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A History of HMS Belfast

In the early 1930s, a concerned British Admiralty discovered that the Imperial Japanese Navy had started construction of the new Mogami-class light cruisers, which were superior in specifications to their Royal Navy counterparts. Thus, in 1934, construction of what would become the Town-class light cruisers began at British shipyards…

Ben Johnson

In the early 1930s, a concerned British Admiralty discovered that the Imperial Japanese Navy had started construction of the new Mogami -class light cruisers, which were superior in specifications to their Royal Navy counterparts. In order to present a worthy adversary for the Mogamis , it became necessary to operate uncomfortably near the limits of the restrictions imposed by the existing international naval treaties.

Thus, in 1934, construction of what would become the Town -class light cruisers began at British shipyards. Further development of this project down the line led to the creation of the two most advanced ships of the class—Belfast and Edinburgh. They surpassed earlier ‘ Towns’ in terms of their superior weaponry and improved armour layout. However, Belfast still wasn’t able to match the number of Mogami’s main battery guns.

The Admiralty tried to make up for this by developing new artillery systems for her main battery. As a result, a choice was made to equip her with triple turrets, keeping one original feature of the original system. The middle barrel was set slightly further back in the turret to prevent the powder gases from disrupting the trajectory of the shells when firing a simultaneous salvo from all guns. The cruiser was very well armed, and her extensive artillery constituted a solid percentage of her total displacement.

cruise ship hms belfast

Belfast entered service just prior to the outbreak of World War Two, on August 3, 1939. On the morning of November 21, 1939, His Majesty’s newest cruiser, having served less than four months, was hit by a German magnetic mine a few kilometers from Rosyth. The ship was lucky enough to stay afloat and was hastily towed back to base. At the dry dock, it was found that the cruiser’s hull had taken serious damage—part of the keel was distorted and pushed in, half of the frames were deformed, and the turbines had been torn from their foundations. However, the plating luckily had only one small hole in it. The ship underwent an extensive overhaul that lasted 3 years with the aim of both repairing and improving the design to better withstand such shockwaves.

While undergoing repairs, Belfast was significantly modernized; in particular, the layouts of the hull and armour were modified, her AA weaponry was strengthened, and radar stations were mounted. The upgraded cruiser re-entered service in November 1942. She served as a protector of Arctic convoys; distinguished herself in the Battle of the North Cape, during which German battleship Scharnhorst was sunk; and provided fire support for the Normandy landings in June 1944 .

Having already made the trip, Belfast remained serving in East Asia for the rest of the 1940s. Therefore, when the Korean War broke out in 1950, she was close at hand to support the United Nations forces. Operating out of Japan, she conducted a number of coastal bombardments until the end of 1952, when she sailed back to Britain to enter the reserve.

In 1955, she returned to the site of her first refit in the early 40s for a new modernization intended to catch her up with the developing Cold War naval doctrine. On completion in 1959, she was recommissioned and once again deployed to the Pacific. In 1962, she finally made her final voyage home to be shortly thereafter placed in reserve and subsequently decommissioned in 1963.

Currently, Belfast is the largest surviving Royal Navy surface combatant of World War II and can be visited at its mooring on the Thames in London.

Since 8th July 2021, coinciding with the grand re-opening of this landmark museum ship, visitors are able to explore the World of Warships Command Centre —a first-rate gaming room complete with four PCs and two consoles. Visitors can command the HMS Belfast and its variation HMS Belfast ’43 in battle, as well as watch documentary footage showcasing films from the Naval Legends video series, available also on Youtube:

Register and play for free!

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HMS Belfast

London, England, United Kingdom

HMS Belfast is a Royal Navy light cruiser ship that played a role in both World War II and the Korean War.

cruise ship hms belfast

Lily Johnson

01 jun 2021.

cruise ship hms belfast

About HMS Belfast

HMS Belfast is a Royal Navy light cruiser ship that played a role in both World War Two and the Korean War. It is now open to the public in London under the remit of the Imperial War Museum.

HMS Belfast history

Launched in March 1938, HMS Belfast was commissioned by the Royal Navy in 1939, not long before the outbreak of World War Two .

World War Two During the war, HMS Belfast took part in the blockade on Germany, patrolling northern waters from the Scapa Flow naval base in Orkney. Having managed to intercept SS Cap Norte – a German liner – in 1939, HMS Belfast was then severely damaged by a mine later that same year.

For almost three years, HMS Belfast would not sail as part of the fleet again, yet during this time the ship was overhauled and massively upgraded. In fact, when she returned to the action in 1943, HMS Belfast was one of the Navy’s most formidable vessels and certainly its largest. As such, she was designated the flagship of the Tenth Cruiser Squadron, which protected Arctic convoys travelling to the Soviet Union .

Some of the most important successes of HMS Belfast include its contribution to the sinking of the German battle cruiser Scharnhorst during the Battle of the North Cape in December 1943, its assistance in disabling the German’s last heavy surface unit, Tirpitz, in 1944 and its part in ‘Operation ‘Neptune’, the naval element of the Normandy Landings of D-Day , also in 1944.

End of World War Two At the end of and after the Second World War, HMS Belfast carried out several roles in the Far East, including helping to evacuate prisoners from internment camps and taking part in peace keeping missions.

Korean War And After HMS Belfast’s next wartime role would occur in the 1950s, during the Korean War, where she was one of the first ships to go into action to support American and South Korean Troops. This gruelling undertaking would end on 27 September 1952, after which HMS Belfast was involved in a few peacetime missions before finally being taken to London in 1971.

HMS Belfast today

Today HMS Belfast is a museum dedicated to telling the ship’s fascinating history and the wider history of Britain’s 20th century conflicts. Situated on the Thames, visitors can experience what it may have been like for soldiers aboard the HMS Belfast over 9 decks of history, climbing the very same ladders and hatches used throughout its long career.

A number of exhibitions feature throughout, including ‘Feeding the Crew’, ‘Life on Board’, and ‘Serving the Seas’, that detail various aspects of a soldier’s life aboard the ship.

Getting to HMS Belfast

HMS Belfast is situated on the Thames between London and Tower Bridge and can be accessed via the Southbank side. The nearest train station is London Bridge, 0.5 miles away, where both trains and tubes run, while the nearest bus stops are Abbots Lane and Hay’s Galleria, where the 47, 343, and 381 services stop.

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One Trip at a Time

Launched in March 1938, HMS Belfast   saw active duty during World War II, playing a part in destroying the German battlecruiser   Scharnhorst   at the Battle of North Cape and in the   Normandy landings . It also served the Royal Navy in Korea and was used in peacekeeping duties in the 1950s and ’60s. It is now permanently docked in London near Tower Bridge and is operated by the   Imperial War Museum .

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cruise ship hms belfast

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our full disclosure policy here .

HMS Belfast is a Town-class cruiser and was constructed between 1936 and 1938. Commissioned in August 1939, she entered active service just before the outbreak of World War II. She initially served as part of the naval blockade against Nazi Germany during which time she was badly damaged by a mine. The mine almost caused the ship to be scrapped, but after extensive repairs, she returned to active service in 1942.

For the rest of the war she saw service around the globe, from escorting Arctic convoys to becoming part of the Pacific fleet. Two notable events are HMS Belfast’s roles in the destruction of the German ship Scharnhorst during the Battle of Cape Cod and being part of the D-Day Landings in Normandy. HMS Belfast is one of only three remaining vessels of the allied bombardment fleet from D-Day, the others are the destroyer USS Laffey and the battleship USS Texas. During her support of the D-Day landings she fired over 5,000 shells.

After World War II, HMS Belfast saw active service in the Korean War and remained in service until 1963. A campaign to preserve the ship as a museum was successful and the ship opened to the public in 1971 and became part of the Imperial War Museum in 1978.

HIGHLIGHTS OF HMS BELFAST

The entrance to HMS Belfast is on the south side of the River Thames, between London Bridge and Tower Bridge . You can’t miss the ship, moored menacingly in the centre of London. The tour is self-guided and takes you through the ship at your own pace using the audio guide that is included in your admission price.

cruise ship hms belfast

The self-guided audio tour will take you through HMS Belfast in an orderly fashion. Being a formerly active warship, there are many routes and passageways, so following the audio guide is advised to ensure you see everything there is to see.

You’ll start the tour on the main deck of the ship at the stern with a great view of Tower Bridge to be had. You shouldn’t miss the gun turret experience before heading to see support areas of the ship such as the laundry and the morale-boosting mail room.

Heading below decks from here are the boiler and engine rooms before sickbay and the canteen as you progress towards the bow of the ship. Descending again you can visit the ‘B’ shell room where ammunition was stored before heading to the punishment cells right in the bow.

Admire the view up the Thames one deck up from the fo’c’sle as well as getting up close to some of those enormous gun turrets at the bow before heading to the bridge tower to see where the ship was run from. Finally, you’ll see the boat deck and smaller guns as you head to the stern where the tour finishes.

cruise ship hms belfast

GUN TURRET EXPERIENCE

The 6-inch gun turret at the rear of HMS Belfast, known as ‘Y’ Turret, is an interactive experience that attempts to bring to life the experiences a young sailor would have experienced working as a gunner during a battle.

The battle in question is the Battle of North Cape, when HMS Belfast sighted the German ship Scharnhorst, and tells the young sailors story as HMS Belfast repels Scharnhorst and forces its retreat. HMS Belfast then shadowed the ship using radar allowing it to be intercepted and sunk by HMS Duke of York.

While unable to fully recreate the experience of being in a sea battle between two warships, the gun turret experience uses light, sound, smoke and movement to as closely as possible replicate the experience that a gunner would have had during battle.

cruise ship hms belfast

BOILER AND ENGINE ROOMS

The heart of any ship, HMS Belfast’s four boilers powered steam turbines which drove four propellers. This gave the ship a speed of 32.5 knots (60 km/h, 37.5 mph) and with almost 2,500 tonnes of fuel onboard, she could sail for over 8,500 nautical miles (16,000 km, 10,000 miles) at a reduced speed of 13 knots.  You can only imagine how hot, smelly and sweaty it would have got down here when the ship was at full speed.

cruise ship hms belfast

‘B’ SHELL ROOM AND HOIST

The ship’s ammunition stores are deep in the bowels of the ship to help protect them from enemy fire. The hoists from each shell room allowed the shells to be sent to the guns for firing as quickly as possible enabling the ship to keep its guns firing at their targets.

If the guns at the bow were fired today, the people taking a break from their journey at the London Gateway Service area at Scratchwood on the M1 would be in for a very unpleasant surprise, despite being 11.7 miles northwest of the ship!

cruise ship hms belfast

ARCTIC MESS DECKS

When HMS Belfast was escorting arctic convoys conditions on board were less than ideal. Terrible weather, freezing temperatures and endless days (or nights), depending on the time of year, made for an uncomfortable service. The sailors kept their spirits up as best they could, having a variety of competitions, playing games and even gambling illegally. Being called to battle stations for the Battle of North Cape may have come as a relief to some that they finally could do what they were at sea to do.

The Arctic Mess Deck show how the sailors were crammed into the ship for these arduous duties.

cruise ship hms belfast

The Bridge is the nerve centre of any ship, the primary location for the captain and his senior officers to oversee the ship and make decisions. The Bridge tower on HMS Belfast contains many of the decision making areas onboard including the operations rooms, wireless operator and gun direction platform. These all fed information to the captain so he could make the best decisions as to how to manoeuvre the ship; warning him of incoming threats and tracking enemy movements.

cruise ship hms belfast

PLAN YOUR VISIT TO HMS BELFAST

Information last updated September 2019

HOW TO GET THERE

HMS Belfast can be found at The Queen’s Walk, London SE1 2JH .

This is between London Bridge and  Tower Bridge   on the south side of the river Thames.  The entrance is towards the stern (rear) of the ship

The nearest tube station is London Bridge (Northern and Jubilee lines) and London Bridge is also on National Rail, the station is just seven-minutes walk.

Parking is available less than ten minutes walk away at NCP London Bridge .

HELPFUL LINKS:

  • If you need an app that will navigate you around whether walking, driving or using public transport and even works offline then click for a guide about   how to use Here WeGo .
  • The Tube Map/London Underground App ( Android  and Apple ) is very useful for getting around London. It's free, has a route planner, and works offline.
  • Transport for London website's " Plan Your Journey" tool will give you results for trip time on the Tube, bus, or walking. Note the walking time as sometimes it is the quickest, easiest, option!

OPENING HOURS

Opening hours are 1000-1800 every day except for the 24th to 26th December. Last admission is one hour before closing.

As most of the attraction is indoors, any time of year is a good time to visit and it could be the perfect place to visit on a rainy or cold day. We would recommend you allow at least two hours to fully explore the ship.

HOW TO BUY TICKETS & SAVE MONEY ON ADMISSION

Basic admission prices are £18 for adults, £9 for children 5-15 years, £14.40 for over 60s, students and disabled visitors. One carer per disabled visitor can visit for free.  You can save 10% by booking online in advance

HMS Belfast is included in the London Pass  and London Explorer Pass  which can offer savings depending on what else you are doing whilst you are in London. If you are travelling by train on National Rail  you may also be eligible for great savings with the  2 for 1 London offer by Days Out Guide . This offer is not available all the time but it is well worth a quick look on their website to see if it’s available for when you’d like to visit. 

ACCESSIBILITY

HMS Belfast was built as a warship, not a tourist attraction, so it contains many areas which are only accessible via ladders and steps, some of which are quite steep. However, the ship has been modified to provide as much access as possible to wheelchair users allowing them to visit both main decks. The ship is quite cramped and you should be careful when moving around, especially when moving between decks.

For full accessibility details please visit the HMS Belfast Accessibility page.

IS HMS BELFAST WORTH THE VISIT?

As one of only three remaining D-Day warships, HMS Belfast holds a special place in history. Visiting the ship and learning about notable events its history as well as how life was onboard during its active service, we found our visit to HMS Belfast to well worth it. To see how the ship operated and explore so much of the vessel was both interesting and informative.

See what others think of this attraction on Trip Advisor .

cruise ship hms belfast

ADD TO YOUR ITINERARY

“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life” said Samuel Johnson, so it’s no surprise that there are a plethora of things to do in the UK’s capital city. Here are a few choice selections to whet your appetite.

IN THE AREA

  • Nearby  Tower Bridge  offers wonderful views of the city, including straight down to the road and river below through the glass floor!
  • Step further back in time to the 11th century and visit the  Tower of London  to see the Crown Jewels, the White Tower, and take a tour by one of the Yeoman Warders.
  • The Shard is the tallest building in the UK, get a birds-eye view of London from its 243m (800 ft) high viewing platform.
  • If you don’t want to quite that high, then   The Monument , which was built to commemorate the Great Fire of London, offers great views of HMS Belfast and   Tower Bridge .
  • Take a trip back to what prisons were like centuries ago with a tour of The Clink Prison Museum , built on the original site of the prison which dated back to 1144.

RELATED ATTRACTIONS IN AND AROUND LONDON

  • Continue learning about World War II history, as well as other conflicts through history, at the   Imperial War Museum .
  • Explore the   Churchill War Rooms , the actual rooms where Churchill and his chiefs of staff formulated strategy for the defence of the UK during World War II.
  • Step aboard the worlds only surviving extreme clipper, the Cutty Sark . Over 150 years old, it was one of the fastest ships of its day.
  • To learn more about the Britains seafaring history, visit the National Maritime Museum , the largest in the world, in nearby Greenwich.
  • North of London you can find   IWM Duxford , a branch of the Imperial War Museum which houses nearly 200 aircraft including warplanes and a development Concorde.

RESOURCES | PLAN YOUR TRIP TO LONDON

To book flights, rental cars, accommodations, and activities for your trip, please check out our recommended travel providers, favourite apps and websites. 

These are a few tours that relate to HMS Belfast that we would recommend for your trip to London.

Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission but this does not affect the price to you. Please read our   full disclosure policy here . 

cruise ship hms belfast

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HMS BELFAST

a photograph of the HMS Belfast, a distinguished Southampton class cruiser, anchored gracefully in a river.

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"Image of the HMS Belfast, a notable Southampton class cruiser, proudly docked in a river

HMS Belfast is a Southampton class cruiser and is permanently moored in the River Thames as a floating museum. HMS Belfast saw active service during the Second World War, most notably at the Battle of North Cape where she took part in the sinking of the German battlecruiser “Scharnhorst”. She also took part in the Normandy landings.

Visitor information

Regular events.

  • School holiday activities
  • Meet the veterans days

Website:  www.iwm.org.uk/visits/hms-belfast

Address: The Queens Walk, London, SE1 2JH

Nearest pier:  St Katharine’s  ( Blue and Pink Routes )

Nearest tube: London Bridge

  • Jubilee Line
  • Northern Line (Bank branch)

USEFUL TO KNOW

  • Most of the HMS Belfast is wheelchair accessible, but because of the nature of the ship, there are some areas which are not suitable for wheelchairs, prams, pushchairs or people with limited mobility. See the Accessibility page for more information. www.iwm.org.uk/visits/hms-belfast/access

Other Attractions

  • Westminster Pier
  • Bankside Pier
  • Greenwich Pier

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  • Tower Bridge

Get to know what it’s like to visit this destination.

Getting To Know Tower Bridge – Cruise port Guide London

Our Tower Bridge cruise port guide is a quick and easy introduction to everything there is to see and do in the nations capital city, London.

Located in the heart of London, this is one of the most iconic and unique cruise ports in the world. Berthing alongside HMS Belfast and tendering via river shuttle boat across the Thames – beneath Tower Bridge – is one of the most spectacular ways to embark your cruise ship, and this wonderful experience is reserved exclusively for those much smaller vessels. The sailaway from Tower Bridge is spectacular and you’ll find spectators lining the pavements to bid bon voyage as your ship leaves this iconic landmark behind.

Of course, no embarkation or disembarkation at Tower Bridge would be complete without spending time in the UK capital. London is bursting with things to see and do, so why not add a short stay into your holiday plans. You can delve deep into London’s history; sample some of the finest food in the world; enjoy a show in the West End, splurge on Oxford Street; take in many of the typical tourist sites; relax in one of the cities many public parks; take a ride on the famous London Underground; enjoy the city view from the top of The Shard; and many, many more.

Don’t forget to stop by our cruise blog for updates on Tower Bridge (London) cruises.

Travel Tips:

London is easy to explore on foot and via public transport, and the quickest way to get around is via the London Underground. TravelCard tickets are the most cost effective and they cover all public transport within the city, including the DLR, bus services, London Overground, Emirates Air Line, River Bus and National Rail Services. If you’re only in the city for one day, we’d recommend using the pay as you go system. If you’re staying for 2 or 3 days, purchase the Visitor Pass.

These are some of the things you can do and places you can enter in the city for FREE: British Museum, Museum of London, Natural History Museum, IWM London, National Portrait Gallery, all public parks, London Mithraeum, Queens House, walking tours, Museum of London Docklands, Science Museum and the British Museum.

cruise ship hms belfast

Key highlights of London

  • Tower of London – located opposite your ships berth
  • HMS Belfast
  • Buckingham Palace
  • Westminster Abbey
  • The British Museum
  • Covent Garden
  • Oxford Street
  • Camden Town and Market
  • Emirates Air Line
  • Royal Albert Hall
  • London Transport Museum
  • Westminster Bridge
  • Palace of Westminster & Big Ben
  • Portobello Road
  • Tate Modern
  • Piccadilly Circus
  • Leicester Square
  • The National Gallery
  • St Paul’s Cathedral
  • Trafalgar Square

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Timelapse of Tower Bridge Transit by Steve Dunlop

Cruise expert insider  🔎  tower bridge & london by sue bryant.

Sue Bryant No Fly Cruises

London is all about the views. Luckily, you’ll have what’s arguably the best view of all if you’re docked at Tower Bridge, with the Tower of London, the dome of St Paul’s and the futuristic skyscrapers of the City right in front of your ship. Book online in advance to visit the glass walkways that span Tower Bridge; there’s even a glass floor if you’re brave enough to look down, and the views up and down the river are stupendous.

The temptation with London is to cram in too much, so pace yourself. This is a city of neighbourhoods and it pays to discover one pocket at a time. The area east of Tower Bridge, on the South Bank, all walkable, is Shad Thames, former warehouses that are now hip apartments, cool restaurants and buzzing bars and cafés. The famous Borough Market is a short walk west from HMS Belfast, where you’re docked, for a whistle-stop journey through the world’s cuisines, from gourmet chocolate to coffee, cheeses, organic fruit and vegetable stalls, paella and pies. It’s closed on Sunday but brunch here on Saturdays is a big event for Londoners. More local and, some would say, less touristy is Maltby Street Market in Bermondsey, which is open on Saturdays and Sundays, for fabulous street food: green juices, artisanal gin and authentic bangers.

If you’re having a South Bank day, the other big attractions here are the Tate Modern, one of London’s finest galleries, and Shakespeare’s Globe, where you can do behind-the-scenes tours as well as watch plays in a recreation of the original Elizabethan playhouse. And for more of those amazing views, climb on board the London Eye and try to spot all the legendary landmarks.

Areas like Oxford Street, Regent Street, Buckingham Palace and Parliament Square need little introduction, as they’re on a well-trodden trail. So why not dig a little deeper? When I’m playing tourist in my own city, I sign up for a guided walk with London Walks (walks.com), which, thanks to the eloquent and very entertaining guides, never disappoint, whether you follow the trail of Jack the Ripper, The Beatles or London’s ghosts.

Speaking of ghosts, one of the best tours I’ve done is the London Transport Museum’s ‘ghost stations’ visit, where guides take you on a very exclusive visit underground to learn the fascinating story of the disused underground stations, used as anything from air raid shelters in World War II to the set for the James Bond film, Skyfall. These are really popular, though, so you need to plan well ahead (ltmuseum.co.uk).

For a city with more than eight million inhabitants, London has some gorgeous outdoor space. You’ll probably see the Royal Parks on a tour: Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, Green Park and St James Park, all of which are beautiful at any time of year. In summer, if your ship is overnighting, it’s always worth checking out the Open Air Theatre at Regent’s Park. Book a ticket, pack a picnic and enjoy productions like A Midsummer Night’s Dream in an atmospheric woodland setting.

Slightly further afield, but an easy journey from London Bridge on the Northern Line, another of my favourite views of the city is from Primrose Hill, an extension of Regent’s Park. Sometimes, I combine a visit here with a wander through the boho market at Camden Lock, or head further north still for a stroll on Hampstead Heath to the neoclassical villa of Kenwood House and the Spaniards Inn, a pub dating back to 1585, or through chichi Hampstead Village for shopping and grazing.

A few days in London is never enough, though. You’ll always want to come back for more.

Cruise Editor , The Times & The Sunday Times

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HMS Belfast

HMS Belfast is a ship-museum where you can discover how a 20th-century warship functioned in every aspect, from battles to medical emergencies to everyday life for the crew.

cruise ship hms belfast

HMS Belfast is a 9-deck warship, initially built for the Royal Navy and now moored in the River Thames and kept as an Imperial War Museum. HMS Belfast is primarily famous for having played a key role in protecting the Arctic convoys during WWII. It is also, notably, one of the only three remaining vessels from the fleet supporting the Normandy landings on D-Day, in 1944.

Inside, you can explore what is essentially a floating city with exhibitions and installations displaying everything from machinery, to control rooms, to living quarters, showcasing what life was like aboard a warship and how military operations were carried out.

You will learn all about the cruiser’s history and the military events in which it took part in its years of activity, between 1939 and 1965. Of course, you’ll be told plenty of interesting anecdotes on the day-to-day running of the ship. You’ll also be able to visit the entirety of the rooms, which include the cabins, the kitchens, the cockpit, the emergency room, the wine cellar, the operations room, and the engine room.

HMS Belfast interior

Interestingly, HMS Belfast is regularly checked, dry-docked, and issued the proper certification that allows it to remain moored in the waters of the River Thames. This means that it is watertight and technically seaworthy, although it would probably not be able to move with its own engine.

HMS Belfast is definitely a visit we recommend to anyone invested in history (World War II in particular), as well as to engineering and weaponry aficionados.

The Queen’s Walk, Southwark, London, SE1 2JH.

HMS Belfast is moored in the River Thames’ waters, right between London Bridge and Tower Bridge . Thanks to its advantageous location, it isn’t far from many well-known sights and attractions in the city. First among them is the Tower of London , then The Monument , and The Shard . On its northern side, the bridge is quite close to the City of London and the Whitechapel districts.

Visiting HMS Belfast - entries and price

. If you book your tickets online, remember that they are timed, so your entry time slot covers the following thirty minutes. If you arrive any later than that, you might have to wait for the next available spot to enter.

When buying your tickets, note that you can choose to include an additional 10% voluntary donation.

Remember that HMS Belfast might be included in seasonal 2FOR1 offers, which normally make you eligible to buy two tickets for the price of one.

*ticket cost with 10% donation.

HMS Belfast is open every day from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Visitors are allowed in until one hour before closing time, however, it is suggested that visitors allow at least three hours to be able to see the entire ship.

Thanks to its central position, HMS Belfast is very easy to reach. If you’re taking the Underground , the Northern and Jubilee lines both take you to London Bridge , just a couple of minutes west of the moored ship.

If you’d rather get the bus , we recommend lines 47, 343, and 381, as they will leave you the closest to HMS Belfast. If these routes don’t work for you, you also take lines 17, 21, 35, 43, 133, 141, 149, 344, and 388. You’ll be dropped off around London Bridge, so you won’t have to walk to far to get to the museum.

You can find a summary of the public transport options in the table below.

If you want, you can reach HMS Belfast by taxi , but we don’t recommend it, considering the traffic conditions in central London.

Nearby sights

Tower Bridge - 500 m (0.3 miles) east, 6-minute walk.

The Shard - 550 m (0.3 miles) south, 7-minute walk.

Borough Market - 700 m (0.4 miles) southwest, 8-minute walk.

The Old Operating Theatre - 750 m (0.5 miles) southwest, 9-minute walk.

The Monument - 950 m (0.6 miles) north, at the northern end of London Bridge, 12-minute walk.

Tower of London - 1 km (0.6 miles) on the other bank of the River Thames, 12-minute walk.

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre - 1.3 km (0.8 miles) west, 15-minute walk.

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HMS Belfast WWII Battleship & Museum

HMS Belfast  WWII Battleship & Museum

Visit HMS Belfast one of the last surviving battleships used during WWII. Climb onboard and walk through 9 decks that tell the story of the ship, its crew and its involvement in some of the most important battles of the war including D-Day. See how sailors used to live in cramped living quarters and visit the enormous engine rooms that powered the vessel. Kids absolutely love climbing into the Captain’s chair and playing in the interactive operations room of the ship. The HMS Belfast is permanently located on the River Thames, opposite the Tower of London and near Tower Bridge.

  • The Gun Turret experience
  • Hear veterans first-hand experiences in the Life at Sea exhibition
  • Nine decks of amazing history
  • Free audio guides available in English, French, German and Spanish

Please Note:

  • All children must be accompanied by an adult
  • You must present the voucher that we will email to you once booked, upon arrival together with a piece of valid photographic identification (e.g. Passport, Driving Licence).
  • Children under 5 years are free of charge

Venue Information:

  • HMS Belfast, The Queen’s Walk, London, SE1 2JH
  • Nearest Train Stations: London Bridge or Tower Hill

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HMS Belfast Museum Ship

Saturday, August 25th 2018 saw us visiting London to see the Challenge Cup Final at Wembley but as we’re people who like to take in a bit of history or culture whenever we travel for other reasons we took advantage of a 2-for-1 ticket offer because we were travelling by train in order to take a quick look around the Thames-moored museum ship of HMS Belfast . As we were arriving in London at Waterloo this was a simple 2-stop tube journey and a short walk from the London Bridge underground station to the riverside and the ticket office for the historic naval vessel.

HMS Belfast, Thames, London

HMS Belfast was the penultimate Town-class light cruiser built for the British navy and one of two Edinburgh-class subclass vessels. Launched in March 1938 she saw action in World War II (after a few years of extensive repairs following damage from a mine late in 1939) in numerous Arctic battles and convoys and played a role in the D-Day landings at Normandy. In the early 1950s HMS Belfast was attached to the US Navy briefly to assist in the Korean War but was then detached in order to perform naval operations in an independent manner. In the 1960s the ship was decommissioned and put into reserve, and for some time was moored not far from us in Portsmouth at Fareham creek awaiting the order to be scrapped. It was at this time that the Imperial War Museum floated the possibility of preserving the ship in its entirety and she was eventually handed over to a trust, towed to London, fitted out as a museum, and opened to the public in 1971.

HMS Belfast Sign

As you first board HMS Belfast your tickets are checked and you’re handed a map of the ship and given the opportunity to take a free audioguide around with you. With our limited time aboard owing to our upcoming sporting engagement we knew we wouldn’t really be able to fully appreciate the extended information at each of the audio points on the ship so just made do with the map. As you can see there are nine levels to the ship and in our time aboard we managed to get from the highest point to the lowest clambering up and down the ladders.

HMS Belfast Map

It should be noted that when you’re on HMS Belfast the ladders that take you up and down the decks are very steep and often narrow (warships don’t really have the luxury to accommodate the space for easier steps as you can probably appreciate). Almost all the routes up and down are one-way to prevent people trying to come up when others are coming down and you can see this on the yellow arrows on the map. Because of the steepness of the steps you descend much as you ascend with your back away from the rungs. You can expect to bang your shins or knees or head at some point because we did and we overheard two other people exclaim loudly variations of “Agh! Not again!” It’s all part of the experience.

HMS Belfast Service Plaque

The boiler and engine rooms on the lower levels are particularly interesting to explore. While they’re jam-packed with pipes, gauges, levers, railings, more pipes, dials, buttons, wheels, and even more pipes it never really felt claustrophobic there (at least, not for us, but it’s worth considering if it’s something that bothers you). Probably the most unnerving point of visiting this area of the museum ship was coming across the sign that indicated we were 4.5 metres below the waterline. The other signs that generated a smidge of concern were the frequent warnings about asbestos. From an aesthetic point of view the almost steampunk impression due to the volume of brass pipes and analogue dials was beautiful to see.

Below The Waterline

On the main deck are the gun turrets and it’s here you’ll find most people trying to take selfies. Additionally, you’ll get some lovely views across the River Thames to various London landmarks such as Tower Bridge and the Tower of London . Climbing up the remainder of the levels allows you to visit the Admiral’s Bridge, Gun Direction Platform, Operations Room, Compass Platform, and Admiral’s and Captain’s Sea Cabins.

HMS Belfast Gun Turrets

We knew that our visit to HMS Belfast would be fleeting but assumed we’d see enough in the hour to satisfy us. I’m not sure that it did. I’d have liked to have spent at least double the amount of time we were there in order to fully listen to an audioguide on the way around and to take a little more time examining some of the machinery and taking more photographs. If you or any member of your family has an interest in wartime history or ships or just want to see a museum that’s slightly different from the norm then HMS Belfast is a fabulous way to spend anywhere up to half a day. There’s even a café onboard which would help to break up or reward any trip around the ship. As fans of modern cruising we particularly liked comparing small elements of the naval ship with modern liners such as the “promenade deck” area, the cabins, and the galley. HMS Belfast is well worth a visit.

HMS Belfast

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Got to love those 2-for-1 offers! Looks like a really interesting day out.

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HMS Belfast: What To Know Of The Warship Museum In The Heart Of London

The HMS Belfast is one of the largest Royal Navy museum ships and she is open to the public in the heart of London.

  • The HMS Belfast is a historic museum ship in London, part of the British Imperial War Museum, and is open to the public since 1971.
  • The ship had an extensive career, being commissioned before World War Two, heavily damaged by a mine in 1939, but significantly improved and returned to service in 1942.
  • Visitors can explore the nine decks of the HMS Belfast, learn about the Royal Navy's role in WWII, and enjoy great views of the Thames and London. Admission fees apply.

The Royal Navy has a long and proud history, and it famously ruled the waves for around a hundred years. Today there are a number of interesting museum ships around Britain to explore — the largest of which is the HMS Belfast on the River Thames right in the heart of London.

Besides the HMS Belfast , another of the most rewarding museum ships to explore in the UK is the old ship of the line — the HMS Victory from the Battle of Trafalgar. Across the Atlantic, the United States has the world's largest collection of large museum naval ships with five aircraft carrier museums and many impressive battleship museums .

The Extensive Career Of HMS Belfast

The HMS Belfast is a Town-class light cruiser named after the city of Belfast in Northern Ireland. The Royal Navy built ten Town-class light cruisers during the 1930s in the run-up to the Second World War.

Of the ten Town-class light cruisers, the Royal Navy lost four during the Second World War. All of them were lost in the Mediterranean theater of the war. The other surviving ships were scrapped in the 1950s and 1960s.

The HMS Belfast was commissioned just before the outbreak of the war but got off to a bad start. She soon struck a German mine in August 1939.

  • Type: Town-class
  • Commissioned: 1936
  • Wars: World War Two, Korean War
  • Displacement: 11,550 tons

She was extensively damaged and was nearly scrapped. Nevertheless, she was extensively repaired over a two-year period and returned to the fight in November 1942. This was not the same ship as before, she had been significantly improved with better firepower, armor, and other equipment.

She then took part in escorting the Arctic convoys to aid the Soviet Union (the UK and USA supplied eye-watering amounts of aid to keep the Soviets in the fight).

In December 1943, she took part in the Battle of North Cape where the powerful German battleship, the Scharnhorst was destroyed.

Later, the HMS Belfast was part of the naval efforts in support of D-Day. Finally, as the war with Germany wound down, the British switched their attention to the Pacific Theater. There she joined the British Pacific Fleet against Japan, but the war soon ended there too.

She would see combat again during the British efforts in the Korean War between 1950 and 1952. She was extensively modernized again in the late 1950s before going into reserve in 1963 and then decommissioned.

Related: From Tug Boats To Aircraft Carriers: Here Are 10 Types Of US Naval Museum Ships

The HMS Belfast Is One Of The Top Attractions In London Today

She was spared the shipbreakers and was one of the rare Royal Navy ships to be preserved. Her namesake is to continue within the Royal Navy.

The third of the Royal Navy's new Type 26 frigates under construction is to be named HMS Belfast (in response to avoid confusion, the museum will be renamed "HMS Belfast (1938)."

The HMS Belfast is part of the British Imperial War Museum (another branch of the museum is the Churchill War Rooms which are also worth visiting ). She has been open to the public since 1971 and is now a popular tourist attraction in London.

The HMS Belfast is moored on the River Thames and is located close to Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, and many of the most iconic attractions of London. She is hard to miss when exploring London (she is in full view of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, two of London's leading landmarks).

The Imperial War Museum in London is perhaps the best place to learn about the long military history of the United Kingdom. Take the time to visit their other branches — Churchill War Rooms, Duxford, North, and London.

Duxford is an airforce exhibit (with Spitfires, B-52 Stratofortresses, and many more), while North explores British military history.

Related: See The Unique Chance To Visit The Mighty USS Texas Museum Battleship While She Is In Drydock

What To Know About Visiting The HMS Belfast

Explore the HMS Belfast and learn about the pivotal role of the Royal Navy during the Second World War. Visitors can visit her nine decks and to see everything, visitors should plan on spending at least three hours.

  • Opening Hours: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (last entry 5:00 pm)
  • Address: The Queen's Walk, London, SE1 2JH

Admission Fees:

  • Adults: £24.50 ($31.21 USD)
  • Children: £12.25 ($15.60)

The ship has plenty of interactive displays, plus visitors get to enjoy great views of the Thames and London.

While in Europe, one of the most remarkable museum ships to visit is the 400-year-old sailing ship, Vasa. She was meant to be the pride of the Swedish Navy, but she sank 20 minutes into her maiden voyage, and today the Vasa is on display in Stockholm .

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HMS Caroline

Description.

Step aboard and discover one ship, 100 years of history, and 1000 incredible stories

  • Alexandra Dock
  • Queen's Road, Titanic Quarter

Embrace a Giant Spirit

Top Reasons To Visit

  • Drill Hall – See a naval battle brought to life with their impressive, cinema-style experience.
  • Signal School – Learn how to crack codes, signal ships and fire torpedoes just like the original crew.
  • Engine Room - Experience the sights, hear the rumble and maybe even catch the faint whiff of oil.
  • Captain’s Quarters - Walk into the authentic historical spaces on board HMS Caroline and it’ll feel like the crew never left!
  • Virtual Access Suite - Budding historians can visit to learn more about HMS Caroline’s history and her restoration.

Contact Details

Current opening hours.

  • Wednesday 10:00-16:30
  • Thursday 10:00-16:30
  • Friday 10:00-16:30
  • Saturday 10:00-16:30
  • Sunday 10:00-16:30

Arriving at HMS Caroline

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cruise ship hms belfast

Visit HMS Caroline

Step aboard and discover one ship, 100 years of history, and 1000 incredible stories

Ready to set sail on a maritime adventure? Immerse yourself in our new guided tours, which are limited to an exclusive 15 guests per tour. 

Tours are scheduled throughout the day at 10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, and 3pm. While spontaneity is welcomed, we recommend booking your place in advance to ensure a seamless visit and to mitigate against a lack of availability of tour spots on the day.

Want to come back and experience HMS Caroline again?

For returning visitors with a valid Museum ticket, please see booking details on the link tab at the bottom of the page in our FAQ section.

cruise ship hms belfast

Step aboard and witness a story 100 years in the making

HMS Caroline's incredible story doesn't end at the First World War, becoming the headquarters for Belfast Naval Base during the Battle of the Atlantic, in the Second World War, and a Cold-War era minesweeping school. She was finally decommissioned in 2011, making HMS Caroline the longest-serving warship after HMS Victory . 

Having been a part of Belfast's history for almost 100 years, HMS Caroline is an iconic fixture of the Titantic Quarter, merging thousands of hours of painstaking restoration and state-of-the-art interpretation into one incredible experience that you'll never forget!

What to see

Mother and daughter next to the captain's desk in his quarters aboard HMS Caroline

Captain’s Quarters

Walk into the authentic historical spaces on board HMS Caroline and it’ll feel like the crew never left! Could you have slept in a hammock like the marines and seamen? Or would only the Captain’s Quarter have done for you?

Engine room of HMS Caroline

Engine Room

Dive down below the waterline of HMS Caroline and see her incredible engine room, preserved just as it was when she was an active warship. Experience the sights, hear the rumble of her turbines, and maybe even catch the faint whiff of oil as you explore the very heart of HMS Caroline. 

cruise ship hms belfast

The first stop onboard HMS Caroline is the Drill Hall, where you can see the Battle of Jutland brought to life. This impressive, cinema-style experience, puts you right in the middle of the action

Plan a visit

How to get here.

HMS Caroline is located at Alexandra Dock, Queens Rd, Belfast in the heart of Titanic Quarter. We are only 2.8 miles away from Belfast City Hall - 10-15 minutes by car. 

We offer free parking on site, including disabled parking.

By public transport: Take the G2 Glider bus from Belfast City Hall to the first Catalyst Inc. stop. Walk through Catalyst car park to reach us at Alexandra Dock.  

By car: Take the car and park in our free car park. We are only five minutes up Queens Road from SSE Arena, or a two minute drive from the Titanic Hotel. 

By Bicycle: Take advantage of the Belfast Bike scheme and enjoy a leisurely cycle up Maritime Mile.

On foot: HMS Caroline is just a 30 minute walk from the iconic Big Fish in Belfast City Centre. Walk the Maritime Mile and see the Belfast Marina and the Great Light on your way.  

A coach drop off point and coach parking facilities are available.  

Opening times

November to May – Wednesday to Sunday, Guided Tour times: 10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, and 3pm.

Closed: 24, 25, and 26 December.

June to October - Wednesday to Sunday, open 10am to 4.30pm. Last admission: 3.30pm daily. (July / August, also open Monday / Tuesday, 10am to 4.30pm).

There will be no guided tours during the Easter period, instead HMS Caroline will be operating on a free-flow model. Opening times will be 10am to 4.30pm, with last entry at 3.30pm. 

This will run from Friday 29 March to Monday 1 April and again from Wednesday 3 April to Sunday 7 April. HMS Caroline will be closed on Tuesday 2 April, Monday 8 April, and Tuesday 9 April.

Guided tours will resume on Wednesday 10 April, with HMS Caroline reverting to Wednesday to Sunday opening times. 

Accessibility

HMS Caroline is a restored First World War ship that has been converted into a museum and visitor attraction. Due to the historic nature of the vessel, there are some accessibility considerations to be aware of when planning your visit.   The ship is accessed via a ramp from the dockside. As the vessel is afloat, the gradient of the ramp changes due to the tidal nature of Belfast Lough; the ramp can be particularly steep at high tide.    There are steep steps and uneven surfaces on board. The majority of the ship is accessible for wheelchair users and our guided tour route has been designed with this mobility in mind.

There are three lifts on board HMS Caroline:

  • One external lift at the aft end of the ship, which provides access between the upper and lower decks.
  • One internal lift in the café at the forward end of the ship, which provides access between the lower and upper decks.
  • One external lift at the forward end of the ship, which provides access between the upper deck and the Fo’c’sle.

There are two accessible toilets on-board, next to the Drill Hall and Historic Galley.   We have wheelchairs on site that may be borrowed free of charge.   There is a hearing loop system available in the Pump House and onboard the ship.   Light levels vary throughout the ship; there are also loud soundscapes and interactives on board. The Battle of Jutland film is loud, dark and contains images that may be upsetting to some visitors.

Please note, high heels with a diameter smaller than a 2p coin (2.5cm) cannot be worn on board the ship. Heel caps that can be fitted should be purchased in advance

Group visits

We are delighted to offer a discounted price to groups of 15 people and above. Groups of up to 30 are welcome (although we would need two concurrent tours – 2 x 15).

With ample parking for coaches and cars, on board refreshments and the choice of an exclusive guided tour, HMS Caroline is a great day out for groups of all ages. 

*Prices valid for visit dates up to and including 31/03/25.

To qualify for group rates, a minimum of 12 persons is required and a group leader goes for free. There is no maximum group number but larger groups may be required to split into smaller numbers.

There is a café on board HMS Caroline which seats approximately 30 people. It serves light refreshments such as soup, sandwiches and cake along with tea/coffee etc.  

Group bookings must be made in advance with a minimum of 7 days notice. Bookings for the winter season are subject to staffing availability so please enquire with as much notice as possible.  

To enquire about our group visits please contact us on 028 9045 4484. To book your group call 023 9283 9766 (opt. 3) or email [email protected]  

School visits

Based in Belfast’s famous Titanic Quarter, HMS Caroline is a First World War-era ship now restored as a floating museum with an amazing story to tell.  Pupils will be immersed in life on board this unique vessel and discover stories of the people who served during one of history’s greatest naval engagements, the Battle of Jutland. 

Our onsite and outreach sessions combine hand-on activities with an opportunity to engage with collections and innovative technology, providing unforgettable learning experiences that bring the curriculum to life.

For more information email our Learning Team .  

Return visit

Want to come back and experience HMS Caroline again? Tours are scheduled throughout the day at 10 am, 11.30 am, 1.30 pm, and 3 pm. While spontaneity is welcomed, we recommend booking your place in advance to ensure a seamless visit and to mitigate against a lack of availability of tour spots on the day.

Book your return visit today?

if you require any assistance pre-booking a guided tour please contact us by emailing [email protected] or call 023 9289 1370 and select option 4.

Food and Drink

During the months spanning November to May, HMS Caroline adopts a guided tours model, hosting tours at 10am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, and 3pm. 

The Mess Deck Café at HMS Caroline is currently closed. HMS Caroline stocks a very basic range of cold drinks and snacks on board, these are available to purchase from the Museum Shop.

Visitors are also welcome to bring their own snacks to enjoy at our on-site picnic area.   

Health and Safety

Guidelines for visitors (2024).

To ensure all visitors to HMS Caroline have a safe and rewarding experience we have compiled these brief safety notes.

All buildings and the ship are assessed regularly and maintained to a high standard, as are equipment and procedures (e.g. fire evacuation). Due to the nature of our attractions, some hazards cannot be avoided but they can be mitigated. Buildings and the ship may have raised areas and step / stair access, sharp edges, electrical hazards, fire hazards, trip/fall/slip hazards and rusty/dusty artefacts. First aid trained staff are available at all sites. Please approach the nearest members of staff if any assistance is required or an emergency occurs.

All Front of house staff are trained in evacuation procedures; in the event of an alarm, please follow the instructions given by the staff. Do not stop to collect your belongings. The muster point for each attraction is listed in the corresponding sections below.

The General Environment

HMS Caroline is a restored First World War ship that has been converted into a museum and visitor attraction. Due to the historic nature of the vessel, there are some accessibility considerations to be aware of when planning your visit. Light levels vary throughout the ship. There are also loud soundscapes and interactives on board. The Battle of Jutland film is loud, dark and contains images that may be upsetting to some visitors.

The ship is accessed via a ramp from the dockside. As the vessel is afloat, the gradient of the ramp changes due to the tidal nature of Belfast Lough; the ramp can be particularly steep at high tide. The ship can be inaccessible to some i.e. mobility issues or in wheelchairs, when the tide is high.

Due to the historic nature of the ship, we recommend you wear sturdy shoes and dress for the outdoors i.e. warm coats and layers.

The site and all activities are fully risk assessed and subject to safeguarding, and health and safety policies.

The National Museum of the Royal Navy is protected by 24 hour CCTV and security. All visitors entering HMS Caroline are responsible for the conduct and health and safety of your group at all times. Although our staff are trained to take the highest care of the health and safety of your group, they are not legally responsible for them. In the event of an emergency evacuation please follow the instructions of staff who are trained to evacuate the building quickly.

Fire Assembly Point

HMS Caroline has two designated safe assembly points located away from the ship.

The primary safe assembly point is at the entrance to the HMS Caroline car park, beside the car park of the Northern Ireland Science Park.

The secondary safe assembly point is located next to the entrance to Café Krem behind the Pumphouse, and should only be used when the primary safe assembly point is unsafe to use.

Conservation and Maintenance Work

There is always work happening across all our sites to keep our historic ships and related galleries safe and well maintained. You may come across areas barriered off during your visit. Please ensure that members of your group do not enter any of these areas.

Other Hazard Information

  • Very cold temperatures during winter months.
  • Low light levels in some gallery areas.
  • Various Stairs and Lifts linking different decks aboard the ship.
  • Trip hazards
  • Close proximity to water

Hire HMS Caroline for your event

Host your next private or corporate event at HMS Caroline. A truly unique venue, blending history, elegance, and nautical charm. 

Find out more

cruise ship hms belfast

Keep up to date on HMS Caroline

Sign up to our newsletter for news, updates, discounts, and more 

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Find out how to plan a visit for your school and see our learning resources

cruise ship hms belfast

As a charity we rely on funding from many sources to preserve the rich history of the Royal Navy

cruise ship hms belfast

View our collection online

Discover our incredible range of items across the key branches of the Royal Navy with our online Collections Portal

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All profits from our online shop go towards preserving Naval heritage. Thank you for your support.

See our other locations

Spinnaker Tower, Visitor Centre, HMW Warrior, and Harbor Tour boat

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The Tollymore Park Gate in Belfast, Northern Ireland

Cruise to Belfast, Northern Ireland

Belfast shore excursions, amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in belfast.

A vintage ship propeller and rudder

A Titanic Legacy

A vintage ship propeller and rudder

Travel back in time to the Titanic Quarter. Titanic Belfast is a must-see — it was named the world's leading tourist attraction in 2016. Step aboard Titanic's little sister, the SS Nomadic, or the HMS Caroline. Finish your visit at McHugh's pub, located in one of Belfast's oldest buildings.

A man walking down the road at the famous dark hedges in Northern Ireland

Winter(fell) Is Coming

A man walking down the road at the famous dark hedges in Northern Ireland

Are you a Game of Thrones fan? Belfast's Titanic Studios is where the series is filmed. Take a tour to visit filming locations across Northern Ireland — you'll experience Winterfell, Dragonstone and the Wall like never before.

a street in the student quarter of Belfast, Northern Ireland

Political Paths

If you're interested in learning more about Belfast's political history, strike out on Irish Tour Ticket's Belfast Political Walking Tour. Cruise to Ireland and walk the streets where the city's historic political events took place and learn more than any guidebook can tell you.

a tray of fish and chips

Local Cuisine

Belfast cuisine is about more than fish and chips (although there's plenty of that, too). It's also about fresh-caught seafood including oysters and small crabs — served alongside a proper pint of ale, of course. Upscale modernist fare more your thing? Head to one of the restaurants that overlook the River Lagan, where you'll find everything from forward-thinking updates on British cuisine to Italian small plates.

a replica souvenir bell from the titanic

Check out the Titanic Store at Titanic Belfast with your Ireland cruise. Souvenirs include vintage posters, food products, collectibles and clothing. On weekends, St. George's Market has a variety of local vendors selling handicrafts. Danielle Morgan's Flax Fox brand specializes in gift ware and limited edition Irish-inspired prints.

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MS Maud

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Norwegian Pearl

Norwegian Pearl

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Mein Schiff 3

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Regal Princess

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IMAGES

  1. Guide to Visiting London's HMS Belfast

    cruise ship hms belfast

  2. About HMS Belfast

    cruise ship hms belfast

  3. HMS Belfast Tickets and Prices

    cruise ship hms belfast

  4. HMS Belfast, Londres

    cruise ship hms belfast

  5. Guide to Visiting London's HMS Belfast

    cruise ship hms belfast

  6. Visit HMS Belfast

    cruise ship hms belfast

COMMENTS

  1. HMS Belfast

    HMS Belfast is a Town-class light cruiser that was built for the Royal Navy.She is now permanently moored as a museum ship on the River Thames in London and is operated by the Imperial War Museum.. Construction of Belfast, the first ship in the Royal Navy to be named after the capital city of Northern Ireland and one of ten Town-class cruisers, began in December 1936.

  2. Visit HMS Belfast

    Royal Marines and sailors of HMS Belfast pose for a photograph on the quarterdeck while escorting an Arctic convoy. Hear the stories of the sailors, marines and airmen who made HMS Belfast feel like a floating city. Learn from our expert guides about what kept the men of HMS Belfast going through freezing Arctic convoys, D-Day and the Korean War.

  3. About HMS Belfast

    About. HMS Belfast. Built by Messrs Harland & Wolff in 1936, HMS Belfast was launched by Anne Chamberlain, wife of the then Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, on St Patrick's Day in 1938. After fitting out and builder's trials, HMS Belfast was commissioned into the Royal Navy on 5 August 1939 under the command of Captain G A Scott DSO RN.

  4. A History of HMS Belfast

    Belfast entered service just prior to the outbreak of World War Two, on August 3, 1939. On the morning of November 21, 1939, His Majesty's newest cruiser, having served less than four months, was hit by a German magnetic mine a few kilometers from Rosyth. The ship was lucky enough to stay afloat and was hastily towed back to base.

  5. HMS Belfast

    HMS Belfast is a Royal Navy light cruiser ship that played a role in both World War Two and the Korean War. It is now open to the public in London under the remit of the Imperial War Museum. HMS Belfast history. Launched in March 1938, HMS Belfast was commissioned by the Royal Navy in 1939, not long before the outbreak of World War Two. World ...

  6. HMS Belfast

    HMS Belfast is a Town-class light cruiser that served the Royal Navy during World War II and the Korean War. Launched in 1938, she played major roles in the Battle of North Cape and the Normandy landings. Today, HMS Belfast is permanently moored on the River Thames in London as a museum ship and is part of the Imperial War Museum.

  7. HMS Belfast: What's in a name?

    The original HMS Belfast belongs to the Imperial War Museums, and operates as a museum ship on the River Thames in London. Before the new HMS Belfast commissions (the process of entering active ...

  8. HMS Belfast, London

    HMS Belfast, moored in the Thames between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, is a fascinating ship to visit. It is a surviving WWII-era cruiser in service from 1939 until 1963 and it saw much action. It is a large Town-Class cruiser, much of the backbone of the Royal Navy cruiser force in WWII,and the only surviving ship of the class.

  9. Guide to Visiting London's HMS Belfast

    The heart of any ship, HMS Belfast's four boilers powered steam turbines which drove four propellers. This gave the ship a speed of 32.5 knots (60 km/h, 37.5 mph) and with almost 2,500 tonnes of fuel onboard, she could sail for over 8,500 nautical miles (16,000 km, 10,000 miles) at a reduced speed of 13 knots.

  10. HMS Belfast

    HMS Belfast is a Southampton class cruiser and is permanently moored in the River Thames as a floating museum. HMS Belfast saw active service during the ... Circular Cruise: Westminster to Bankside and Tower Bridge - 1-hour round-trip. Learn More. 2 Day River Pass | Hop On Hop Off ... but because of the nature of the ship, there are some ...

  11. Inside Britain's Last Surviving WW2 Cruiser

    About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright ...

  12. Visiting HMS Belfast

    However, considering Great Britain's history as a sea faring nation and the fact that Britain long ruled the waves thanks to its Navy, it is altogether appropriate to have a Royal Navy ship in the heart of the capital. The warship is HMS Belfast, a World War II era cruiser.

  13. HMS Belfast

    Free. * Includes a 10% voluntary donation which enables us to reclaim tax on the whole ticket price under Gift Aid. You can choose not to include the donation when you buy your tickets. Book tickets. Share this. HMS Belfast - Book Tickets Online. Adults from £22.70. Free Admission for members & Under Fives. Explore all nine decks of this ...

  14. Tower Bridge Cruise Port Guide

    Berthing alongside HMS Belfast and tendering via river shuttle boat across the Thames - beneath Tower Bridge - is one of the most spectacular ways to embark your cruise ship, and this wonderful experience is reserved exclusively for those much smaller vessels. The sailaway from Tower Bridge is spectacular and you'll find spectators lining ...

  15. HMS Belfast

    HMS Belfast. HMS Belfast is a ship-museum where you can discover how a 20th-century warship functioned in every aspect, from battles to medical emergencies to everyday life for the crew. ... Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise. 8773. from 52,41€ The Premier Classic London: Private 4-Hour Tour in a Black Cab. 1161. from 451,48 ...

  16. HMS Belfast WWII Battleship & Museum

    Visit HMS Belfast one of the last surviving battleships used during WWII. Climb onboard and walk through 9 decks that tell the story of the ship, its crew and its involvement in some of the most important battles of the war including D-Day. See how sailors used to live in cramped living quarters and visit the enormous engine rooms that powered ...

  17. HMS Belfast Museum Ship

    HMS Belfast was the penultimate Town-class light cruiser built for the British navy and one of two Edinburgh-class subclass vessels. Launched in March 1938 she saw action in World War II (after a few years of extensive repairs following damage from a mine late in 1939) in numerous Arctic battles and convoys and played a role in the D-Day ...

  18. HMS Belfast: What To Know Of The Warship Museum In The ...

    The HMS Belfast is a historic museum ship in London, part of the British Imperial War Museum, and is open to the public since 1971. The ship had an extensive career, being commissioned before World War Two, heavily damaged by a mine in 1939, but significantly improved and returned to service in 1942. Visitors can explore the nine decks of the ...

  19. How To Get To HMS Belfast

    HMS Belfast is is moored on the River Thames at The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2JH. Book Tickets Online. Adults from £22.70. Free Admission for members ... 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 ...

  20. HMS Caroline

    Step aboard and discover one ship, 100 years of history, and 1000 incredible stories. Now open! Based in Belfast's famous Titanic Quarter, HMS Caroline is a remarkable First World War ship now restored as a must-see floating museum with an amazing story to tell! Travel back in time and experience life at sea over 100 years ago.

  21. HMS Caroline

    Based in Belfast's famous Titanic Quarter, HMS Caroline is a First World War-era ship now restored as a floating museum with an amazing story to tell. Pupils will be immersed in life on board this unique vessel and discover stories of the people who served during one of history's greatest naval engagements, the Battle of Jutland.

  22. Cruises to Belfast, Northern Ireland

    A vintage ship propeller and rudder A Titanic Legacy Travel back in time to the Titanic Quarter. Titanic Belfast is a must-see — it was named the world's leading tourist attraction in 2016. Step aboard Titanic's little sister, the SS Nomadic, or the HMS Caroline.

  23. Cruise Schedule

    Cruise Schedule. View the cruise schedule from April to June 2024 for information on visiting ships, including times, dates and passengers numbers. Scroll For More Ideas. Please Note: Dates / Times are as advised by the Cruise Lines and may be subject to change at short notice. Cruise Belfast does not accept any responsibility or liability for ...