Every Weekend | Daily during school holidays

10am to 4pm | Activities can vary, please check details at the Admissions Desk

HMS Belfast

Families

Free event with general admission

There's plenty of fun to be had at HMS Belfast!

Spend family time together onboard HMS Belfast and discover exciting hands-on activities, daily and throughout the summer holidays.

All activities are free, drop-in, and are recommended for families with children aged 5 to 12.

 

Family Activities

  • Tiddles having a game with a fellow seaman during his off-duty hours.
    Image: IWM (A 10647)

    Coding Cats | Trail

    Friday 17 July to Sunday 25 September 2026
    10am to 4pm

    Cats were often kept on board ships because of their natural talent for catching unwanted guests. The cat crew have taken a break from rodent control to send you a message in Morse Code about another task they did on board.

    Join us on board HMS Belfast and seek out all 8 Coding Cats! Can you decode the message they are sending and claim your reward?

  • HSMB staff speaking to children about the ship and family activities

    Coding Cats | Craft Activity

    Saturday 18 July to Sunday 25 September 2026
    10am to 4pm
    Room 3H

    Make your very own Morse Code transmitter by making a simple circuit with a bulb to send your own messages in Morse Code. Free, all resources provided, available every day from Saturday 18 July.

  • A family a four sitting at a wooden table, smiling and enjoying a talk with a veteran on board HMS Belfast
    IWM

    We Were There | HMS Belfast

    Every Friday in August 2026
    11am to 3pm

    Meet real-life veterans and eyewitnesses to war. All our eyewitnesses and veterans are volunteers who give their time to share these important stories. 

    Suitable for children aged 5+

Relaxed opening

Relaxed Hours Early Opening

Girl sitting in the Bridge of HMS Belfast
IWM
Saturday 22 August 2026
HMS Belfast

Join us for a relaxed early opening of HMS Belfast. This is a sensory-friendly event for families and individuals. The event is suitable for individuals or families with members who may have sensory processing differences, autistic spectrum conditions or would otherwise benefit from a quieter environment to explore HMS Belfast.  

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HMS Belfast

Children's Birthday Parties on HMS Belfast

A young girl "steers" HMS Belfast, moving the ship's wheel.

Throw a birthday party to remember aboard HMS Belfast! Enjoy an unforgettable adventure for your child and their friends aboard a historic warship in the heart of London.

Find out more