Allow 1.5-2 hours · London Bridge (5 min walk) / Tower Hill (10 min walk) · Suitable for all ages. Children under 5 go free. Most engaging for ages 7+ who can manage the ladders and passageways
Prijs vanaf
£27
Tickets beschikbaar
HMS Belfast is one of the most significant surviving warships of the 20th century and one of the most fascinating things to do in London for history enthusiasts. Permanently moored on the Thames between Tower Bridge and London Bridge, this 11,553-tonne Royal Navy light cruiser served with distinction in World War II — including the D-Day landings at Normandy and the Battle of North Cape — and later in the Korean War. Today she's a floating museum operated by Imperial War Museums, offering visitors the chance to explore a real warship from top to bottom.
Across nine decks, you'll discover the full story of life aboard a wartime vessel. Descend into the claustrophobic engine rooms deep below the waterline, peer into the massive gun turrets, and climb up to the captain's bridge high above the Thames. You'll see the cramped mess decks where hundreds of sailors ate, slept and lived shoulder to shoulder, the operations room where battles were coordinated under intense pressure, the sick bay, the galley and the shell rooms that fed the ship's fearsome guns. Interactive displays and an excellent audio guide bring the personal stories of the men who served aboard to vivid life, making this far more than just a static exhibit.
The nearest tube station is London Bridge, just a five-minute walk along the South Bank, or Tower Hill which is around ten minutes away. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the ship thoroughly — comfortable shoes are essential as there are steep ladders and narrow passageways throughout. HMS Belfast sits in one of London's most historic stretches, so it pairs perfectly with a visit to the nearby Tower of London and a walk across Tower Bridge, both just minutes away along the riverfront. For a completely different Thames experience, book tickets for a Thames Rockets speedboat ride departing from the South Bank.
Book your HMS Belfast tickets in advance to skip the queue, especially during summer and school holidays. The views of Tower Bridge and the City skyline from the upper decks alone are worth the visit — but it's the powerful sense of stepping into living history that makes HMS Belfast one of London's most rewarding attractions.
Dichtstbijzijnde metro
London Bridge (5 min walk) / Tower Hill (10 min walk)
Duur
Allow 1.5-2 hours
Toegankelijkheid
Limited wheelchair accessibility due to the ship's narrow passageways, steep ladders and hatches. Some areas are only accessible via vertical ladders. Contact IWM for details
Leeftijd
Suitable for all ages. Children under 5 go free. Most engaging for ages 7+ who can manage the ladders and passageways
Arthur G.
January 2025
“Fascinating piece of living history. Climbing through the engine rooms and seeing how cramped everything was gives you real respect for the sailors who served. The kids loved the gun turrets.”
Sarah L.
December 2024
“A hidden gem on the South Bank. The audio guide is excellent — really brings the ship's stories to life. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for lots of ladder climbing.”
Kevin M.
November 2024
“As a history buff, this was perfect. The D-Day exhibition is moving and the operations room is fascinating. The view of Tower Bridge from the upper deck is a bonus.”
Yes — HMS Belfast is a genuine Royal Navy light cruiser that served in World War II and the Korean War. She's been a museum ship on the Thames since 1971.
Yes — this is a real warship with steep ladders, narrow passageways and hatches to climb through. It's part of the experience but means it's not suitable for those with limited mobility.
Yes, you can descend deep into the ship to see the massive boiler and engine rooms. It's hot, noisy (sound effects) and claustrophobic — just as it would have been for the crew.
Yes, HMS Belfast is part of IWM (Imperial War Museums). Members get free entry. The ship also participates in special IWM events throughout the year.
Vanaf
£27
