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Original poster

Royal Yacht Britannia

24 replies

georgedawes · 16/01/2020 13:01

We're visiting Edinburgh soon and trying to plan a few things to do.. Would you recommend visiting with a 9 year old? The reviews look good but I'm not sure how much is aimed at kids.

TIA

OP posts:
MrsDilligaf · 16/01/2020 13:34

DH and I went a few years ago. We loved it, and found it really interesting - There's parts of the yacht which were fascinating, like the operating theatre!

Its like anything though, it will appeal to some, and not others.

Go...and I hope you enjoy it.

Ormally · 16/01/2020 13:55

Think it was one of the best 'museums' I have been to, although that's an imprecise term.
It would probably depend on the 9yo. If they prefer to speed round places without lots of specific things aimed at children then maybe not, but there would still be some parts that would probably raise interest, especially on the decks and wheelhouse. I would think there may be a trail or activity sheet or similar too, maybe contact to check?

Biscuitsdisappear · 16/01/2020 15:06

Its a yacht that could be converted to a hospital ship in wartime. I'm not sure that any of it would be specifically aimed at children unless they have an interest in ships.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

9 year olds
WoollyMollyMonkey · 16/01/2020 15:10

I went recently and absolutely loved it. Really worth the money. Felt sad the Queen no longer has it and could understand why she was so sad to see it go. Not sure there is much to amuse a youngster though - there was a sweetie shop on board - you could bribe them with a visit?! The cafe does a delicious cream scone too.

itwaseverthus · 16/01/2020 15:35

I loved it, so did ds who was 9 at the time. Our Dynamic Earth is worth a visit too. Museum of Childhood on the Royal Mile is great and free.

WhatWouldTheDoctorDo · 16/01/2020 16:27

I live in Edinburgh and have never taken DC. It is interesting though. And useful for a rainy day option!

strawberrie · 16/01/2020 16:41

I'm quite local and my two kids love it, we've
Probably taken them twice a year for about 3 years?

The audio guide has a kids option with different dialogue, pitched more at their level.

There's usually a 'hunt the corgi' or similar game on the go so something extra to spot on the way round. Mine are fascinated by the contrast of the grand royal rooms versus the functional spaces below deck. You can see the staff mess, the tiny onboard hospital wing, the laundry as well as the queens bedroom. Plus you get free sample
Of fudge from the naafi shop.

vinoandbrie · 16/01/2020 16:48

Yes, it was great fun when we went with ours last year, similar age to your child.

TattiePants · 16/01/2020 17:42

We visited when the DCs were 9 and 5 and we all enjoyed it.

Toddlerteaplease · 16/01/2020 18:15

I really enjoyed it.

KenzoBaby · 16/01/2020 18:17

It's good. The Queen's bed is TINY!!!
But the ship STINKS!

Toddlerteaplease · 16/01/2020 18:19

Can completely see why it wasn't economical to upgrade it though.

CaptainNancy1 · 16/01/2020 18:32

I went a few years ago and loved it. It was so interesting. The Queen's and D of E quarters are not as opulent as you would expect. The yacht was crewed by Royal Marines and their berths were so small in comparison. There was even a car Rolls Royce ( I think) tucked away on the ship for excursions. I think your 9 year old would enjoy it.

ForalltheSaints · 16/01/2020 19:31

Taking a nine year old I think is OK. It is a part of the history of the Monarchy, and particularly of the Queen.

phred · 16/01/2020 21:07

Hi as an X matelot I twice did guardship for the Royal Yatch ,we visited the Yatch whilst the Queen was in Germany, we had to wear full Blues no's 1s .
The yacht was manned by sailors ( yotties) not royal marines , there was no promotion on board unless someone died or left, (very rare)
The Yatch was decommissioned because it was too expensive to run , the "old boilers" useing ffo (furnace fuel oil , similar to tar) and was the last ship to use this type of fuel I have visited the Yatch twice since it was berthed in Edinburgh I just find it so fascinating
My own opinion is the considering Brexit we should have a replacement using modern technology and use the Yatch for gathering trade for Great Britain .

Rememberallball · 16/01/2020 21:23

It’s somewhere I desperately want to visit as my grandfather was part of the ship’s commissioning crew and worked on her from 1952 to his retirement from the navy.

Pedallleur · 16/01/2020 21:33

It was binned because the Royal Navy couldn't justify paying for the upkeep when they were unable to afford warships. The previous renovation had cost £11 million. Princess Anne wanted it sunk rather than be a museum piece. Oh, who was paying for it Anne? There are enough rich people with boats that the Quuen can borrow or she could hire one. 100s online and all of them better than what she had.

wellthissucks · 16/01/2020 21:36

So does the Queen not actually own this now? I went a million years ago.

Toomanycats99 · 16/01/2020 21:36

I went with 10 and 6 year old and they really enjoyed it. It does fantastic fudge as well!

phred · 16/01/2020 23:22

No the Queen didn't own this ship it was a royal navy ship ,owned and run by the Navy ,but it was a cushy number if you get on it as it was different from regular navy .but it did have its drawbacks
The ship was a hospital ship during wartime .There are thousands of keepsakes from around the world still on board,owned and loaned by the Queen

Ginfordinner · 16/01/2020 23:28

It isn't meant to be aimed at children. It is a piece of history. DD and I visited it 3 year ago and found it very interesting. The crew's quarters were very cramped, and the royal quarters were practical rather than luxurious.

Pedallleur · 17/01/2020 09:45

It was meant to be used as a hospital ship but when it was needed in the Falklands war it was'suddenly' found out that it required a different fuel to the rest of the fleet - a ship run by the RN that was different to all the others they had, bit of an error there but we kept spending £millions on it. So it was never used in anger. We still have a Royal Train which costs us.

Dowser · 17/01/2020 10:52

I’ve visited twice
The last time my grandson was about 11 and he really enjoyed it.
No , it’s not aimed at kids but I think she will find it interesting
Especially when she sees the queens bedroom and can equate it with the old woman on tv..well that’s how a young person will see her.

Original poster
georgedawes · 17/01/2020 17:17

Thanks everyone, really interesting to read your experiences and thoughts. I think we'll go, I know I will find it fascinating at least!

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