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.
- Bristol Channel Branch
- London & Home Counties Branch
- North of England & North Wales Branch
- Scottish Branch
- Wessex & Dart Branch
Charity no. 298328
Charity no. SC037603
PSPS Collection
The PSPS collection continues to expand with over 50,000 items. The Society holds the largest collection of materials related to Paddle Steamers including postcards, sailing bills, books, souvenirs and fittings from much loved steamers of the past. We welcome further donations to enhance our collection. Please contact the Society's Archive Trustee in the first instance.
Latest National News
Sandown 15th October 1962
Sandown left Portsmouth, sailed down the Western Solent, across Poole Bay, rounded Anvil Point and St. Albans Head bound for Weymouth.
Stadt Luzern Update
If you want a last trip on Stadt Luzern before she is withdrawn, you'll have to get your skates on.
Paddle Wheels Magazine – Latest Issue Published
The latest 'Paddle Wheels' magazine is available to all new PSPS members - join today!...
Bristol Queen Reactivated 4th October 1961
Having completed her season and been laid up for the winter, Bristol Queen was unexpectedly called back into service.
Wingfield Castle Update
Hartlepool Borough Council launch a new conservation plan for Wingfield Castle.
Empress Arrives on Medway 28th September 1945
Empress at the movies.
PSPS Supports Maid of the Loch
A statement from Paul Semple, PSPS National Chairman, on Maid of the Loch.
Heritage Lottery Fund Turn Down Maid of the Loch
A statement from John Beveridge, Chairman of Loch Lomond Steamship Company, in response to the the Heritage Lottery Fund's decision not to grant funds to the Maid of the Loch.
“Waverley on London’s River” DVD
A new DVD "Waverley on London's River" is now on sale.
Embassy’s Last Trip of Season 27th September 1963
PS Embassy’s last scheduled trips of the 1963 season did not quite go to plan.
Forthcoming National Events
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NationalPSPS Annual General Meeting 2018Principal HotelYorkNotice is hereby given that the thirty first Annual General Meeting of the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society will be held in the Crown Room at the Principal Hotel, Station Road, York YO24 1AA at 1.30pm on Saturday 17th November 2018, followed by a presentation of 'Clyde Steamers in rare archive film, 1930s to 1976', by Iain Quinn.
