The Tall Ship Glenlee: Glasgow’s Historic Maritime Icon

Explore the majestic Tall Ship Glenlee, a restored 1896 Clyde-built sailing vessel and living museum of Glasgow’s rich maritime heritage.

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The Tall Ship Glenlee

The Tall Ship Glenlee is a fully restored 19th-century steel-hulled three-masted barque moored beside Glasgow’s Riverside Museum. Built in 1896 on the River Clyde, Glenlee sailed globally as a cargo ship before serving as a Spanish Navy training vessel. Now a museum, it offers visitors a unique glimpse into maritime history, showcasing original decks, crew quarters, and interactive exhibits that bring to life the challenges and adventures of life at sea.

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 2 hours
Mid ranged
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

Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore the ship’s decks and exhibits.
Visit the onboard café for a selection of refreshments including vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Use the lift available for partial wheelchair access, but be prepared for some areas with stairs.
Check for any scheduled maintenance closures, typically in early months of the year.

Getting There

Public Transport

Take the Glasgow Subway to Partick Station, then catch bus number 26 or 77 towards the Riverside Museum; total journey time approximately 25-35 minutes. Buses run frequently but check schedules for evenings and weekends. A single fare costs around £2.50.
Taxi

A taxi ride from Glasgow city centre to The Tall Ship Glenlee typically takes 10-15 minutes depending on traffic, costing approximately £8-£12. Taxis are readily available throughout the city.
Car

Driving is possible with parking available near the Riverside Museum; expect a 10-15 minute drive from central Glasgow. Parking may be limited during peak times and charges apply, typically £2-£4 per hour.
Walking

From Glasgow city centre, a scenic 30-40 minute walk along the River Clyde leads to the ship. The route is mostly flat and suitable for most walkers but involves urban pavements and some road crossings.

The Tall Ship Glenlee location weather suitability

Any Weather
Rain / Wet Weather
Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about The Tall Ship Glenlee

A Legacy Born on the Clyde

The Tall Ship Glenlee was launched in 1896 from the Bay Yard in Port Glasgow, a product of Anderson Rodger & Co., renowned shipbuilders of the era. Constructed from steel sourced from the Lanarkshire Steel Company, Glenlee was designed as a cargo barque to serve Glasgow’s thriving maritime trade. Measuring 245 feet in length with a steel hull and three masts, she was built for long-haul bulk cargo voyages, transporting goods such as coal, rice, timber, and guano across the globe. Her maiden voyage began in January 1897, sailing from Liverpool to Portland, Oregon, marking the start of a storied career that would see her circumnavigate the world four times and brave the treacherous storms of Cape Horn fifteen times.

From Merchant Ship to Naval Training Vessel

Throughout her 23 years as a merchant vessel, Glenlee underwent several ownership changes and name alterations, becoming Islamount and later Clarastella. In 1922, she was acquired by the Spanish Navy and renamed Galatea, transformed into a sail training ship capable of accommodating hundreds of cadets. This phase saw significant modifications including the addition of a flying bridge and expanded accommodation facilities. Galatea served as a training vessel until 1969 and then as a shore-based training school until 1981. After years of neglect in Seville Harbour, the ship was rediscovered in 1990 by a British naval architect and subsequently purchased by the Clyde Maritime Trust in 1992, initiating a comprehensive restoration.

Restoration and Museum Transformation

The restoration returned Glenlee to her original name and stripped away many of the Spanish Navy’s alterations, restoring her to her 1896 configuration. Since 1999, Glenlee has been berthed in Glasgow, now permanently moored alongside the Riverside Museum at Glasgow Harbour. As one of only five remaining Clyde-built steel sailing ships afloat worldwide and the only one in the UK, Glenlee is listed on the UK Register of Historic Vessels and recognized as part of the National Historic Fleet. The ship serves as a floating museum, preserving Glasgow’s rich shipbuilding heritage and maritime legacy.

Exploring Life Aboard the Tall Ship

Visitors to Glenlee can explore four decks filled with authentic spaces including the captain’s quarters, galley, fo’c’sle, and cargo hold. The ship’s layout and exhibits vividly illustrate the demanding life of sailors in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, from the strenuous watch schedules to the limited food and exposure to harsh weather. Interactive displays and audio guides enrich the experience, offering insights into the ship’s global voyages and the human stories behind them. Facilities onboard include a café and gift shop, enhancing the visitor experience.

Connection to Glasgow’s Maritime Heritage

Glenlee stands as a symbol of Glasgow’s pivotal role in global maritime trade during the industrial age. Her presence beside the Riverside Museum creates a dynamic heritage hub, linking the story of the River Clyde’s shipbuilding prowess with tangible maritime history. The ship is maintained by the Clyde Maritime Trust and supported by dedicated volunteers, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Glenlee also hosts events and educational programs, fostering community engagement and maritime appreciation.

Accessibility and Visitor Experience

The Tall Ship Glenlee is accessible to a broad range of visitors, with lifts and partial wheelchair access, though some historic areas retain narrow stairways. The museum operates daily with seasonal variations, and admission is ticketed with options for group visits and educational tours. Onsite amenities include restrooms, a café offering vegetarian and gluten-free options, and a gift shop. The ship’s central Glasgow location makes it an ideal cultural destination for families, history enthusiasts, and maritime aficionados alike.

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The Tall Ship Glenlee: Glasgow’s Historic Maritime Icon

A brief summary to The Tall Ship Glenlee

Local tips

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

Getting There

Public Transport

Taxi

Car

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 Legacy Born on the Clyde

From Merchant Ship to Naval Training Vessel

Restoration and Museum Transformation

Exploring Life Aboard the Tall Ship

Connection to Glasgow’s Maritime Heritage

Accessibility and Visitor Experience

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