The Ultimate Titanic Experience – A weekend in Belfast
Titanic Belfast
Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, has a rich and fascinating history. Among its rich history is one of the most famous ships in the world, the RMS Titanic. Built in the Harland & Wolff shipyard in the early 20th century. The Titanic’s legacy lives on through the Titanic Belfast experience and the Titanic Hotel. Here you can explore Titanic’s history in the very place where Harland & Wolff designed and built her. From incredible exhibits with actual artefacts from the Titanic to its historical newly opened hotel. This is one of the best places in the world to learn all about The Ship Of Dreams.
Some backstory…
I’ve always been very interested in the history of the Titanic. Course with a little help from Leo and Kate the story of the Titanic is something that has always grabbed my attention. Firstly I watched countless documentaries to history class in school, it was a subject that I was always drawn to and of course like everyone else had a good cry too.
Next as soon as Titanic Belfast opened up back in 2012 I was up there straight away to check it out. And since then it has always been one of my favourite museums I have ever been to. So as soon as heard it was getting a little revamp and having brand new exhibits added I had to go check it out. And boy it did not disappoint. Instead of heading up for a day trip I decided to make a full weekend out of it. And to try out the whole Titanic experience with a stay at the incredible Titanic hotel. So below I have gone into detail on how you can best spend the weekend up in Belfast. So you can explore all of Titanic’s rich history by getting up close to where “The Ship Of Dreams” was built.
A little bit about Titanic Belfast…
Titanic Belfast is located in the heart of the Titanic Quarter in Belfast. It opened its doors on March 31, 2012, coinciding with the centenary of the Titanic’s launch. The designers of the Titanic Hotel created it to celebrate Belfast’s maritime heritage.. Eventually telling the comprehensive story of the Titanic. From her design and construction to her ill fated maiden voyage and legacy.
The designers built the hotel to resemble the hulls of ships. This architectural choice not only pays homage to the shipbuilding industry but also evokes the image of an iceberg. A poignant reminder of the Titanic’s tragic encounter. The structure comprises four identical hull shaped sections. Each standing at 38 meters high, the same height as the Titanic’s hull.
The buidling was designed to be shaped like a ship’s prow, creating a powerful visual connection to the Titanic. The museum covers an area of 130,000 square feet. It includes nine interactive galleries, each meticulously crafted to provide an immersive and educational experience for visitors.
What to expect…
Titanic Belfast has nine galleries which bring you on a journey through Titanic’s history. From the ship’s construction, launch, maiden voyage, and eventual sinking. These galleries are brought to life through a blend of interactive displays, audiovisual presentations, and original artefacts.
Boomtown Belfast:
This gallery sets the historical context, exploring Belfast’s transformation into a global industrial powerhouse in the early 1900s. Through photographs, documents, and reconstructions, visitors gain insight into the city’s rapid growth and the important role of Harland & Wolff played in the shipbuilding industry.
The Shipyard:
A dramatic shift from the urban landscape to the bustling shipyard where the Titanic was built. A full scale replica of part of the Titanic’s hull dominates this gallery. Allowing visitors to appreciate the scale and complexity of the construction process. Interactive displays and detailed models highlight the craftsmanship and engineering prowess of the shipbuilders.
The Launch:
This gallery recreates the excitement and anticipation of the Titanic’s launch day on May 31, 1911. Using historical footage, personal accounts, and audiovisual effects, visitors can experience the pride and joy of the thousands who witnessed the launch.
Inside the Titanic:
Here, the focus shifts to the luxurious interiors and advanced features of the Titanic. From the opulent Grand Staircase to the state-of-the-art engine room, this gallery showcases the ship’s blend of elegance and innovation. Original artifacts and detailed reconstructions offer a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of first-class passengers.
The Maiden Voyage:
Chronicling the Titanic’s journey from Southampton to her tragic end. This gallery uses personal stories, photographs, and interactive displays to recreate the excitement and tension of the voyage. Visitors can follow the ship’s progress and learn about the experiences of passengers and crew.
The Sinking:
A somber and moving tribute to the lives lost in the disaster. Dim lighting and haunting soundscapes create a reflective atmosphere as visitors learn about the events of the night of April 14, 1912. Survivor accounts and personal testimonies bring the tragedy to life, ensuring that the stories of those who perished are never forgotten.
Never Again:
One of the newer exhibits takes a look into the Titanic disaster and the domino effects that led to it. Here you will hear first hand tales from the surrvivors and incredible artefacts including the keys to the where the binoculars where kept that had been lost on her maiden voyage.
Titanic Beneath:
This gallery takes visitors on a journey to the ocean floor, exploring the discovery and exploration of the Titanic wreck. Using cutting-edge technology and deep-sea footage, this gallery offers a fascinating look at the ongoing efforts to study and preserve the ship’s remains.
The Ship Of Dreams:
This is probably one of my favourite sections and one of the newest. The incredible Centrepiece to this exhibit is a`illuminated 7.6m long scale model of RMS Titanic which is suspended from the ceiling and will fully rotate over approximately 90 seconds. Below you will find some artefacts from passengers including the famous vilion owned by passenger and musician Wallace Hartley.
SS Nomadic:
Included in all of the ticket prices is assess to the SS. Nomadic an important part of the Titanic story and the last remaining White Star Line vessel. Moored nearby in Hamilton Dock, the SS Nomadic offers visitors a unique glimpse into the world of early 20th-century maritime travel and the rich history of the Titanic’s era.
Prices…
The museum offers various ticket types to cater to different visitor needs. Including standard entry, group rates, and special packages that enhance your visit with additional features.
Standard Admission
Adult Tickets: Price: £24.95
Adults (16 and over) can explore the Titanic Belfast’s nine galleries and interactive exhibits, gaining full access to all areas of the museum.
Child Tickets: Price: £11.00
Children aged 5-15 can enjoy the museum at a reduced rate. It’s worth noting that children under 5 can enter for free, making Titanic Belfast an affordable family outing.
Concession Tickets: Price: £17.50
For seniors (60+), students with a valid ID, and those with disabilities, concession tickets are available at a discounted price. A companion ticket for visitors with disabilities is also available free of charge.
Family Tickets: Price: £62.00
The family ticket covers entry for two adults and two children, offering a cost-effective way for families to experience the museum together.
White Star Line Premium Pass
For those looking to really get the full Titanic experience then the White Star Line Passes are perfect.
Price: £51.50
This premium ticket includes all day access to the Titanic Belfast experience a visit to the SS Nomadic, the last remaining White Star Line vessel and The Discovery tour. The pass also includes a £10 food voucher and a complimentary audio guide, providing deeper insights into the exhibits.
Where to stay…
When looking for the best place to stay in Belfast, there’s no better place to stay than the Titanic Hotel. Located in the heart of the Titanic Quarter, this luxury hotel occupies the former Harland & Wolff Headquarters and Drawing Offices, the very place where the Titanic and her sister ships were built and designed.
The hotel has been restored to preserve its original Edwardian architecture, ensuring that guests can experience the grandeur and heritage of the era.
The building itself is a piece of history, with many of its original features intact including high ceilings, ornate plasterwork, and grand oak staircases. The Drawing Offices, where the Titanic’s plans were drawn up, have been transformed into stunning public spaces, allowing guests to walk in the footsteps of the ship’s designers and engineers.
Rooms
The Titanic Hotel offers a range of rooms to suit all budgets, from standard rooms to suites. Each room is designed to reflect the maritime heritage of the building. The rooms are furnished with a blend of contemporary and period decor, featuring rich fabrics and bespoke furniture.
We stayed in one of their superior rooms which had a bit more space then their standard rooms and incredible views of the Titanic museum and shipyard. The room offered a spacious king sized bed which was extremely comfortable and a small seating area near the window. We were welcomed with a lovely bottle of prosecco and macaroons to enjoy during our stay. Though quite small compared to the room the bathroom has all the necessary essentials including a shower, toilet and toiletries.
All rooms include flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, and en-suite bathrooms with luxurious toiletries.
Dining and Amenities
Wolff Grill: The hotel’s signature restaurant, the Wolff Grill, offers a beautiful dining experience with stunning views of the Titanic Belfast building and the historic slipways. The menu features a selection of dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, with both meat and vegetarian options.
Harland Bar: For a more casual dining experience, the Harland Bar provides a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. With its maritime themed decor and extensive drink menu, including a selection of fine wines, craft beers, and signature cocktails, the Harland Bar is an ideal place to unwind after a day of exploring the city.
Drawing Offices: The former Drawing Offices now serve as beautiful public spaces where guests can relax or grab a drink. The offices feature original architectural details including the tiles used for the bar where left over tiles used on the Titanic for the indoor pool.
Breakfast: Included in most room prices is breakfast for each morning. The breakfast is held in the Wolff Grill in a buffet style with lots of food options including the option for omelettes, cereal and pastries.
To finish it off…
Taking a visit up to Belfast is an absolute must especially to see the historic Titanic Quarter. Both Titanic Belfast and Titanic Hotel offers a truly unique and incredible experience to delve into the history of the RMS Titanic and follow the footsteps of those who helped to design and build her. Blending in a trip with both offers not only a great offer on accommodation and the experience but also a perfection location point to explore Belfast city in whole.
I had one of the best experiences on my stay in the Titanic Quarter and I would highly recommend if having the chance to head up and see the new Titanic experience as it is truly one of the most incredible experiences I have seen in the past few years.
If you’re looking for more information on ticket prices or to book a room please visit Titanic Belfast and Titanic Hotel.