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Relaxed Hours @ HMS Belfast, London
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.
Enjoy two hours aboard HMS Belfast with less crowds and free from loud sound effects. You will be able to explore the whole ship and can participate in family-friendly activities.
HMS Belfast was an active war ship. Some areas of the ship have uneven flooring or are difficult to access if limited mobility, please more information below.
We kindly ask visitors to buy a ticket online in advance. Crowd levels are kept low by permitting only ticket holders to this event on board the ship. HMS Belfast will open to the public at 11am. Visitors are welcome to remain on board after the Relaxed Hour session ends. The audio content throughout the ship will resume from 11am.
We will send all ticket holders an email around a week before the event with more information.
Access
- Find HMS Belfast using What3Words:///format.overnight.meals.
- A Visual Story is available on our website.
- Some levels of the upper and lower decks are inaccessible to wheelchair users, and unsuitable for people with restricted mobility. Modifications have been made to the 2-deck and 1-deck to make them wheelchair accessible. There is a platform lift between levels.
- 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.
- HMS Belfast is situated on a tidal part of the Thames. You may be able to feel movement of the Thames when on board.
- Prams or pushchairs are allowed in certain areas of the ship, but we would advise not to bring them at all if possible. 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.
- There is no blue badge parking for visitors. The nearest public blue badge parking on Tooley Street and Braidwood Street. Find it using What3Words ///ritual.herb.match
- The HMS Belfast is situation on the River Thames, and the railings on the outer decks are X cm high.
- Visit HMS Belfast Accessibility Page for more information.
- We have partnered with AccessAble to create an accessibility guide to HMS Belfast.
Facilities
- The onboard café will be open from 9:30am.
- Accessible toilets and baby change facilities are available in the pavilion before you arrive onto the ship. On the ship they are located by the Quarter Deck at the front of the ship.
- There will be quiet rooms for those needing to take a break, a breakout space, and an outdoor eating area for anyone wishing to bring their own food.
- There are a small number of ear defenders and sensory backpacks containing items that may help your visit. They are available upon request on a first-come, first-serve basis and are free to use. Examples of what they contain include:
- Ear defenders
- Sunflower lanyard.
- Fidget toys.
- A simple map.
- Magnifying glass.
- Cuddly toy.
- Pencils and grips.
- Emotions fan.
- Reading overlays.
