HMS Belfast, built by Harland & Wolff in 1936 was launched on St Patrick's Day, 17 March 1938 by Anne Chamberlain – the wife of then Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain.

In her 24 year’s of active service HMS Belfast played many key roles in battles and peace-keeping duties around the world before being brought to London by IWM and opening to the public on Trafalgar Day, 21 October 1971.

So do join RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey for a guided tour of HMS Belfast, London’s unique warship experience with Nigel Steel, one of the IWM Curators of Belfast, to find out more about her history and what life would have been like for the sailors who served and lived on her during active service. 

During the tour you will also hear clips from the recorded audio described guide for HMS Belfast which is available from the Visitors Centre for blind and partially sighted people. 

As mentioned in the guide due to the nature of the layout of HMS Belfast it is strongly recommended to visit with a sighted companion to help with navigating some areas of the ship.

To find out more about HMS Belfast and the recorded audio described guide do visit - https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/hms-belfast

'The image shows HMS Belfast moored in her birth on the Thames from her prow to her stern with Tower Bridge in the background.’ (HMS Belfast IWM copyright)