HMS Belfast (London)

Apologies for not keeping up with the blog. Have been finding it very hard to concentrate long enough to write a post.

Anyway....

So in October we took another trip to London. I wanted to do some new stuff. Since the Dude had been bugging me to go on the 'big pirate ship' I thought I would check out HMS Belfast's web page to see if it was accessible. I had noticed on a previous trip to the ship (without Dude) that there was a lift down from the gangway to Quarterdeck.

I found this page on the website.
So I braved it and took him.

We wasn't disappointed! We had a great time. Spending just over an hour on the ship. I found the staff very very friendly and helpful. One going out of his way to tell Dude about the planes they used to have, the guns (Dude's favourite part), the big cranes that they used to have and the boats.

You can get wheelchairs on Quarterdeck, inside and outside though the rooms are not accessible as there are big lips (to be expected really as it is a real war ship) there's plenty to see and you get given the option of taking an Audio Guild round with you. Pressing the numbers you see on the wall to get information about that area of the ship.
There is a ramp (and I think there is a lift also) to the Deck, Boat deck and Walrus Cafe (named after the plane that used to be on the ship. Where the cafe is now was the Walrus's hanger)

Although you cant get to the very top there is lots still to see. The passageway through Quarterdeck houses

• The Laundry
• The Ship's Chapel
• The Bakery
• Galley and associated prep areas
• Petty Officers' Mess
• Sick Bay
• Dental Surgery
• Arctic Mess Decks

You can see in all these rooms but can not get a wheelchair into the majority.

Walking to the end of the deck you can see the big guns at the front of the ship.

Although it isn't the most accessible of places, they have tried considering it is a real war ship. All the staff are friendly and helpful. The Audio Guild is a great help and with free entry for disabled and one carer its a great place to visit.