6 Things Not To Miss At Titanic Belfast This Summer
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1 month ago
Where the world’s biggest shipyard built one of the world’s greatest ships now stands Titanic Belfast. This is where culture, innovation and design come together...
Planning your next escape? Our eyes are trained on Belfast, Northern Ireland’s capital, renowned as the birthplace of the RMS Titanic. James Cameron’s 1997 epic starring Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio is perhaps the most famous immortalisation of the ill-fated ship, but we’d argue the true masterpiece lies elsewhere.
Introducing the dockyards’ renovated Titanic Quarter, where an aluminium-clad architectural marvel of a visitor attraction now stands in memory of the ship’s ill-fated hull and as a testament to ambition both grand and tragic.
If you’re interested in heritage, an undeniable sense of place and a dash of the unexpected, Titanic Belfast is the place to be. Here’s how to make the most of it this summer.
A Day Out At Titanic Belfast
Titanic Experience
Since its grand unveiling in 2012, Titanic Belfast has transcended all expectations of the typical heritage destination, establishing itself as Northern Ireland’s must-visit attraction. Welcoming 9 million visitors since opening, the Titanic Experience is a singular, veritable odyssey through the saga of the world’s most fabled ship and is the most authentic way to delve into the intricate details of RMS Titanic – her sights, sounds and even scents, as well as the people and city that made her.
Titanic Belfast also illuminates Belfast’s rich maritime heritage, all told via a self-guided voyage across 10 galleries, each meticulously pieced together to transport you back to an era of unparalleled ambition and engineering marvel.
She was built right here: the iconic visitor attraction stands on what was once the world’s most colossal shipyard, which saw the construction of RMS Titanic from design to launch. With the epic scale, history and atmosphere of the shipyard all around you, there’s no better place to discover RMS Titanic.
Best of all, with the new Anytime Ticket, visitors can explore the venerated story at their own pace, arriving when they want and staying for as long as it takes them to soak up everything the buulding’s six floors have to offer. Whether you plan to spend a whole day at Titanic Belfast or you are squeezing in a visit between other activities around the city, the Anytime Ticket offers the greatest flexibility – meaning the Titanic story is always accessible. No set times, no rush – just you and the story.
The Pursuit Of Dreams
And now, thanks to a recent £4.7 million refreshment, guests can see, hear and feel even more of RMS Titanic’s story, which thrums with the hopes and dreams everyone associated with her, from the shipbuilders who toiled to piece her together to the passengers heading to New York in pursuit of a better life.
The new Pursuit of Dreams theme masterfully weaves a tale of ingenuity, human endeavour and hope through a stunning artefact collection. Stand before one of just 12 surviving Fosbery lifejackets, a stark reminder of the 3,500 lifejackets originally onboard. Gaze upon the world-famous violin belonging to RMS Titanic’s tragic hero musician, Wallace Hartley, who played even as the ship went down.
And then there’s the striking 7.6-metre scale model of RMS Titanic, which is suspended from the ceiling. This centrepiece anchors an immersive light and sound show, rotating in sync with state-of-the-art projections and a bespoke musical score to bring the Titanic’s story to life with a vividness never before imagined.
The Discovery Tour
For those looking to explore further, Titanic Belfast’s enthralling 60-minute Discovery Tour is a must. Shepherded by guides brimming with expertise, visitors can follow in the very footsteps of RMS Titanic shipyard workers on an insider’s journey that explores every facet of Titanic Belfast, from the hidden symbolism within the striking building to the historic slipways and plaza.
Expect to really delve beneath the surface of the Titanic’s history, gaining deeper insights than Hollywood and the history books can offer. You’ll venture both inside and outside the attraction, learning about how and why the ship was built, as well as hearing the tragic stories of the passengers and crew during the ship’s final hours.
For the ultimate Titanic Belfast experience, the White Star Premium Pass includes an Anytime Ticket and a guided Discovery Tour all wrapped up in one package with a multimedia guide, a guidebook in your chosen language, a souvenir to remember your visit and 15 percent off at The Galley Cafe, The Pantry and the Titanic Store.
SS Nomadic
Included in every Titanic Belfast ticket is the opportunity to step aboard her original tender, SS Nomadic, designed by the same naval architect, Thomas Andrews. The resemblance to RMS Titanic is startling: a microcosm of the same luxurious style, encapsulating the opulence that awaited those embarking on their transatlantic dream.
Built in 1911, SS Nomadic was used to transport passengers from Cherbourg to RMS Titanic in April 1912. She therefore holds the unique distinction of being the last White Star Line vessel in existence, cementing her status as one of the largest and most poignant Titanic artefacts in the world.
Lucian Freud At Titanic Belfast
Art lovers, summer 2025 is the very best time to visit Titanic Belfast: a free Lucian Freud exhibition has opened thanks to an exciting new partnership with London’s illustrious V&A. Running in the Andrew’s Gallery until 30 September, Lucian Freud Etchings: A Creative Collaboration is a unique showcase of the rare etchings of one of the 20th century’s most acclaimed British artists – many of which have never been exhibited before – unpacking the story of his long collaboration with master printer Marc Balakjian.
Titanic Tee Time
And now for something completely different but utterly attuned to a summer escape. To celebrate the 153rd Open arriving in Northern Ireland, Titanic Tee Time is a charming free summer mini golf pop-up located on the picturesque Hamilton Dock beside SS Nomadic – a unique backdrop for your putting prowess.
Open midday to 5pm on Sundays from 6 July to 3 August, expect nine holes inspired by attractions across Northern Ireland, alongside classic carnival games like Hook-a-Duck, Tin Can Alley and giant lawn games like Connect 4 and Jenga. Perfect summer fun for all ages.
Discover Titanic Belfast
Plan your city break to Belfast today and experience the sights, sounds and stories that bring the legend of RMS Titanic to life. Book online and save at titanicbelfast.com
