You are on Getting to HMS Belfast and Getting Help and Assistance. Skip to the next section.

Getting to HMS Belfast and Getting Help and Assistance

• For information about getting to HMS Belfast and getting help and assistance please click here (opens in new tab).

You are on Gangway to HMS Belfast. Skip to the next section.

Gangway to HMS Belfast

• There is the Gangway leading from The Queen's Walk and the Pavilion building to the HMS Belfast.
• There is step-free access along the Gangway.
• There are handrails on both sides along the Gangway.
• There are information boards located on both sides of the Gangway.
• The gradient of the Gangway varies from very slight, slight to steep depending on the River Thames Tide.
• The angle and the direction of the slope varies depending on the River Thames Tide.

You are on Step(s) (Gangway to HMS Belfast). Skip to the next section.

Step(s) (Gangway to HMS Belfast)

• There is a/are step(s) located at the end of the Gangway.
• There is/are 6 step(s).
• The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
• The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
• The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
• There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
• The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the step(s).
• Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
• Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• Handrails are easy to grip.
• Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.

You are on Lift (Gangway to HMS Belfast). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Gangway to HMS Belfast)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located at the rear of the gangway.
• The lift is a platform lift.
• A member of staff needs to be notified for use of the lift.
• A member of staff is required to operate the lift.
• The platform lift accesses a small level change.
• There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
• The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
• The clear door width is 95cm (3ft 1in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 95cm x 140cm (3ft 1in x 4ft 7in).
• There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
• The lift does not have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.

You are on HMS Belfast Audio Guide Tours. Skip to the next section.

HMS Belfast Audio Guide Tours

• For more information about Audio Guide Tour on Decks 2 and 1 please click here (opens in new tab)
• For more information about Audio Guide Tour on Decks 01, 02, 03 and 04 please click here (opens in new tab).

You are on Getting Around (Deck 2). Skip to the next section.

Getting Around (Deck 2)

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• Access View
  • There is step-free access throughout the area.
  • There are some open hatchways along Deck 2 which lead down to the lower decks, these areas are only accessed by ladders. Caution is advised for visually impaired visitors when they are near these hatchways.
• Circulation View
  • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is vinyl and wood.
  • There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
  • There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are provided in corridors/walkways.
  • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of corridors/walkways.
  • There is bench seating at regular intervals.
  • The lighting levels are varied.
  • The internal walkways on the deck may get congested when the ship is busy.
• Signage View
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • There is an information touchscreen located next to Audio Route Point 11, which displays a map of the ship.
• Audio View
  • In some areas there are background noises or sounds of a working ship.

You are on Gun Turret Experience. Skip to the next section.

Gun Turret Experience

• The Gun Turret Experience is located on Deck 1.
• The access to the Gun Turret Experience is located on the Portside of Deck 1.
• There is a ladder leading to the Gun Turret Experience.
• The ladder has handrails on both sides.
• There is a gap between each step.
• The ladder must be used facing forwards.
• There are 4 steps leading into the experience.
• The hatch is permanently held open.
• Once inside the turret there is one step onto the main viewing area.
• The experience mimics the gun turret being used in combat.
• The experience includes loud sound effects including the guns firing, flashing lights and smoke.
• There is one step down from the viewing area leading to the hatch to exit the turret.
• The hatch is permanently held open.
• There are 4 steps to exit the turret.
• There is a ladder leading down to the deck.
• The ladder has handrails on both sides.
• The steps have a gap between each step.
• The ladder must be used facing forwards.

You are on Attraction Space(s) (World of Warships). Skip to the next section.

Attraction Space(s) (World of Warships)

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• Entrance / Opening View
  • The entrance/opening is clearly signed.
  • There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
  • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance/opening.
  • There is a ramp/slope located in the hatchway.
  • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 76cm (2ft 6in).
  • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are moderate to good.
• Attraction / Exhibit View
  • There is step free access throughout this attraction space.
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
  • There is seating available within the attraction space.
  • There are stools available.
  • The World of Warships area has a number of gaming machines. The height of the PC Desks is 112cm and 84cm. The height of the game console controllers is 90cm.
• Exit View
  • Visitors exit via the entrance/opening.

You are on Attraction / Exhibit (Serving the Seas). Skip to the next section.

Attraction / Exhibit (Serving the Seas)

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• Entrance / Opening View
  • There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
  • The entrance/opening is clearly signed.
  • There is step-free access at this entrance/opening.
• Attraction / Exhibit View
  • There is step-free level access throughout this area.
  • Clear directional signage is provided in this area.
  • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
  • This area does play background music/sound.
  • There are resting/seating areas within this area.
  • Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board and television/screen format.
  • There is a model of HMS Belfast.
    The height of the display is 85cm.
    There are 3 touchscreens displaying information.
    There is bench seating for two of the touchscreens.
    One of the touchscreens has space for a wheelchair.
    The height of the recess under the table is 70cm.
    The height of the touchscreen is between 100cm and 110cm.
  • There is a good colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
  • The lighting levels in this area are low to moderate.
• Exit View
  • Visitors exit via the entrance/opening.

You are on Access to Toilets. Skip to the next section.

Access to Toilets

• The toilets can be accessed from Portside and Starboard side of the deck.
• From Portside there is step-free access.
• The hatch is permanently held open and is 76cm wide.
• From the Starboard side there is a 31cm seal in the hatchway that needs to be stepped over.
• The hatch is permanently held open and is 76cm wide.

You are on Accessible Toilet(s) (Deck 2 - Right Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Deck 2 - Right Hand Transfer)

• There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.

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• Location and Access View
  • This accessible toilet is located along the Deck 2 walkway.
  • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
  • This is a shared toilet.
  • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
  • The key is a radar key.
  • The key can be obtained from the Audio Guides Desk.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
  • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
  • The door opens inwards.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The door is locked by a locking handle.
  • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 95cm (3ft 1in).
  • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
  • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
  • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is good.
• Toilet Features View
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 210cm (4ft 11in x 6ft 11in).
  • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • The height of the light switch/pull cord is 87cm from floor level.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
  • The lateral transfer space is 220cm (7ft 3in).
  • The transfer space is obstructed by a waste disposal bin.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
  • There is a pull chain flush.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is poor.
  • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
  • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
  • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • There is not an emergency alarm.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
  • There is a/are sanitary and nappy/incontinence items bin disposal units.
  • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • The height of the coat hook is 140cm from the floor.
• Additional Fixtures View
  • There is a mirror.
  • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
  • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
  • The shelf has the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
  • The shelf is at a height of 80cm.
  • The shelf is located where it is reachable.
  • The toilet has a backrest and a cistern.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
  • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
  • There is a toilet roll holder.
  • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the toilet roll holder is 105cm (3ft 5in).
  • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is poor.
  • There is a wash basin.
  • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • The height of the wash basin is 76cm (2ft 6in).
  • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right hand side of the wash basin.
  • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
  • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
  • There is not a wall fixed soap dispenser.
  • There is a handheld soap dispenser available.
  • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the hand dryer is 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is poor.
• Baby Changing Facilities View
  • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
  • There is a flip down baby change table available.
  • The height of the baby change table is 97cm.
• Comments View
  • An emergency telephone is located within the accessible toilet.

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (Deck 2). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (Deck 2)

• Standard toilet facilities are available.

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • The female and male toilets are located off the main deck.
  • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
  • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • It was not possible to access the female toilet.
  • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
  • The height of the wash basin(s) is 88cm.
  • The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
  • Lighting levels are good.

You are on Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Deck 2 to Deck 1). Skip to the next section.

Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Deck 2 to Deck 1)

• There is a ramp/slope located on the starboard side of the ship.
• The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
• The ramp/slope is permanent.
• There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
• There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
• The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the ramp.
• The width of the ramp/slope is 100cm (3ft 3in).
• The ramp does not have resting areas.

You are on Ladder - Deck 2 to Deck 1. Skip to the next section.

Ladder - Deck 2 to Deck 1

• The ladder to access between Deck 2 and 1 is located along the ship’s corridor near Audio Guide point 14.
• The ladder has handrails on both sides.
• There are gaps between each step.
• The ladder must be used facing forwards.
• There are also ladders located on the outer deck.

You are on Lift (Deck 2 to Deck 1). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Deck 2 to Deck 1)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located along the Deck 1 internal ship corridor near Audio Guide point 4.
• Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
• The lift is a platform lift.
• A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are Deck 1 to Deck 01.
• Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
• There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
• Lift doors do not contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
• The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
• The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is poor.
• The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
• The clear door width is 85cm (2ft 9in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 84cm x 125cm (2ft 9in x 4ft 1in).
• There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
• There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
• The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
• The lift does not have an audible announcer.
• The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
• There is not a hearing loop system.
• The lift does not have Braille markings.
• The lift does not have tactile markings.
• The lighting levels in the lift are low to moderate.

You are on Getting Around (Deck 1). Skip to the next section.

Getting Around (Deck 1)

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• Access View
  • There is step-free access throughout the external areas of Deck 1.
    The surface of the external deck is uneven in places due to raised metal works in places.
    There are hatches that are permanently held open to access the internal areas.
    The hatch at the centre of the ship has step-free access and leads to the Cafe.
    The hatches at the front of the ship have a 30cm seal which must be stepped over.
    Along the internal corridors from the café to the toilets there is a threshold along the walkway which is 10cm high.
• Circulation View
  • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is vinyl.
  • There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in corridors/walkways.
  • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all corridors/walkways.
  • There is bench seating and also a mixture of single seats with and without armrests at regular intervals.
  • The lighting levels are varied.
• Signage View
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.

You are on Eating and Drinking (Deck 1 - Stokers Cafe). Skip to the next section.

Eating and Drinking (Deck 1 - Stokers Cafe)

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• Location and Access View
  • The following information is for the café.
  • The café is located along the internal deck corridor. There is step-free access from the hatch from the centre of the deck.
  • For access there is a single manual door which is easy to open.
• Service and Menus View
  • There is a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
  • Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
  • Menu types include: handheld menus and written wall menus.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • Staff can read menus to customers if requested.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
  • Plastic/takeaway cups are available.
  • Adapted cups are not available.
  • Adapted cutlery is not available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Background music is only played during certain functions.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system .
• Service Counter(s) View
  • The height of the counter is 84cm.
  • There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
• Tables and Seating View
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • The majority of tables are accessible to wheelchair users.
  • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 71cm.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests on both sides.
  • In this area there are long tables and bench seats.
  • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
  • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (Deck 1). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (Deck 1)

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • The female and male toilets are located along the internal corridor.
  • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • It was not possible to access the female toilet.
  • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
  • The height of the wash basin(s) is 90cm.
  • The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
  • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • There is a threshold at the entrance to both the standard toilets.