HMS Belfast - London - Great Britain


Address: Near London Bridge, London (See map)
Telephone: +44 (0)207-9406300
Website: http://hmsbelfast.iwm.org.uk

Shop: shop present
Restaurant/refreshments: restaurant
Size of the museum/site: medium
Year of visit: 2000

Overall rating:

Description: Since 1971 the HMS Belfast lies peacefully in the heart of London, near the Tower Bridge, welcoming visitors almost every day of the year. The HMS Belfast, built in 1938, saw a lot of action during World War II. It took part in the battle of the North Cape off the coast of Norway, during which a large German cruiser was sunk, and later on supported the D-day landings in 1944.

A large part of the massive ship is open to the public. You can access the gun turrets, engine rooms, sickbay, officers' cabins, shell rooms, and many other areas spread out over 9 decks. As you can see on the pictures below, the ship is in a good state and combined with the way the 'exhibition' is set up this gives you the impression that you're only looking around on a ship that is still on active duty or maybe even on a real mission! Since all Imperial War Museum branches are completely free of charge nowadays, the HMS Belfast should not be missed while visiting London.


The proud HMS Belfast sunbathing.

The captain's seat offers a fine view over the river Thames.

Lots of 6-inch shells lined up on the handling carousel, waiting to be transported to the gunners above.

Operations Room shown during the Battle of North Cape on 26 December 1943, which ended in the sinking of the Scharnhorst.

Post-office.

The ship's caboose.

Anti-aircraft gunemplacement (40mm Twin Bofors Mark V Mounting).

Wheels and tubes of the engine room.

The 6-inch Mark XXIII Triple Gun Turrets.