The Paddle Steamer Preservation Society (PSPS) is Britain’s longest established, largest and most successful steamship preservation group.
A registered charity founded in 1959, we have about 2,500 members and through our associated charitable companies we operate the only two working paddle steamers in Great Britain; PS Waverley and PS Kingswear Castle.
The Society also supports other paddle steamer projects including PS Maid of the Loch and PS Medway Queen.
Without the PSPS there would no longer be the opportunity to sail on a Paddle Steamer in Great Britain.
Our aims are:
- to preserve paddle steamers in sailing condition;
- to educate the public in the historic significance of paddle steamers in the Nation’s maritime and industrial heritage;
- to acquire, preserve and exhibit a collection of equipment and material associated with paddle steamers.
We have five branches covering all of Great Britain. Each branch organises regular talks, social and special events throughout the year. Please click on a branch below for more information.
PSPS Collection
The Paddle Steamer Archive Collection is administered by the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society and forms the largest and most complete archive of material relating to paddle and pleasure steamers in the UK.
The Collection contains over 50,000 items relating to the development of the paddle and pleasure steamers that plied the coasts of the UK from the 1850’s to the present day.
It comprises of written, printed, photographic and digital records as well as physical artefacts.
Although the archive is not open for public viewing some items from the Collection can be viewed at Felixstowe Museum at Landguard Fort, Suffolk, Margate Museum, Kent and Southend Pier Museum, Essex.
We welcome further donations to enhance the Collection. In the first instance please contact the Society’s Archive Trustee here.
A small selection of Waverley handbills held in the PSPS Collection.
Additional Information
Policies & Procedures
Annual Reports & Accounts
Annual General Meetings
Council Reports
Latest National News
MondayWaverley Returns to Glasgow
On Wednesday 9th September Waverley sailed from Brodick back to Glasgow Science Centre for her winter lay-up.
4th September 2020Waverley Major Incident at Brodick
On Thursday 3rd September 2020 Waverley's bow made heavy contact with Brodick Pier resulting in 17 passengers being injured.
2nd September 2020Waverley’s Season Extended until 12th September
Waverley's short season of cruises on the Clyde has been extended and she will now operate until Saturday 12th September 2020.
23rd August 2020Waverley’s First Cruise in 2020
Waverley was able to undertake her first cruise since October 2018 on Saturday 22 August 2020. This took her from Glasgow to Loch Long and Loch Goil, calling at Blairmore.
18th August 2020Waverley 2020 Sailing Programme Announced
Waverley Excursions have announced a two week programme of sailings on the Clyde, from Friday 21st August until Sunday 6th September 2020.
14th August 2020Waverley Paddles Again!
Waverley moves under her own power for the first time since her boiler refit.
7th August 2020Waverley Moves to Greenock Custom House Quay
Waverley has moved from her berth in James Watt Dock to Greenock Custom House Quay.
13th July 2020Take a Trip on Kingswear Castle
Kingswear Castle is now running harbour cruises from Dartmouth every day except Fridays at 12 noon, 1.30pm & 3pm.
7th July 2020News Update KC 6th July 2020
Kingswear Castle returned to service Monday 6th July 2020 running harbour cruises from Dartmouth.
Forthcoming National Events
Oct 24Saturday
PSPS Annual General Meeting 2020On-lineDue to the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic the thirty-third Annual General Meeting of the PSPS will be held on-line. The formal notice, agenda and further details will appear in the Autumn edition of 'Paddle Wheels'.
“A Peep into the Past” on-line was introduced to mark the 50th anniversary of the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society’s journal “Paddle Wheels”. You can view the story of paddle steamers and the Society through the pages of “Paddle Wheels” starting with the very first issue here.