Glean fascinating insights into the U.K.’s naval heritage when you tour this Royal Navy cruiser, which saw action in World War II.
Explore nine decks of naval history when you board HMS Belfast. This massive vessel and its huge guns played an important role during World War II. It is now a museum ship moored on the River Thames. Through exhibits, first-hand accounts and by touring some of the rooms, discover what life was like at sea during wartime.
HMS Belfast helped to protect Britain’s Arctic convoys to the Soviet Union and supported the D-Day landings in Normandy. The light cruiser also served during the Korean War. Spanning 613.5 feet (187 metres), its guns could hit a target from 14 miles (22.5 kilometres) away.
Pick up a free audio guide and map on your way into the ship, which will help you navigate its complex layout. Climb up and down the steep ladders and look in the operations room, the nerve centre of the ship.
Look inside the ship’s punishment cells, mess decks, bakery and other rooms, which together provide interesting insights into ship life. Hear audio accounts from veterans. Sit in the grand chair of the admiral’s cabin on the bridge and explore the maze of pipes and valves in the boiler room.
You’ll find a café with snacks and drinks on the ship’s lower levels or you can head to the Upper Deck bar for afternoon champagne cream tea. From here, take in fantastic views of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.
HMS Belfast is on the River Thames within walking distance of London Bridge railway and Underground station. Car parking is available, for a fee, in the local streets. The ship is open daily, excpet for a few days around Christmas, and admission charges apply. There are reductions for seniors, students and children aged between 5 and 15.
