HMS Belfast
WWII light cruiser moored on the Thames near Tower Bridge — nine decks of naval history run by the Imperial War Museum
WWII light cruiser moored on the Thames near Tower Bridge — nine decks of naval history run by the Imperial War Museum
HMS Belfast is the most significant surviving Royal Navy warship from the Second World War. Moored between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, this 11,553-ton cruiser saw action from the Arctic convoys to D-Day and now opens nine decks as part of the Imperial War Museum.
Climbing through narrow hatches and steep ladders gives a vivid sense of life at sea. From the exposed bridge to the boiler rooms below the waterline, the ship tells its story through original fittings, sound recordings and life-size tableaux.
HMS Belfast was launched in March 1938 at Harland and Wolff in Belfast and commissioned in August 1939, weeks before war broke out. Within months she struck a German magnetic mine in the Firth of Forth that broke her keel, putting her out of action for three years.
She returned to service in late 1942, playing a leading role in the Arctic convoys escorting vital supplies to the Soviet Union through some of the most dangerous waters in the world. On Boxing Day 1943 she helped sink the German battlecruiser Scharnhorst at the Battle of the North Cape — one of the last major surface engagements of the war. On 6 June 1944, Belfast was among the first ships to open fire on the Normandy beaches, supporting landings at Gold and Juno.
The self-guided route takes visitors through nine decks, from the open bridge and flag deck at the top to the boiler and engine rooms four levels below the waterline. Steep ladders and narrow hatches connect the compartments, with audio points along the way.
The operations room and gun turrets offer the most interactive experience, with radar screens, plotting tables and fire-control instruments you can handle. The mess decks and galley show how food was prepared in cramped conditions, while the punishment cells and sick bay reveal the harsher side of naval life. Allow at least 90 minutes for the full route.
HMS Belfast occupies one of the finest moorings on the Thames. The upper decks offer clear views of Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, the Gherkin, the Walkie-Talkie and the Shard — making it one of the best photography spots on the South Bank.
Hay's Galleria and the London Bridge area are a two-minute walk south, while Tower Bridge and the Tower of London are five minutes north across the river. The IWM shop on the quayside stocks naval history books, ship models and wartime memorabilia.
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Children under 16 enter free when accompanied by an adult — book online for a small discount on walk-up prices
The ladders between decks are steep and the steel floors can be slippery. Flat, grippy shoes make the climb between decks much easier and safer.
Head straight to the bridge and flag deck first for the best views and quietest conditions, then work your way down through the decks systematically.
Weekends and school holidays bring large groups. Weekday mornings offer the quietest conditions and more space to explore the tighter compartments below decks.
Tower Bridge Exhibition is a five-minute walk away and makes a natural pairing — you can do both in a single morning with time for lunch at Borough Market afterwards.
The ship's narrow hatches and steep ladders mean wheelchair access is very limited. Contact the museum in advance to discuss what areas can be reached and any available assistance.
London Travel Writer · 12+ years covering UK attractions and tourism
Last reviewed: March 6, 2026
