HMS Belfast is a former Royal Navy cruiser moored on the Thames between London Bridge and Tower Bridge. Now part of the Imperial War Museum, it lets you move through a real wartime ship, from engine rooms and crew spaces to the gun turrets and command bridge. Displays and audio help explain how the vessel operated and what life aboard was like. Take in the river and city views from the decks, and allow time to explore carefully: ladders, low doorways and narrow passageways are part of the ship.
A cruiser preserved on the Thames
HMS Belfast is a Town-class light cruiser built for the Royal Navy. Launched in 1938, it served in the Second World War and the Korean War before leaving active service in 1963. After a campaign to save the ship from scrapping, it became a museum and opened to the public in 1971. It is now part of the Imperial War Museum.
The ship is moored on the south side of the Thames between London Bridge and Tower Bridge. Its position gives visitors views of the river and nearby London landmarks, while the vessel itself offers a close look at the spaces and equipment of a working warship.
From crew spaces to the command bridge
The route takes you through different parts of shipboard life and work. Below deck, you can see the engine rooms and kitchens, as well as mess areas and crew cabins. Higher up are the gun turrets and command spaces, including the bridge. The rooms show how sailors lived and how the ship was run, with displays and audio explaining the equipment and the people who used it.
The ship’s wartime story includes the Battle of North Cape and the Normandy invasion. Exhibits and audiovisual presentations help set these events in context. Interactive displays add another way to explore the ship’s history, though some may not always work as intended.
Moving through the ship
HMS Belfast is a historic vessel, not a purpose-built museum building. Its ladders and steep companionways connect levels, and some doorways are low while passages and compartments are narrow. Take your time as you move between decks, watch your head and footing, and avoid carrying a large bag if you can. The ship map can help you keep track of the rooms on the route.
The layout means the visit involves climbing and navigating confined spaces. This can make parts of the ship challenging for visitors with limited mobility or anyone who finds ladders difficult. A wheelchair-accessible entrance, elevator and restroom are listed among the facilities, but many of the historic spaces remain reached by ladders and narrow passages.
Planning a visit
Allow a few hours if you want to see most of the ship and spend time with the audio and displays. The route covers a large portion of the vessel, so a map is useful for finding rooms and making sure you do not miss areas that interest you. An audio guide supports a self-guided visit.
There is a cafe aboard for a break, along with restrooms. HMS Belfast has an admission fee, and advance tickets are recommended. The ship is at The Queen's Walk, Tooley Street, close to London Bridge.
Preguntas frecuentes
How long do you need at HMS Belfast?
Allow around 2 to 3 hours to explore the ship and spend time with its displays and audio.
Is there an admission fee for HMS Belfast?
Yes. Admission is charged, and booking tickets in advance is recommended. A ticket price is not provided here.
Can you explore the whole ship?
Visitors can access a large part of the ship, including engine rooms, crew spaces, gun turrets and command areas. Ladders, steep companionways and narrow passages make some sections challenging to navigate.
Where is HMS Belfast?
The ship is moored on The Queen's Walk, Tooley Street, on the Thames between London Bridge and Tower Bridge.
