of a brand-new, world-class visitor centre with exhibition and retail experience.
Article Source: The Royal Yacht Britannia
Last Updated: 6 May 2025 11:07
Situated on the second floor of Ocean Terminal in Edinburgh's Port of Leith, the newly developed visitor experience has been designed to enhance the sense of arrival for around 350,000 annual visitors to Queen Elizabeth II’s former Royal Yacht.
Two years in development, the visitor centre and retail experience proudly incorporate the latest in advanced technology with hand-crafted furniture and fittings made by British manufacturers, including traditional Leith-based sign-writer Thomas Paints.
Designed by 442 Design, with collaboration from the Royal Collection Trust, author/historian Richard Johnstone-Bryden, and former Royal Yachtsmen, the highly engaging exhibition tells the story of Britannia’s launch from John Brown & Company Shipyard in Clydebank in 1953, to the ship’s new life as a five-star visitor attraction in Leith, voted Tripadvisor’s No.1 Attraction 2023-2024.
Highlights of the new exhibition include:
• The No.1 uniform of Prince Philip, previously gifted to The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust by Queen Elizabeth II
• The original ornate Binnacle (compass) embellished with gold leaf
• A cascade of historical photographs storytelling life on board the Royal Yacht
• Plus, an attention-grabbing 11-foot LEGO Britannia model with its very own Lego Yachtsmen
Benefitting from the ongoing redevelopment of Ocean Terminal, Britannia’s new retail experience is 338 square metres, considerably larger than the last. In response, several new and exciting product lines have been created by Director of Retail, Kerry Burns and her team, including a range of fine bone china called the ‘Admiral’s Collection’, inspired by the gold rings insignia worn on the cuffs by Admirals in the Royal Navy. Plus, a new limited-edition whisky – 301 bottles of a 16-year-old Glen Moray single cask commemorating Queen Elizabeth II’s final disembarkation at 3.01pm on 11 December 1997.
The new retail experience also boasts a new addition to the Britannia family – a giant 5-foot-high cuddly corgi! Yet to be named, the enormous Instagrammable plush was manufactured in the UK and will be a fuzzy focal point of the new shop for visitors to enjoy.
Chief Executive Franck Bruyère said: “This is a momentous event for The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust and I’m incredibly proud of the enormous collaborative effort behind the project and the Britannia team who have been integral in ensuring our new space is world-class and enhances our existing five-star visitor experience. An additional bonus for us is this month marks the anniversary of Britannia arriving in Leith to start her new life as a visitor attraction 27 years ago in 1998.”
Mr Bruyere added: “It has been a pleasure working closely with the Royal Collection Trust to source never-before-seen images of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip relaxing and enjoying life at sea on board this iconic ship.”
Director of Visitor Experience, Robert Gill, who led the project on behalf of the Royal Yacht Britannia Trust commented: “Through this new exhibition we can amplify the history and heritage of this iconic vessel and spark imaginations before our visitors step on board the Yacht itself. Exhibition designers, 442 Design, have told Britannia’s story so magnificently, and specialist interior fit-out company, Hugh Stirling Ltd, have brought our vision to life. We are so proud of the final result.”
Spring also brings a new delivery to The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust’s fleet of vintage cars; The British Motor Museum have loaned the original 1966 Land Rover used by Queen Elizabeth II for rural transport and Royal pursuits. Used by the Royal Family for 17 years, the classic green station wagon is on display alongside the Rolls-Royce in recognition of the vehicles Britannia used to carry on board when in Royal Service.
The Royal Yacht Britannia is easily accessible from the Ocean Terminal tram stop, which offers a direct and quick transport link between Leith, Edinburgh city centre and Edinburgh Airport.
Open 7 days a week, 9:30-18:00, with last admission at 16:00.
To book tickets, please visit www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk Group bookings also available.
Image credit: The Royal Yacht Britannia
Sponsored Links
Latest Fife News
Best Croissant Competition returns for 2025
The Edinburgh Butter Company has announced the return of its ‘Scotland’s Best Croissant’ competition on Monday 13th October.
READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland launches Talking About Heritage
People across Scotland invited to take part in national conversation about heritage.
READ MORE
Clans @ The Croft team mountain bike enduro event returns
A multiple Clan skirmish of epic proportions is on the cards again for mountain bike Enduro riders when Clans @ The Croft, the first team event on the UK's Enduro calendar, returns to Creiff.
READ MORE
Tickets now on sale for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo closes the drawbridge on its 75th anniversary Show, as tickets for next year go on sale.
READ MORE
Primark celebrates 50 years in Scotland with a wee nod to loyal Scots in all stores today
Scottish shoppers will hardly believe it when they see it today as Primark finally relents on one of its biggest brand debates after 50 years.
READ MORE
Christmas at Crieff Hydro returns with magical line up of festive activities
Scotland's best loved family resort, Crieff Hydro, has unveiled details of a specially curated programme of events as it prepares to welcome guests over the festive period.
READ MORE
Scots Language Awards 2025 shortlist unveiled
The shortlist for the Scots Language Awards 2025 has been unveiled, with figures from Scottish literature, theatre, education and business all in the running for awards at the annual ceremony.
READ MORE
Dobbies Dunfermline store to host National Vegetable Society Championships
Dobbies Garden Centre in Dunfermline is opening its doors to the National Vegetable Society, having been unveiled as the host of the Scottish Branch Championships for 2025.
READ MORE
Innis & Gunn wins double gold at the World Beer Awards 2025
Innis & Gunn has claimed double gold on the global stage, winning best in Scotland for the second year running at the World Beer Awards.
READ MORE
Santa Claus is coming to Dobbies
From exciting encounters with Santa himself to hands-on workshops and joyful family moments, Dobbies is the destination for festive fun this Christmas!
READ MORE
Singalong screening of K Pop Demon Hunters heading to Vue venues in Scotland, with tickets on sale now
One of the most-watched films on Netflix is heading to Vue next weekend for a special sing-along event – with tickets on sale now!
READ MORE
Fairmont St Andrews Launches Charity Golf Open
Fairmont St Andrews invites golfers to tee off for a cause with the launch of the inaugural Fairmont Golf Open, held in proud collaboration with the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
READ MORE
Free September gardening workshops at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is inspiring gardeners across Scotland this September with two free-to-attend gardening workshops, Little Seedlings Club and Grow How, suitable for all ages and abilities.
READ MORE
Finalists announced for Scottish Bar & Pubs Awards 2025
Lights, Pints, Action! Scotland's pubs go for gold at the hospitality industry's very own oscars.
READ MORE
Cereal giant to support STV Childrens Appeal campaign to fund breakfast clubs in Scottish schools
Stronger Together: Kellogg's pledges pound-for-pound match for Big Scottish Breakfast Fundraiser.
READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Motorhome, Caravan & Holiday Home Show
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORE
Volunteer cycles 1k miles for The Wave Project to mark turning 60
Steve Spencer cycles 1k miles over 2 weeks, volunteering at all 16 Wave Project UK locations, raising money for the charity, on the eve of his 60th birthday.
READ MORE
Session schedule unveiled for Glasgow 2026
With packed venues and 30 medal sessions across 50 sport sessions, it's shaping up to be one of the most electric weekends in Glasgow's sporting history!
READ MORE
Scots Language Awards on hunt for nominees
The Scots Language Awards are now welcoming nominations for this year’s celebration of Scots.
READ MORE
Mindful Art: A New Creative Wellness Business in Fife
Mindful Art, a pioneering creative wellness business, offers a unique approach to mental and physical well-being through the power of art.
READ MORE
Dobbies unveils spellbinding lineup of Autumn events
This October and November, Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to its trio of enchanting autumn events that are lined up across the country, helping kick-start the season.
READ MORE
Cambo Presents Contemporary Art & Creative Expression in Myanmar at Pittenweem Arts Festival
Cambo is proud to present Contemporary Art & Creative Expression in Myanmar, a powerful exhibition showcasing the work of artists and artisans from Myanmar (Burma), at this year’s Festival.
READ MORE
Five fascinating historic facts about Scone Palace... the crowning place of kings
Scone Palace isn't just a beautiful day out, it's one of Scotland's most iconic historic sites, steeped in royal tradition, political intrigue and centuries of national significance.
READ MORE
Sam Ryder puts live music on tap with the Biggest Pub Gig Ever
Greene King Pubs has appointed Sam Ryder as its 'Head of Gigs' in a bid to get the UK rocking, by increasing access to live music and finding the country's best grassroots talent this summer.
READ MORE
117 year old family gelato maker and pioneering distillery collaborate to create unique wild botanical sorbets
Highland Boundary and Jannetta's, join forces to create a series of sorbets, bringing the authentic taste of Scotland's native landscape directly to the people of St Andrews.
READ MORE
The Sweetest Berry Spots in Scotland this Summer
For those looking for something to fill their summer days, couples, kids, and everyone in between, these spots are perfect for picking Scotland’s most delicious berries.
READ MORE
Common Tongue returns to Scottish stages with autumn tour
Common Tongue by Fraser Scott is to tour Scotland this autumn with a fourteen date tour in September and October.
READ MORE
Foodies Festival, the biggest touring celebrity food & music festival in the UK, returns to Scotland next month
The UK's biggest touring celebrity food & music festival celebrates its 20th year - announcing star-studded line-ups and exciting new features in Edinburgh and Glasgow!
READ MORE
Assembly Festival relaunches Local Residents Ticket Offer
Fringe Tickets for Just £6.50: Assembly Festival re-launches Local Residents Ticket Offer for EH, FK, G, KY, ML & DG postcodes.
READ MORE
Fairmont St Andrews sets up for a SmurfTastic summer to celebrate the upcoming release
From Smurf-inspired activity trails to creative dining moments and blue-hued treats, dive into a playful world of imagination and cinematic fun this summer at Fairmont St Andrews!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links