We are committed to ensuring HMS Belfast is accessible to all visitors. Each of our branches has a dedicated accessibility page with detailed information to help you plan your visit.

Access Guides

We have partnered with AccessAble to create an accessibility guide to HMS Belfast. 

Quieter times to visit

HMS Belfast can be very busy during weekends and peak tourist seasons. This means the site may be more crowded, warmer, or noisier than usual. The quietest time to visit is in the afternoons after 3pm. Though the museum may be busy with large groups throughout the day. 

Museum entry

  • Museum entrance and exit

    • Find us using What3Words: ///gift.online.minute
    • HMS Belfast is located on The Queen’s Walk. There are six steps or a ramp to access the starting point of your visit, inside the pavilion. 

  • Security and bag searches

    For the safety and security of all visitors, bag searches may be conducted before entry. 

Information for wheelchair and mobility aid users

Unfortunately, the nature of the ship makes access to some of the Upper Decks and Lower Decks inaccessible to wheelchair users and unsuitable for people with restricted mobility.

However, modifications have been made to the Main Deck, the Quarterdeck, Boat Deck and the Cafe 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

Pushchairs and prams

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 the Fo’c’sle (front of the ship).

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. 

Facilities

  • Accessible parking

    There is no blue badge parking for visitors. 

  • Accessible toilets

    A gender-neutral accessible toilet can be found in the shop before entering the ship, including baby changing facilities.

  • Lockers

    HMS Belfast does not have any cloakroom or locker facilities. We are unable to admit visitors with suitcases, wheeled luggage, or large holdalls/rucksacks.

    This is due to the historic nature of the site and limited space available. 

  • Seating

    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. 

  • First Aid

    If you require First Aid during your visit, please approach a volunteer or member of staff. They can contact one of our trained First Aid responders. 

  • Borrow a wheelchair

    Three manual wheelchairs are available for loan, free of charge, on a first come, first served basis.

    Wheelchair users need to be self-propelled or supported by a member of their party. Staff are unable to support visitors by pushing wheelchairs. 

Gallery information

  • 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 to 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. 

  • Exhibition sounds

    Some audio-visual equipment used throughout the ship can be loud. 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. 

  • Audio guides

    Audio guides are provided with all general admission tickets.

    You do not need to bring your own headphones or devices; all necessary equipment will be provided when you arrive.

    The audio guides are available in accessible versions in the following languages: 

    • English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Russian, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Mandarin, Swedish and Ukrainian.
    • Family tour recommended for ages 12 and under. This is in English only. 

  • Exhibition lighting

    Light levels vary across the ship. Some areas are dimly lit to re-create historical conditions. 

  • Exhibition temperatures

    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

  • British Sign Language (BSL)

    The audio guide has a British Sign Language tour option. This includes closed captions in English. 

  • Induction loops

    Induction loops are available at the ticketing desk. 

  • Audio description

    Audio described guides are available on our audio guide which provides additional directions and descriptions during your tour. 

  • Subtitles

    Videos are accompanied with subtitles (in English) throughout the ship. 

Assistance animals and animal safety

We understand that some visitors will require the support of an assistance dog and we are happy to admit trained assistance dogs into our branches.

Where possible, we encourage assistance dog owners to bring identification from organisations such as:

  • Assistance Dogs International (ADI)
  • Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK)
  • The International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF)

We also ask that assistance dogs wear the appropriate tabard or harness. Not carrying ID or wearing a jacket is not a condition of entry but assists staff to identify those who may need additional assistance.

In cases where your assistance dog is not registered with ADI, ADUK, or IGDF, please understand that if it demonstrates inappropriate behaviour, we reserve the right to deny entry to ensure the safety and comfort of our staff, volunteers, and visitors. 

If you plan to bring more than one assistance dog or have multiple assistance dogs within your group, we request that you contact us in advance. This will help us ensure there are no delays in gaining access and we can meet the needs of the entire party. 

For those intending to visit us with an assistance animal other than a dog, please contact us using our form in advance to discuss your request. This is so that we can ensure there are no delays to your admission, and we are able to facilitate your visit. 

Water bowls for assistance dogs are available from security on the Quarter Deck. 

Our branches are unique and historical spaces. They are unusual environments which can confuse or distress animals. HMS Belfast is a 9-deck warship on the River Thames. It’s a disorientating environment with ladders to move between decks.   

If your assistance dog needs to relieve themselves, please leave the ship to The Queen’s Walk. 

Further information

If you have a question or need any further details, contact customer services on: 020 7091 3067 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm UK time) or fill out our contact us form.