HMS Caroline is one of eight C-class light-cruisers that were ordered under the Admiralty’s 1913-1914 construction programme. Work began on 28th January 1914 at Cammell Lairds shipyard, Birkenhead and the ship was launched on 21st September of the same year, and commissioned on 4th December. During her career, Caroline protected trade by undertaking regular North Sea patrols in WW1 and, later on, convoy screening.

View the impressively recreated Captain’s Quarters, Marines’ Mess, and Wash as well as the very important Engine Rooms, Sick Bay and Galley. All of these spaces have been restored to look as they did in 1916. You can descend into the engine rooms and experience the space as it would have been in 1916, and ascend into the Torpedo School to explore naval weaponry and dazzle. You can also walk along Caroline’s decks and see the ship’s replica 6-inch and 4-inch guns. Don’t forget to head up to the Navigating Bridge where you can view the surrounding Belfast Harbour.

AS well as touring the ship, you can also visit the Virtual Access Suite, which provides access to remote and hidden areas of HMS Caroline. Learn how the ship works with interactive exhibits and take control of HMS Caroline in the Virtual Bridge. Soak up the atmosphere as you learn about communication at sea during the 20th and 21st centuries. Try your hand at using a First World War signal lamp and see if you can crack the code using techniques like semaphore and flags.