HMS Belfast

HMS Belfast, The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2JH, UK
1-90 Years
Paid

Description

HMS Belfast – Explore London’s Floating City of History, Step aboard HMS Belfast, an iconic London landmark moored between London Bridge and Tower Bridge on the River Thames. This floating city, once home to 950 crew members, features nine decks to explore from the deep Boiler Rooms to the Flag Deck with stunning river views. Discover stories of bravery and adventure as you journey through the ship’s chapel, radio station, bakery, and wartime command rooms. Experience immersive exhibits like the D-Day gun turret installation, interactive Operations Room, and engine soundscapes that bring naval history to life. Families can enjoy free weekend and holiday activities, making HMS Belfast a perfect day out for all ages. Allow at least three hours to explore and refuel in the ship’s café.

Standard ticket prices start at £26.35 for adults, £13.15 for children aged 5–15, and free entry for children under 5 when accompanied by an adult.

If you are looking for best museum in Southwark, Greater London then visit HMS Belfast. It is one of the places in Southwark, Greater London for day out with kids and families. 

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

  • HMS Belfast A Floating Museum of Wartime Bravery: Step aboard HMS Belfast, one of London’s most iconic warships, and explore nine decks filled with history, courage, and life at sea. From firing the opening shots on D-Day to patrolling the icy Arctic and serving in the Korean War, HMS Belfast’s globe-trotting history will amaze visitors of all ages.
  • Explore Nine Decks of Discovery: Climb ladders, duck through hatches, and journey from the Boiler Rooms deep below sea level to the Flag Deck high above the River Thames. Experience the heart of the ship in the Engine and Boiler Rooms, marvel at the machinery that powered it into battle, and listen to the soundscape that recreates the roar of the engines.
  • Step Into the Nerve Centre: Enter the Operations Room, where real-life missions were planned. Use interactive plotting tables to re-enact a dramatic rescue mission from 1961 and experience what it was like to command operations at sea.
  • Captain for a Moment: Take a seat in the Captain’s Chair, the best view on board, and capture a photo as the commander of HMS Belfast. On the Fo’c’sle, enjoy panoramic views of the Thames and remember, the tide may lift you up or down by six metres during your visit!
  • D-Day Experience: Step inside one of the 6-inch gun turrets for a powerful immersive sound installation that brings to life the moment HMS Belfast’s guns fired on the Normandy beaches at 05:27 on 6 June 1944.
  • Family Adventures on Board: HMS Belfast is packed with free family activities every weekend and during school holidays. Kids can explore the ship using trail guides, solve nautical puzzles, and hear fascinating stories from the crew. For an extra treat, join “We Were There” Family Days, where veterans and eyewitnesses of conflict share their real-life experiences.
  • Interactive Fun for All Ages: Try your hand at steering the ship in interactive experience, follow the Captain’s orders, and see if you can reach the D-Day destination on time. Families can also enjoy multimedia guides designed especially for children, bringing history to life through games and storytelling.
  • Unforgettable Views of London: Moored between Tower Bridge and London Bridge, HMS Belfast offers unbeatable views of the River Thames and London’s skyline — making it not just a museum, but a memorable day out for the whole family.
  • What's on: With interactive displays, stunning views of the Thames and family activities, HMS Belfast is an unforgettable day out. For More Information Visit: https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/hms-belfast/whats-on

Facilities

  • Onsite Cafe 
  • Floor Plan
  • There are no cloakroom or locker facilities onboard HMS Belfast
  • Audio Guides
  • HMS Belfast Shop
  • toilets
  • Baby change facilities are available. 

What to see

  • The Main Deck includes The Laundry, The Ship's Chapel, The Bakery, Galley and associated prep areas, Petty Officers' Mess, Sick Bay, Arctic Mess Decks and Dental Surgery.
  • Amazing 360-degree views of London from the flag deck
  • Exploring the deepest darkest areas, take a look at the boiler and engine rooms, 15ft below sea level!
  • A bunch of great seasonal activities are happening on-board HMS Belfast throughout the year, so be sure to check what's on before you go. 

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

  • Ticket Prices: Members: Free admission (join today to enjoy this benefi. Audio guides: Included in ticket price
  • With Donation*
    • Child (5–15): £14.50
    • Child (under 5): Free (must be accompanied by an adult)
    • Adult (16–64): £29
  • Standard (without donation)
    • Child (5–15): £13.15
    • Child (under 5): Free (must be accompanied by an adult)
    • Adult (16–64): £26.35
  • IWM Members: Free. Donation price includes a 10% voluntary donation which allows Imperial War Museums to reclaim tax under Gift Aid.
  • Special Offer: Visitors on Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or other named benefits can purchase £3 tickets to HMS Belfast for up to five household members.

Pricing URL: https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/hms-belfast/booking

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

  • HMS Belfast – Children’s Birthday Parties: Climb Aboard for Your Birthday! Throw a birthday party to remember aboard HMS Belfast, the historic warship in the heart of London. Perfect for children aged 5–10, this exciting adventure is available for groups of up to 20 partygoers at £25 per person. Join your guide, Captain Cannon, on a top-secret mission to find the animals that have mysteriously vanished across the ship. Climb ladders, peek into cabins, sit in the captain’s chair, decode Morse code clues, dodge tricksters, and uncover the history of this incredible warship. After completing your mission, race to report back to your commanding officer before enjoying a birthday lunch fit for a sailor in the mess deck.
  • What’s Included
    • You and your friends are needed for a top-secret mission aboard HMS Belfast.
    • Mischievous mice and clever cats have gone missing across the ship, and it’s up to you to find them.
    • Explore all nine decks of this fascinating warship, uncover hidden clues, and race to discover the ship’s secrets.
    • Birthday Lunch: After completing your mission, take a well-earned break in your private mess deck and enjoy a freshly made sailor’s lunch. Lunches are served in Spitfire boxes and include: A choice of sandwich, Crisps, Fruit, Drink & Sweet treat
    • Explore the Ship
      • Once your party wraps up, the adventure doesn’t have to end.
      • You and your guests can continue exploring HMS Belfast, a real warship that was once home to over 950 crew members.
      • Climb ladders, duck through hatches, and discover the secrets of this extraordinary floating city.
  • To Book Visit: Book your birthday party
  • 10am to 5pm, last entry 4pm.
  • Open every day except 24 to 26 December.

Address: HMS Belfast, The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2JH, UK

Post Code: SE1 2JH

Council: Southwark

County: Greater London

  • HMS Belfast is moored on the River Thames, between London Bridge and Tower Bridge. It is easily accessible via public transport. 
  • By Train or Underground
    • The nearest train station, less than 0.5 miles away is London Bridge.
    • This is served by Thameslink, Southern Trains and South East Train services, as well as the Jubilee and Northern Underground lines. 
    • Also a short walk from the following London stations:
      • Waterloo - 2 miles
      • Charing Cross - 2.3 miles
      • Victoria - 3.5 miles
      • Kings’ Cross - 3.5 miles 
      • Euston - 3.5 miles 
  • Bus: The closest bus stops are Abbots Lane and Hay's Galleria. These stops are served by the 47, 343, 381.
  • Bike: There are bike racks outside London Bridge station. There is a Santander Cycle docking station 0.3 miles from HMS Belfast on Tooley Street.  
  • Thames Clipper: The nearest Thames Clipper pier is London Bridge City, 0.2 miles from the ship. 
  • By Car: There is no car park at HMS Belfast. . There are a variety of private car parks and metered parking bays in the area. Please note HMS Belfast is in the Congestion Zone. 

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