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
A small selection of Waverley handbills held in the 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.
Additional Information
Policies & Procedures
Social Media
Annual Reports & Accounts
Annual General Meetings
Council Reports
Latest National News
9th November 2020Brian Jackson 1943 – 2020
Brian Jackson, one of the last remaining crew members of a Cosens' paddle steamer, has died.
1st November 2020Happy Birthday, Mr Vice-President
1 November 2020 marks the 80th birthday of Society Vice-President Terry Sylvester.
29th October 20202020 AGM Minutes Published
The draft minutes of the Society's thirty-third Annual General Meeting are now available on this web site.
24th October 2020Paddle Steamer Comet Replica
During the PSPS AGM on Saturday 24th October, a brief discussion was held on the condition of the Paddle Steamer Comet replica displayed at Port Glasgow.
27th September 2020Kingswear Castle Update
Kingswear Castle season now set to end on Tuesday 29th September.
25th September 2020Waverley’s COVID-19 Relief Appeal
Waverley is now critically short of funds. Without further support she can't return to service in 2021. We are therefore asking for your help by donating to the COVID-19 Relief Appeal.
14th September 2020Waverley 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.
Forthcoming National Events
There are no national events scheduled.