London: HMS Belfast & South Bank Audio Tour

Walk a World War II warship, then wander London's South Bank on your own time

You board the HMS Belfast and explore a restored Royal Navy warship from World War II through the Cold War, climbing through engine rooms and gun turrets with a multilingual audio guide. Afterward, you pick up a self-guided audio tour of South Bank's 14 landmarks (Borough Market, Somerset House, the Golden Hinde and more), and explore at your own pace. Entry, all commentary and the tour map are included. You just need to download your ticket via QR code.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit HMS Belfast and South Bank

• Explore HMS Belfast ship museum
• See World War II and Cold War exhibits
• Steer the ship yourself
• Visit living quarters and deep ship areas
• Walk through South Bank district
• Discover Borough Market and Somerset House
• View the Golden Hinde ship

The Experience

The moment you step onto the HMS Belfast's deck, the Thames opens up around you and the ship's weight settles in. This is the vessel that fought at D-Day, got hit by a German mine, and limped back to be rebuilt: now it sits here as a floating museum with every hatch, gun turret and crew quarters open to walk through. You get the audio tour in six languages, so you can move at your own pace through the engine rooms, the bridge, the living quarters, even steer the ship yourself if you want. The ladders are steep and there are a lot of them, so it's not a casual stroll, but that's also what makes it feel real.

After you've had enough of the ship (most people spend two to three hours here), you download the South Bank audio tour and head out into the district on foot. Fourteen points of interest are mapped out: Borough Market, where the noise and smell of food stalls hit you before you see them; Somerset House with its courtyard and river views; the Golden Hinde, the replica of Drake's ship; the Shakespeare Globe. You listen when you want, skip what doesn't interest you, stop for lunch or a coffee without anyone waiting. The audio commentary is in English, Italian, French, German, Spanish and Chinese, so if you're traveling with someone who prefers another language, you're both covered.

The whole thing is self-contained once you scan the QR code on your voucher and download your ticket: no need to print anything, though they say it's preferable if you can. Just know that suitcases and large bags aren't allowed on the ship, so travel light or find somewhere to store them first. The experience works best if you're comfortable with stairs and narrow passages. The ship's not wheelchair-friendly and children under 4 feet tall won't be able to access all the decks. There are also videos and audio with gunfire and alarm sounds, so if that's a trigger, you'll want to know going in.

What’s included

• Your day includes HMS Belfast entry ticket, a multilingual audio tour of the ship in six languages, and a self-guided South Bank audio tour covering 14 landmarks including Borough Market, Somerset House and the Golden Hinde.
• Audio commentary is provided in English, Italian, French, German, Spanish and Chinese.
• You download your ticket via QR code and explore both locations at your own pace.

Days and timesDaily · 6 departure times, from 11:00 to 15:30

Ages16 to 64 years · Seniors (65+) · 5 to 15 years · Under 5 — Free

Meeting point and pickupNo pickup · ends where it starts

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Vox City International Ltd

Is this one for you?Right for anyone who wants to see a working warship and London's cultural riverside without a guide keeping pace. You move through the HMS Belfast on your own time, then wander South Bank's highlights whenever you feel like stopping for food or a view.

Top questions

Can children come?

5 to 15 years; under 5, free.

How long does the HMS Belfast visit usually take?

Most visitors spend two to three hours on the ship, though you can move through faster or slower depending on your interest.

Is the HMS Belfast accessible for wheelchairs?

No. There are multiple ladders and narrow passages throughout the ship, and it's not recommended for people with restricted mobility or children under 4 feet tall.

Do I need to print my ticket?

No, but it's preferable. You scan the QR code on your voucher to download your e-ticket and check in.

Can I bring luggage or a large backpack onto the ship?

No. Suitcases, pull-along baggage and large bags are prohibited. Travel light or store your belongings elsewhere.

What languages is the audio tour available in?

English, Italian, French, German, Spanish and Chinese for both the HMS Belfast and South Bank tours.

Are there cloakroom facilities to store belongings?

No, there are no cloakroom facilities on the ship.

Can I bring a service animal?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

Is there parking or public transport nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the ship.