HMS Belfast

Lonely Planet review

Moored in the Thames opposite the newly laid-out Potters Fields Park, HMS Belfast is a big toy that kids of all ages generally love. Of course, for most of its commissioned life this large, light cruiser had a rather more serious purpose than as a plaything. Launched in 1938 from the Belfast shipyard Harland & Wolff, it served in WWII, most noticeably in the Normandy landings, and during the Korean War.

It probably helps to be keen on things naval, but the HMS Belfast is surprisingly interesting for what it shows of the way of life on board a cruiser, laying out everything from its operations room - which has been reconstructed to show its role in the 1943 Battle of North Cape off Norway, which ended in the sinking of the German battleship Scharnhorst - and bridge (where you can sit in the admiral's chair) to its boiler room and living quarters. On the open deck, there are 16 six-inch guns, whose sights you can peer through.

Your (free) audioguide will help you wend your way from one audio point to the next on five decks and four platforms.

There is some disabled access. Call ahead for more information.