The HMS Belfast

*I received two complimentary tickets to the HMS Belfast for the purposes of review.  

The next stop on our London Summer Explore was the

HMS Belfast.

The HMS Belfast is a Royal Navy light cruiser that is permanently moored

in the Thames and open to the public as a museum.

(You can see her in all of her glory from The View from the Shard.)

She was commissioned into the Royal Navy in 1939 and retired from service in 1963

after serving all over the world. 

There are nine decks to explore on the ship and be prepared

to do a lot of climbing and squeezing into tight spaces.

These ladders can be a little tricky.  Face the ladder and go slow and you'll be fine.

My favorite part was touring the living quarters, where the crew lived, ate, slept and worked for months on end.  When I saw the first mannequin I thought "Oh, dear."
Sometimes mannequins are done so poorly that they really distract me from an attraction.
Picture the plastic mannequins from a recently closed department store
set up awkwardly and missing a few fingers or a chipped nose. 

But that is not the case on the HMS Belfast at all.
They are so well done, with realism and a sense of humor.
They completely add to the experience.
There is even one guy after a shower, wrapped in a towel and doing his hair in a mirror.
You'll have to go yourself to see him as my picture didn't turn out.  Sorry.

The ship was just a floating city and there was everything that the men needed while away, 
kitchen, hospital, store, laundry, post office... and the dreaded dentist.

  

The 950 sailors received a daily ration of rum or grog. They could purchase soda, beer, tobacco and chocolate at the ship store.  They slept in hammocks hanging side by side in tight quarters.  It was the most comfortable way to sleep on the ship.  As the boat tossed and turned, the hammock would hang level and they slept like babies.

  

It really was just like stepping back in time.

They've done a fantastic job of showing life on board a war ship.

It is definitely worth a visit and good value for money. 

Planning your visit:

The ship is Open Daily except for December 24, 25 and 26.

November to February - 10am to 5pm (last admission 4pm)

March to October - 10am to 6pm (last admission 5pm)

Adults Price is £14.50.

Children under 16 are free and must be accompanied by an adult.

Senior, Student and Disabled price is £11.60.

You can purchase tickets on-site or in advance online.

Be sure to grab the free audioguide which lasts about 90 minutes.

There are in available in several languages and there is even a family audioguide.

There is a cafe and shop on site.

The closest tube stations are London Bridge and Tower Hill.

Be sure to check online before you go as sometimes they are closed for special events.

It looks like summer has finally arrived in London and 

we are enjoying this wonderful weather.

Today is Canada Day and I'm off to Trafalgar Square to celebrate with some Canadian friends.

You can also find me out on the internet in a few interviews.

This one with 1st Contact and this one with Julie Dawn Fox in Portugal.

Pop on over and leave a comment to let me know what you think.

And best news of all,  Jessica is coming for a visit in September!  It's official.

I so cannot wait to see that child of mine!!!

I hope you have a wonderful week!!

Have you visited the HMS Belfast?  What did you think?

What other London Attractions should I check out during our London Summer Explore?

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | SUBSCRIBE | BLOGLOVIN


 *I received two complimentary tickets to the HMS Belfast for the purposes of review.
All photos, writing and opinions are my own.
As always, I promise to be open, honest and transparent with my readers.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.


You can find this review and many others in my
London Attraction Guide.