HMS Belfast
HMS Belfast
4.5
About
Step on board this iconic London landmark. Navigate your way around the rooms of this floating city, climbing up and down ladders to visit all nine decks. You’ll hear stories from the 950 people who lived and served on the ship, which had its own chapel, radio station and bakery and is so large you can almost lie Big Ben across its deck – twice! IWM members go free.
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How to get there
- London Bridge • 5 min walk
- Tower Hill • 7 min walk
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10,000 within 3 miles
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2,391 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- John TEdinburgh, United Kingdom58 contributionsDid not expect it to be so good, but it was brillSuch an interesting tour - really interesting attraction. was not sure I would like it but I really enjoyed it. How sailors at the height of battle in rolling seas could get down some of those steep stairs is beyond me. Special mention to the incredibly nice lady doing the bag searches and the lady behind the till at the gift shop - they were both wonderful and helped make the visit even better - we were there about 11:30 on 15th September if managers there want to work out who they were and pass on our appreciation.Visited September 2023Traveled with familyWritten September 15, 2023
- KwafmScunthorpe, United Kingdom7 contributionsAmazing staff! A great place to visit!We visited the HMS Belfast on Saturday with our family from Canada. I wasn't expecting to stay on the boat for long but once we got looking around the children all loved it. It is an amazing place to visit, especially if you enjoy history. We were very lucky to get chatting to one of the volunteers there. He was by far the friendliest and most knowledgeable person I've ever met on a day out. He spent so much time talking to us and the children and it was the highlight of our weekend. He told us some incredible stories and made history come alive for the kids . They truly loved it. I would recommend a visit and if you do look out for Mark Rennison!! Thank you for your time and your stories. We all felt very honoured to have met you.Visited September 2023Traveled with familyWritten September 19, 2023
- Peter RDartford, United Kingdom1,304 contributionsInteresting visitOur pre booking gave us a timed entry. Once onboard there is a set route to follow through the ship, although at times this does get a little confusing, there are plenty of information boards throughout the ship and in some areas a video describing that area of the ship. There are also volunteers who are keen to talk about the ship and their own experiences. As other reviewers have mentioned the attraction is not disabled friendly as there are lots of ladders to climb between the various decks on the ship. There is a small café onboard and as you leave a small shop.Visited August 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 30, 2023
- Olivia S1 contributionBrilliant!I went with a friend and her 4 year old son. He loved it and was so excited to see this ship. The staff were charming, welcoming and very kind to him, explaining things clearly in a light hearted way. We all had a wonderful time, all in all a fabulous outing for children, with so many educational games to keep them amused whilst learning.Visited October 2023Traveled with friendsWritten October 21, 2023
- AnaPiussiLondon, United Kingdom1,739 contributionsVisit in a corporate even.I went here for the first time as it was a corporate event. I didn’t have access to the whole shipping but what I could see it was really cool. Kitchen, torpedos, infirmary room. Impressive to be inside of the ship that was the main one at the D day. Beautiful views from the Tower Bridge. Not sure if I would pay to go. But if you like this history it is something to go see.Visited November 2023Traveled with friendsWritten November 15, 2023
- Derek BBrussels, Belgium7 contributionsFascinating historical warshipWe loved our visit to this historic warship. Perfect afternoon for the 5-year-old in our party. It feels like a real working ship rather than a museum. Visitors are allowed to climb endless narrow stairs and descend deep into the engine room. The staff are very friendly and well informed. It was fascinating to learn from onboard volunteer Alan about HMS Belfast’s role in the Atlantic convoys. A unique experience.Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 25, 2023
- christopherHong Kong, China26 contributionsStunning Dinner Celebration in the Admiral’s QuartersWe booked the Admiral’s Quarters to celebrate a big Birthday. There were 11 family members and we started with mulled wine on the quarterdeck before a customised guided tour . Then a champagne reception in the Admiral’s ante-room followed by dinner in the Dining Room . The food was delicious and the service from Jezz and his team discreet and timely. It was a uniquely happy occasion - and HMS Belfast was the ideal location! Thanks to Elena for coordination and Neil for his extremely knowledgable tour. Memorable !Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 16, 2023
- Stardoe68 contributionsA truly unique and fun experience.To be on the actual ship that led the fleet on D-Day was a very sureal experience. Suitable for all ages, as long as you can climb up and down the steps/ladders. Many levels/decks to explore including engine room. Interactive displays, videos, and audio guide. Cafe selling snacks and drinks. A great way to tell the story of the daily lives of the sailors and how they lived on the ship as well as her history of service. Highly recommended to all.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten January 20, 2024
- Scott C9 contributionsIconic warshipReally interesting visit. Lots of climbing and tight spaces but to be expected as it’s an old warship. Spent several hours onboard and the added talks from volunteers are worth attending as well.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 12, 2024
- Liz D21 contributionsExcellent visitWe really enjoyed our visit. There are lots of ladders and tight spaces that I thought added fun to the visit. The volunteers where friendly and knowledgeable. The audio guide was good but the numbers were not very clear as you went round. A guide book might have helped, it is quite complicated to ensure you have seen everything. Leave longer than the suggested 90 minutes to look around. Don't take anyone who doesn't do near vertical ladders!Visited February 2024Traveled with familyWritten February 14, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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JonathanMimnagh
Liverpool, UK42 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
My son & I felt really disappointed with our trip to HMS Belfast, we couldn't fill much more than 1 hour despite being advised it would take 1 1/2 hours to see the ship. Good interactive exhibits, the turret experience was very good, when the guns fired it made one you visitor jump and head for the exit!!
Signage to key areas was a bit lacking, I felt, and information panels in some of these areas was again limited. (I have to say there are free audio guides, which helped, but they could be quite wordy at times, trying to give information about several aspects of a compartment in one monologue.
Access to all decks was via ladders, which were steep. Several also had a metal bar behind which I found caught on my rucksack & pushed me forward into the steps. Some handrails were loose. I think some parts of the ship are undergoing refurbishment, so potentially some of these issues may be addressed.
My son & I are premium IWM members, so had free access, if I had paid, I think I would be much more disappointed.
Signage to key areas was a bit lacking, I felt, and information panels in some of these areas was again limited. (I have to say there are free audio guides, which helped, but they could be quite wordy at times, trying to give information about several aspects of a compartment in one monologue.
Access to all decks was via ladders, which were steep. Several also had a metal bar behind which I found caught on my rucksack & pushed me forward into the steps. Some handrails were loose. I think some parts of the ship are undergoing refurbishment, so potentially some of these issues may be addressed.
My son & I are premium IWM members, so had free access, if I had paid, I think I would be much more disappointed.
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
teeCoventry
coventry355 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
So all the times I've visited London, HMS Belfast never got looked at. Guess it was my 15yr nephew that helped me go on the ship this time.
We was booked for 10am (opening time) with the weather, not being great, overcast posiible rain in the air. This part outdoor attraction might be over within the hour
Once thru the ticket shop/gift shop, armed with a mobile phone talking device to interact with displays around the ship.
Special areas like the sick bay, kitchen that you walk around. Perspex screens looking into the radio station, various work areas.
But the biggest error on board not enough signs, or ways of direction. Somehow we missed the top few floors, captains chair etc.
After 90 mins, temperature in the ship was getting bit too much, very steep steps. The hand held audio guide is great but gets in thd way if trying to read a map, or the guide book you can buy before. Or trying to take photos. Never mind keeping a sharp on on your party, as lots of areas that anyone could dispear into. Or bang your head if not paying attention
A limited amount of time, and will want to return again.
But it gives you an idea the conditions the crew would have been working/living in.
And this ship was moored with no heavy seas or under battle
We was booked for 10am (opening time) with the weather, not being great, overcast posiible rain in the air. This part outdoor attraction might be over within the hour
Once thru the ticket shop/gift shop, armed with a mobile phone talking device to interact with displays around the ship.
Special areas like the sick bay, kitchen that you walk around. Perspex screens looking into the radio station, various work areas.
But the biggest error on board not enough signs, or ways of direction. Somehow we missed the top few floors, captains chair etc.
After 90 mins, temperature in the ship was getting bit too much, very steep steps. The hand held audio guide is great but gets in thd way if trying to read a map, or the guide book you can buy before. Or trying to take photos. Never mind keeping a sharp on on your party, as lots of areas that anyone could dispear into. Or bang your head if not paying attention
A limited amount of time, and will want to return again.
But it gives you an idea the conditions the crew would have been working/living in.
And this ship was moored with no heavy seas or under battle
Written July 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John Gavin W
1 contribution
Aug 2022
I am an enthusiastic supporter of this ship and its tradition. Clearly a piece of "London Pride". My visit was welcomed by staff and volunteers, many of whom I believe to have connections with the ship and its past.
I would be pleased to offer an "Excellent" mark of approval - but for one serious criticism.
I attended the ship's cafe (it was a hot day for all who attended on board) and asked for a drink. I was told by the cafe staff member they were instructed not to accept cash payment - only card.
A relief of the Queen's head adorns our nation's coinage, and I found the refusal to accept our currency unwelcoming and less than acceptable. There are many who attend the ship who are not accustomed to, nor comfortable in using plastic bank cards or suchlike - children and the elderly. To be refused acceptance of currency clearly risks their humiliation on what otherwise should be a welcoming experience on this proud ship.
I would be pleased to offer an "Excellent" mark of approval - but for one serious criticism.
I attended the ship's cafe (it was a hot day for all who attended on board) and asked for a drink. I was told by the cafe staff member they were instructed not to accept cash payment - only card.
A relief of the Queen's head adorns our nation's coinage, and I found the refusal to accept our currency unwelcoming and less than acceptable. There are many who attend the ship who are not accustomed to, nor comfortable in using plastic bank cards or suchlike - children and the elderly. To be refused acceptance of currency clearly risks their humiliation on what otherwise should be a welcoming experience on this proud ship.
Written August 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
holidaysrgr8
Altrincham30 contributions
Jan 2020
Very interesting to learn about the history / journey that HMS Belfast has had .... Audio tour / map available - included in the price. Did get lost a couple of times, this is part of the adventure. If you book on-line in advance (24 hours) you get a few pound discount.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Baartos
36 contributions
Sep 2019
Fantastic experience! HMS "Belfast" offers a possibility to understand how a World War II ship operated. From machinery below the waterline through gun turrets to captain's bridge high above the ship's deck, every part of this cruiser is simply fascinating. What's important, you also get a lot of information about daily life of sailors aboard "Belfast". Overall, I've enjoyed every single minute on HMS "Belfast".
P.S. A piece of advice: the stairs and ladders are very steep and narrow, so you must be careful.
P.S. A piece of advice: the stairs and ladders are very steep and narrow, so you must be careful.
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
THoF07bYyO
Rumson, NJ9 contributions
Feb 2020
My daughter and I bought tickets to see the HMS Belfast - you but tickets for the day you wish, and you can enter at any time (in other words, you don't have to select a time slot). It's recommended to start at the top and walk down, following well-marked passageways and excellent signage explaining what you're seeing. The engine room and boiler room were of particular interest - climbing ladders and walking catwalks. The forward turret, the bridge and the admiral's bridge were also of interest. Highly recommended. And the views of Tower Bridge are the best.
WARNING: The ship closes at 5:00 pm in the winter months, not 6:00 pm as indicated. We arrived at 4:00 pm, allowing 2 hours to tour. As a result, we had to hustle to see everything in 1 hour.
WARNING: The ship closes at 5:00 pm in the winter months, not 6:00 pm as indicated. We arrived at 4:00 pm, allowing 2 hours to tour. As a result, we had to hustle to see everything in 1 hour.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erik_and_Cheryl
Philadelphia, PA259 contributions
Jan 2020
This is Erik of the Erik_And_Cheryl user ID . I visited here on Jan 27,2020. This attraction is included with the London Pass. Your admission includes and audio guide. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. There is so much to see here. The ship is well preserved and a really fair amount of it is available to explore. Touring the ship gives you a pretty good sense of what it must have been like to work, live and fight aboard this ship. A word of caution, there are many metal stairs to navigate and mind your head especially in the boiler and engine rooms. A truly outstanding vessel and experience. I give it high recommendation.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie W
1 contribution
Sep 2022 • Family
Great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. It was a trip my 12 year had been wanting to do for ages. I really wasn't expecting to enjoy it but was pleasantly surprised. The cafe was not good, limited choice and food was incredibly bland and overpriced. Overall it was a really nice day out.
Written September 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edward
Santa Rosa, CA2,670 contributions
Jul 2022
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. Most of the ship is open to explore, including the bridge, main gun turrets, engine room, and everything in between. However, when we were just on the ship in July 2022, one could not sit in the 40mm AA mountings, but when I first visited the ship in 1985, we could. There is much information on display, knowledgeable guides, and an audio guide available. One could probably get a decent visit in about 1 - 1/12 hours, but at least 2 is ideal and one could easily spend 3 or more for a really thorough exploration. There is a gift shop and a cafe on board as well.
Written March 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave Smith
London, UK232 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
Pre-booked tickets so entry was easy, picked up the free audio guide and went onboard. There is so much to see, and staff are on hand to point you in the right direction and give information about what you are looking at. Inside it’s cramped as you would expect from a WW2 warship, and gets congested even with the entry time system in place. The layout can be confusing but the audio guide helps you get where you need to be. There is a lot of ladders, steps, trip hazards etc, so you get a full workout whilst navigating through the various levels. Left with a huge amount of respect for the brave souls that worked aboard this ship when it was in active service. Really interesting place to go.
Written April 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wie lange braucht ein Besuch auf dem Schiff? Wann hat es weniger Besucher? Morgens oder Nachmittag?
Written April 6, 2024
Please can someone advise whether it is possible to leave the pushchair at the entrance when we visit the ship? We live quite far away so I need the pushchair but to visit my toddler should be fine walking around. Thanks for your help.
Written January 21, 2023
Caa wheelchair confined person tour any parts of the ship HMS Belfast, or only the shop>
Written August 17, 2022
Not enough of it to make it worthwhile in my opinion. For most of the things to see one needs to go up or down ladders. Also, between compartments where there are hatches, there are raised areas one would need to cross to enter into the next compartment. If I remember correctly, about the only place a wheelchair could get to easily would be the exterior main deck.
Go onto TripAdvisor and look at photos that others have uploaded. That should give you a better idea.
Written August 17, 2022
Bonjour je fais mes débuts sur ce site, comment fonctionne les réservations? Il y a des billets à imprimer
Written May 28, 2019
Je ne publie que des avis sur tripadvisor. Et pr le hms. Nous n'avions pas réservé, nous sommes tombés dessus par hasard et il n'y avait pas la queue au guichet.
Written May 29, 2019
Buongiorno
volevo sapere se c'è la possibilità della guida in Italiano. Grazie
Written September 18, 2018
Ciao, la visita è libera ma all'ingresso ti danno una audio guida che ti impostano sulla lingua a tua scelta, non devi fare altro che seguire il percorso consigliato premendo di volta in volta il numero che trovi ad ogni ''fermata''. Buon divertimento.
Written September 19, 2018
Bonjour,
Cette visite m'intéresse fortement, pourriez vous me dire s'il vous plait quel est le prix de la location de l'audioguide ?
Merci par avance à tous ceux qui me répondront !!
Written September 4, 2018
Hello just asking is HMS Belfast wheelchair friendly or is it best to use crutches thanks
Written August 20, 2018
Crutches. There are some areas you may struggle with. Even with crutches. But it’s a great day out still.
Written August 21, 2018
Bonjour,je souhaiterais savoir s'il est possible de visiter cette attraction avec un groupe de 50 élèves pour 4 accompagnants?
Written September 22, 2017
Bonjour, Sans problème. J'y suis allée avec mes élèves il y a quelques années. ils ont adoré. J'avais prévu 1 heure de visite. Elle a duré plus longtemps. C'est agréable car les élèves sont "libres", voient des choses du "réel" je vous souhaite une belle visite
Written September 22, 2017
Is it cheaper to buy the ticket online or on site? Is it any official website for buying them?
Written March 28, 2017
You can print the coupon on the site Daysoutguide, if you arrive by Stansted Express and show your ticket. You pay £16 for two people, that is the cheapest price you can find
Written March 29, 2017
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