HMS Caroline

About

The World War One warship HMS Caroline is the last surviving ship from the 1916 Battle of Jutland, the largest naval battle of the conflict. Now a floating museum, it invites its visitors to experience the highs and lows of life at sea. By stepping onto its original deck, you are stepping back in time.

Built in 1914, HMS Caroline was one of the fastest warships of the era, with top speeds of up to 30 knots. During the epic Battle of Jutland off the coast of Denmark, more than 8,500 lives were lost as around 250 ships from the UK and Germany fought it out. After the war, HMS Caroline was berthed in Belfast as a training ship, and also served as a home base during World War Two. With two world wars behind her, the carefully restored HMS Caroline is still in the water but safely docked in the city’s Titanic Quarter, with views of Belfast Lough in the distance. 

During this immersive and engrossing experience, a powerful film recounts the drama of the Battle of Jutland and conveys a real sense of what it felt to be a sailor on board. There are state-of-the-art interactive exhibits in the Virtual Access Suite, too, which tell the stories of those who served on the ship. But perhaps most exciting and authentic of all are the real parts of the ship you can explore. You’ll see the Captain’s cabins, the Ward Room and deck areas, all in incredible condition, and even listen to the rumble of the engine rooms as Caroline is brought to life.

In the Signal School, try your hand at the communication skills used by sailors at sea, get to grips with a signal lamp, and test your code breaking abilities using techniques including semaphore. Or head over to the on board Torpedo School, where you can view naval weaponry and learn how the sailors would have evaded an enemy attack. Training complete, and having worked up an appetite, head to the Mess Deck Café, where the ship's sailors would have eaten. Finally, mini mariners can enjoy the nautical-themed playpark and picnic area with its views overlooking Belfast Harbour.

The guided tours mean visitors will be treated to new personally curated adventures which will further enrich and enhance their journey of discovery onboard, while also ensuring they never miss a thing! Visitors will tread the ship’s timeless decks and explore her perfectly preserved living quarters and jaw-dropping engine room, while placing their hands on a history as unique as it is compelling.

The guided tours will pack even more into the HMS Caroline admission ticket which already offers outstanding, industry-leading value for money. Visitors will discover even more about the navy’s second-longest serving ship, including more stories, more incredible fun facts and new insights into Caroline’s extraordinary history… all courtesy of our tour guides’ wealth of engaging and expert knowledge.

Through HMS Caroline, the fascinating stories of the seamen who lived and served on board live on in Belfast and their memories are accessible to everyone.

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