HMS Belfast: London's Floating Warship Museum
Step aboard HMS Belfast to explore nine decks of naval history, immersive exhibits, and stunning views of London’s iconic riverscape.
Moored on the River Thames between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast is a historic Royal Navy cruiser turned museum. Explore nine decks filled with interactive exhibits, authentic living quarters, and wartime machinery that tell the story of its role in World War II and the Korean War. Visitors can immerse themselves in life aboard this vast warship, enjoy panoramic views of London’s skyline, and discover the bravery of the 950 crew members who served here.
A brief summary to HMS Belfast
- The Queen's Walk, London, SE1 2JH, GB
- +442079406300
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Allow at least 2 to 3 hours to fully explore all nine decks and enjoy the interactive exhibits.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the ship involves climbing ladders and walking through narrow corridors.
- Use the free audio guide included with admission for detailed stories and historical context.
- Visit the Flag Deck for panoramic views of London’s skyline and the River Thames.
- Children under 120 cm may be restricted from some upper decks due to safety regulations.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Underground and Rail
Take the London Underground or National Rail to London Bridge Station, approximately a 10-minute walk to HMS Belfast. Trains run frequently, and the station is well connected to central London. No parking is available at the site.
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Bus
Several bus routes serve the London Bridge area, including routes 21, 35, 40, and 43. Bus stops are within a 10-15 minute walk of HMS Belfast. Buses operate regularly throughout the day with standard London fare.
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River Boat
River boat services stop at Tower Bridge Pier (Butler’s Wharf Pier), a short walk from HMS Belfast. This scenic option offers a unique approach along the Thames. Tickets vary by operator but typically range from £5 to £10.
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Walking
If you are exploring the Southbank area, HMS Belfast is accessible by foot from Tower Bridge or London Bridge in about 15-20 minutes. The route is flat and suitable for most visitors, though the ship itself has limited wheelchair access.
HMS Belfast location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about HMS Belfast
A Living Relic of Naval History
HMS Belfast is one of the most significant surviving warships in Britain, launched in 1938 and now permanently moored on the River Thames. This light cruiser played pivotal roles in World War II, including firing some of the opening shots on D-Day, and later served in the Korean War. Since its decommissioning in the 1960s, it has been preserved as a museum ship, offering visitors a rare glimpse into naval warfare and life at sea during the mid-20th century.Explore Nine Immersive Decks
Visitors can freely roam across nine decks, each revealing different facets of the ship’s operation and crew life. From the cramped living quarters and mess decks to the engine and boiler rooms, the museum presents an authentic experience of wartime conditions. Interactive exhibits, audio guides, and wax mannequins bring history to life, including a powerful sound installation inside a 6-inch gun turret that recreates the moment HMS Belfast fired on the Normandy beaches.Life Onboard: Stories of Courage and Community
The ship once housed around 950 crew members, complete with its own chapel, bakery, and radio station. Visitors gain insight into the daily routines, challenges, and camaraderie of those who lived and served aboard. The narrow corridors, steep ladders, and historic artifacts allow you to imagine the realities of naval service during war and peace times.Stunning Views and Strategic Location
Perched on the Flag Deck nine levels above the Thames, the ship offers breathtaking panoramic views of London’s iconic skyline, including Tower Bridge and the City. Its strategic position on the river highlights its historical importance and provides a scenic backdrop for visitors exploring the Southbank area.Engaging Experiences for All Ages
HMS Belfast is family-friendly, with interactive mission rooms, educational displays, and special events that bring history to life. While the ship’s historic design means some areas are not wheelchair accessible and involve climbing ladders, the experience is rewarding for history enthusiasts and curious visitors alike. Children especially enjoy the gun turrets and the chance to sit in the Captain’s chair for memorable photos.Preserving a National Treasure
Managed by the Imperial War Museums, HMS Belfast is part of a network of historic sites dedicated to preserving and sharing Britain’s wartime heritage. The ship’s maintenance and conservation ensure that future generations can continue to learn from this floating monument to courage, innovation, and resilience.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Custom House
0.3 km
Historic Custom House on London’s Thames waterfront, a grand 19th-century customs hub echoing centuries of maritime trade and empire.
Wakefield Tower
0.3 km
Medieval royal tower steeped in 13th-century splendor and tragic history within the Tower of London.
1 Tower Hl Ter
0.4 km
Historic urban landmark near Tower of London, blending centuries of British heritage with maritime memorials and modern city life.
Roman Wall of Londinium
0.4 km
Explore the towering Roman Wall at Tower Hill, a striking relic that shaped London’s ancient cityscape and echoes 2,000 years of history.
Tower Hill Memorial
0.4 km
Honouring 35,000 merchant seafarers with no grave but the sea—a dual memorial to two world wars.
Monument to the Great Fire of London
0.5 km
An iconic Doric column commemorating the Great Fire of London, offering panoramic city views from its historic 311-step climb.
London Wall
0.5 km
Explore London Wall, an ancient Roman landmark revealing the rich history of Londinium amidst the modern cityscape of London.
St Mary Overie's Dock
0.6 km
Historic riverside dock in London’s Southwark, home to the Golden Hinde replica and steeped in medieval maritime heritage.
Bermondsey St
0.6 km
Historic South London street blending contemporary art, independent dining, and converted industrial architecture.
St Katharine Docks Marina
0.7 km
London's only central marina: historic waterfront elegance where maritime heritage meets modern leisure.
Lloyd's of London
0.7 km
A high-tech architectural masterpiece blending tradition and innovation in the heart of London’s financial district.
St Mary Abchurch
0.7 km
Wren's intimate masterpiece crowned by a celestial dome and adorned with Grinling Gibbons' finest carvings.
113 Cannon St
0.8 km
A distinguished Grade II listed classical building in London’s financial district, showcasing early 20th-century architectural elegance.
Lombard St
0.8 km
Explore the iconic Lombard Street, London's 'Crookedest Street,' featuring stunning architecture and charming gardens in the heart of the city.
London Stone (remaining part)
0.8 km
Discover London Stone, the ancient and mysterious limestone relic at 111 Cannon Street, a symbol of London's enduring history and legend.
Unmissable attractions to see
English Grounds
0.2 km
Experience the tranquility and beauty of English Grounds in London, a perfect escape into nature and culture amidst the vibrant city life.
Hay's Galleria
0.2 km
Historic riverside galleria blending Victorian architecture, vibrant shopping, and iconic Thames views in the heart of London.
More London Place
0.2 km
A vibrant riverside business and cultural precinct blending modern architecture with iconic Thames views near Tower Bridge.
Billingsgate Roman House & Baths
0.3 km
Explore one of London’s best-preserved Roman private homes and bathhouses, revealing ancient luxury beneath the modern city streets.
Gunpowder Plot: The Immersive Experience
0.3 km
Immerse yourself in the thrilling 1605 Gunpowder Plot with live actors, authentic vaults, and cutting-edge VR at Tower Hill Vaults.
The Hung Drawn & Quartered, EC3
0.3 km
Historic pub near Tower Hill offering seasonal classics and craft ales in a setting steeped in London's dramatic past.
Potters Fields Park
0.3 km
A peaceful riverside park by Tower Bridge blending historic pottery heritage with vibrant gardens and iconic London views.
All Hallows by the Tower
0.3 km
Discover London's oldest church, a historic gem beside the Tower, where Roman, Saxon, and medieval layers tell tales of resilience and heritage.
St Dunstan in the East Church Garden
0.4 km
A peaceful historic garden oasis in the heart of London’s financial district, blending Gothic ruins with lush greenery and tranquil charm.
8-12 Tower Hill
0.4 km
Historic Tower Hill in London, where ancient walls meet iconic landmarks and vibrant riverside life unfolds.
Tower of London Ice Rink
0.4 km
Skate in the historic moat of London’s iconic Tower of London for a magical winter experience surrounded by medieval walls and festive cheer.
Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula
0.4 km
Historic Tudor chapel within the Tower of London, resting place of executed royalty and a vibrant parish church for over 500 years.
Bridge Theatre
0.4 km
Experience cutting-edge theatre in London’s innovative Bridge Theatre, where flexible design meets immersive performances by the Thames.
Lanthorn Tower
0.4 km
Step into the Lanthorn Tower to explore the medieval royal lodgings and rich history of the Tower of London’s riverside palace.
Tower of London
0.4 km
Explore the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage site, rich in history and home to the Crown Jewels, perfect for all history lovers.
Essential places to dine
La Dame de Pic London
0.5 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
Restaurant Story
0.5 km
Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
14 Hills
0.6 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
George
0.7 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, where history, hearty ales, and a lively courtyard blend in a timeless pub experience.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
1.1 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
1.1 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
Madison
1.2 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
1.3 km
Experience freshly handcrafted Japanese udon and crispy tempura in a lively open kitchen setting at Marugame Udon Middlesex Street, London’s authentic udon destination.
Mercato Metropolitano
1.5 km
A vibrant, sustainable community food market in Elephant & Castle offering global flavors, local sourcing, and a lively social atmosphere.
Sea Containers Restaurant
1.8 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Lyle's
1.9 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
2.0 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
Nomadic community
2.0 km
A colorful, community-driven urban garden near Brick Lane, blending street art, creativity, and green space in East London’s vibrant cultural scene.
St. John
2.1 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
2.2 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Tower of London Shop
0.2 km
Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
Traders Gate
0.3 km
A long-standing family-run gift shop on Tower Hill, offering classic London souvenirs and local charm just steps from the Tower of London.
Borough Yards
0.7 km
Discover Borough Yards, a lively London district blending historic railway arches with cutting-edge shopping, dining, and culture near Borough Market.
The Royal Exchange
0.9 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
1 Poultry
1.0 km
Iconic postmodern office and retail building with vibrant limestone stripes, a colorful atrium, and a rooftop garden overlooking London’s financial district.
Bermondsey Antique Market
1.0 km
Uncover vintage treasures at London’s oldest antiques market, where history meets haggling every Friday morning in Bermondsey Square.
Middlesex Textiles
1.1 km
Discover London’s premier West African fabric store offering vibrant, high-quality textiles with unmatched variety and service since 1969.
Petticoat Lane Market
1.1 km
London's historic street market where 370 years of commerce, migration, and East End character converge.
One New Change
1.3 km
Modern glass landmark with free rooftop views of St Paul's Cathedral and London skyline.
Fashion St
1.4 km
A historic East London street where Victorian architecture meets modern creativity, surrounded by boutiques, cafés, and vibrant community life.
Commercial St
1.5 km
Historic East London artery blending industrial heritage, vibrant markets, and cultural landmarks in the heart of Spitalfields.
Spitalfields Market
1.5 km
Historic yet vibrant, Spitalfields Market blends East London’s rich heritage with a lively mix of food, art, and shopping all week long.
Bankside Arches Boutique
1.5 km
Discover unique London gifts and handcrafted treasures inside Blackfriars Station’s charming Bankside Arches Boutique.
Sclater Street Market
1.6 km
Vintage treasures and eclectic finds in the heart of Shoreditch's bohemian marketplace.
DPUS Designer Outlet
1.7 km
Authentic designer fashion outlet in Shoreditch’s historic Old Truman Brewery, blending luxury style with urban culture and unbeatable prices.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Nine Lives
0.4 km
A subterranean Bermondsey bar blending Mexican spirits, sustainable craft cocktails, and vibrant sharable dishes in a boho-chic setting.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
0.6 km
Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
The Bootlegger
0.6 km
Step into The Bootlegger’s hidden Lime Street basement for expertly crafted cocktails, live jazz, and a true 1920s speakeasy vibe in the heart of London.
The Old School Yard
0.8 km
Step into a lively retro playground with expertly crafted cocktails, classic arcade games, and a vibrant 80s and 90s atmosphere in London Bridge.
Moonshine Saloon
0.9 km
Step into London’s Moonshine Saloon for an immersive Wild West cocktail adventure with live actors, games, and bespoke drinks made from your own spirits.
The Alchemist Bevis Marks
1.0 km
Experience London’s theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular mixology with Victorian charm and all-day dining in Aldgate.
Demon, Wise & Partners
1.0 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
The Bell
1.1 km
A historic East End pub blending traditional charm and local spirit near Petticoat Lane Market.
Discount Suit Company
1.2 km
Discover a hidden vintage cocktail bar beneath Spitalfields, blending bespoke drinks with a cozy speakeasy atmosphere in London’s historic tailoring district.
The Astronomer, EC1
1.3 km
A traditional London pub with a cosmic twist, offering hearty pies, craft ales, and a welcoming atmosphere near Liverpool Street.
Dirty Dicks
1.3 km
Historic London pub with quirky charm, classic ales, and lively atmosphere near Liverpool Street Station.
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
1.3 km
Discover Shoreditch’s secret speakeasy behind a fridge door, where quirky vintage charm meets expertly crafted cocktails and lively 80s beats.
Apples & Pears Cocktail Bar
1.4 km
A vibrant East London cocktail bar blending creative drinks, lively DJs, and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Brick Lane.
Doggett's Coat and Badge
1.6 km
A large, riverside Nicholson’s pub on Blackfriars Bridge offering classic British fare, real ales and a rooftop terrace with strong Thames views.
Aviary
1.7 km
Elegant rooftop dining with botanical cocktails and panoramic London skyline views in the heart of Finsbury Square.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Steel Yard
0.7 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
E1
1.4 km
Experience East London’s underground pulse with E1’s cutting-edge sound, immersive visuals, and vibrant club nights.
Ministry of Sound
1.6 km
London's legendary dance music cathedral since 1991, where world-class sound systems and global DJs fuel euphoric nights across four pulsing rooms.
Corsica Studios
1.9 km
Experience London’s underground music pulse at Corsica Studios, where intimate vibes meet exceptional sound beneath historic railway arches.
The Hoxton Pony
2.1 km
Edgy Shoreditch cocktail bar and nightclub blending vintage style with vibrant nightlife energy in East London.
XOYO LONDON
2.1 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
Trafik
2.3 km
Shoreditch’s dynamic nightclub with underground beats, two floors of dancing, and a late licence for unforgettable nights.
London Best Night Clubs
2.4 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
2.4 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
Cirque Du Soul
2.5 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
2.5 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
Basing House - Shoreditch
2.5 km
An intimate Shoreditch nightclub with top electronic beats, a Funktion One sound system, and a lively rooftop bar under the London skyline.
Proud Late
2.6 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
Club 701
2.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and dynamic clubbing scene at Club 701, South London's energetic hotspot on Old Kent Road.
The Boat Show Comedy Club
2.9 km
London’s premier floating comedy club aboard the historic Tattershall Castle, blending laughter with iconic riverside views and vibrant nightlife.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Scenic
- Educational
- Family Friendly
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Family Friendly
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly