Hms Belfast

The HMS Belfast, managed by the Imperial War Museum, is a floating warship museum anchored on the River Thames.

The ship, launched in 1938, served Great Britain for 32 years as a potent destroyer and gained particular significance during World War II and the Korean War.

The HMS Belfast was decommissioned for military usage between 1950 and 1960 and recommissioned for humanitarian missions. 

After it retired from its service to the British Navy, it got transformed into a floating museum. 

This museum is just a 10-minute walk from The Shard, so you can get the city’s best views and experience a chunk of its history. 

A look around at HMS Belfast 

You can tour its nine decks and learn about the warship’s military and historical events. 

There will be amusing anecdotes like how it was common practice to bring cats on board the ship to manage rodent epidemics.

Throughout the visit, you get to tour the many areas of the ship: the sailor’s cabins, kitchen, dental room, sick bay, emergency room, wine cellar, engine room and operations room.

You can see the scope of the operations conducted on this ship in the cockpit, captain’s cabin, and the cannons used to defend against the numerous air strikes.

Opening Hours 

March to October: Every day from 10 am to 6 pm.

November to February: Every day from 10 am to 5 pm.

The intriguing history of the ship and Britain’s conflicts in the 20th century are in the London HMS Belfast Museum. 

On the Thames, visitors can climb the same ladders and hatches used throughout the HMS Belfast’s long service. 

These elements give the visitor insight into the soldier’s life in HMS Belfast.

Featured Image: IWM.org.uk