About HMS Belfast
HMS Belfast is a cruiser that served in the Royal Navy. It is now a museum ship and is permanently moored on the River Thames in London, England. The ship was built in the 1930s and saw service in World War II, where it played a key role in the Battle of North Cape and the Normandy landings. After the war, it served in various roles, including as a training ship and as part of the Fishery Protection Squadron. It was decommissioned in 1963 and later converted into a museum ship. Visitors can now explore the ship and learn about its history, including its role in World War II and its role in the Cold War.
Notable exhibits
- The Operations Room, which was the hub of the ship's communications and control systems. It includes displays about the ship's role in the Battle of North Cape and the Normandy landings.
- The Gun Turret Experience, which allows visitors to explore the ship's main armament and learn about the lives of the sailors who operated the guns.
- The Engine Room, which was the heart of the ship and kept it powered and moving. Visitors can learn about the engineering and technology that kept the ship running.
- The Wardroom and Officer's Mess, which were the areas where the ship's officers ate, relaxed, and held meetings. Visitors can see how the officers lived and worked on the ship.
- The Sick Bay, which was the ship's medical facility. Visitors can learn about the medical care provided to the sailors on the ship.
- The Crew's Quarters, which were the living spaces for the sailors. Visitors can see how the sailors lived and slept on the ship.
- The Magazine and Shell Room, which were the areas where the ship's ammunition was stored and handled. Visitors can learn about the logistics of supplying the ship with its armaments.
Food & drink
There are several food and drink options available on the HMS Belfast. The ship has a café called the Gun Deck Café, which serves hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, cakes, and other snacks. The café is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm every day. Visitors to the ship are welcome to bring their own food and drinks, and there are several seating areas where they can enjoy a picnic or snack. There are also several restaurants and cafes located nearby on the South Bank, which is a short walk from the ship.
Length of visit
The length of a visit to the HMS Belfast will depend on your interests and how much time you have available. Many visitors spend around two to three hours on the ship, exploring the exhibits and learning about its history. However, you can easily spend longer on the ship if you wish to take your time and fully explore all of the exhibits. There are also guided tours available, which can take between 45 minutes and an hour. It's worth noting that the ship is quite large and has several decks, so you may need to climb stairs to explore all of the exhibits.
Hints & tips
- Plan your visit in advance: It's a good idea to check the opening times and ticket prices before you visit the ship. You can book tickets in advance on the HMS Belfast website or at the ticket office when you arrive.
- Wear comfortable shoes: The ship is quite large and has several decks, so you will be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs. Wear comfortable shoes to ensure that you can comfortably explore the ship.
- Allow enough time: There is a lot to see and do on the HMS Belfast, so allow enough time to fully explore the ship and all of the exhibits.
- Take a guided tour: Guided tours are available, which can help you to get the most out of your visit. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides who can provide insights into the ship's history and the lives of the sailors who served on it.
- Take breaks: The ship is open-air, so be prepared for changes in temperature and weather. If you need to take a break, there are several seating areas where you can sit and rest.
- Follow the rules: The HMS Belfast is a museum ship, so it's important to follow the rules and respect the exhibits. Don't touch anything unless you are told that it is okay to do so, and follow any other rules that are in place.
