What's Here HMS Belfast

Test your skills at the Lower Steering Position. Take orders from the Captain and steer the ship leading the fleet on D-Day 1944.

Take the helm of this iconic warship and grab a photo as the Captain of HMS Belfast.

With nine decks to explore, ascend and descend ladders from the engine rooms in the lower decks to the flag deck at the top of the ship.

We are committed to ensuring HMS Belfast is accessible to as many visitors as possible. There is wheelchair access to the main deck of HMS Belfast but there is no access below deck due to the nature of the ship. Weight restrictions apply when using the accessible lift on to the HMS Belfast quarterdeck. The maximum combined weight of wheelchair and user allowable is 275kg. For more information please follow the link to our accessibility guide below.

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. We will not be able to accept cash, but you can still pay by card.

Enjoy our new onboard Stokers café and take a welcome break from exploring HMS Belfast’s nine decks.

Why not finish your visit by visiting The Bar @ HMS Belfast, situated above the gift shop.

Enjoy a glass of wine and a snack or one of our bespoke cocktails while enjoying an unrivalled view of Tower Bridge and HMS Belfast.

IWM is a 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.

You are welcome to take photos and video at our museums for personal, non-commercial use but please refrain from using flash or tripods. Our museums can get busy at times and we therefore ask that you do not film people without their permission. Please observe signage indicating where photography and filming is not permitted.  

Audio guides are available from the admissions desk prior to boarding HMS Belfast and there is no charge to use this facility.

The audio guides are available in English, French, Italian, German, Polish, Russian, Mandarin, Spanish and Dutch.

The audio guide lasts approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Large bags or suitcases are not permitted on board and there are no locker facilities onboard the ship.

The safety of our visitors and staff and the preservation of our collections are of the upmost importance to IWM. We therefore kindly ask that you allow sufficient time on entry to our museums for our staff to complete their security checks to ensure this is maintained. Please do not bring any prohibited items with you as they will be confiscated. If you see any unattended bags or packages or have concerns about security issues on your visit please report this to a member of staff.  

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.