HMS Belfast, a historic WWII-era Royal Navy cruiser, is now a museum ship on the River Thames in London. As a Town-class light cruiser, it was launched in 1938 and played a key role in both World War II and the Korean War. After being decommissioned in 1963, it was preserved and opened as a museum under the care of the HMS Belfast Trust in 1971. By 1978, it became part of the Imperial War Museum and has since remained a popular attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into naval history and life aboard a Royal Navy ship during the mid-20th century.
Where is HMS Belfast located?
The ship is located in a prime location between the London Bridge and the Tower Bridge. On the north side of the river, you can see the skyscrapers of the City of London, such as the Walkie-Talkie with Sky Garden on the top floors. The Tower of London is also on the opposite side of the Thames, right next to the Tower Bridge. The south side of the river is called The Queen’s Walk, which is a popular place to visit and has many events throughout the year.
How long does it take to tour HMS Belfast?
If you want to see everything in detail, a visit to HMS Belfast can take up to 3 hours. You can visit all nine decks of the ship, which might give some idea of what it was like living at sea. Trips around the ship allow you to visit both the Operations Room and the ship’s deck. We recommended beginning the tour from the top deck and gradually making your way down, exploring areas such as the gun turrets, bridge, engine, and boiler rooms along the way. An audio guide is included in the ticket, providing lots of interesting details about the ship.
There is a cafe on the ship if you need a snack while touring, and there’s a gift shop outside where you can buy some memorabilia to take home.
Is HMS Belfast worth visiting?
HMS Belfast offers a fascinating insight into the workings of a WWII ship and the daily life of sailors. The ship is well-preserved, and much of it is open to explore, making it a great experience for history enthusiasts and families alike. The ship also has spectacular views of Tower Bridge and the City of London skyline.
Is HMS Belfast suitable for children?
While children can enjoy the interactive exhibits and explore the different areas of the ship, some parts of HMS Belfast may be challenging for younger children due to the steep ladders and narrow passageways. Families with strollers may find access difficult in certain sections. However, many visitors reported having a great family day at the ship.
Additionally, children have the opportunity to complete a worksheet that challenges them to locate each Morse Mouse on the ship’s main deck. Using Morse Code, they can discover where HMS Belfast is sailing.
In summary, a visit to HMS Belfast is a journey into naval history and a chance to enjoy a unique and engaging museum experience in the heart of London.
