HMS Belfast, The Ward & Ante Rooms

A fascinating visitor experience, which I wasn’t expecting. We followed the suggested route around the ship, which took us a good few hours, but there was so much to see. Plenty to see and lots of information and videos to explain the history and workings of the ship, as well as life on board. Be aware there are a lot of ladders to climb and places you can knock yourself, so be prepared to take time moving around carefully. Surprisingly, modern toilets and cafe, while the ship is accessed through the gift shop. I recommend a visit if you get the chance.

Highlights * Easy to reach from London Bridge * Perfect location on the Thames * Extremely well maintained for a historic warship * Huge amount to see and explore * Rich history throughout the ship * Fantastic views of London and the river * Mind your head and feet – plenty of hard surfaces, ladders and low doorways * Café is adequate but nothing particularly memorable * Some areas show their age, which is to be expected on a vessel of this vintage Review ★★★★★ HMS Belfast is an outstanding attraction and one of the best historic ships I have visited. Located just a short walk from London Bridge, it is perfectly positioned on the Thames with spectacular views of the London skyline throughout the visit. The ship itself is remarkably well maintained and offers an enormous amount to see. From the engine rooms and mess decks to the gun turrets and command spaces, there is history around every corner. The exhibits do an excellent job of bringing the experiences of those who served aboard to life, and it is easy to spend several hours exploring the vessel. A word of caution: this is a real warship, not a purpose-built museum. There are plenty of ladders, low doorways, bulkheads and hard surfaces to bump into, so visitors should take care as they move around the ship. The café is serviceable enough, but not really a highlight of the experience. Some areas of the ship also show signs of age and wear, though that is entirely understandable given the vessel’s history and actually adds to the sense of authenticity. Overall, HMS Belfast offers a fascinating insight into Britain’s naval history, incredible views across London, and a thoroughly immersive experience. Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in history, engineering or military heritage.