Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The tour, which you take at your own pace with an audioguide (available in 20 lan-
guages), gives an intriguing insight into the Queen's private tastes -
Britannia
was one of
the few places where the royal family could enjoy true privacy. The entire ship is a monu-
ment to 1950s decor and technology, and the accommodation reveals Her Majesty's pref-
erence for simple, unfussy surroundings - the Queen's own bed is surprisingly tiny and
plain.
There was nothing simple or unfussy, however, about the running of the ship. When the
Queen travelled, with her went 45 members of the royal household, five tons of luggage
and a Rolls-Royce that was carefully squeezed into a specially built garage on the deck.
The ship's company consisted of an admiral, 20 officers and 220 yachtsmen. The decks
(of Burmese teak) were scrubbed daily, but all work near the royal accommodation was
carried out in complete silence and had to be finished by 8am. A thermometer was kept in
the Queen's bathroom to make sure the water was the correct temperature, and when in
harbour one yachtsman was charged with ensuring that the angle of the gangway never
exceeded 12 degrees. Note the mahogany windbreak that was added to the balcony deck
in front of the bridge. It was put there to stop wayward breezes from blowing up skirts and
inadvertently revealing the royal undies.
Britannia
was joined in 2010 by the 1930s racing yacht
Bloodhound
, which was
owned by the Queen in the 1960s. She is moored alongside
Britannia
(except in July and
August, when she is away cruising) as part of an exhibition about the Royal Family's love
of all things nautical.
The Majestic Tour bus runs from Waverley Bridge to
Britannia
during opening times.
Alternatively, take Lothian Bus 11, 22 or 35 to Ocean Terminal.
Greater Edinburgh
Edinburgh Zoo
(
www.edinburghzoo.org.uk
;
134 Corstorphine Rd; adult/child £15.50/11; 9am-6pm
Apr-Sep, to 5pm Oct & Mar, to 4.30pm Nov-Feb)
Opened in 1913, Edinburgh Zoo is one
of the world's leading conservation zoos. Edinburgh's captive breeding program has
helped save many endangered species, including Siberian tigers, pygmy hippos and red
pandas. The main attractions are the
penguin parade
(the penguins go for a walk every
day at 2.15pm), the
sea lion
training session (daily at 11.15am), and the two
giant pan-
das
, Tian Tian and Yang Guang.
The zoo is 2.5 miles west of the city centre; take Lothian Bus 12, 26 or 31, First Bus 16,
18, 80 or 86, or the Airlink Bus 100 westbound from Princes St.
ZOO
