We are committed to ensuring HMS Belfast is accessible to all visitors, and hope the facilities we have introduced enhance your visit.
HMS Belfast entrance, ticket desk, and shop
- There is an Induction loop at the ticket desk.
- Free hand-held audio guides are available from the ticket desk in the Pavilion.
- The audio guide is on a lanyard. Headphones are available on request for those who are hearing-impaired or have mobility issues.
- Visitors can also use their own headphones with a standard 3.5mm headphone jack.
- Transcripts of the audio guide are available on request from the ticket desk.
- An accessible toilet and baby changing facilities are available in the shop, before entering the ship.
- There is no blue badge parking available for visitors.
- Unfortunately, there are no cloakroom or locker facilities onboard HMS Belfast, therefore we are unable to allow access to visitors with suitcases, pull along baggage, or large holdalls.
- For everyone's safety, all small bags, rucksacks, packages and personal items may be searched before entry.
Moving around HMS Belfast
- Some areas of the ship have uneven flooring.
- Some doorways and hatchways have lips which require you to step over them.
- To see every deck of the ship, visitors will need climb multiple ladders. It is recommended that those with restricted mobility, or with small children under 4ft, do not access the engine room as it has vertical ladders and very narrow walkways.
- Wheelchairs are available on a first come, first served basis.
- Unfortunately, the nature of the ship makes access to some of the Upper Decks and Lower Decks impossible for wheelchair users, and unsuitable for persons with restricted mobility. However, modifications have been made to the Main Deck, the Quarterdeck, Boat Deck and The Café to make them accessible to wheelchair users, and parents with prams, pushchairs, and strollers.
- The Main Deck includes The Laundry, The Ship's Chapel, The Bakery, Galley, World of Warships room, Sick Bay, Mess Decks and Dental Surgery.
- There is a wheelchair lift from the gangway to the Quarterdeck where your tour begins. Weight restrictions apply when using the accessible lift. The maximum combined weight of wheelchair and user allowable is 250kg.
- There is a wheelchair lift from Main Deck to Boat Deck, located by the Torpedo flat. Weight restrictions apply when using the accessible lift. The maximum combined weight of wheelchair and user allowable is 300kg.
- The dimensions of the lift are 84cm x125cm (2ft 9 in X 4ft 1 in). The lift is a platform lift, meaning some sides of the lift do not move, please be aware of this when using the lift.
- Prams, pushchairs, and strollers are allowed in certain areas of the ship, but we would advise not to bring them at all if possible. The only areas where prams, pushchairs, and strollers are permittable are the exterior decks, including the Quarter Deck, Boat Deck and Fo’c’sle. There is a designated area on the Quarter Deck to leave prams, pushchairs, and strollers, for any families wishing to explore inside the ship. Please be advised that personal belongings are left at the owner’s risk.
- An accessible toilet and baby changing facilities are available on the Main Deck. A radar key can be retrieved from Security on the Quarter Deck.
Sound, light and temperature levels around HMS Belfast
- Some audio-visual equipment used throughout the ship can be loud. In particular, there are loud noises which simulate gunfire in the Gun Turret Experience, loud noises which simulate machinery in the Boiler Room, and loud noises which simulate ‘Action Stations’ alarms in the Galley.
- Videos are accompanied with subtitles (in English) throughout the ship.
- Light levels vary across the ship. Some areas are dimly lit to re-create historical conditions.
- The temperature varies as you move through the ship and some areas are quite cold. You may want to bring an extra layer of clothing to put on in these areas.
General Information
- Smoking and vaping is not allowed anywhere on board.
- There is a water fountain available for visitors by the toilets near the Quarter Deck.
- Please ask a member of staff if you wish to use a First Aid room or require assistance.
- There is seating on 2 Deck in the Senior Ratings Messdeck, Serving the Seas room, World of Warships room, Arctic and East Asia Messdecks, and Boat Deck.
- There are 3 high chairs available for use in the café.
- If you have any queries or need any assistance on site, please ask. We will be more than happy to help you.
Assistance animals
Assistance dogs
We welcome assistance dogs onto our sites.
Where possible please bring a relevant identification books for their assistance dogs when arriving on site. Identification types include - Assistance Dogs International (ADI), Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK) or the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF).
Owing to the nature of our sites, if you have multiple assistance dogs within your group please contact us via 020 7091 3067 or contact us to let us know in advance of your visit.
Owners are expected to take responsibility for their assistance dog throughout their visit. Whilst onsite your assistance dog should remain under your care and control, remaining on a lead or within an appropriate carrier. We also ask that all assistance dogs are visibly identifiable with a harness or badge, where possible.
A water bowl for assistance dogs can be retrieved from Security on the Quarter Deck.
Assistance animals other than dogs
Owing to the nature of our different sites, we need to assess the needs and health and safety of the visitor and their assistance animal. We also need to take into consideration other visitors on site and the actual collections being exhibited in our museums, before assistance animals (other than dogs) can be admitted.
Please contact us via 020 7091 3067 or contact us in advance of your visit so we can make this assessment in preparation of your visit. Otherwise, you may be required to wait while an assessment is made.
Owners are expected to take responsibility for their assistance animal throughout their visit. Whilst onsite your assistance animal should remain under your care and control throughout your visit, remaining on a lead or within an appropriate carrier. We also ask that all assistance animals are visibly identifiable with a harness or badge, where possible.
If you have any queries or would like to discuss any access issues please contact us.
