CAROLINE
WHAT IS HMS CAROLINE?
We are thrilled to announce that HMS Caroline will remain in Belfast – her home for nearly 100 years.
As many of you are aware HMS Caroline, a remarkable First World War survivor closed two years ago. With the help of the National Lottery Heritage Fund we have been able to reach an agreement with the Department for the Economy that will ensure a sustainable future which will help to conserve and maintain this historic ship whilst sharing her incredible story.
With an agreement now in place we can begin to look to the future and hope to welcome visitors later this year. Please keep an eye on our social media channels for further updates.
A finalist of the 2019 Art Fund Museum of the Year, HMS Caroline is an iconic ship and a living legend in Belfast, her home for over 90 years. She is also the last survivor of the Battle of Jutland in 1916, the largest naval battle ever fought.
There is something on board for everyone, whether you want to learn about the life of sailors at sea, Belfast’s fascinating maritime history, enjoy a fun-filled family adventure or learn more about the ship herself!
HMS Caroline is a C-class light cruiser, built in Birkenhead at Lairds shipyard in 1914. After fighting in Battle of Jutland, the largest naval battle in history, she was recommissioned for service in the East Indies. HMS Caroline arrived in Belfast in 1924 and became the static floating headquarters of the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve. After being decommissioned in 2011, the ship was restored with the help of Heritage Lottery Fund, Department of the Economy and the Heritage Memorial Fund and opened as a museum in June 2016.
STEP ON BOARD AND EMBARK ON A JOURNEY ACROSS ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF MARITIME HISTORY
A finalist of the Art Fund's Museum of the Year 2019 awards, HMS Caroline is Belfast’s newest five-star rated visitor attraction. Shortly after the First World War, HMS Caroline arrived in Belfast – her home for almost one hundred years. Step on board and experience life at sea.
Walk through the original, authentic historic spaces and discover the Captain’s Cabins or take a seat in the Ward Room and see how the Officers dined. Discover the stories of people who served on board the ship through our state of the art interactive exhibits in the Virtual Access Suite or learn some of the skills sailors used in the Signal School. Then, descend into the rumbling engine rooms and listen as the ship is brought to life!
Don’t forget to stop for a bite to eat in our themed Mess Deck Café – the same place that some of the sailors slept and ate! Or relax in our maritime-themed playpark and picnic area with a brilliant view over Belfast Harbour. Transport yourself back in time and experience what life was like for sailors on board a First World War ship.
HMS Caroline is Currently Closed But We hope to Welcome You Back Soon
THE CAROLINE EXPERIENCE
Based in Belfast’s famous Titanic Quarter, HMS Caroline is a First World War-era warship now restored as a must-see floating museum with an amazing story to tell. Be immersed in life aboard this unique vessel – lone survivor of history’s greatest naval engagement…. the Battle of Jutland!
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PLAN YOUR VISIT
HMS Caroline is currently closed.
Visit the last survivor of the largest naval battle ever fought, the Battle of Jutland in 1916.
HMS Caroline is the perfect location for a day out with friends and family or to celebrate birthdays and special occasions.
Address:
Alexandra Dock, Queens Rd, Belfast BT3 9DT
Opening times:
Everyday 10am – 5pm
WHAT’S ON
See all our exhibitions and events.
Find out what you can see and do onboard HMS Caroline, what’s new online, exhibitions and events we have planned.
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GROUP
Visit the museum as a group.
If you would like to book a group ticket to the museum, give our team a call or book online.
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LEARNING
The National Museum of the Royal Navy offers an exciting range of interactive learning opportunities and resources to enthuse and inspire learners of all ages and abilities.
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VENUE HIRE
Discover a truly remarkable setting for you event
HMS Caroline is a unique and exciting new venue set in the heart of Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, just minutes from Belfast city centre. Perfect for formal and casual evening events and parties.
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SHOP
Browse our online shop for the latest collection of naval themed gifts and souvenirs.
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FAQS
If you require some more information about HMS Caroline, we have put together a list of our most frequently asked questions to help you.
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Support the ongoing conservation of our historic vessels, aircraft collections now and for future generations.
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