Scottish Attraction Crowned UK’s Best, Surpassing London Icons

The annual Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards have recognized the Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh as the best attraction in the United Kingdom, surpassing renowned London sites such as The British Museum and Tower Bridge. Announced on July 22, 2025, the awards highlight top-rated experiences based on user reviews, showcasing the diverse offerings available to travelers across the country.

Located permanently in Leith, the Royal Yacht Britannia served the British monarchy from 1954 until its retirement in 1997. Today, it stands as a five-star visitor attraction where guests can explore its five decks, including the Engine Room and Crew’s Quarters. The Sun Lounge, famously known as Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite room, is among the highlights. Visitors can also enjoy refreshments at the Royal Deck Tearoom, featuring a selection of sandwiches, soups, scones, and cakes.

Edinburgh’s Attractions Shine in the Awards

Edinburgh’s prominence in the awards continues with Edinburgh Castle ranking fifth among the UK’s best attractions. This historic fortress has been a significant landmark in the city for centuries, drawing visitors to its Great Hall, St Margaret’s Chapel, and the One o’clock Gun. Additionally, the National Museum of Scotland, also located in Edinburgh, claimed the tenth spot. This museum is a major draw for tourists, hosting thousands of exhibits that cover various fields, including science, technology, art, and design.

Scottish experiences have also made a mark in the awards, with the Guided Walking Tour at Edinburgh Castle being the top-rated experience in the UK. Participants are guided through the castle grounds, learning about its storied past and notable figures, including Mary Queen of Scots. After the guided segment, visitors have free time to explore the castle’s interior.

Following closely, the Original Harry Potter Locations Tour, which visits sites across Edinburgh that inspired J.K. Rowling and served as filming locations for the films, ranks fifth among experiences. Another popular attraction is The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience, placing eighth. This immersive experience allows guests to create their own chocolate inspired by Scotland and sample a variety of treats from local and international chocolatiers.

Additionally, the Full-Day Trip: Loch Ness, Glencoe, and The Highlands from Edinburgh rounds out the list. This coach tour takes visitors through some of Scotland’s most picturesque landscapes, including the iconic Loch Ness and Glencoe.

Kristen Dalton, President of Tripadvisor, emphasized the importance of these awards in helping travelers discover memorable experiences. “With such a huge selection of travel activities and excursions available on the platform, Tripadvisor helps travelers find the experiences that turn a trip into a lifelong memory. Whether you crave adrenaline or prefer to take things slow, ‘The Best of the Best Things to Do’ showcases the world’s top-rated experiences,” she stated.

For more detailed information about the awards and the complete list of attractions and experiences, visit the Tripadvisor website.