Got good sea legs? Then get on board the visiting Naval vessels HMS Defender and The Bretagne during the weekend of the Battle of Atlantic commemorations.
Ships are open on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 May from 10am until 4pm. Access is free and no booking is required, just turn up on the day!
HMS Defender (Type 45 Destroyer, Royal Navy)
Launched in December 2009, HMS Defender is the fifth of the Royal Navy’s six Type 45 destroyers. Together with her sister vessels, Defender is one of the most advanced warships ever constructed.
The Bretagne (D655 Frigate, French Navy)
Bretagne (D655) is an Aquitaine-class frigate of the French Navy. She was developed as part of a joint Italian-French program known as FREMM, which was implemented to develop a new class of frigates for use by various European navies.
To help you enjoy your visit please see the following handy tips:
- This is a free activity and no tickets are required. Access will be on a first come first served basis.
- There are no age restrictions, however, you will need to be capable of walking up a steep gangway unaided and be able to navigate narrow/steep stairs and ladders.
- Public can access the visiting Naval vessels via Gate 4 located half way down Princes Parade.
- This is a popular visitor experience so please note there may be queues and wait times will vary throughout the day.
- Security checks will be undertaken prior to boarding the vessels and will include bag searches and a wanding/arch way point.
- Strictly no food or drink to be brought on board the vessels.
- Your visit will give you access to both vessels.
- Your visit on board both vessels will take approx. 1-2 hours. You can disembark at any time.
- Gate 4 will close at 3pm each day allowing visitors 1 hour to explore before disembarking.
- Whilst on board you will have opportunity to visit the Bridge and view CBRNDC, small arms, weapon systems and the helo and ops room. Members of the Ships Company will be on hand to answer any questions you may have and of course make sure no one gets lost.
- Due to the gradient of the gangplank created by the rise and fall of the tide, wheelchairs will not be permitted access to either vessel.
- Visitors with children will be asked to locate any prams in the dedicated pram park set up on the quayside.
- Visitors with assistance dogs will be able to view the vessels from the quayside only, assistance dogs will not be permitted access to either vessel.
- We recommend using public transport where possible for your visit. If driving in, the nearest carpark is the Princes Dock Multi Storey Car Park, 4 William Jessop Way, Liverpool, L3 1DL.
Event Date: Saturday 27th May 2023 - Sunday 28th May 2023
Categories: BOA80
