The Tall Ship Glenlee to become paid attraction once again
The iconic and much-loved Glasgow visitor attraction will become a paid attraction again and reintroduce a small admissions charge for visitors coming onboard from Monday 1st July onwards.
Article Source: The Tall Ship Glenlee
Last Updated: 14 June 2024 13:55
Up until now, the iconic and much-loved visitor attraction on the River Clyde, which welcomes 200,000 visitors from around the world annually, was the only free-to-visit historic vessel or museum attraction of its kind in the UK.
The Trust, which runs and maintains the ship, has taken the decision following careful analysis of the challenging funding landscape and rising costs.
The funds will be used to fill the financial gap the ship faces, cover its running costs, deliver the best possible experience onboard for all and allow the independent charity to be more self-sufficient and better plan for the future.
The charge will be introduced alongside a new booking system, which will allow visitors to buy tickets online in advance at thetallship.com
As the only Clydebuilt sailing ship of its kind still afloat on the Clyde, the vessel is of international significance and has an important role in Glasgow and Scotland’s world-class cultural landscape, serving as a reminder of the city’s industrial and maritime heritage.
The ship was originally a paid attraction, charging for entry for 13 years between 1999 and 2012. A reintroduction of entry fees has been considered for some time in light of rising costs, a reduction in onboard spending and donations, the impact of the pandemic and static external funding.
Fiona Greer, Development Director at The Tall Ship Glenlee, said: “As an independent charity, we are facing a similar situation as many other historic vessels and museum attractions across the UK who have expressed shared challenges. We know The Tall Ship Glenlee holds a very special place in many people’s hearts, both here in Glasgow and around the world, and we now need the public’s support to ensure we can continue to thrive. The ship is an icon of change that has adapted to survive over 127 years and is now embarking on its next chapter, and a more certain and hopeful future.”
The ship currently relies on revenue from a mixture of commercial income from private events, voluntary donations, and public funding and project-specific ring-fenced grants.
Admissions will be priced at £4.50 for adults, and £2.70 for children, £12.70 for a family of four, with concessions for students and pensioners and under 5s going free.
Visitors who are UK taxpayers will also have the option to purchase tickets with an added Gift Aid donation. Regular visitors can also take out an Annual Membership which allows unlimited visits over 12 months for the cost of just three individual trips.
Fiona Greer, Development Director at The Tall Ship Glenlee, added: “We are incredibly grateful for all the critical support we receive from current funders and supporters, however there is a significant gap that needs to be filled. We have looked to fix the admissions fees at a level far below the UK average museum attraction entry charge to ensure the ship continues to attract and be accessible to as large and diverse an audience as possible, while fairly reflecting the unique, quality experience of exploring an iconic ship like the Glenlee.”
Built in 1896, the former merchant sailing vessel is 127 years old and has circumnavigated the globe five times. It now provides a truly unique space for exploration, learning, heritage and entertainment in Glasgow.
This summer will see the launch of a new immersive visitor experience for people to enjoy on board. Funded by Museums Galleries Scotland, this range of new installations include enhanced interpretations delving deeper into Glenlee's story than ever before, three distinct soundscapes which transport visitors through the chapters of the vessels’ history, from a brewing storm in the cargo hold to the rumble of the diesel engines, and a smell interpretation, which will vividly bring the realities of being at sea to life.
The Tall Ship Glenlee will be a paid attraction from Monday 1st July 2024. Visitors can buy their tickets on entry or in advance online at thetallship.com
Anyone can donate to the independent charity and contribute towards the ship’s future at thetallship.com
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Glasgow Fort joins forces with local charities to support people who feel lonely at Christmas
Glasgow Fort has teamed up with local charities to help raise awareness of the support they can provide to people of all ages experiencing feelings of loneliness and isolation at Christmas.
READ MORE
The Tron Theatre announced new season for 2026
Tron Theatre is delighted to announce its brand-new season of work for Spring/Summer 2026.
READ MORE
This weekend Glasgow shoppers can win the ultimate Glasgow Christmas gift
This Sunday visitors to VEGA's Christmas Market have the chance to “unwrap the city” and win the ultimate Glasgow Christmas gift worth over £1,000!
READ MORE
Buchanan Galleries welcomes two new stores for the festive season
City centre shopping destination Buchanan Galleries has expanded its retail line-up this December with the arrival of two new stores, offering visitors even more choice in the run-up to Christmas.
READ MORE
Glasgow Film Festival supports 50 next generation filmmakers across three star studded talent labs
Lab mentors and partners include Oscar-winning and nominated directors, leading animation studios, and executives from Netflix, BFI, Aardman, and Curzon.
READ MORE
Caledonia Gladiators launches most exclusive seat in Scottish sport in aid of GCH Charity
Scotland's basketball franchise Caledonia Gladiators has launched a unique new VIP experience – thought to be the most exclusive sporting seat in the country – in aid of charity.
READ MORE
Shipbuilding heritage, tall tales & Scottish cuisine make a tasty tune
Since launching in 2019, the Shipyard Bards, Tall Tales and Dinner events held at Glasgow's Mharsanta restaurant have repeatedly sold out.
READ MORE
Dr. Gillian Shirreffs Book Signing for Elephant at Waterstones Byres Road
Gillian Shirreffs has raised over £30,000 for charity through her writing, and she'll be signing copies of Elephant on Saturday 13th December at Waterstones Byres Road.
READ MORE
Silverburn unwraps a festive December of entertainment
Silverburn, Glasgow's leading retail and leisure destination, has unveiled a packed diary full of events this December, as guests get ready for Christmas.
READ MORE
Celtic Connections brought surprise morning gigs to coffee shops across Glasgow at the weekend
Celtic Connections surprised Saturday morning coffee goers with live pop-up gigs across Glasgow, bringing emerging artists into unexpected spaces.
READ MORE
Panto Pays: festive theatre season delivers economic boost
As part of Glasgow 850's Get You In Panto Town celebration, new figures reveal the significant economic contribution of Glasgow's beloved pantomime season to the city's economy.
READ MORE
Ring in Hogmanay with darts, dancing, and bottomless pizza
If your New Year's resolution is to have more fun, start early at Flight Club!
READ MORE
The oldest bar and restaurant in Glasgow unveils spectacular makeover
Sloans, has unveiled a spectacular festive transformation following a £300,000 investment that has reinvented the 228-year-old venue inside and out.
READ MORE
Celebrate South Asian cinema this December with a selection of releases at Vue
There’s plenty for fans of South Asian cinema to enjoy at Vue this December, with a number of titles heading to the big screen.
READ MORE
Is Glasgow Green Santa the coolest in the UK
Some visitors reckon that Santa's cousin who is currently in residence at Winter Wonderland at Glasgow Green is the coolest of Santas.
READ MORE
Toys the season to be Jolly! Kids in Glasgow can win the entire DreamToys list this Christmas
Children in Glasgow are in for a festive treat this year, as a number of local retailers have announced they will be giving away all 15 toys featured on this year's coveted DreamToys list.
READ MORE
Trust calls for the home of Scottish football to be saved from an own goal
National Trust for Scotland has added its voice to those seeking assurances about the preservation of the first ever Hampden Park in Glasgow.
READ MORE
Cocktails and Champagne at new Luss Distillery
The newly opened Luss Distillery has announced its first events ahead of the festive season.
READ MORE
Glasgow shoppers slow down for a calmer Black Friday at The Social Hub
Glasgow shoppers embraced “slow shopping” as The Social Hub hosted its Rethink Black Friday market, offering a calm alternative that spotlighted local makers.
READ MORE
Tis the season: Meet Home Alone inspired characters at Glasgow Fort
Christmas is in full swing at Glasgow Fort, with festive character visits, the Christmas market and family activities now underway to help get shoppers of all ages into the festive spirit.
READ MORE
Family run Jackton Distillery unveils bumper festive programme for 2025
Jackton Distillery, the family run Lowland distillery behind the RAER whisky, spirits and wine portfolio, has announced a packed Christmas calendar for December 2025.
READ MORE
First Scottish KENJI store now open at Silverburn
East Asian-inspired lifestyle brand KENJI has opened the doors to its first Scottish store as it joins the impressive brand lineup at Silverburn.
READ MORE
Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure
Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.
READ MORE
Festive fun on the farm at the National Museum of Rural Life
Celebrate the season with festive fun for the whole family at the National Museum of Rural Life.
READ MORE
Braehead celebrates bright young business stars this Christmas
Scotland's premier retail destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, today announce that this Christmas they will again welcome the Young Enterprise Christmas Trade Fayre.
READ MORE
Breakout Scots star urges young people to discover new artists IRL at Celtic Connections coffee pop ups
Katie Gregson-MacLeod is urging young Glaswegians to discover new music IRL as Celtic Connections brings free pop-up gigs to Patricia's x SLB, Through The House and Black Pine this Saturday.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!
A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, rides, stalls, street food and live entertainment makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out for all the family!
READ MORE
Calum Bowie gives Barrowland call up to 2 rising stars for landmark 5th December show
Calum Bowie has invited two fresh local talents to support him at his upcoming landmark show in December at The Barrowlands!
READ MORE
Partick Film Festival returns in January with special anniversary screening of Rob Roy
Partick Film Festival returns in January with a range of events including a special 30th anniversary screening of Rob Roy, followed by a Q&A with the director Michael Caton-Jones.
READ MORE
Somewhere by Nico Launches Festive Cocktail Experience
This festive season, Glasgow and Edinburgh relevellers can relive the magic of Christmas past as Somewhere by Nico unveil a brand-new immersive experience!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links