HMS Belfast London

HMS Belfast London is a Town-class light cruiser that was built for the Royal Navy in 1936. She is now permanently moored as a museum ship on the River Thames and has become the biggest historical object at the Imperial War Museum. There are countless things to explore and do on board HMS Belfast, including steering the ship, sitting in the Captain’s chair, and even getting hands-on in the Operations Room! As a History Happened Here site, HMS Belfast offers students, teachers, and group leaders a unique opportunity to engage with and learn from a historical site.

A self-guided visit to HMS Belfast is suitable for ages 7+ (Key Stage 2 above) and could support many areas of study including the Second World War, Arctic Convoys and the Korean War. Your visit includes free audio guides and printed resources for teachers and group leaders to support your exploration of the ship. Take a look at our visits page to find out more: Self-Guided Visits | Imperial War Museums (iwm.org.uk)

Second World War
Royal Navy warship
Historical heritage museum
Ships & Maritime Museum

HMS Belfast is a real historic ship and the largest object in our collections! From firing some of the opening shots on D-Day to sailing in the freezing conditions of the Arctic Circle, the ship has a fascinating globe-trotting story that will leave you amazed. We recommend allocating at least three hours for your school’s visit, although many visitors stay for half a day or more. Come aboard and explore the rooms of this floating village, climb up and down ladders, and learn more about modern British naval history!

With nine decks to explore HMS Belfast offers an immersive experience into the life of a sailor from exploring the gun turrets to seeing where the real crew members eat and slept during their time aboard! For further information please visit our What’s On pages for updates: HMS Belfast – Exhibitions And Displays – See What’s Here | IWM

Full Accreditation at Arts Council England. https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/media/19538/download?attachment

Self-guided visits for schools include free audio guides and printed resources for teachers and group leaders to support your exploration of the ship.

Find out more by visiting our Self-guided visits page: Self-Guided Visits | Imperial War Museums (iwm.org.uk)

Please note children must be supervised at all times with at least one adult for every ten children. Large groups of more than 35 people may have to be divided.

Self-guided visits for schools include free audio guides and printed resources for teachers and group leaders to support your exploration of the ship.

Our website offers a variety of online resources for KS2 – KS3, including gallery guides, interactive classroom resources and continuing professional development materials for teachers. All of these are free, and you can download them anytime.

Please visit the below link to find out more: Self-Guided Visits | Imperial War Museums (iwm.org.uk)

You are welcome to take photos and video for personal, non-commercial use. Please respect the privacy of other Museum visitors, avoid the use of flash and tripods, and taking photos or filming people without permission. Please observe signage indicating where photography and filming is not permitted.

Our copyright policy can be found here https://www.iwm.org.uk/corporate/policies/copyright

Teachers are advised to carry out a preliminary visit in advance of their school trip in order to conduct their own risk assessment. Responsibility for pupils on school visits remains with the teachers at all times.

Teachers can receive two free group leader pre-visit tickets by emailing: hmsb-groups@iwm.org.uk.

Everyday hazards such as slipping, tripping, or falling on stairs, trapping fingers in doors and cuts and bruises are inherent in all environments. The following site-specific factors should be considered in relation to the individual needs of each group member.

Our full Risk Identification guide can be found here: Risk Identification HMS Belfast | Imperial War Museums (iwm.org.uk)

To book a learning session or a school visit please visit https://www.iwm.org.uk/form/hms-belfast-visit-request-form.

Booking Contact: hmsb-groups@iwm.org.uk

Ticket for pre-school children under 5 can visit HMS Belfast for free. Schoolchildren between the age of 5 – 15 will cost £11.00 per person. Group leaders may receive a free ticket for every 10 children. Carers may receive one free ticket for every disabled person. Additional adults/students aged between 16 – 18 will cost £22.05 per person.

All schools (UK and overseas) must book in advance. To start the booking process, please fill out the school visit form. You will be contacted within ten working days with a response to your booking request. Please avoid making travel arrangements until you have received a confirmation email with your Visitor Confirmation Letter attached.

Please visit our website for our most up to-date information: Plan and book a School Visit to HMS Belfast | Imperial War Museums (iwm.org.uk)

We would recommend school sports attire to travel light and for climbing the ladders. In the winter, the temperature varies as you move through the ship and some areas are quite cold. We encourage children to bring an extra layer of clothing to put on in these areas. Please note that there is no school bag room or lunchroom available as our corridors are narrow. We kindly ask you to leave any school bag and school lunch at school or on the coach.

We would recommend schoolteachers and group leaders to bring their school trip first aid kit with them as they tour around the museum. Our front of house Security Team can also assist you on your visit. Please find the nearest member of staff and they will be able to assist you.

Toilets and accessible restrooms on board.

Shop (pre-booked goodie bags are available).

Two decks on HMS Belfast can be accessed on board without needing to climb up or down ladders. However, there are other areas below the deck that may be unsuitable for those with restricted mobility, wheelchair users and prams. We have provisions in place for SEN students.

Please visit our accessibility page for more information: Accessibility at HMS Belfast | Imperial War Museums (iwm.org.uk)

10am-5pm, last entry 4pm.

Open every day except 24 to 26 December.

Take a look at our pre-visit page to enhance your visit: Schools Pre-visit Information HMS Belfast | Imperial War Museums (iwm.org.uk)

Please take a look at our terms and conditions: Terms and Conditions HMS Belfast | Imperial War Museums (iwm.org.uk)

Please also see our Schools Code of Conduct: Schools Code of Conduct | Imperial War Museums (iwm.org.uk)

IWM wishes to ensure that all children and vulnerable adults are safe and protected from harm whilst visiting its premises.

Our safeguarding policy and accompanying procedures outline the safeguarding systems we have in place: Safeguarding Policy 2018.pdf (iwm.org.uk)