We were up in Edinburgh, Scotland, for a long weekend (29 - 31 October), what I had forgotten was that the Royal Yacht Britannia which had been decommissioned in 1987 was now moored at Leith (just outside Edinburgh). Once we realised we went along. This was the most fantastic few hours I have spent for a while.

We both agreed it was one of the best "museum" or visits we can remember doing. The ship is large. It used to have a crew of 250. You get to go through pretty much the whole ship - and all the furniture is still there. You can see where the Queen, Prince Philip and other members of the Royal family slept. The amazing dining room, lounges etc. Plus see the crew quarters - which were pretty cramped and miserable compared to what the royal family get. Some fun things too like the garage on deck that houses the Rolls Royce they used to trek along with them.

Fascinating stuff.

The photos here are only of the outside areas as you cannot take photos inside.

The Official Royal Britannia site writes:

"The Royal Yacht Britannia is one of the world's most famous ships. Launched at John Brown's Shipyard in Clydebank in 1953, the Royal Yacht proudly served Queen and country for forty-four years. During that time Britannia carried The Queen and the Royal Family on 968 official voyages, from the remotest regions of the South Seas to the deepest divides of Antarctica.

At the beginning of January 1997, Britannia set sail from Portsmouth to Hong Kong on her last and longest voyage. On 11 December 1997 Britannia was decommissioned at Portsmouth Naval Base in the presence of The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh and fourteen senior members of The Royal Family.

Four months later, after intense competition from cities around the UK, the Government announced that Edinburgh was successful in its bid to become Britannia's new home. She is now owned by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, a charitable organisation whose sole remit is the maintenance of Britannia in keeping with her former role. Britannia is now permanently moored in Edinburgh's historic port of Leith and visitors can step on board the ship that was once home to the world's most famous family."