During the D-Day landings, HMS Belfast fired some of the first shots at German positions in Normandy.
The ship was extensively damaged by a German magnetic mine in 1939, which broke her keel and kept her out of action for three years.
In 1943, the ship played a critical role in the Battle of North Cape, helping to sink the German battleship Scharnhorst.
The ship's internal temperature and humidity are strictly controlled to prevent the deterioration of its iron hull.
HMS Belfast saw further action during the Korean War, acting as a shore-bombardment vessel.
The ship was saved from being scrapped in 1971 by the HMS Belfast Trust, led by Rear-Admiral Sir Morgan Morgan-Giles.
The ship possesses a complex system of internal telephone exchanges that are still partially preserved.
The crew's daily rations during the war included a daily tot of rum, a tradition that was abolished in the Royal Navy in 1970.
HMS Belfast is a Town-class light cruiser permanently moored on the River Thames as a branch of the Imperial War Museum. Launched in 1938, the vessel served throughout the Second World War, notably playing a role in the sinking of the Scharnhorst and supporting the D-Day landings. Visitors can explore nine decks, ranging from the engine rooms deep below the waterline to the bridge and gun turrets. The ship retains much of its original wartime configuration, providing a glimpse into the daily lives of a 950-person crew. It is the last surviving Royal Navy vessel to have participated in the Second World War. The tour includes interactive audio guides that narrate historical events from the perspective of former crew members. The vessel remains a designated historic ship under the National Historic Ships UK register.
The main deck midships, offering a clear frame of the ship's massive gun turrets with the Tower Bridge in the background.
Wear sturdy, flat-soled shoes as the ship features steep ladders, narrow companionways, and uneven steel decking.
Allow extra time for the engine rooms, as the descent and ascent through the ship's narrow passages are slow.
Pick up the provided audio guide at the entrance, as it provides essential historical context for the non-obvious machinery you will encounter.
Do not attempt to explore the ship if you have mobility issues or a fear of confined spaces, as the internal decks are extremely cramped with steep vertical ladders.
Open daily, but occasionally closes for urgent maintenance or severe weather conditions; check the IWM website for ad-hoc closure notices before arrival.
No large backpacks or luggage allowed; dress comfortably and practically for climbing stairs and navigating tight spaces.
