HMS Belfast
HMS Belfast features on the Gingerguide audio walk through London. Give it roughly ~90 min: enough to look, hear a two to three minute story on the spot, and ask the AI guide whatever the story leaves open.
- Type historic
- Suggested visit ~90 min
- London London guide
About HMS Belfast
A WWII-era Royal Navy light cruiser permanently moored on the Thames, now a floating museum ship.
HMS Belfast is a Town-class light cruiser that served with distinction in World War II and the Korean War. Launched in 1938, she played a key role on D-Day, firing some of the first shots during the Normandy landings in June 1944. She was saved from the scrapyard in 1971 and has been moored on the Thames near Tower Bridge ever since.
Visitors can explore nine decks of the ship, from the bridge and operations room to the engine rooms and mess decks. Interactive exhibits bring to life what it was like for the 950-strong crew to live and work aboard during wartime.
The ship's guns, capable of firing shells up to 12 miles, are aimed at a motorway service station on the M1 in North London, their maximum range in that direction.
Did you know? HMS Belfast fired some of the first shots of D-Day during the Normandy landings on June 6, 1944.
How long is a visit to HMS Belfast?
Set aside roughly ~90 min for HMS Belfast. That covers a good look and the narrated story, and because you set the pace you can always stay on.
Is HMS Belfast worth your time?
HMS Belfast is among the 41 narrated highlights the Gingerguide team chose for London, so it is worth a look. Hear the story for the context, then ask the AI guide for anything more.
Nearby stops in London
Hear the story of HMS Belfast
Preview the London tour free in the Gingerguide app.