HMS Belfast

*15% off all HMS Belfast Bookings!
**Enter promo code IWM15 **in the shopping basket. **Available Dates: 1st May - 31st August 2011*
*Kids Go Free** *- Children under 16 years are *free* with an Adult!

HMS *Belfast* was launched in 1938 and served with distinction in both the Second World War and the Korean War. One of the most powerful large light cruisers ever built, HMS *Belfast* is now the only surviving vessel of her type to have seen active service during the Second World War.

Best known for her role during the Second World War in supporting the Allied troops on D-Day, HMS *Belfast* offers nine decks of history for visitors to explore. From the Captain’s Bridge to the sailor’s mess deck, operations room and engine rooms, visitors will hear her battle stories and experience what life was like for her 950 crew.

HMS *Belfast* is now moored on the River Thames between London Bridge and Tower Bridge.

In January 2009 a new exhibition, Launch! Shipbuilding Through the Ages opened. Launch! focuses on the science, engineering and social history of shipbuilding in Britain from the ‘age of sail’ to modern prefabrication methods.


One of the most powerful large light cruisers ever built, HMS *Belfast* is now the only surviving vessel of her type to have seen active service during the Second World War.
HMS *Belfast* played a leading part in the destruction of the battle cruiser Scharnhorst, and also the Normandy Landings. In service with the Royal Navy until 1965, she was saved for the nation in 1971 as a unique reminder of Britain’s naval heritage.
*Launch! Shipbuilding Through the Ages* Date:29th January 2009 to 31st December 2010 Launch! Shipbuilding Through the Ages This new family-orientated exhibition will use hands-on and computerised interactive displays and engaging film and footage to demonstrate techniques of shipbuilding, from the ‘age of sail’ to modern prefabrication methods.    The exhibition will focus on the science, engineering and social history of shipbuilding in Great Britain, and the interactive elements of the exhibition will allow children of all ages to get involved and experience this history.     *Explore* ‘What shall we give in return for so much?’ One of the most powerful large light cruisers ever built, HMS *Belfast* is now the only surviving vessel of her type to have seen active service during the Second World War. Serving Britain for 32 years, she played an important role in both the Second World War and the Korean War as well as performing peacekeeping duties throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Saved from destruction in 1971, HMS *Belfast *is now part of the Imperial War Museum and is the first ship to be preserved for the nation since Nelson’s Victory.   Through its team of staff and volunteers – many of whom are veteran crew – the Imperial War Museum is dedicated to making sure that HMS *Belfast* still has a role to play in reminding visitors of her unique place in Britain’s maritime heritage.   *History of HMS *Belfast** The term 'cruiser' goes back to the days of sailing ships when large frigates could be detached from the main fleet to cruise independently.

The sailing cruiser, like her twentieth-century counterpart, was sufficiently powerful and fast to attack and destroy enemy commerce raiders. During the nineteenth century when sail gave way to steam and wooden ships were replaced by those built of iron, and later of steel, the cruiser evolved into a powerful warship which was used to patrol the Empire trade routes and protect friendly merchant shipping.   After the First World War (1914-1918) a single category of cruiser emerged whose size was indicated by the size of its guns; thus, HMS *Belfast* is a 6-inch cruiser, designed for the protection of trade, for offensive action, and as a powerful support for amphibious operations.

*Please note:* children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please allow 1½ - 2 hours for your visit. 

*Opening times:
*Open daily except 24, 25 and 26 December.
1 March - 31 October: 
10:00 - 18:00 (last admission 17:00)
1 November - 28 February: 
10:00 - 17:00 (last admission 16:00)