The Tall Ship Glenlee: Glasgow’s Historic Maritime Treasure

Explore Glasgow’s iconic Tall Ship Glenlee, a beautifully restored 1896 steel sailing barque and living museum of maritime heritage on the River Clyde.

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The Tall Ship Glenlee

The Tall Ship Glenlee is a beautifully restored 1896 three-masted steel barque moored on the River Clyde in Glasgow. As one of only five Clydebuilt steel sailing ships still afloat worldwide and the only one in the UK, Glenlee offers visitors a unique chance to explore maritime history firsthand. The ship functions as an independent museum with multiple decks to explore, showcasing the captain’s quarters, galley, cargo hold, and more. It features accessible facilities, a café, and a gift shop, making it a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and families alike.

A brief summary to The Tall Ship Glenlee

150 Pointhouse Rd, Stobcross Rd, Yorkhill St, Glasgow, Govan, G3 8RS, GB
+441413573699
Visit website
Duration: 1 to 3 hours
Budget
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 10 am-5 pm
Tuesday 11 am-5 pm
Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
Thursday 10 am-5 pm
Friday 10 am-5 pm
Saturday 10 am-5 pm
Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

Wear comfortable shoes as exploring the ship involves stairs and some uneven surfaces.
Visit the onboard café for refreshments and enjoy views of the Clyde while resting.
Take advantage of the audio guides or join a volunteer-led tour to deepen your understanding of the ship’s history.
Combine your visit with the nearby Riverside Museum for a full day of Glasgow’s transport and maritime history.
Check the ship’s event calendar for special family activities and festivals during your visit.

Getting There

Public Transport

Take the Glasgow Subway to Partick Station, then walk approximately 15 minutes along the riverside to reach the Tall Ship Glenlee. The subway runs frequently, with tickets costing around £1.50–£2.50. This option is convenient and avoids parking challenges.
Car

Drive to the Riverside Museum area where metered parking is available nearby. Parking fees typically range from £2 to £5 per hour. Note that parking can be limited during peak times, and the area is busy on weekends.
Bus

Several bus routes serve the Riverside area, including numbers 3, 4, and 77. Travel times vary from 20 to 40 minutes depending on starting location. Bus fares are approximately £2–£3. Check schedules for frequency and accessibility.
Walking

If staying centrally in Glasgow, a scenic 30- to 45-minute walk along the River Clyde riverside paths leads to the ship. Terrain is mostly flat and paved, suitable for most visitors, though some sections may be exposed to weather.

The Tall Ship Glenlee location weather suitability

Any Weather
Rain / Wet Weather
Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about The Tall Ship Glenlee

A Living Link to Glasgow’s Shipbuilding Legacy

The Tall Ship Glenlee stands as a proud symbol of Glasgow’s rich maritime heritage. Built in 1896 on the River Clyde, Glenlee is a three-masted steel barque that sailed the world carrying cargo and training naval cadets. Measuring approximately 74.4 meters long and 11.4 meters wide, she is one of only five surviving Clydebuilt steel sailing ships globally and the sole example in the UK. After decades of service, including a lengthy period as a Spanish Navy training vessel, Glenlee was rescued from scrappage by the Clyde Maritime Trust in 1993. Since then, she has undergone extensive restoration and now serves as a floating museum dedicated to preserving and interpreting Glasgow’s maritime story.

Exploring the Ship’s Historic Spaces

Visitors can wander through four decks of the ship, immersing themselves in the daily life of sailors from a bygone era. Key areas open to the public include the captain’s quarters, the galley where meals were prepared, the fo’c’sle (forecastle) deck offering commanding views of the ship, and the cargo hold that once carried goods worldwide. The tween deck houses a café and a shop, providing refreshments and souvenirs. The ship’s rigging, anchor machinery, carpenter’s workshop, and hospital cabin add layers of authenticity. A lift and ramps have been thoughtfully installed to improve accessibility, although some historic areas retain narrow ladders and steps reflective of the ship’s original design.

A Hub for Education and Community Engagement

The Tall Ship Glenlee is more than a museum; it is a vibrant community hub and educational resource. The Glenlee Trust, a registered Scottish charity, manages the ship and organizes events, guided tours, and family activities throughout the year. These include maritime-themed festivals, storytelling sessions, and film screenings aboard the ship. The venue also hosts corporate events and team-building activities, offering a unique setting steeped in history. The ship’s location beside the Riverside Museum, designed by Zaha Hadid, creates a cultural cluster celebrating Glasgow’s transport and industrial heritage.

Atmosphere and Visitor Experience

Stepping aboard Glenlee, visitors feel transported back to the age of sail. The creak of wooden decks, the complexity of towering masts and rigging overhead, and the scent of the sea create an evocative atmosphere. The ship’s compact yet intricate layout invites exploration and discovery, making it especially engaging for families and maritime enthusiasts. Audio guides and volunteer-led tours enrich the experience with stories of the ship’s voyages, crew life, and Glasgow’s shipbuilding prowess. The café and gift shop offer comfortable breaks and mementos to take home.

Accessibility and Practical Information

The Tall Ship Glenlee is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, with a slightly later opening at 11 am on Tuesdays. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing. While the ship retains many historic features such as ladders and narrow passages, it is partially wheelchair accessible thanks to lifts and ramps. Pets are not permitted onboard. The site is well served by public transport and offers nearby parking. Admission is free, with donations encouraged to support ongoing preservation efforts.

Preserving a Maritime Icon for Future Generations

The ongoing maintenance and restoration of Glenlee are vital to keeping this maritime icon afloat. Supported by heritage organizations, local authorities, and visitor contributions, the ship continues to educate and inspire. Glenlee’s story reflects Glasgow’s transformation from a shipbuilding powerhouse to a city proud of its industrial past and cultural future. Visiting the Tall Ship Glenlee offers a rare glimpse into the lives of sailors and the craftsmanship behind one of the world’s last great sailing vessels, ensuring its legacy endures for generations to come.

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The Tall Ship Glenlee: Glasgow’s Historic Maritime Treasure

A brief summary to The Tall Ship Glenlee

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Public Transport

Car

Bus

Walking

The Tall Ship Glenlee location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of The Tall Ship Glenlee

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about The Tall Ship Glenlee

A Living Link to Glasgow’s Shipbuilding Legacy

Exploring the Ship’s Historic Spaces

A Hub for Education and Community Engagement

Atmosphere and Visitor Experience

Accessibility and Practical Information

Preserving a Maritime Icon for Future Generations

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Finnieston Crane

The Clyde Arc

Caledonian Mansions

Savings Bank of Glasgow building

The Sixty Steps

The Tenement House

Box Hub

Statue of Light and Life

The Glasgow School of Art

McLellan Galleries

Maxwell Park

ToursByLocals - Glasgow

glasgow south side

Riddle Rooms Glasgow

The Lighthouse

Unmissable attractions to see

Riverside Museum

Govan Old Church

The Govan Stones

Railway Arches Murals

The Clydeside Distillery

Fairfield Heritage

Glasgow Science Centre Tower

Visit West End

Paddle Steamer Waverley

Kelvin Hall Open Collections

Glasgow Science Centre

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Hunterian Zoology Museum

Tennents Byres Rd Glasgow

The Lion and Unicorn Staircase

Essential places to dine

Fallachan Kitchen

Celino's

Roastit Bubbly Jocks

Eighty Eight

Number 16 Restaurant

Argyle House Restaurant

The Gannet

Ox and Finch

Porter & Rye

The Finnieston

Bothy Glasgow

Ubiquitous Chip

UNALOME by Graeme Cheevers

Big Slope

Fanny Trollopes

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Cut Price Gift Shop

Found

VELVET MOON

Cassiopeia Gift Ltd

University of Glasgow Gift Shop

Oliver Bonas

Gallus Alice

Papyrus

Amaryllis Westend

West Vintage