The Royal Yacht Britannia

Located in Edinburgh’s historic port of Leith, The Royal Yacht Britannia is the former floating residence of Queen Elizabeth II and now one of the most unique event venues in the UK. As the only Royal Yacht in the world available for exclusive hire, it offers a setting defined by heritage, precision and an experience that cannot be replicated on land.

Having travelled over one million nautical miles and hosted heads of state, royalty and global leaders, Britannia now provides an opportunity to host events within the same spaces used for official State receptions and private Royal occasions. The experience is built around exclusivity and detail — from red carpet arrival and piper welcome to white-gloved service and guided tours of the yacht.

Events are delivered across multiple decks and State Apartments, allowing a natural flow between reception, dining and entertainment spaces. Catering is prepared on board in the original Royal Galleys, with menus designed to reflect the same standard expected during Royal service.

Key Features

• Exclusive hire of the Royal Yacht

• One of the most unique and historic venues in the UK

• Capacity for up to 500 guests standing

• Multiple event spaces across several decks

• Red carpet arrival and piper welcome

• Guided “behind the ropes” tours included

• White-gloved butler service

• On-board catering prepared in the Royal Galleys

Spaces

State Apartments & Reception Areas Capacity: Up to 500 standing Best for: Large receptions, corporate events, incentive experiences Features: Series of interconnected historic rooms used by the Royal Family, allowing guest flow across the yacht

Royal Deck Capacity: Up to 150 standing / 80 dinner Best for: Drinks receptions, summer events, evening entertainment Features: Floor-to-ceiling glass structure with views across the Firth of Forth and private bar (Up to 176 when combined with the State Dining Room)

State Dining Room Capacity: Up to 96 seated dinner Best for: Formal dining, gala dinners, corporate hospitality Features: Original setting used for State banquets, silver candelabras and Royal artefacts

Officers’ Wardroom Capacity: Up to 16 seated Best for: Private dining, VIP events Features: Intimate, heritage-led space with adjoining private bar

Why choose this venue for your event?

The Royal Yacht Britannia is about experience over format. The combination of Royal history, full exclusivity and immersive detail — from arrival through to service — creates an event that feels genuinely different. It is particularly strong for corporate hospitality, incentive events and high-end private occasions where memorability and prestige matter as much as the space itself.