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Book your stay now
UK schools, youth, and cadet groups are invited to join us on board HMS Belfast in an exciting, affordable sleepover experience for children aged 7 to 17.
Adventurous 'Kippers' will enjoy a night of activity and fun-packed learning in an immersive and unique setting, before grabbing a bunk and settling down for a night in our bespoke sleeping quarters.
Kip in a Ship sleepover dates are now available, booking now up until December 2026.
Kip in a Ship is designed for schools and youth groups only. If you are looking to host a private children's party on board HMS Belfast, visit our birthday parties page.
Reservations selling fast!
Book a reservation to secure your chosen dates for 2026.
Thank you to the whole team at HMS Belfast. The young people had an amazing time and the leaders were so impressed by the professionalism of [the team], the content on offer and the whole experience.
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1st Market Bosworth Scout Group
© IWM
Evening Activities
Depending on which package you choose, groups can enjoy one of our three evening activities.
Skills acquired in some of these workshops can contribute towards the Scout and Girl Guide Communicator Badges.
All evening activities include an exclusive tour of the Captain’s Bridge and Flag Deck, where you can enjoy views of the iconic London skyline at night.
Ready-made activities for Kippers
Cadets, youth groups and schools can enjoy interactive workshops & storytelling sessions, including hands-on activities related to naval history, engineering, communication and teamwork.
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© IWM A 10535Signalling
Find out about the vital role of visual signallers in the Royal Navy and learn semaphore, a flag signal language.
Kippers will also make their own mini flagpole to raise a flag signal of your own.
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HU 54882Mess Magnets
HMS Belfast was not only a place of work, but home to 950 sailors. When not at work, the men spent their time in their mess decks ‘off watch’ relaxing and would decorate their mess with personal items – including souvenirs from the countries they visited around the world – to make it feel like home.
Inspired by this tradition, Kippers can design and decorate their own mess magnet to create a unique souvenir of their time onboard.
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© IWM A 13710Morse Code
Learn about the use of Morse Code on board HMS Belfast through the voices and memories of the veterans who had the very important role of Telegraphist on board the ship.
Kippers will learn all about how ships communicated with each other, and ship to shore, through transmitting and receiving their own coded messages to each other using Morse Code.
Your ultimate adventure: The Officers' Package
IWM
Experience the ultimate HMS Belfast adventure with the Officers' Package.
Your booking will include:
- A Royal Navy-inspired dinner
- An evening activity
- After-hours tour of the Captain's Bridge and Flag Deck
- Breakfast
- Complementary learning session
Other sleepover packages available
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IWMRatings’ Activity Package
Get ready for action with the Ratings' Activity Package.
Includes:
- An evening activity
- After-hours tour of the Captain's Bridge and Flag Deck
- Breakfast
- Complementary learning session
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IWMRatings’ Dinner Package
Enjoy the Rating's Dinner Package for a more relaxed stay to take at your own pace.
Includes:
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Complementary learning session
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IWMCadets' Package
The Cadet's package is recommended for those looking for a more flexible stay on board.
Includes:
- Breakfast
- Complementary learning session
Make it your own learning experience
IWM
Groups choosing the Ratings’ Dinner or Cadet's Package have the option to hire our on-board Learning Room, to carry out their own evening activities.
The Learning Room was once an aircraft hangar, and later a mess deck. Now, with a capacity of 58, and decorated with both historic photographs and objects from Imperial War Museum’s collection, it provides the perfect historic environment for groups to learn about life on a warship.
The additional room hire cost is £100, and groups can use the room between 6pm and 10pm.
The history and stories brought to life during our time on the ship were incredible... It was clear that [the team] were passionate about creating an immersive and educational experience, and it was felt by everyone on board...Thank you for the outstanding service, welcoming atmosphere... and memories we’ll treasure for years to come.
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Headteacher, Samuel Cody School
A souvenir of your stay
IWM
For groups looking for a souvenir of their stay, we have several gift items available for purchase.
Gifts can be ordered in advance via your booking form, which we will send you eight-to-twelve weeks before your stay. Alternatively, you can visit our shop during normal opening hours before or after your stay, or online.
Please note that the HMS Belfast shop does not accept cash and only card payments are available.
2026 Package prices
Your initial booking is to secure your date, where we'll ask for a deposit to confirm your experience.
Up to 52 children can stay for up to three nights on board.
We can accommodate a maximum of six adults (at least one adult for every ten children) in two separate cabins.
Before booking and confirming your date, please read our T&Cs.
A minimum charge for 20 people applies to Kip in a Ship. See our T&Cs for more details.
| Officers' Package | Ratings' Activity Package | Ratings' Dinner Package | Cadets' Package | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Children (aged 7 to 17) Per person |
£78 | £68 | £68 | £58 |
Adult Per person |
£68 | £68 | £68 | £58 |
Important Information
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Any questions?
Our FAQs are made up of questions our customer services team regularly receive.
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Terms and Conditions
We ask you to read our terms and conditions before you book tickets.
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Getting to HMS Belfast
HMS Belfast is moored on the River Thames between London Bridge and Tower Bridge. Please read our travel guidance on how to get to the ship.
General Information
- Please note that outside food is not permitted on-board or in the mess decks, except for non-perishable snacks. Groups are advised to eat dinner before their arrival.
- Please note, optional Learning Room hire is subject to Terms and Conditions and an additional fee of £100. All activities are subject to prior approval and our Terms and Conditions. For more information about the facilities, please email [email protected]
- All packages are available for 7 to 16 year olds. However, if you are a Cadet group with older members looking to book one of our packages we may accept 17 year olds, subject to approval. For more information please email [email protected].