I boarded HMS Caroline and felt 100 years older (in a good way)!
I’ve always been an old soul. It made me the kind of person who visits Belfast museums and art galleries during breaks, browses libraries to read history books, and collects vintage items from old shops and markets.
And my latest obsession? Exploring a warship called HMS Caroline from World War I.
Going to this iconic floating museum is an amazing way to ‘touch grass’ or stay grounded in reality. If you’re interested in giving up your gadgets and stepping back in time for a day, here’s a handy travel guide I made about HMS Caroline in Belfast.
What is HMS Caroline known for?
HMS Caroline is known for being a restored historic World War I light cruiser. It’s the last surviving warship of the 1916 Battle of Jutland, WWI’s biggest naval battle. It’s now been converted into a floating museum and visitor attraction.
Things to Know
Ticket Fees: Entrance tickets can be bought in the Pump House. They cost £11 for adults, £9 for children aged 5 to 15, and £10 for seniors.
Family tickets are also available, costing £22 for 1 adult and up to 3 kids, as well as £26 for 2 adults and up to 3 kids.
Operating Hours: HMS Caroline is open from April to June and October to March, from Wednesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 5 pm. But if you’re visiting from July to September and school holiday periods, it’s open from Monday to Sunday with the same hours.
Last Admission: The site is open until 4 pm, so it’s best to plan your trip well and arrive early.
Parking: There’s free on-site parking for visitors right next to the ship in the Titanic Quarter. Alternatively, there’s parking for coaches and Blue Badge holders (those with severe mobility problems), too.
Washroom: When nature calls, you can use the toilets in the Pump House. This is right next to the ticket desk and includes 1 unisex accessible toilet with baby changing areas. Or, you can go to the ship’s toilets on the Upper Deck.
Accessibility: Wheelchairs are available on request, and there are ramps and lifts for their users. Most areas around here can easily be explored, but some steep stairways are restricted.
Dogs: Only assistance dogs (not pets) are allowed onboard due to the location’s historic nature. A water bowl is also available at the ticketing desk on request.
How to Get Around
Trains: Go to the Titanic Quarter Station, which is the nearest one to HMS Caroline. Then, take the pedestrian footbridge into Titanic Quarter, turn left onto Sydenham Road, and turn right onto Queen’s Road—this one’s only over 1 mile away from the site.
Buses: You can ride Translink Metro services 26, 26A, 26B, or 26C from Belfast city centre. From the nearest stop, you can take a short stroll to HMS Caroline.
Taxis: This is the most convenient option! You can hail a taxi from anywhere in the city. If you’re coming from the city centre, you can be dropped off at HMS Caroline in about 10 to 15 minutes.
Car: If you’re driving and approaching Belfast on the M1 or M2, just follow the signs to Belfast City Airport M3 and take the first exit for Titanic Quarter. There’s free on-site parking, but note that it closes at 5:30 pm.
What to Do in HMS Caroline
Explore the historic ship
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If you’re a history aficionado, you’re in for a treat as you walk the original wooden decks of Belfast’s HMS Caroline from top to bottom. You’ll also find loads of naval artefacts, uniforms, and battle maps.
Moreover, you can wander around the Captain’s Headquarters and see if you could’ve slept in a hammock like the marines and seamen. The Engine Room is also well-preserved, so you can hear its turbines rumble and catch a whiff of oil.
And if you want to watch the momentous Battle of Jutland in 1916, you can visit the Drill Hall for a cinematic experience. You’ll witness the deafening roar of the warship’s 4- and 6-inch guns firing.
Enjoy interactive experiences
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Should you want to make your experience at HMS Caroline more immersive, you can use the audio guide to hear a bunch of stories from sailors.
Plus, you can be more hands-on with the high-quality touchscreen displays and speaker sounds, which is good for all ages. Do note that this can be overstimulating to people with special needs, though.
Capture the views
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Of course, being at HMS Caroline is a great opportunity to brush up on your photography skills. There are great wide views of the docks, H&W cranes, and the like.
The pictures also typically come out better in fine weather. But besides the harbour scenery, you can take pics of the ship’s deck and signal flags as an aesthetic backdrop for solo or group photos.
Relax and browse
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After walking all day, you can unwind a bit and stop by the cafe for coffee, tea, or cold drinks with cake, soup, or light snacks.
Or, you can visit the gift shop and browse naval-themed souvenirs or goodies. This could include books, mugs, soft toys, accessories, and other novelty items. Just be sure to check the printing of some of the items, as some may be old or faded.
Where to Eat Near HMS Caroline
The Dock Cafe
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Website: https://www.the-dock.org/cafe/
Address: 2K Queens Rd
Contact Details: [email protected]
Pricing: $
The Dock Cafe is a waterfront coffee shop near the Titanic Belfast museum and the water, about a kilometer from HMS Caroline. It showcases a garden and dock memorabilia, as the staff serve baked goods and beverages.
It also follows the concept of an honesty box! Visitors are encouraged to purchase food from nearby outlets and buy drinks and sweet treats here (like cake, scones, and cookies). Then, you can donate any amount you like.
And apart from being a dog-friendly spot, there’s free Wi-Fi here, so you can easily upload the photos you take here in real time.
Char+Mash
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Website: https://charandmash.com/
Address: Odyssey Place, 2 Queens Quay
Contact Details: +44 28 9099 2431, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
After exploring HMS Caroline all day Char+Mash is a great spot for late lunches and early dinners.
The steak and fries are a crowd favourite, though many like the signature burgers too! This dining spot is known for its generous portions. But if you don’t like anything too filling, you can opt for the light bites and wraps instead.
To end on a sweet note, you can indulge in the classic sticky toffee pudding. Otherwise, consider ordering a colourful cocktail (like a raspberry mojito or espresso martini) or non-alcoholic cocktails (like a virgin mojito) instead.
Nando’s
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Website: https://www.nandos.co.uk/
Address: SSE Arena, Odyssey Pavilion, 2 Queens Quay, Antrim
Contact Details: +44 28 9002 6764
Pricing: $$
Looking for something with a bit of a kick? Nando’s is an Afro-Portuguese chain serving flame-grilled peri-peri chicken. It’s famous for its dishes being marinated with African bird’s-eye chilli in a range of heat levels.
Besides getting chicken wings or a whole chicken for your crew, you can go for burgers, rice bowls, and wraps. Don’t underestimate the sides, too—you’ve got bestsellers, like chips, garlic bread, and spicy rice.
Just remember to take it easy in choosing your spice level. It’s smart to try mild or medium first. But if you’re adventurous, you can impress your friends by going for hot or extra hot for some bragging rights.
Where to Stay Near HMS Caroline
Titanic Hotel Belfast
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Website: https://www.titanichotelbelfast.com/
Address: The Titanic Quarter, 8 Queens Rd
Contact Details: +44 28 9508 2000, [email protected]
Pricing: $$$
Titanic Hotel Belfast is a polished hotel in a converted shipbuilding office from the 1880s. It’s also surrounded by the maritime landmarks of the Titanic Quarter, giving you plenty of views to capture during your spare time.
Besides Wi-Fi access and flat-screen TVs, it offers airy, sophisticated rooms with Art Deco decor, or if you upgrade to a suite, you can get living areas with sofas.
You also don’t have to walk far for a proper meal, either. There’s an elegant restaurant here with nautical accents, as well as a cocktail bar. But when you feel peckish somewhere between lunch and dinner, afternoon tea is served here, too!
Premier Inn Belfast Titanic Quarter Hotel
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Website: https://www.premierinn.com/gb
Address: 2A Queens Rd
Contact Details: +44 333 321 9207
Pricing: $$
Want some nice river views? Premier Inn is a 3-star accommodation set in a modern building in the Titanic Quarter overlooking the River Lagan. This budget hub is also a 7-minute drive from George Best Belfast City Airport.
Its rooms range from singles to family rooms with 2 pull-out beds. If you’re a parent with a tight budget, your kids aged 15 and under can eat and stay for free! You’ll get free Wi-Fi, pillow-top mattresses, and en suite (bedroom-attached) bathrooms with showers.
If you’re feeling too lazy to go out for breakfast, you opt for an all-you-can-eat option, though that comes at an extra cost. Lighter choices are also available for the health-conscious. There’s an on-site Thyme resto bar there as well.
Tips When Visiting HMS Caroline
Now that you’re familiar with the ins and outs of this historic warship, here are more tips to make your day more productive and hassle-free:
| Book tickets online. Being spontaneous is a good thing—but not when it comes to securing tickets or entry to popular destinations! Be sure to make reservations ahead of time to avoid disappointment or unwanted surprises. Mind your heels. Since the ship has original wooden decks, certain footwear can damage them. High heels with a diameter smaller than a 2p (two pence) coin (2.5 cm) should not be worn onboard. But if you insist on wearing them, it’s best to buy heel protectors beforehand. Give it 2 hours. Allow at least 2 hours (up to half a day) so you can fully explore the ship’s exhibits, deck, views, and gift shop. Pair your trip. Consider combining your HMS Caroline trip with a visit to Titanic Belfast or a stroll through Titanic Quarter to make the most of your day. |