Shipyard and Dock Tour

This tour takes you onto the active shipyard where Titanic was constructed between 1909-1911, covering the slipways, launch site, and original berths still visible today. A guide explains the construction methods, workforce conditions, and engineering innovations that made Titanic massive for its era. You'll see where the ship's keel was laid, walk the slipways used for launch, and visit museums housed in restored Victorian buildings. The tour is mostly outdoors on uneven ground, so sturdy footwear is essential. Best for industrial heritage enthusiasts. This is a moderate activity lasting 1.5 hours. Group size: 2-40. You meet at Harland and Wolff headquarters. Key highlights: Walk the actual slipways where Titanic was launched, See the working dry dock still used for modern ship repairs, Learn about 3,000 workers and Industrial Revolution engineering.

Price: £15

Duration: 1.5 hours

Difficulty: moderate

Group size: 2-40

Minimum age: 8+

Best for: industrial heritage enthusiasts

Best time: Mid-morning (10-11am) avoids queues. Avoid rainy days - guides still run tours but visibility is poor. Spring and autumn offer comfortable temperatures.

Meeting point: Harland and Wolff headquarters

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

0:00-0:10 Safety briefing and group assembly - Guides distribute hard hats and check footwear; steel-toed boots required if you don't wear closed shoes.

0:10-0:35 Walk through main building and launch slipways - See the massive gantry cranes used to build Titanic; some equipment dates to 1910.

0:35-0:55 Explore the dry dock and berths - Stand in the same dock where Titanic's hull was fitted out; graving dock remains in use.

0:55-1:20 Visit the worker heritage museum - Photographs and artifacts show conditions for the 3,000 workers; wage rates and accident records on display.

1:20-1:30 Final viewpoint and photo opportunity - Overlook the slipways; this is where Titanic launched on May 31, 1911.

The whole experience takes 1.5 hours. Difficulty: moderate. You meet at Harland and Wolff headquarters.

• Walk the actual slipways where Titanic was launched
• See the working dry dock still used for modern ship repairs
• Learn about 3,000 workers and Industrial Revolution engineering
• View original Victorian machinery and construction equipment
• Hear stories of workers from Catholic and Protestant communities
• Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible. Uneven ground, loose gravel, and steps throughout. Requires moderate fitness and good balance.

What is included: Hard hat and safety equipment, Guide-led tour lasting 1.5 hours, Access to worker heritage museum, Entry to on-site restoration exhibition.

Not included: Admission to Titanic Belfast museum, Refreshments, Photography printing. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Closed-toe walking shoes with grip (trainers acceptable), Warm jacket (shipyard is exposed and windy), Camera or phone, Raincoat or umbrella (outdoor tour runs in light rain). Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Mid-morning (10-11am) avoids queues. Avoid rainy days - guides still run tours but visibility is poor. Spring and autumn offer comfortable temperatures..

Tip: Weather-dependent outdoor tour

Tip: Safety boots recommended

Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible. Uneven ground, loose gravel, and steps throughout. Requires moderate fitness and good balance..

Operator: Harland and Wolff Tours | Book directly (opens in new tab) | Phone: +44 28 9027 1777

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Titanic Belfast (12 min walk)
• SS Nomadic and Hamilton Dock (8 min walk)

This activity is run by Harland and Wolff Tours.

Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 48 hours before. Tours cancelled if weather is severe (high winds, heavy rain)..

Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible. Uneven ground, loose gravel, and steps throughout. Requires moderate fitness and good balance..

Best time to go: Mid-morning (10-11am) avoids queues. Avoid rainy days - guides still run tours but visibility is poor. Spring and autumn offer comfortable temperatures..

Do I need special boots for the Harland and Wolff shipyard tour?

You need closed-toe shoes with good grip. Steel-toed boots are required if you wear open sandals or soft shoes. Most visitors wear hiking boots or sturdy trainers. The tour operates on gravel and metal walkways with uneven surfaces.

Will the tour run if it's raining?

Tours run in light rain. You'll be provided a hard hat which offers some protection. Heavy rain or high winds may cause cancellation - the company will contact you 24 hours prior. The outdoor shipyard offers no shelter.

Can children under 8 join the shipyard tour?

Not recommended for under 8s due to uneven terrain, industrial hazards, and the pace of the tour. Minimum age is 8+, and children should be confident walkers. Families with younger children should book Titanic Belfast museum instead.