HMS Belfast — Attraction in London

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...

An interesting attraction that remains original, perhaps to a fault. Very few interactive experiences, most of it is closed off and I hope you like ladders. You better believe they found some cash to put a café in, though. Unbelievably no mention of the asbestos until you're facing it, which is reassuring with kids running around.

Mesothelioma is only the half of it, though. I took my teenage and infant son along while mum and baby waited on the embankment. Unfortunately I very rapidly needed to get a fresh nappy on our little boy and it was at this point I rang mum to meet me half way (i.e. along the gangway leading to the ship) before he needed a change of clothes too.

I collared a member of staff to explain as I was trying to leave the ship, while she approached the ticket office staff. They were having none of it and refused her access without a ticket (despite the vast majority of the distance betwen us not actually being the attraction itself but the aforementioned gangway). Presumably this was an elaborate ploy for mum and baby to... look an old boat for free? Amazingly they even refused to bring the changing bag to me in her stead because, and I quote, they "are not allowed to handle goods". Pathetic.

Consequently they were quite prepared to let a little boy wet his pants rather than show an ounce of compassion and let his mum APPROACH (not even board) the ship to hand over fresh supplies. In the end I had to literally run all the way back to the ticket office from the front of the ship with the little lad in arm so I could get him changed. By this point he was indeed soaked through.

I genuinely couldn't fathom the inhumanity these staff members showed us, despite me already forking over forty quid for one adult and one child ticket. I collared the "security" jobsworth in question but as expected, when it wasn't a woman pushing a baby in a pram, he just stared at his feet and gave the "just following orders" defence. How ironic.

I will be urging anyone who cares to listen to avoid HMS Belfast or, better yet, sneak on for free (since we paid for it once already). Shame on all involved in that needless affair and I hope next time they behave like actual human beings. I can only hope my little lad remembers the nice parts about that visit instead of the humiliating experience he was...

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...