HMS Belfast (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is HMS Belfast?
What makes it 74% Kids-Friendly: Children up to 12 get free activity trails and a kid-friendly audio guide, and can climb the gun turrets for hands-on fun. Parents must supervise on steep ladders and some areas exclude under-4-ft guests.
Positives:
- Under-5s go free: Your 3-year-old enters at no charge—pick up a free ticket on arrival.
- Interactive learning: Hands-on zones and puzzles keep kids engaged with WWII history.
- Riverside setting: Upper decks offer fresh air and London views between exhibits.
Challenges:
- Narrow ladders: Some decks require climbing steep, narrow ladders not suited for strollers.
- Busy weekends: Can get crowded during school holidays—expect queues at popular exhibits.
- Height restriction: Kids under 4 ft can’t enter certain engine-room areas.
What is HMS Belfast?
- A nine-deck Second World War light cruiser serving as a floating museum on the River Thames
- Retains original naval guns, radar systems and crew quarters across all nine decks
- Represents mid-twentieth-century Royal Navy engineering and design in full-scale form
What is so special about HMS Belfast for with kids?
- Explore nine decks of a real WWII cruiser
- Free family trails and audio guides engage kids
- Hands-on zones like the Gun Turret and engine rooms
- Under-5s enter free and child-friendly snacks on board
- Thames views and interactive history in one visit
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A 2-3 hour visit lets your family explore nine decks and interactive zones without wearing out younger children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in HMS Belfast
Family Activity Trail:
Pick up a free puzzle trail at reception and solve clues across the decks.
Tip: Runs on weekends and school holidays—ask staff for extra pens.
Family Audio Guide:
Use the free family-setting audio guide for age-friendly stories and games.
Tip: Hand it to kids at the start so they stay engaged through the tour.
Gun Turret Experience:
Let kids sit in a real turret and learn how crews aimed naval guns.
Tip: Go early to avoid lines and get prime photo spots.
Engine Room Exploration:
Descend below deck to see real boilers and machinery.
Tip: Make sure kids meet the 4 ft height rule and watch for low ceilings.
Stokers’ Café Snacks:
Refuel with child-friendly sandwiches, chips or hot chocolate.
Tip: Grab seats near windows for Thames views.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to HMS Belfast
- Arrive at opening: Beat crowds and grab the first audio guides and trail sheets.
- Start on upper decks: Begin at Boat Deck for views, then work your way down through exhibits.
Reviews of HMS Belfast
Katherine Rice
We visited on Friday 19th December, 2025. We booked in advance for 10:30am Overall, our visit was a great experience. It was interesting to see inside the vessel that HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, had served on. It was amazingly well preserved and reading about the history whilst exploring was fascinating. You can explore about 85% of the ship from engine rooms, gun turrets and crew quar...
Andy Lester
Superb. At a guess 85% of the ship is accessible. Knowledgeable volunteers, excellent talks, and displays. Audio guides provided with ticket. Interactive displays were not functioning and the map is not easy to follow, but you can ask. Cafe on board good for coffee, but not much else. A marvellous piece of history
Cassandra
Really nice experience, lots of ladders made the experience much more engaging but I do not recommend this for someone who is afraid of heights!! The boiler room was nothing like what I had expected but the asbestos warning signs made it slightly scary. Make sure to use a map so that you don’t miss out on any room on the ship!
Avenues 2016
I came here to have a look round. It was an incredibly moving experience to see inside the ship on which HRH Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, had served. The ship was beautifully preserved, the information provided was excellent, and the food in the café was brilliant. I would definitely bring friends for a return visit if the opportunity arose.
JoViBi
Went Sunday and was amazing! Did go visit back in 2023 and missed so much. This time went earlier and with my Dad, brother. Such a beautiful ship and fascinating! Defintely worth a visit and Id even go again for the price and things to see! Managed to explore the Captains, Admirals Decks which I missed previously. The views and history were well worth the trip! My Dad and brother loved it 💜💜 Eve...
When is the best time to visit HMS Belfast (London, United Kingdom)?
Visit mid-week or in spring/autumn to avoid peak-season crowds. Trails run weekends and during school holidays.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 Adult tickets | GBP 52.7 |
| 1 Child ticket (5-12) | GBP 13 |
| Snacks & drinks | GBP 20 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 85.7 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of HMS Belfast
Address: The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2JH, UK
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About HMS Belfast
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+44 20 7940 6300Average price
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