What Visitors Say
Fascinating, especially for anyone with a grasp of naval history. Some parts of the ship are inaccessible for safety and/or conservation reasons. The audiovisual displays are excellent. The ship forms an excellent photographic platform for views of the city and the river. The volunteers are incredibly helpful. Be aware that the companionways are very steep, and need to be negotiated with caution; likewise, some of the compartments, especially the engine and boiler rooms, are incredibly cramped. Large backpacks are not a good idea, and unfortunately this also means that anyone with mobility issues is going to be severely limited as to what they can see and experience. Overall, thoroughly recommended. I believe that IWM offers a package deal on tickets for the Belfast, Duxford, and the War Rooms - if so, definitely check it out, as all of them are well worth visiting.
We visited on Friday 19th December, 2025. We booked in advance for 10:30am Overall, our visit was a great experience. It was interesting to see inside the vessel that HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, had served on. It was amazingly well preserved and reading about the history whilst exploring was fascinating. You can explore about 85% of the ship from engine rooms, gun turrets and crew quarters to the Admiral or Captain's deck. The ladders certainly made the experience more engaging, too! The cafe area was cosy and the food was great quality. The views of Tower Bridge, the Thames and other parts of the surrounding area were stunning. Unfortunately, what would otherwise have been a perfect visit was a little spoiled by two male members of staff (one volunteer wearing a red jacket & a member of security). Both were fooling around in the Captain's chair, laughing and looking at something on their phone - we were made to feel like we were intruding. Otherwise, there was an older gentleman volunteer who was extremely helpful and knowledgable.
I came here to have a look round. It was an incredibly moving experience to see inside the ship on which HRH Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, had served. The ship was beautifully preserved, the information provided was excellent, and the food in the café was brilliant. I would definitely bring friends for a return visit if the opportunity arose.
Went Sunday and was amazing! Did go visit back in 2023 and missed so much. This time went earlier and with my Dad, brother. Such a beautiful ship and fascinating! Defintely worth a visit and Id even go again for the price and things to see! Managed to explore the Captains, Admirals Decks which I missed previously. The views and history were well worth the trip! My Dad and brother loved it 💜💜 Even had a bite to eat at the cafe which was well stocked with all sorts. Everyone was so helpful and an enjoyable trip in London!
Superb. At a guess 85% of the ship is accessible. Knowledgeable volunteers, excellent talks, and displays. Audio guides provided with ticket. Interactive displays were not functioning and the map is not easy to follow, but you can ask. Cafe on board good for coffee, but not much else. A marvellous piece of history
Highlights
Forward Gun Turrets
D-Day fire support (1944)These 6-inch guns bombarded German positions during the Normandy landings.
Foredeck (‘A’ & ‘B’ turrets)
Operations Room
The ship’s brainPlotting tables, radar screens and voice pipes show how a cruiser fought as a team.
Upper decks near the bridge
Engine & Boiler Rooms
Power for 30+ knotsGleaming turbines and miles of piping drove the ship through Arctic swells and Channel surf.
Deep decks
Arctic Convoys Story
Lifeline to the USSRIce, darkness and U-boats - Belfast escorted convoys to Murmansk in 1943.
Thematic displays mid-ship
Captain’s Bridge
Command with a viewFrom here the captain conned the ship through wartime seas and later during the Korean War.
Topside, forward superstructure
Opening Hours
Fun Facts
Launched in 1938, mined in 1939, and back in action by 1942 after major repairs.
Supported the Normandy landings on 6 June 1944 with naval gunfire against shore batteries.
Served in the Arctic convoys and later in the Korean War (1950-52).
Preserved as a museum ship from 1971 and now part of Imperial War Museums.
Spans nine decks and measures over 600 feet in length - a floating city in steel.
Similar Museums
Nearby Places
All Hallows-by-the-Tower Crypt Museum
4 min 👣
Royal Armouries, Tower of London
5 min 👣
Tower of London
5 min 👣
The View from The Shard
5 min 👣
Tower Bridge Exhibition
6 min 👣
Fusiliers Museum
6 min 👣
Science Gallery London
6 min 👣
Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret
7 min 👣
Golden Hinde
8 min 👣
Clink Prison Museum
9 min 👣