HMS Belfast is the most significant surviving Second World War Royal Navy warship. Since her launch over 82 years ago, she fired some of the first shots at the D-Day landings, served in the Arctic Convoys, and in the Korean War.
Opening Times
HMS Belfast is currently closed
Tickets are not currently on sale

HMS Belfast was closed in March 2020 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Due to the restrictions of social distancing, we are unable to reopen safely at the current time.

We have decided to use the opportunity to invest in HMS Belfast and realise some of our much needed transformation plans on board.  We anticipate that we will reopen with an enhanced public offer and an improved infrastructure in Summer 2021.

The HMS Belfast Story

HMS Belfast timeline

The HMS Belfast Story

Whilst you are unable to visit in person you can explore our interactive timeline. 

Discover HMS Belfast's history, hear the unique stories of those who served on board, and read about the adventures that the Royal Navy cruiser embarked on as a world-touring warship, from the Arctic Circle to East Asia.

Explore Timeline

 

Learn more about HMS Belfast

HMS Belfast on the Thames
HMS Belfast
HMS Belfast in Popular Culture
Moored on the River Thames since 1971, HMS Belfast has become a London landmark. She has also made a host of star appearances, featuring in everything from film and TV, to music and viral videos. 
Photo of HMS Belfast's forward guns with the bridge in the background
©IWM
Second World War
8 Things you Didn't Know about HMS Belfast and D-Day
Learn about the role HMS Belfast played in one of the defining battles of the Second World War.
Blindfolded , in merchant seaman rescue kit, being landed on their way to internment.
© IWM (A 21203)
Second World War
HMS Belfast And The Battle Of North Cape
The Battle of North Cape began when the German battlecruiser Scharnhorst and five destroyers left their base in Altenfjord, northern Norway on Christmas Day 1943.
Read more

We Were There: Meet Our Eyewitnesses

We Were There: Meet Our Eyewitnesses

Discover more about the people behind the stories.
Read more
Mike, one of the veterans participating in IWM's We Were There programme
IWM
HMS Belfast Shop
While you may not be able to visit us at the moment, you can still be inspired by HMS Belfast from home. We have hand-picked some of our best sellers from the IWM online shop that are influenced by London’s Warship Experience.
Browse
Free UK delivery on orders over £40

Warship Conservation

Warship Conservation

HMS Belfast joined the Imperial War Museums collection in 1978, becoming a museum and also the largest item in our collection. As both a historical object and museum its needs are unique and it requires constant conservation work.
Read more
A volunteer conservator dismantles a 4” gun.
A volunteer conservator dismantles a 4” gun. © IWM.

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Support Us

As a charity, now more than ever IWM needs your support to ensure we can continue to tell personal stories and experiences of conflict for current and future generations to come. 

A Balloon Site, Coventry
© IWM (ART LD 2750)
Donate Now
Make a donation to IWM and help us to tell the stories of those affected by conflict, launch our ground-breaking exhibitions and deliver our world-class learning programmes. 
IWM Membership
Become an IWM Member
Help tell stories that deserve to be heard by supporting us as a member and uncover a host of benefits including free standard admission to Churchill War Rooms, HMS Belfast and IWM Duxford.
A volunteer talks to young visitors to Imperial War Museums
Support Us
Discover the many ways you can support our historically important sites and world-leading collection.

Location

HMS Belfast
IWM
Address

HMS Belfast
The Queen's Walk
London
SE1 2JH

  • London Bridge
  • Tower Hill

Facilities

  • Donations

    IWM is a registered charity and relies on your support to help us preserve our unique collections for future generations. To help us preserve our collections you can donate cash or make a quick and easy contactless donation with a credit or debit card by tapping it at various locations around the museums. Alternatively you can donate online now on the link below. Thank you for supporting IWM.

    Donate Now
  • Shopping at HMS Belfast

    Our shops offer a wide range of inspiring and unique gifts, from books, clothing and accessories to vintage posters, homeware, toys and souvenirs, all inspired by our collections and the stories they tell. Shop in branch or online using the link below.

     

    Visit our Online Shop
  • Floor Plan

    To help you plan your visit in advance, please see the below link where you can download a copy of the Floor Plan and see the different decks for you to explore.

    Download
  • Eating and Drinking

    Our café and bar will remain closed until further notice.