HMS Belfast - Image 1

HMS Belfast

London, United Kingdom•4.7(14.3k)•Heritage Site, Museum

Explore nine decks of a historic warship moored on the Thames with interactive displays, family activities, and stunning London views.

HMS Belfast is an iconic Second World War cruiser permanently moored on the River Thames in central London, now operating as a floating museum and heritage attraction. Visitors can step aboard and discover the real-life stories of the 950 people who served aboard this remarkable vessel, which features its own chapel, radio station, and bakery. With nine decks to explore, the ship offers a full day of discovery with climbing opportunities, interactive exhibits, and panoramic views of the Thames. The venue is particularly well-suited for families, offering dedicated family activities available every weekend and daily during school holidays. Children can engage with hands-on interactive displays designed to bring naval history to life, while the climbing and exploring elements provide physical adventure. The site accommodates all ages, with special considerations for younger visitors and pushchair-friendly access on certain decks. HMS Belfast also hosts children's birthday parties and guided tours focused on Second World War history. Visitors are recommended to allocate at least three hours for their visit, though many families spend half a day or longer exploring the ship's various compartments and exhibits. The combination of historical significance, interactive learning opportunities, and unique setting makes HMS Belfast an unforgettable educational and entertaining experience for families visiting London.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday: 10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday: 10:00 – 17:00
Thursday: 10:00 – 17:00
Friday: 10:00 – 17:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 17:00
Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor & Outdoor

Typical visit duration

All day

Booking

Walk-in

Recommended ages

0 months (newborn)+

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly

Google Reviews

4.7(14.3k reviews)
A
Andrew B

Andrew B

a month ago

A fascinating visitor experience, which I wasn’t expecting. We followed the suggested route around the ship, which took us a good few hours, but there was so much to see. Plenty to see and lots of information and videos to explain the history and workings of the ship, as well as life on board. Be aware there are a lot of ladders to climb and places you can knock yourself, so be prepared to take time moving around carefully. Surprisingly, modern toilets and cafe, while the ship is accessed through the gift shop. I recommend a visit if you get the chance.

M
MilPoPo

MilPoPo

a month ago

Highlights * Easy to reach from London Bridge * Perfect location on the Thames * Extremely well maintained for a historic warship * Huge amount to see and explore * Rich history throughout the ship * Fantastic views of London and the river * Mind your head and feet – plenty of hard surfaces, ladders and low doorways * Café is adequate but nothing particularly memorable * Some areas show their age, which is to be expected on a vessel of this vintage Review ★★★★★ HMS Belfast is an outstanding attraction and one of the best historic ships I have visited. Located just a short walk from London Bridge, it is perfectly positioned on the Thames with spectacular views of the London skyline throughout the visit. The ship itself is remarkably well maintained and offers an enormous amount to see. From the engine rooms and mess decks to the gun turrets and command spaces, there is history around every corner. The exhibits do an excellent job of bringing the experiences of those who served aboard to life, and it is easy to spend several hours exploring the vessel. A word of caution: this is a real warship, not a purpose-built museum. There are plenty of ladders, low doorways, bulkheads and hard surfaces to bump into, so visitors should take care as they move around the ship. The café is serviceable enough, but not really a highlight of the experience. Some areas of the ship also show signs of age and wear, though that is entirely understandable given the vessel’s history and actually adds to the sense of authenticity. Overall, HMS Belfast offers a fascinating insight into Britain’s naval history, incredible views across London, and a thoroughly immersive experience. Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in history, engineering or military heritage.

N
NCISfanwithTivafever

NCISfanwithTivafever

2 months ago

Really informative and engaging place of interest. It's expensive but very much worth it. Did 95% of the audio guide and visited almost all areas and it took us 3-3.5 hours. Only constructive comment would be that visitors could benefit from clearer signage for which specific audio bite to listen to at what location, and signage and directions to the various audio themes (as it was sometimes hard to understand where to go). But overall, 100% recommend.

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S G

S G

2 months ago

The ship is very well preserved. Being inside of a turret that fired for 2 hours straight on d day is incredible. It wasn't very crowded so I was able to take my time to stop and look at things. The audio guide was a little tricky to figure out what section of the guide went with certain parts of the ship. Overall, an incredible piece of history that is ready to get to by public transportation with a great view of tower bridge in London.

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Alvin Skeppar

Alvin Skeppar

3 months ago

Amazing museum ship. You get access to quite a large portion of the ship, so you can easily spend a couple of hours here if you are interested in the ships history and read/listen to all the information they have available. The facilities were nice and clean, and they had a cafe where you can take a break if need be. The location is easily accessible, although some parts of the ship might be a bit tight if you are on the larger side. I would recommend not wearing too loose clothing as it might snag in the tighter areas of the ship. Overall a great experience and definitely worth the price for us.

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026

Events at HMS Belfast

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 29 September 2026

Frequently asked questions about HMS Belfast

Is HMS Belfast free to visit?

HMS Belfast is a paid attraction — see the official website for current ticket prices.

What ages is HMS Belfast suitable for?

HMS Belfast is suitable for visitors of all ages, from babies through to adults.

Is HMS Belfast dog-friendly?

Dogs are not permitted at HMS Belfast.

Is there parking at HMS Belfast?

HMS Belfast doesn't have on-site parking, but parking is available nearby.

Is there food at HMS Belfast?

HMS Belfast doesn't have food on site — bring snacks or grab something nearby.

Is HMS Belfast pushchair-friendly?

Yes, HMS Belfast is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at HMS Belfast?

HMS Belfast is a full-day experience — plan accordingly.

How do I get to HMS Belfast by public transport?

HMS Belfast is well-served by public transport.
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