HMS Belfast
A visit to the HMS Belfast will open your eyes to the difficult conditions faced by the brave men who served on her decks during the war
One of the London's magnificent attractions today is the HMS Belfast. This beautiful majestic ship played such an important role in protecting and winning the war at sea during WW2. It also served in the Korean war during the 1950s. After covering over 500,000 nautical miles it retired to its current location on the River Thames in 1971 where it is now one of the Imperial War Museums.
The HMS was completed May 1936 and after just two months at sea she endured substantial injuries when accidentally striking a magnetic mine. The damage to the ship's lower bowel was so severe that discussions were made as to whether or not the ship should be fixed or demolished. After the decision was made to repair her it took three years to complete. During those three years there were major advancements in technology. Radar with an electronic eye was at that time implemented giving the HMS Belfast an edge that proved to be an extremely useful addition. This provided state of the art technology and it proved to be an advantageous tool for the crew on the ship during the war.
Imagine the feeling of being in very close encounters as the crew of nearly 1000 men had to eat, work and sleep in the same space. The beds consisted of hammocks made from canvas and one of the first skills everyone working on board had to learn was how to mount them without them folding up on them. They were tightly spaced about one foot apart from each other making for extremely close sleeping quarters.
When viewing this grand old war ship you will have a great time exploring the nine decks, climbing up and down ladders adventuring through the core of the inner battle ship. Book a private tour or enjoy an audio tour guide available in four languages that is free for anyone visiting. The languages are English, French, German, and Spanish. Hear many interesting stories of historical events and unbearable conditions that the crew had to endure. For those who chose there is also a family audio guide.
Test your skills at piloting the ship in the interactive operations room, stroll by rooms such as the bakery, the dentist's office the utilities room plus the medical room. Experience the sobering and chilling sensation of war in a simulation of battle of north Cape in the gun turret.
Overall expect to take a minimum of one and a half hours to explore the ship and exhibits, however you may want to allow considerably more time as there are so many other things to see and do including the HMS Belfast gift shop, the cafe downstairs or the rooftop bar and cafe where you can enjoy a meal while taking in the beautiful views.
There are many other impressive landmarks in the area, with the Tower Bridge, Tower of London, and The Shard being particularly close, making them good candidates for visiting on the same day.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Yes. Visit official website for details.HMS Belfast Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: The Queen's Walk, Tooley St, London SE1 2JH, UK
Phone: 020 7940 6300
Official Website: HMS Belfast
HMS Belfast Reviews
Rated out of 5
We visited on Friday 19th December, 2025.
We booked in advance for 10:30am
Overall, our visit was a great experience. It was interesting to see inside the vessel that HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, had served on. It was amazingly well preserved and reading about the history whilst exploring was fascinating. You can explore about 85% of the ship from engine rooms, gun turrets and crew quarters to the Admiral or Captain's deck. The ladders certainly made the experience more engaging, too!
The cafe area was cosy and the food was great quality. The views of Tower Bridge, the Thames and other parts of the surrounding area were stunning.
Unfortunately, what would otherwise have been a perfect visit was a little spoiled by two male members of staff (one volunteer wearing a red jacket & a member of security). Both were fooling around in the Captain's chair, laughing and looking at something on their phone - we were made to feel like we were intruding.
Otherwise, there was an older gentleman volunteer who was extremely helpful and knowledgable.
Kat - a month ago
Simply amazing!
To be on that ship, see how they lived and think about what these men went through.
Worth every penny.
Definitely recommend, especially if you like war stuff.
Also, if you are 185cm or taller prepare to be Quasimodo for the duration of your visit. XD
Fran Lukša - 4 weeks ago
I came here to have a look round. It was an incredibly moving experience to see inside the ship on which HRH Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, had served. The ship was beautifully preserved, the information provided was excellent, and the food in the café was brilliant. I would definitely bring friends for a return visit if the opportunity arose.
Avenues 2016 - 2 months ago
Went Sunday and was amazing! Did go visit back in 2023 and missed so much. This time went earlier and with my Dad, brother. Such a beautiful ship and fascinating! Defintely worth a visit and Id even go again for the price and things to see! Managed to explore the Captains, Admirals Decks which I missed previously. The views and history were well worth the trip! My Dad and brother loved it 💜💜 Even had a bite to eat at the cafe which was well stocked with all sorts. Everyone was so helpful and an enjoyable trip in London!
JoViBi - 4 months ago
Superb. At a guess 85% of the ship is accessible. Knowledgeable volunteers, excellent talks, and displays. Audio guides provided with ticket. Interactive displays were not functioning and the map is not easy to follow, but you can ask. Cafe on board good for coffee, but not much else. A marvellous piece of history
Andy Lester - 2 months ago
Directions
| Tube Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Northern and Jubilee Line | London Bridge | 5 minutes |
| District and Circle Line | Tower Hill | 16 minutes |
How to get to HMS Belfast by Tube
From London Bridge Station exit onto Tooley Street and go right (east) to Battlebridge Lane, left (north) to the Thames Path, then right to the entrance of the HMS Belfast.
From Tower Hill Station on the north bank exit to the south and follow Tower Hill Terrace east to the Tower Bridge approach. Cross the Bridge to the south towers, take the stairs down to the Thames Path and follow it west to the entrance.
Map & Instant Route Finder
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Accommodations near HMS Belfast:
Photo Gallery
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View from the Captains Chair of the HMS Belfast cc licensed photo by Les Chatfield -
Steep stairs leading to the lower deck cc licensed photo by Sven -
HMS Belfast Torpedo cc licensed photo by Andrew Gray -
The ship's resident cat relaxing in its own hammock cc licensed photo by Aurélie -
Photo Credit: www.mgaylard.co.uk and thanks for looking - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: www.mgaylard.co.uk and thanks for looking - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: www.mgaylard.co.uk and thanks for looking - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: www.mgaylard.co.uk and thanks for looking - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Croydon Clicker - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: ccs89.euro - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Brian Brandsberg Berg - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: www.mgaylard.co.uk and thanks for looking - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: usf1fan2 - cc license via Flickr
