HMS Belfast

HMS Belfast is a genuine WWII warship moored permanently on the Thames, and you're exploring the actual vessel that fought in the Battle of North Cape and shelled Normandy on D-Day. All nine decks are open, from the cramped crew quarters where 950 sailors lived for months at sea to the bridge where officers plotted enemy positions. You'll climb through narrow hatches, peer into massive gun turrets, and walk through the actual engine rooms where temperatures reached 50°C during combat.

The visit feels like moving through a small floating city - the ship is surprisingly huge once you're inside. You'll queue to squeeze through authentic doorways (mind your head constantly), explore the dentist's surgery where teeth were pulled without anesthetic, and stand where shells weighing 112 pounds each were loaded by hand. The Operations Room still has original plotting tables and radio equipment, while the punishment cells show the harsh reality of naval discipline.

Most guides don't mention that adult tickets cost £25.20, which feels steep for what's essentially a self-guided tour through cramped metal corridors. The nine decks sound impressive but several are essentially just passageways - focus your time on the bridge, gun turrets, and engine rooms where you'll understand how this floating fortress actually worked. Skip the basic cafe onboard and grab lunch at Borough Market nearby instead.