HMS BELFAST ULTIMATE GUIDE
Open: Every day: 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Time Needed: 1.5 hours
Price: £25.45
To say that the HMS Belfast is a one-of-a-kind tourist attraction in London is an understatement (it is a “floating museum” after all). You're likely to see it while strolling along the Thames or during a free walking tour, but it's worth a visit to get on board.
The HMS Belfast is a museum ship which was a originally a Royal Navy light cruiser, and is permanently docked on the River Thames. Construction of the HMS Belfast first began in December of 1936 (although the ship wasn’t officially launched until 1938).
The HMS Belfast played an important role in various operations during the course of its use from 1939 to 1963. In 1939, the HMS Belfast was involved in the British naval blockade against Germany (and was even hit by a German mine), and in 1943 the ship helped escort Arctic Convoys to the then Soviet Union in 1943.
A year later, the HMS Belfast was involved in the Battle of North Cape, (during which it helped destroy a German warship), and in 1944 she assisted with Operation Overlord in support of the Normandy landings. A year later, the HMS Belfast was deployed to the far east to help with the British Pacific Fleet before assisting in the Korean War during the 1950s.
The HMS Belfast was eventually retired in 1963, and became a branch of the Imperial War Museum in 1978.
HMS Belfast Highlights
Thanks to the HMS Belfast’s many interactive and realistic facilities, visitors can get a bird’s-eye view of what it would have been like to live, work, and sleep on the ship during war times.
Not only can you explore all nine decks of the HMS Belfast, you can also visit the ship’s many rooms like the laundry room, the chapel, the wireless room, the captain deck, the mess decks, the sick bay, the galley, the gun direction platform, and even an interactive audio-visual plotting table. (Be prepared to get blasted with a face-full of artificial smoke when visiting the gun turret!)
There are interactive videos to illustrate how the ship’s crew would have functioned on a daily basis, as well as wax mannequins dressed up in uniforms in the working areas and living quarters.
You can even hear first-hand accounts from World War II veterans in the Life At Sea exhibition, and learn more about the ship’s numerous campaigns in the War and Peace exhibition.
Special Tips
Although recommended visiting time is around 90 minutes, if you're hoping to explore the ship in its entirety, try to arrive extra early to give yourself ample time to do so.
For the best views of London's nearby landmarks, there are some great spots on the main decks which provide magnificent photo-taking opportunities.
If you plan on walking to the HMS Belfast, try to follow the route from the Tower Bridge along the Embankment for stunning views of the Tower of London and the city landscape.
Don't miss out on some great photo-taking and/or selfie opportunities in the captain's chair!
And perhaps it may go without saying, but if you're prone to seasickness, try not to visit the HMS Belfast on a rainy or windy day.
Getting There
Address: The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2JH, United Kingdom .
By Tube: The nearest stations are London Bridge (a five-minute walk away), or Tower Hill (a 20-minute walk away)
By Coach: The nearest drop-off point is on Tooley Street
By Train: The nearest station is London Bridge (a five-minute walk away)
By Bus: You can take any route that goes to London Bridge.
By Boat: Many major boat tours provide drop-off points at the Tower Bridge Pier.
By Car: Be aware that there are no parking spaces for HMS Belfast visitors; however, there is paid parking available in the surrounding areas.
Visiting The HMS Belfast
A visit to the HMS Belfast generally takes around 90 minutes, although it isn’t uncommon for some visitors to spend at least half a day exploring all nine of its decks. There are self-guided audio tours available which provide background information on all of the rooms, as well as interviews and quotes from actual sailors who use to work on the HMS Belfast.
Be forewarned that on rainy days you may have to use certain ladders to explore the upper decks, and the ship may be closed at short notice. Smaller children (below 120 cm) will not be allowed to enter some levels on the ship.
There are toilet facilities on board as well as a small café for anyone in need of a refreshment during their visit.
Ticket prices and Opening hours
The HMS Belfast is open daily (except December 24th, 25th and 26th) from:
- 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from October 28th to March 31st (with last admission at 4:00 p.m.)
- 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from April 1st to October 27th (last admission at 5:00 p.m.)
Sometimes the HMS Belfast will have to close early, so check the official website before you visit.
Admission tickets cost:
- £28 for adults (with donation) or £25.45 (without donation)
- £12.70 to £14 for children
- £22.90 to £25.20 for seniors, students and disabled adults
- Children under the ages of five can get in for free
There are free audio guides available for every visitor which are in several different languages. If you like you can also purchase the 'HMS Belfast Guidebook' for £6 at the shop.
If you want to check out the HMS Belfast, you might also be interested in joining some of the many free tours in London departing daily.