I recently got a chance to visit HMS Belfast which is moored at the side of the River Thames in between Tower Bridge and London Bridge. First launched in 1938, the ship retired in 1963 and has since been turned into a Museum which has been open to the public since 1971.
With the use of an audio guide, I explored this wonderful ship to discover what life was like on board for the crew at war and sea from World War II to 1963. You hear true accounts from those who lived and served on the ship, to seeing videos, artefacts and interesting parts of the ship. These include the shell room, cabins, laundry, sick bay and dentist. Very human looking models are located within some of these areas and some interesting smells that bring the visit to life.
TOP TIP: ‘Kip on a Ship’ is a fantastic way for your students to immerse themselves in history and enjoy a unique experience of sleeping on-board the ship!
HMS Belfast offer learning sessions for school groups which can be linked back to the curriculum. They also offer an exciting sleepover experience called “Kip on a Ship”
I am glad that I wore flat shoes and there is a lot of walking and changes in levels as you make your way around the ship and after all of that, I finished with a hot drink in the on-board café. This was certainly an interesting way of spending a couple of hours on a wet day in London!