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 HMS
Belfast is one of the most spectacular sights on the Thames.
The 11,500 ton battlecruiser is Britain's the only surviving
example of a big-gunned warship, built in the first half of
the 20th century.
Launched in Belfast in 1938,
she served in World War II and the Korean War. During World
War II she participated in the sinking of the German battleship
'Scharnhorst' in the Battle of North Cape.
HMS Belfast was a 'cruiser'
or flagship and played and important role in leading convoys,
and was equipped with an operating theatre, dental surgery
and hospital beds. At the height of her career HMS Belfast
accommodated 950 men.
She was in active service until
1965 and in 1971 became a floating naval museum, part of the
Imperial War Museum.
Her seven decks, boiler and engine
rooms and massive gun turrets are open to visitors, and part
of the ship recreates when she was helped to sink the 'Scharnhorst'.
Displays illustrate life on board during World War II and
there are also exhibits relating to the history of the Royal
Navy.
HMS Belfast's massive front
two gun turrets are trained on the Scratchwood motorway services
on the M1, 12.5 miles north-west from the ship.
Admission charge
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