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.
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.
Autumn/Winter menu 2018/2019 (until 2nd of april, 2019)
Click here to see the menu
Vegeterian Menu (Available from 4th April to 2nd October 2018)
Click here to see the menu
A high-speed adventure your whole family will love?! Slide around the waters of Albufeira on a thrilling 30-minute ride on a Jet boat. Driven by an expert captain, the boat speeds, spins and splashes, so be prepared to have fun and get wet while enjoying views of Portugal’s scenic southern coastline.
As the Jet boat takes off from the harbor, grab the safety bar in front of you and hold on — your captain is about to take you on a wild ride. Do 360-degree spins, power breaks and slides, generating waves that splash around you. It’s all part of the fun, so wear clothes that can get wet.
At slower speeds, have a look at the beauty of the Algarve coast, one of the most attractive destinations in Portugal. After all the excitement, we will return to the marina of Albufeira.
Stops
Line A
Basilica del Santo
Piazza delle Erbe
Piazza dei Signori
Piazza Garibaldi
Piazza Eremitani
Piazzetta I. Nievo
Portello
Via Venezia Università
Via Venezia Zona Fiere
Piazza Stazione
Piazza Petrarca
Riviera Paleocopa
Prato della Valle
