HMS Belfast: London’s Floating Guardian of World War II

Moored majestically on the River Thames, HMS Belfast is one of the most significant surviving warships of World War II. As a Royal Navy cruiser that saw action in some of the war’s most pivotal moments, HMS Belfast is more than just a museum ship—it is a time capsule of naval warfare. Aboard this mighty vessel, visitors can walk in the footsteps of the sailors who braved Arctic waters, battled enemy ships, and supported the largest amphibious invasion in history: D-Day.

If you’re fascinated by Britain’s wartime past, combining a visit to HMS Belfast with a London Blitz walking tour offers an unparalleled look at the war from both land and sea. Our London Blitz Wartime Walking Tour and Visit to HMS Belfast provides a fully immersive experience, tracing the devastation of the Blitz through London’s streets before stepping aboard this legendary warship.

The Story of HMS Belfast

From the Shipyard to the High Seas

HMS Belfast was launched on March 17, 1938, just as Europe edged closer to war. Built as a Town-class light cruiser, she was designed for speed, firepower, and endurance. When World War II broke out in September 1939, HMS Belfast was immediately deployed to enforce Britain’s naval blockade against Germany.

However, her service was abruptly interrupted in November 1939, when she struck a German magnetic mine in the North Sea. The explosion ripped through her hull, severely damaging the ship and putting her out of action for nearly three years. After extensive repairs and upgrades, HMS Belfast returned to service in 1942, stronger and more powerful than before.

HMS Belfast’s Greatest WWII Battles

The Arctic Convoys (1942-1944)

One of HMS Belfast’s most grueling assignments was escorting Arctic convoys to the Soviet Union. These convoys carried essential supplies—food, weapons, fuel—through freezing waters teeming with German U-boats and Luftwaffe bombers. Conditions were brutal: temperatures plunged below -30°C, ice formed on the decks, and enemy attacks were relentless.

Despite these challenges, HMS Belfast and her crew successfully protected vital convoys, ensuring that the Soviet war effort remained supplied. Churchill later described these Arctic convoys as “the worst journey in the world,” highlighting the incredible resilience of the sailors who braved these missions.

The Battle of North Cape (December 26, 1943)

HMS Belfast played a leading role in one of World War II’s most decisive naval battles—the Battle of North Cape. On Christmas Day 1943, the German battleship Scharnhorst, a formidable 38,000-ton warship, attempted to attack an Allied convoy heading to Russia.

HMS Belfast, along with other Royal Navy ships, was waiting in ambush. Using her advanced radar, she tracked Scharnhorst through the Arctic darkness and coordinated a devastating attack. After a fierce battle, British ships overwhelmed and sank Scharnhorst, effectively ending Germany’s surface fleet operations in the Arctic.

This victory was a major turning point in the naval war, ensuring that Arctic convoys could continue supplying the Soviets without threat from the German Navy.

D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy (June 6, 1944)

Perhaps HMS Belfast’s most famous action was her role in Operation Overlord—the D-Day landings. As part of the British fleet, she was stationed off the coast of Gold Beach, providing crucial naval bombardment against German coastal defenses.

Her massive 6-inch guns pounded enemy bunkers, clearing the way for British and Canadian troops storming the beaches. During the battle, HMS Belfast fired over 5,000 shells, playing a key role in softening German positions and ensuring the success of the Allied invasion.

Even today, standing on her deck, you can imagine the deafening roar of her guns as they supported the biggest amphibious operation in history.

Exploring HMS Belfast Today

After World War II, HMS Belfast continued to serve in conflicts such as the Korean War before finally being retired in 1963. In 1971, she was saved from scrapping and turned into a museum ship, now operated by the Imperial War Museum.

Today, HMS Belfast is one of the most immersive museum experiences in London, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and experience life aboard a wartime battleship.

Key Areas to Explore Onboard

1. The Gun Turrets

Stand beside the ship’s powerful 6-inch and 4-inch guns, which could fire shells over 12 miles. You can even enter the turret and see how sailors loaded and fired these massive weapons.

2. The Bridge

Step into the command center of the ship, where the captain and officers directed naval battles. From here, you can take in stunning views of the River Thames and Tower Bridge—a perfect photo opportunity!

3. The Operations Room

Experience the ship’s nerve center, where radar operators tracked enemy movements and coordinated attacks. You’ll get a feel for the high-stakes decisions that determined the outcome of battles.

4. The Engine Room

Descend into the depths of the ship to see the massive engines that powered HMS Belfast across the world’s oceans. The narrow passageways, pipes, and machinery give you a real sense of the ship’s complexity.

5. The Mess Decks and Living Quarters

What was life like for the 800 sailors aboard? See their bunks, dining areas, and even the ship’s bakery—yes, fresh bread was baked daily! The cramped conditions and simple meals give a stark contrast to the dangers they faced at sea.

Why Visit HMS Belfast?

HMS Belfast is not just a warship; it’s a living piece of history. Unlike many museums where artifacts are behind glass, here you can touch history—climb into gun turrets, walk through control rooms, and imagine what it was like to sail into battle.

Perfect For:

History lovers—See one of the most important WWII warships up close.
Military buffs—Explore naval warfare through hands-on exhibits.
Families—Interactive experiences make history fun for all ages.
Photographers—Incredible views of London’s skyline from the ship’s deck.

Book Your Tour: Walk Through Wartime London & Step Aboard HMS Belfast

For a complete WWII experience, pair your visit to HMS Belfast with our London Blitz Wartime Walking Tour. You’ll walk the bomb-scarred streets of London, hear stories of the Blitz, and then step aboard HMS Belfast to see how Britain fought back at sea.

👉 Click here to book your tour now!

Keep reading: London Guided Tours: a Wartime Itinerary to explore the World War II History