HMS Belfast

Discover the origin of HMS Belfast’s crest by seeking out the seahorses hidden around the ship, with a code to unlock the one true Belfast Seahorse!

In our free activity room, families can paint their very own plaster crest as a very special souvenir of their visit.

Between 7 and 15 March, we are offering National Lottery players 2 for 1 entry to HMS Belfast for National Lottery Open Week.

Booking in advance is not required. Bring your proof of purchase of a National Lottery game (a hard copy ticket, scratchcard or digital ticket) on the day of your visit and show it to our staff at the ticket office. The offer can only be redeemed in person on the day of your visit, and not in advance through online purchase.

Find out more here: https://bit.ly/3OBs1Qz

At IWM, we're keen to better understand our online audiences. Your answers to our survey will help guide our future content.

As a thank you, you’ll have the chance to enter a free prize draw to win one of ten £50 vouchers.

Take part here: https://bit.ly/4aI7Pnn

T&Cs apply. IWM (TR 1543)

A family discovery aboard the ship.

In 2024, Lawrence Fong was visiting HMS Belfast when he recognised a familiar name in the East Asia Mess Decks: Lau So, his maternal grandfather. Driven by curiosity, Lawrence’s wife, Joanna, returned to the ship a year later to speak to one of the volunteers who, with the help of the Learning and Engagement team, was able to confirm that Lau So was indeed Lawrence’s grandfather — and that he had served on Belfast during the Korean War.

According to IWM volunteer Mark Littler, Lau So was “well known among the team – the only Hong Kong sailor who lost his life aboard the ship during the Korean War.”

Lawrence said: “I feel really proud that my grandfather is one of the navy who served in the Korean War. I don’t think there are many families in Hong Kong who can have this kind of experience to share.”

You can read the full story here: https://bbc.in/49Rt7yk

Pictured: Lawrence and his family on the ship.

This Christmas, spend some family time learning together and embark on our gingerbread sailor trail.

Uncover the ten key ingredients needed to create the perfect gingerbread sailor, hidden in surprising spots all around the ship.

Plan your visit - link in comments.

A recent discovery on board HMS Belfast, just in time for National Cat Day - a New Year’s card from 1960 featuring kittens on a sailor’s cap. The card was discovered in material donated by sailors and their widows.

Cats were vital members of a ship's crew, most importantly for catching mice and rats. HMS Belfast's most famous feline shipmate was Frankenstein, who served on the ship in the Second World War. He even had his own hammock made specially for him by the sail maker, which you can see on board in the Arctic Mess Deck.

Plan your visit here: https://bit.ly/3JwdweB

HMS Belfast encounters heavy seas off Iceland, February 1943.

By 1942 the Arctic Convoy route to Russia via Iceland had become one of the great naval battlegrounds of the Second World War, and HMS Belfast's first year was a demanding one. Its role included convoy screening (defending the ships in convoy) and endless duty on the Northern Patrol off Iceland, watching for attempts by enemy warships to break out into the Atlantic.

You can read more about HMS Belfast and the Arctic Convoys here: https://bit.ly/3OsEOAX

Image: IWM (HU 9144)

Join Hugh Sebag-Montefiore on 6 November aboard HMS Belfast as he launches his latest book 'The Battle of the Arctic: The Maritime Epic of World War Two'. Hear from the historian how the Allies battled treacherous conditions to deliver essential supplies to Russia, keeping vital channels open with the constant threat of being sunk in freezing waters.

The talk will be followed by a Q&A session, book signing, and the opportunity to explore part of HMS Belfast.

Book now: https://bit.ly/46VxRTp