The Tall Ship Glenlee, moored on the River Clyde beside the Riverside Museum in Glasgow’s West End, is one of the city’s most distinctive cultural landmarks. Built in 1896, this three-masted steel barque once carried cargo across the globe before being repurposed as a naval training vessel. Today, it stands as a floating museum, restored by the Clyde Maritime Trust and celebrated as one of only five ships of its kind left in the world—and the only one in the UK.
And this year, Candlelight at the Tall Ship Glenlee offers visitors a chance to enjoy an unforgettable evening of music surrounded by maritime history, with the glow of thousands of candles flickering across the ship’s steel hull and timber decks.
Background on the Tall Ship Glenlee
The Glenlee was launched from Port Glasgow in 1896 and quickly became a global traveller, circumnavigating the world four times. From stormy trade routes to decades of service with the Spanish Navy, the ship’s storied past makes it more than just an artifact—it’s a living emblem of Glasgow’s once world-leading shipbuilding industry.
After years of neglect and near scrappage, the Clyde Maritime Trust returned the vessel to Glasgow in the 1990s, restoring it with painstaking detail. Today, visitors can admire its original steel hull, fully restored rigging, and even 23 lifeboats still mounted across the deck. The Glenlee embodies both the romance of seafaring and the resilience of Glasgow’s maritime legacy.
What can you do at the Tall Ship Glenlee?
Exploring the Tall Ship is like stepping into the past. Across four levels, visitors can wander through the cargo hold, climb into the captain’s cabin, peek inside the galley, or test their sea legs on the restored decks. Interactive exhibits, scavenger hunts, and a “mouse hunt” game below deck make it especially popular with families.
The Glenlee also hosts seasonal events such as Halloween treasure hunts, film screenings in its mini cinema, and hands-on workshops for children.
And of course, the highlight for many is Candlelight at the Tall Ship Glenlee—an intimate concert series where world-class musicians perform everything from classical pieces to modern tributes under the soft candlelit glow. Few venues match the unique atmosphere of listening to music on the Clyde inside a century-old sailing ship.
Where is the Tall Ship Glenlee and how to get there?
The Glenlee is permanently docked next to the Riverside Museum on Pointhouse Quay, in Glasgow’s West End. By subway, the nearest station is Partick, just a short walk away. Several bus routes stop near the Riverside Museum. There’s also parking available at the museum, including accessible spaces.
Is the Tall Ship Glenlee accessible?
Yes. The ship is fitted with lifts and ramps, making most areas accessible to wheelchair users and visitors with mobility needs.
How much does it cost to visit the Tall Ship Glenlee?
Entry is very modest, around £4.50 for adults, and children under 8 usually go free.
Can I bring kids to the Tall Ship?
Absolutely! The ship is family-friendly, with interactive exhibits, scavenger hunts, and events tailored for younger visitors.
Nearby Venues in Glasgow
The Tall Ship Glenlee is directly beside the Riverside Museum, designed by the late Zaha Hadid, which showcases Glasgow’s transport and industrial history. A short journey away, you’ll also find the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Hydro arena, and other major cultural venues.