HMS Arethusa was a second-class cruiser of the Leander class, which served with the Royal Navy.

She served in the Mediterranean from 1893 to 1896, was commissioned for the 1899 annual manoeuvres, then recommissioned for the Pacific, and later sent as a reinforcement to the China Station during the Boxer Rebellion until she came home for the last time in 1903.

[14] The committee appointed to inquire into all circumstances connected with the 1888 British naval manoeuvres reported as follows: The First Naval Lord, Admiral Sir Arthur Hood commented on this as follows: Arethusa was commissioned for the 1889 annual manoeuvres on 18 July 1889, and paid off on 14 September 1889.

On the night of 10/11 August, a small second-class torpedo boat which had just been lowered from Arethusa's davits, was struck by the cruiser's propeller and badly damaged, with the hull being split almost to the keel.

[31] The following year she was sent out as a reinforcement to the China Station for the protection of the lives and property of British subjects during the Boxer Rebellion.

[32] Arethusa remained on the China Station until she was relieved by Thetis,[33] then she returned to England and paid off for the last time on 3 April 1903.

The British fleet on the China Station in March 1901 was commanded by Vice-Admiral Sir Edward H. Seymour, G.C.B.