no alt text

Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 04 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Lucy Gillmore

One of the most famous ships in the world, this luxury yacht served the British Monarchy for over 44 years in multiple capacities, from official state visits to family holidays, travelling over a million nautical miles.

Now an immaculately-kept museum, you can tour five different decks, including the Bridge, the State Apartments and the crew’s quarters.

You can stop for an afternoon cream tea where the Queen herself would have sat in the Royal Gallery.

Price from: £18
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 8+
When: All year around

When to do it

The yacht museum is open all year round, seven days a week. Opening and closing times vary by season.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Cheval Abbey Strand

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[3.2 miles]

History-steeped aparthotel with contemporary designer interiors, perfectly located for sightseeing at the bottom of the Royal Mile.

Official star rating:

Edinburgh Grand

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[3.3 miles]

A neoclassical Royal Bank of Scotland building that’s now a high-end aparthotel. One for design-conscious night-owls who like everything on their doorstep.

Official star rating:

The Balmoral Hotel

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[3.3 miles]

The grand dame of Edinburgh’s hotel scene, this luxurious landmark hotel is still the epitome of elegance.

Official star rating:

The Raeburn

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[3.4 miles]

A boutique hotel is in a 19th-century Georgian mansion. Located in pretty Stockbridge, one of Edinburgh’s ‘village’ neighborhoods.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Edinburgh

Edinburgh Region, United Kingdom (UK)

Capital treats abound, from mighty castles and royal palaces to gourmet restaurants and arguably the world’s best performing arts festival.

Website >
Overview >

Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Edinburgh’s best food & drink

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[3.3 miles]

Edinburgh’s culinary scene, the best in Scotland, is an exciting mix of rustic field-to-fork eateries, glitzy Michelin-starred restaurants and earthy farmers’ markets.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free | Any

Website >
Overview >

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

external veiw of the main and very beautiful greenhouse
Experience

Royal Botanic Garden

Edinburgh , Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[2.7 miles]

A tranquil haven, this bucolic 70-acre site was established in the 17th century, with highlights including the striking state-of-the-art visitor centre, Chinese Hillside and Victorian Palm Houses.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

Website >
Overview >
A photo showing the outside entrance and building of the Scottish national portrait gallery, where the Gallery is an important centre of European Art.
Experience

Scottish National Portrait Gallery

Edinburgh , Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[3.1 miles]

The world’s first purpose-built portrait gallery, one of the highlights of this neo-Gothic palace is the Great Hall decorated with an ornate frieze of famous Scottish figures.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

Website >
Overview >
Queen’s Gallery Edinburgh
Experience

Queen’s Gallery Edinburgh

Edinburgh , Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[3.3 miles]

Part of the Holyroodhouse complex, this art gallery exhibits a rotating collection of works from the Royal Collection. It’s one of 13 venues that showcase the largest private art collection in the world. Open daily.

Best for ages: 18+ | £9

Website >
Overview >
Stockbridge Market
Experience

Stockbridge Market

Edinburgh , Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[3.3 miles]

Every Sunday, a pretty corner of this Edinburgh neighbourhood is home to a weekly artisan producer market of around 50 stalls, selling hot food, local produce and hand-made treats. Stockbridge is worth a visit too, with vintage shops and quirky cafes.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

Website >
Overview >