Hello Beautiful Souls,
If you’re looking for a unique London day trip that combines history, adventure, and a dash of nostalgia, let me introduce you to HMS Belfast, the impressive grey warship moored between London Bridge and Tower Bridge.
For years, I’ve admired this ship from the riverbank and always said, “One day, I’ll go on that ship.” This summer, I finally did, and it turned out to be one of my favourite London attractions so far. Here’s everything you need to know before visiting, and why it’s worth spending an afternoon on board
Why Visit HMS Belfast
HMS Belfast is part of the Imperial War Museums and offers an incredible glimpse into life at sea during the 20th century. Commissioned in 1939, this Royal Navy cruiser played a major role in World War II, including the D-Day landings, and later served during the Korean War.
Today, it’s one of the few surviving Royal Navy warships open to the public, and stepping aboard feels like walking straight into history. 
What to Expect On Board
This isn’t your typical museum. HMS Belfast is a floating city with nine decks to explore, from the engine rooms deep below deck to the captain’s bridge with panoramic views over the River Thames.
You’ll climb ladders, squeeze through narrow passageways, and discover everything from the crew’s sleeping quarters to the ship’s own bakery, radio station, and chapel. Each space tells a story about the 950 sailors who lived and worked here.
It’s immersive, hands-on, and surprisingly atmospheric. I loved that the exhibitions are full of personal stories, letters, recordings, and interviews that make history feel alive and real.
Don’t Miss: The Cat & Mouse Hunt
One of the most amusing parts of the visit, and maybe why it took us a few hours, was the HMS Belfast mice and cat hunt.
Throughout the ship, you can spot tiny models of cats and mice hidden on each deck. It’s a fun challenge for both kids and adults, encouraging you to explore every corner (and trust me, there are a lot of corners!).
Did You Know?
- HMS Belfast is so large that you could lay Big Ben across its deck twice.
- At its peak, the ship had a crew of 950 people, making it a small city at sea.
- The ship fired some of the first shots during the D-Day landings in 1944.
- You can still visit the Operations Room, where officers once made real-time wartime decisions.
⚓ Quick Recap: Planning Your Visit to HMS Belfast
- Location: The Queen’s Walk, between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, right on the River Thames.
- Nearest Tube: London Bridge (Northern & Jubilee lines).
- Time Needed: Set aside about 2–3 hours to explore all nine decks (and find those hidden cats and mice!).
- ️Tickets: Available on-site or online via the Imperial War Museums website. Booking ahead is recommended on weekends.
- Best Time to Visit: A sunny day, the views of Tower Bridge, The Shard, and the London skyline are stunning from the top deck.
- Tip: Wear comfortable shoes; there are plenty of ladders and narrow passageways to climb!
