HMS Belfast: A Must See London Exhibit!! (HMS Belfast)

Member Name: Trenchart1662

Product:	HMS Belfast
Date:	03/05/05 (176 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fantastic fun for kids and adults at a good price, Historically extremely interesting and informative, Convenient location near London Bridge Tube Station

Disadvantages: Limited access for disabled , Can get very busy during the day

HMS Belfast was launched on St. Patrick's Day 1938 and used by the Royal Navy until 1965. In 1971 it was refurbished with a view to preserving a piece of British Naval History. It took part in many instrumental missions of the Second World War, including protection duties for Allied forces during the D-Day landings of 1944. If you have children or are secretly still just a big kid, or if you have an interest in Naval History you will have a whale of a time aboard HMS Belfast, located as she is right next to Tower Bridge and The Tower Of London. Admission rates are extremely reasonable for London, and came in at £5.50 for an adult last year, with significant reductions for children under 16 or full-time students. As part of the Imperial War Museum, tickets can be combined for further savings. There is no shortage of stairways to explore, revealing static displays of the ships crew, radar rooms, kitchens, engine rooms etc the list is endless!! The sheer size of such vessels has always been a surprise to me, as have the huge turrets and other armaments bristling along the upper decks of the ship. There is also an adequate cafe on board, which provides light refreshments etc, and the usual facilities. Disabled access is unfortunately somewhat restricted due to the very tight spaces and steep gangways etc. Nevertheless go and see it if you can and you'll end up learning much more than you would think, I certainly did!! The deck is also a great place to take pictures of Tower Bridge and the Thames, especially at dusk when the lights are on. I must warn you though that some parts of the ship are extremely claustrophobic, particularly in the lower decks and I found myself going outside for air quite often: goodness only knows how her crew put up with being inside for months at a time!!
If you need more information, the official website is: hmsbelfast.iwm.org.uk/

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