This is a sponsored article on behalf of HMS Belfast.
Recognise this floating landmark? Moored between Tower Bridge and London Bridge, this majestic 11,550 ton vessel is pretty difficult to miss. But how much do you actually know about HMS Belfast? Time to climb aboard and find out...
HMS Belfast is perhaps most famous for firing some of the opening shots on D-Day — the largest seaborn invasion in history, which triggered the liberation of France from German occupation during the Second World War. Since then, it's sailed around the freezing Arctic Circle and served in the Korean War, before being transformed into the fascinating museum ship it is today.
As you might expect, HMS Belfast is stuffed from bow to stern with stories from its globetrotting adventures. And it's not all about big battles — over 950 people lived and worked here during the Second World War, and during your visit you're can discover just what that was like.
Navigate your way around all nine decks of HMS Belfast, exploring where those aboard once slept, ate, worked and even worshipped.
Descend below the Thames waterline and explore the heavily-armoured bowels of the ship, where you can have a go at following the Captain's orders at the Lower Steering Position. Roam the Main Deck — the heart of this floating city — and discover crew hammocks, gun turrets, a bakery, and the ship's beloved cat, Frankenstein. Head to Upper Decks and see where the crew used to plot and monitor radar and sonar; take a seat in the captain's chair at the Compass Platform; and climb to the very top of the ship to soak up incredible views of London through HMS Belfast's original binoculars.
As you can see, HMS Belfast is very much a hands-on experience, making it a great shout for families. There are free children's activities here every school holiday and weekend, and the audio guide included with every visit has a special setting for younger visitors. What's more, the ship is handily located close to loads of other child-friendly attractions, including the London Dungeons, Shakespeare's Globe and Tate Modern — ideal if you're planning a Big Day Out.
Honestly, though, anyone with a sense of adventure and/or an interest in history will have a blast at HMS Belfast. And if all that exploring works up your appetite, note there's an onsite cafe, not to mention a summertime cocktail bar, if you fancy watching the sunset over the River Thames. Don't mind if we do.
HMS Belfast is located between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, just off the South Bank. It's open 10am-5pm daily, with last entry at 4pm (though we recommend leaving longer than one hour for your visit!) Advance booking is required — get your tickets here.
