Before your Visit

• All groups must be pre-booked using the online visit request form. 
• We advise that group leaders visit the HMS Belfast in advance of their school visit in order to conduct their own risk assessment. Please email learningbookings@iwm.org.uk to request complimentary tickets for two teachers.
• Please ensure that you have enough adults to provide adequate supervision for your group. Our ratio is 1:10. We reserve the right to refuse admission to groups that do not meet the ratio on the day.
• All accompanying adults must have a copy of the confirmation letter that lists the itinerary for the day.

Payment Policy

Pre-booked learning sessions (available 19 September – 21 October and 31 October – 16 December 2011):

• £65 per group (maximum 30 pupils) for a 60-minute session.
• £95 per group (maximum 30 pupils) for a longer session, 60–120 minutes.
• All costs include VAT.
• Admission is free for children under 16 and accompanying adults within our allowed ratios. Additional adults will be charged the Adult Group admission price.
• Admission charges apply to groups aged 16 or over, but if your group’s admission fees total £95 or more your session will be free.
• Payment must be made in full on arrival at the shop by the group leader. Please ensure groups arrive together. Payments can be made by cash, cheque (made payable to Imperial War Museum) or credit/debit card (please note we do not accept American Express). Groups will not be admitted until payment has been made in full.

To Get the Most Out of your Visit

• Ensure that you have a structured day with clear learning objectives and defined activities for your students. All students and all accompanying adults should know what the itinerary is and why they are visiting the museum. Occasionally students are left to wander unsupervised and without a focus, which has potential for negative behaviour and can lead to increased safety risk and disturbance to others.
• For many visitors, HMS Belfast is not history but reflects very real events that they have experienced in their own lives. Care and consideration must be given to all other visitors to the museum.

On Arrival

• Groups must enter HMS Belfast via the shop situated on the quay.
• Groups must arrive at least 20 minutes before their first activity is due to start. Please remember that it can take a considerable length of time to get across London and that the entrance can get busy when school groups arrive at the same time.
• Due to access restrictions we can only accommodate groups of up to 35 coming on board HMS Belfast at one time, therefore your group may be split into smaller groups. Check details on your confirmation letter.

Picnic Room

• The Picnic Room is only available for groups with a classroom session booked.

Behaviour in the Museum

• Teachers and group leaders are responsible for the behaviour of their groups throughout the visit. Please ensure that your party is divided into small groups and that a responsible adult is in charge of and in sight of each group at all times. Other visitors must not be disturbed by inconsiderate behaviour.
• No food or drink, including sweets, may be consumed anywhere in HMS Belfast, except the Picnic Room and the café.
• It is not permitted to touch any of the exhibits on display. This is for their long-term preservation and for safety reasons. This does not apply to blind and partially sighted visitors.
• We regret that failure to abide by these rules may result in the group being asked to leave the building and future visits by the school being stopped.

Health and Safety

• HMS Belfast is a historic ship with sloped ladders between decks, outside areas open to the weather and limited access doorways. For a safe and enjoyable visit please make sure to wear appropriate footwear and adhere to our rules and regulations including not running.
• HMS Belfast has staff fully trained in first aid should you need assistance. In this event please alert Learning staff or a Museum Assistant.
• HMS Belfast has full evacuation procedures in case of emergency or fire. All fire exits are clearly marked and all staff trained in evacuation procedures. Please ensure that your group understand the importance of following such procedures in the event of an evacuation.
• HMS Belfast has £10 million public liability cover.

Disabled Access

Please see Visitor Information for more detailed information on accessibility.