HMS Belfast

The HMS Belfast is a retired Royal Navy Light Cruiser that saw active service in World War II and played an important role in the British naval blockade against Germany. Today, it is a popular visitor attraction that is permanently moored in the Thames River in London. If you are planning a trip to London, the HMS Belfast is definitely worth a visit. In this article, we will tell you all about the attraction, what you can see and how to get there.

What to See

The HMS Belfast is a large vessel that has been preserved as a museum. Visitors can tour the ship and explore all nine floors. The exhibit gives you an idea of what it would have been like to live and fight on this amazing ship. You can see what it was like to bunk down in the beds, giving you a real taste of what it must have been like. There are also interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience what it was like to be on board during important battles, such as the Battle of North Cape. You can also explore the engine rooms, the bridge, and the gun turrets.

One of the highlights of the visit is the interactive D-Day experience. This exhibit takes you through a simulation of the Normandy landings, giving you a real sense of what it must have been like for the soldiers who took part in the operation. You can also visit the gun turret exhibit, where you can see the guns that were used during the ship’s active service.

Another important part of the exhibit is the history of the ship itself. The HMS Belfast was launched in 1938 and was part of the British naval blockade against Germany during World War II. The ship was damaged during the war but was repaired and went on to see active service in the Korean War. After it was decommissioned in 1963, it was preserved as a museum and has been open to the public ever since.

How to Get There

The HMS Belfast is located in the heart of London, making it easy to get to from anywhere in the city. The nearest tube station is London Bridge, which is served by the Northern and Jubilee lines. From there, it is just a short walk to the attraction. If you are coming from further afield, you can take a train to London Bridge station or one of the nearby stations, such as Cannon Street or Blackfriars.

If you are driving, there is parking available nearby. However, it is worth noting that parking in central London can be expensive, so it may be more convenient to take public transport. There are also several bus routes that stop near the attraction, making it easy to get to from anywhere in the city.

When to Visit

The HMS Belfast is open seven days a week, from 10 am to 6 pm. However, it is worth checking the website before you visit to make sure that there are no closures or special events that may affect opening times. The attraction can get busy during peak periods, such as school holidays and weekends, so it is worth arriving early to avoid the crowds.

Final Thoughts

The HMS Belfast is a fascinating visitor attraction that is full of history. Whether you are a history buff, a naval enthusiast or just interested in learning more about one of the most important ships in British naval history, the HMS Belfast is definitely worth a visit. With interactive exhibits, historical artefacts and an immersive D-Day experience, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So why not plan a visit to the HMS Belfast on your next trip to London?