One of the most powerful large light cruisers ever built, HMS Belfast is now the only surviving vessel of her type to have seen active service during the Second World War. HMS Belfast played a leading part in the destruction of the battle cruiser Scharnhorst, and also the Normandy Landings. In service with the Royal Navy until 1965, she was saved for the nation in 1971 as a unique reminder of Britain’s naval heritage.
Launch! Shipbuilding Through the Ages
This new family-orientated exhibition will use hands-on and computerised interactive displays and engaging film and footage to demonstrate techniques of shipbuilding, from the ‘age of sail’ to modern prefabrication methods. The exhibition will focus on the science, engineering and social history of shipbuilding in Great Britain, and the interactive elements of the exhibition will allow children of all ages to get involved and experience this history.
Explore
‘What shall we give in return for so much?’ One of the most powerful large light cruisers ever built, HMS Belfast is now the only surviving vessel of her type to have seen active service during the Second World War. Serving Britain for 32 years, she played an important role in both the Second World War and the Korean War as well as performing peacekeeping duties throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Saved from destruction in 1971, HMS Belfast is now part of the Imperial War Museum and is the first ship to be preserved for the nation since Nelson’s Victory. Through its team of staff and volunteers – many of whom are veteran crew – the Imperial War Museum is dedicated to making sure that HMS Belfast still has a role to play in reminding visitors of her unique place in Britain’s maritime heritage.
History of HMS Belfast
The term 'cruiser' goes back to the days of sailing ships when large frigates could be detached from the main fleet to cruise independently. The sailing cruiser, like her twentieth-century counterpart, was sufficiently powerful and fast to attack and destroy enemy commerce raiders. During the nineteenth century when sail gave way to steam and wooden ships were replaced by those built of iron, and later of steel, the cruiser evolved into a powerful warship which was used to patrol the Empire trade routes and protect friendly merchant shipping. After the First World War (1914-1918) a single category of cruiser emerged whose size was indicated by the size of its guns; thus, HMS Belfast is a 6-inch cruiser, designed for the protection of trade, for offensive action, and as a powerful support for amphibious operations.
Please note: children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please allow 1½ - 2 hours for your visit.
Leaving Glasgow you will head north-west through the rugged Highlands of Scotland until you reach Inveraray, a quaint town built in the mid-18th century on the shores of Loch Fyne. Here you can choose to visit Inveraray Castle* the historic home of the Duke of Argyll, chief of the Clan Campbell, nestled in large beautiful gardens overlooking Loch Fyne. Alternatively, explore the town’s white-washed Georgian houses, wide streets and breathtaking views across the loch.
Your route climbs further north into the Highlands through stunning scenery marked by several dramatic castles and beautiful lochs. You'll pause to admire Kilchurn Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed castles, nestled on the banks of Loch Awe and beautifully framed by mountains.
Next you will make a stop for lunch in the picturesque harbour town of Oban, ‘Gateway to the Isles’, with free time to explore its horseshoe bay and see MacCaig’s Folly, an iconic 19th century tower reminiscent of the Colosseum in Rome.
After free time exploring, we travel onwards past the 15th century Castle Stalker, which is set on a small island on Loch Laich, before reaching Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most haunting glens and site of the 1692 massacre of the MacDonald clan.
The return journey will take you over the dramatic landscape of Rannoch Moor and the Black Mount before you make the final stop at the pretty conservation village of Luss on the ‘Bonnie, Bonnie Banks’ of Loch Lomond. Here you can feel free to walk along the shore or admire the village before returning to Glasgow.
*OPTIONAL EXTRA. PLEASE NOTE: Inveraray Castle open April - October, alternatives offered November-March.
Sun, Tues & Fri | ALL YEAR
Opened in 1994, Night Safari is the world’s first safari park for nocturnal animals.
Highlights
Watch everything come to life by night and discover 2,500 fascinating nocturnal creatures in their natural habitat which spans 35 hectares as you take in the Night Safari.
Climb on the guided Safari Tram, a 40-minutes immersive experience, that takes you across 6 geographical zones of the world.
Four interlinked walking trails offer close encounters with threatened and endangered species such as the pangolin and clouded leopard.
Engage in the interactive Creatures Of The Night Show, where you can learn more about the nocturnal abilities of the animals.
Ticket Includes
Night Safari Ticket
Full Description
Home to over 2,500 animals from 130 species, 38% of which are threatened, the Night Safari gives you a chance to get up close and personal with beasts large and small who come out to play after dusk.
You’ll travel through discover 7 unique nocturnal zones - from the Nepalese River Valley to the Asian Rainforest and see some of the world’s most exotic species including fearsome predators, primates and cuddly marsupials.
The best way to travel through the seven geographical zones is by a 40 minute long open air guided tram. This moving escapade gives you the best seat in the house (or jungle) to observe the animals on the rugged foothills of the Himalaya and the deepest recesses of the Asian riverine forest. Journey through the meandering trail past the authentically created habitats.
The naturalistic habitats are designed to simulate the animals’ native habitats and are illuminated with subtle moonglow lighting. The Night Safari also has a no-cage policy and is an open concept zoo.
During the visit, make time to experience the live open air shows, showcasing acrobatic animal demonstrations and spectacular tribal dance and pyrotechnics.
The Creatures of the Night and Thumbuakar Performance shows add an extra dimension to your animal adventure with their display of animal talent and fire-eating and tribal dances respectively.
Sites Visited:
Colosseum
Arena Floor
Roman Forum
Palatine Hil
Inclusions:
No-wait entrance to the Colosseum via the Gladiator’s Gate
Skip the line access at the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Expert licensed tour guides
Headsets for every guest
Groups of 25 people or fewer
Exclusions:
Gratuities
Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Important Information:
Gratuities to guides are appreciated but never obligatory.
Please note that the tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds or re-bookings can be provided for late arrivals or no shows after tour commencement or departure.
Unfortunately the tour is unable to accommodate guests with mobility impairments, wheelchairs or strollers on this tour.
NOTE: There is a new rule at the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill that only small backpacks and regular-size handbags are allowed inside. Guests with larger bags will not be allowed to enter (there are no storage facilities) and all guests must now pass through a security check before entering the Colosseum.
The Colosseum is subject to occasional closures. The Colosseum administration is usually aware of this and informs us the day before or of a given closure. Please provide us with detailed contact information in the event that we need to reach you to reschedule your tour.
Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
FlyView Paris
A very unique virtual reality experience where you can fly high over the city of Paris.
You will feel like you are actually flying thanks to the immersive VR technology.
Being able to see famous monuments from a totally new persperctive.
Sightseeing Cruise
The Compagnie des Bateaux-Mouches® makes a point of honour only to serve dishes prepared only from products selected each morning and cooked ready to serve. All the tables are situated next to the picture windows to allow everyone to enjoy Paris with all modern conveniences. All our boats have an open deck, which affords a magical, all-round view of the City of Light.
Cruise commented in up to 10 languages*
Free itinerary translated in 25 languages
Boats with an open upper deck
1h10 mns cruise
* Languages: French, English, Spanish, Italian, German, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean.
En este paseo en barco podrá ver: Ramore Head Skerries Portballintrae Castillo de Dunluce White Ricjs Isla Doo Portrush Este Bahías del Oeste Duración: 1 hora
