HMS Belfast London
Explore a legendary WWII warship on the Thames, offering nine decks of naval history and stunning city views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive
HMS Belfast London
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a legendary WWII warship on the Thames, offering nine decks of naval history and stunning city views.
"A floating museum that truly brings naval history to life!"
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing your tickets in advance. :admission_tickets:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs across nine decks. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Gun Turrets
Upper Decks
Marvel at the immense 6-inch guns that were among the first to fire on D-Day. Imagine their power!
The Engine Room
Lower Decks
Descend into the heart of the ship and witness the complex machinery that powered this mighty vessel.
The Sick Bay
Midship
Explore the medical facilities, including an X-ray room, showcasing the care provided to sailors.
Planning Your Visit
Time Your Visit Wisely
Allocate Enough Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing your tickets in advance. :admission_tickets:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs across nine decks. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the History
Plenty of photo opportunities, especially of the gun turrets and engine rooms. :camerawithflash:
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 2-3 hours to explore thoroughly. :hourglass:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing your tickets in advance. :admission_tickets:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs across nine decks. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the History
Plenty of photo opportunities, especially of the gun turrets and engine rooms. :camerawithflash:
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 2-3 hours to explore thoroughly. :hourglass:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise HMS Belfast for its immersive historical experience and the impressive scale of the warship. Many highlight the detailed exhibits and the opportunity to explore various decks, from the engine room to the gun turrets. Some note that accessibility can be challenging due to the ship's original design.
"HMS Belfast is one of London’s most fascinating historic attractions, offering a unique glimpse into life on board a Royal Navy warship. Moored on the River Thames between Tower Bridge and London Bridge, this preserved World War II cruiser tells the story of naval history, from the Arctic convoys to D-Day and beyond. Walking through its nine decks is like stepping back in time—you can explore the engine rooms, crew quarters, kitchens, and even the Captain’s Bridge, each filled with immersive displays and stories.
The location is just as impressive as the ship itself. Set against the backdrop of Tower Bridge and the city skyline, it’s a wonderful spot for a scenic riverside walk. The views from the deck are stunning, especially looking across the Thames toward the Tower of London and along the river towards the Shard. Families, history enthusiasts, and casual visitors alike will enjoy the combination of history, hands-on exploration, and open-air riverfront views.
A must-visit for anyone wanting to experience London’s naval heritage while enjoying a pleasant riverside walk and spectacular city views"
Zeeshan Qamar
"Great experience! Book ahead of time and leave 2-3 hours for a full view. Good audioguide. Be aware - lots of tight spaces and not wheelchair friendly, lots of steep ladders to get to all the exhibits. Very interesting, worth a visit!"
Winston C
"This was a long awaited visit and it didn't disappoint. Never boarded a battle ship before ,so was taken aback as to her size ,lots of walking and narrow stairs to navigate with lots of history to you on your toes. Well laid out to navigate your way around with a pleasant on board cafe to take a break in with a small but reasonably priced menu. Well worth becoming a member for. The gift shop was small but again reasonably stocked and priced with 10% discount for members of imperial war museum,recommended for sailors of all ages."
Jim Ellison
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
HMS Belfast is conveniently located on the River Thames, between London Bridge and Tower Bridge. The nearest Tube stations are London Bridge (Jubilee and Northern lines) and Tower Hill (Circle and District lines). Numerous bus routes also stop nearby. Many visitors find it easy to walk from these stations, enjoying the riverside views.
Yes, HMS Belfast is very accessible by public transport. London's extensive Tube and bus network makes it easy to reach. Consider using a journey planner app to find the best route from your accommodation.
Cycling is a great way to see London, and there are cycle paths along the Thames. However, secure bike parking directly at HMS Belfast might be limited, so check in advance or be prepared to use nearby public racks.
On-site parking is not available for visitors at HMS Belfast. It's best to rely on public transport or consider a taxi/ride-share service. The nearest car parks are typically a walk away and can be expensive.
For iconic photos, approach from the south bank of the Thames, offering a clear view of the ship with the London skyline behind it. Walking from Tower Bridge or London Bridge provides excellent vantage points.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but booking online in advance is generally recommended for the best rates and to secure your entry slot. Check the official Imperial War Museums website for the most up-to-date pricing.
It is highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance, especially during peak season or weekends. This helps avoid disappointment and potential queues.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Imperial War Museums website for the most current opening times before your visit.
Entry to HMS Belfast is typically via pre-booked tickets, not public transport payment methods like Oyster cards or contactless. Ensure you have your confirmed e-tickets ready.
Discounts may be available for children, seniors, students, and families. Members of the Imperial War Museums often receive free entry. Check the official website for details.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend around 2-3 hours exploring HMS Belfast. However, if you're a keen history enthusiast or love to take many photos, you could easily spend 3-4 hours or more to see everything. +1
Don't miss the impressive gun turrets, the engine room, the bridge, and the sick bay. Exploring the various decks gives a real sense of life aboard a warship.
Yes, HMS Belfast is generally very engaging for children. Interactive displays and the sheer scale of the ship capture their imagination. It's a fantastic educational experience.
While there isn't always a formal guided tour, the ship is well-signed with informative displays. Audio guides may be available, and staff are often on hand to answer questions.
Facilities include restrooms, a gift shop, and a cafe. There are also areas to sit and rest. However, due to the historic nature of the ship, accessibility can be challenging in some areas.
📸 📸 Photography
The gun turrets offer dramatic shots, especially from below. The bridge provides panoramic views of the Thames. The engine room is also a fantastic, atmospheric location for photography. 
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use inside HMS Belfast. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash in sensitive areas if instructed.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is useful. For tighter spaces like the engine room, a wider-angle lens can be beneficial. A tripod might be challenging to use due to crowds and space constraints.
Drone usage is strictly prohibited over HMS Belfast and the River Thames due to aviation regulations and security. Always check local bylaws before flying drones in London.
Yes, commercial photography or filming usually requires prior permission from Imperial War Museums. For personal snaps, you're generally free to capture the experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage them to imagine life as a sailor and to look for details like the mess decks and sleeping bunks. The open decks offer space to move around, and the views of the Thames are a bonus. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as there's a lot of climbing involved, and consider bringing snacks and drinks, though a cafe is available onboard.
💂 History Enthusiasts
+1Take your time to read the information panels, explore the various gun emplacements, and understand the engineering that kept this vessel operational. The ship's role in significant historical events provides a profound connection to the past, making it a deeply rewarding visit.
📸 Photography Buffs
+1Experiment with different focal lengths to capture both the grand scale and the intricate details. Low light conditions in some areas might require a camera with good ISO performance or a fast lens. The unique setting on the Thames also provides opportunities for shots that blend maritime history with modern London.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Naval History of HMS Belfast
After the war, HMS Belfast continued her service, notably in the Korean War, where she engaged enemy shore batteries and provided naval gunfire support. Her operational career spanned over two decades, during which she underwent several refits and upgrades. The ship's impressive armament and robust construction made her a formidable presence on the seas.
Today, as a museum ship managed by Imperial War Museums, HMS Belfast offers visitors a tangible connection to naval history. Exploring her nine decks provides insight into the daily lives of sailors, the ship's engineering marvels, and the critical missions she undertook. It's a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during these conflicts.
Exploring the Decks: What to Expect
The upper decks are dominated by the ship's formidable weaponry. The massive 6-inch gun turrets are a highlight, allowing you to stand where the gun crews operated and imagine the thunderous roar of their fire. The bridge offers panoramic views of the Thames and the London skyline, providing a sense of the ship's command center.
Each deck tells a part of HMS Belfast's story, from its operational history to the personal experiences of those who served aboard. Interactive displays and informative signage bring the ship to life, making it an engaging experience for all ages. Be prepared for stairs and narrow passages, as this is a genuine warship, not a purpose-built museum.
Photography Tips for HMS Belfast
+1Consider using a wider-angle lens to fit more of the ship's structure into your frame, particularly in confined spaces like the engine room or crew quarters. However, be mindful of other visitors and the ship's layout; tripods can be cumbersome. Natural light can be challenging in some interior sections, so a camera with good low-light performance or a fast prime lens can be beneficial.
Don't forget to capture the details: the ship's insignia, the navigational equipment on the bridge, or the medical instruments in the sick bay. These smaller elements add depth and personal narrative to your photographic journey through this historic vessel. Remember to check for any specific photography restrictions before you go.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit