HMS Belfast
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HMS Belfast is a historic Royal Navy light cruiser that now serves as a museum ship, permanently moored on the River Thames in London. As one of the most significant surviving vessels from World War II, HMS Belfast offers a unique insight into naval history and maritime heritage. HMS Belfast was built by Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Launched on March 17, 1938, she was commissioned into the Royal Navy in August 1939, just before the outbreak of World War II. HMS Belfast is a Town-class light cruiser, specifically a member of the Edinburgh subclass. She was armed with twelve 6-inch guns in four triple turrets, twelve 4-inch anti-aircraft guns, and sixteen 2-pounder anti-aircraft guns, making her a formidable vessel. During World War II, HMS Belfast played a crucial role in several significant naval operations. Early in the war, she was part of the naval blockade against Germany. However, in November 1939, she hit a German mine, causing severe damage that took nearly three years to repair. After returning to service in 1942, she participated in the Arctic convoys, escorting merchant ships carrying vital supplies to the Soviet Union. One of her most notable engagements was during the Battle of North Cape in December 1943, where she was part of the force that sank the German battleship Scharnhorst. Later, HMS Belfast also supported the Normandy landings in June 1944, providing naval gunfire support to Allied troops during Operation Overlord. After World War II, HMS Belfast continued to serve in various capacities. She saw action during the Korean War from 1950 to 1952, providing gunfire support for UN forces. Following her Korean War service, she underwent several refits and served in the Far East and Mediterranean until she was decommissioned in 1963. In 1971, HMS Belfast was saved from scrapping by the efforts of the Imperial War Museum and a dedicated preservation group. She was opened to the public as a museum ship on Trafalgar Day, October 21, 1971. Since then, she has been a part of the Imperial War Museums and is permanently moored near Tower Bridge on the River Thames in London. Today, HMS Belfast offers visitors the chance to explore nine decks of the ship, providing a comprehensive look at life on board a Royal Navy warship. Exhibits cover various aspects of the ship's history, from its construction and wartime service to its role in the post-war period. Visitors can see the ship's gun turrets, engine rooms, and living quarters, gaining a firsthand understanding of the conditions faced by her crew. Interactive displays and audio-visual presentations enhance the visitor experience, bringing to life the stories of those who served on HMS Belfast. The ship also hosts educational programs and special events, making it an engaging destination for people of all ages. HMS Belfast serves as a powerful symbol of naval history and the sacrifices made by those who served aboard her. As a museum ship, she helps preserve the legacy of the Royal Navy and offers an invaluable educational resource for future generations. Her presence on the Thames provides a tangible connection to Britain's maritime heritage and the pivotal role the navy has played in shaping the nation's history.
T attsT atts
00
Visited on the 6th June 2023, the 79th Anniversary of D-Day with my father. We arrived late morning on a Monday in term time so there was no queuing and we were able to move about freely onboard. We visited as a family 20+ years ago and wanted to refresh our memories whilst we were in Lonodn. Straight into the shop we went with minimal queuing, 1 adult & 1 concession ticket purchased for each of us, plus 10% gift aid donation. We collected our audio guides before leaving the main building and joined the gangway. A short walk down a gangway and you are on the foreward deck. The view of Tower Bridge & The Tower of London are spectacular. We met a IWM volunteer who we shared WW2 stories with. His brother being in the Navy & my grandfather being in the army. Lots of narrow spaces, low ceilings and steep ladders criss cross the ship so bear this in mind before visiting. Not particularly mobility accessible and I wouldn't recommend brining big rucksacks much less dragging luggage about. Lots of head ducking needed as there are beams & pipes are head height, especially in the engine room. This wasn't designed as a tourist attraction. The ship was berthed in 1971 and has been restored since. An excellent insight into life at sea is presented on board as it is furnished and exhibited as it would be in war time. There are plenty of archival documents, photographs and interviews with former crew members to add intimate knowledge. 6" gun turret, electronic warfare room, engine & boiler, laundry, mess hall, infirmary and Admiral's quarters are but a few rooms that are available to view on board. A lot of white paint to cover wiring, pipework and walls goes a long way to brighten the interior. The switch gear, instrumentation and tools of war are all present to be taken in with an air respect & solemnity. The audio guide is clear, concise and most importantly, loud enough to be heard. Small placards are placed throughout the ship with a number that is keyed into your handset. A thoroughly enjoyable day and a worthwhile visit. Anyone with interest in history, especially in that of the armed service & warfare will enjoy this attraction.
Daniel WheelerDaniel Wheeler
20
If you're plotting a course through London's sea of attractions, make sure to anchor down at HMS Belfast. This historic warship, permanently moored on the River Thames near Tower Bridge, isn't just a sight to behold; it's a deep dive into Britain's naval history. With its prime location in the heart of London, HMS Belfast offers both an intriguing day out and a strategic spot from which to navigate the rest of the city's treasures. Boarding HMS Belfast, you're stepping into a time capsule. This Royal Navy cruiser played a pivotal role in World War II and beyond, and today serves as a living museum, inviting adventurers of all ages to explore its decks and delve into the life of sailors during some of the 20th century's most significant maritime moments. Here's a fascinating tidbit to pique your interest: HMS Belfast is the only surviving vessel of her type to have been active during the D-Day landings. Walking through her corridors, you're tracing the steps of heroes, surrounded by the echoes of history. It's an immersive experience that connects you to the past in a profound and personal way. The ship's location couldn't be better. Nestled between the iconic Tower Bridge and the historic Tower of London, HMS Belfast is a gem in London's crown of attractions. After exploring the ship, you can easily set sail to other nearby landmarks or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the South Bank, making it a perfect addition to any London itinerary. So, why not chart a course for HMS Belfast on your next London visit? It's an opportunity to engage with history hands-on, offering insights and stories that resonate long after you disembark. Whether you're a history buff, a maritime enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique London experience, HMS Belfast is sure to captivate. Drop it a like, drop it a visit, and dive into the adventure – it's an expedition worth every moment.
Łukasz H HyllaŁukasz H Hylla
20
I was interested to go on board and explore the HMS BELFAST , its very extensive with 9 decks to explore , id say it took me about 5 hours to go around and see everything nice and slowly , no point rushing . Understandably , it is not suitable for anyone with limited mobility as the ladders going through the decks are long and very steep . The lower decks ( boiler and engine room ) have limited walk ways and are about an average persons shoulder width , some even narrower . Anyone over 6ft , mind your head , you will get clipped a few times 😂 . This is a warship who had young , eager and fit soldiers on it prepared for the worst... The handheld audio tour devices are really nice . Make sure you check out the gaming room which you can play warship on some pretty decent kit . Next door you can also learn the history of the hms belfast through interviews of ex sailors. Only downer id say is , £24.5 is quite a high price but hey , not everyone can say theyve been on a warship right 😂. If you want to avoid all the school kids go around 14:00-17:00 . Dont worry much about the place being ruined by dozens of flocking tourist , they arent interested and i think the price has helped with that . I rather like going back in history in a peaceful , quite environment, lets you really take in the information and allows you to travel back , in thought at least .. enjoy ☺️
Abdulhaleem AbbasAbdulhaleem Abbas
00
A great free trip on our weekend in London! Free I hear you say? Yes as IWM members we grt HMS Belfast and Churchills war rooms free as part of the membership so it's an absolute must! We loved every minute of the ship, you get the audio guide as you enter, in your chosen language... they even had Scottish for my wife! Once on board your free to roam as you like or if you prefer you can muster on the quarterdeck and have guided tours from the many volunteers on ship. We went to the very depths of the ship, the engine room, boiler room, lower steering position and loved every minute. As an engineer, seeing the ships workshop better equipped than some factories I visit now was amusing! There also is a very cool demonstration of the steam turbine, (converted to electric) that shows it moving how it would under steam. Be prepared you need to be mobile and able to navigate steep narrow steps up and down decks but it is well worth it. There is a cafe and toilets on board as well for a pit stop and there is also an affiliation with world of warships, where you get HMS Belfast! With a small room on board ship letting you try the ship out, I didn't do well! Blasted torpedoes, but great fun! Highl recommend a visit and supporting keeping our only WW2 ship preserved for future generations.
Darren BarrettDarren Barrett
10
If you are at all interested in WW2, Navy, Big ships, or engineering, then you won't want to miss this attraction. The audio guide is free (Tower of London, I'm looking at you!) and a nice addition to the displays on board. Once through the shop, you are left on your own to explore the 9 decks and many areas of the ship. This does mean you can miss bits and have to re-trace your steps to see everything, but it gives you a tiny glimpse into what it must have been like as a new recruit on this vast vessel. If you get lost, you won't be the only one, we saw many people wondering in all directions and finding seemingly randomly numbered audio guide points but fun was had! We actually managed to miss the complete engine room, which, when we did find it, was empty so i guess we weren't the only ones! Thankfully the map provided on entry helped to locate the missed ladders and down we went. There is still on-going restoration of the ship in some locations, this just goes to demonstrate the amazing work done to keep her in one piece for the public to see. All in all a very enjoyable 3-4 hour experience.
gaz bgaz b
20
Nearby Attractions Of HMS Belfast
Tower Bridge
Tower of London
Borough Market
London Bridge
The Shard
Leadenhall Market
Monument to the Great Fire of London
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Nearby Restaurants Of HMS Belfast
Aqua Shard
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The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2JH, United Kingdom
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4.7
(5.2K reviews)
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Description
HMS Belfast is a Town-class light cruiser that was built for the Royal Navy. She is now permanently moored as a museum ship on the River Thames in London and is operated by the Imperial War Museum.
attractions: Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Borough Market, London Bridge, The Shard, Leadenhall Market, Monument to the Great Fire of London, The Fenchurch Building (The Walkie-Talkie), Hay's Galleria, The Ned London, restaurants: Aqua Shard, Anchor Bankside, Coco Grill & Lounge, Coppa Club Tower Bridge, The Dickens Inn, The Horniman at Hays, The Liberty Bounds - JD Wetherspoon, Padella, Casa do Frango London Bridge, Hutong
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