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Paddle Steamer Waverley

Sail aboard the famous Paddle Steamer Waverley for a memorable day at sea on Scotland's beautiful West Coast. Experience the sights, sounds and thrills of travelling on the last seagoing Paddle Steamer in the World, amidst glorious Scottish scenery.

Welcome aboard the famous Paddle Steamer Waverley to enjoy an unforgettable day at sea! Built in 1947, our magnificent steamship cruises the waters of the West Coast of Scotland, linking Glasgow, Greenock and Largs with the beautiful islands, lochs and Highland villages around the Firth of Clyde and West Highlands. Onboard you will experience the power and majesty of Waverley’s giant steam engine, see her paddle wheels turn, listen to their rhythmic beat and hear her melodic steam whistle as she glides between piers and harbours. See her engineers skilfully operating her steam engine whilst her officers and crew expertly navigate her from the bridge. Paddle steamers first sailed on the Clyde in 1812 and Waverley continues the traditions of her predecessors.

Explore Waverley's extensive open decks, admire the shining brasses, marvel at her towering funnels and polished wooden handrails and feel the wind in your face as she effortlessly cruises through time. You can even send a postcard from Waverley’s Victorian post-box! 

Eating and drinking aboard is part of the Waverley experience. You can enjoy lunch or dinner in our traditional dining saloon and relax in the comfortable period lounges beautifully restored to their original nineteen forties style. Our friendly stewards and catering crew look forward to welcoming you.

Waverley offers a great way to see wildlife. Bring your binoculars to spot birdlife, seals and porpoises. You might even see our beautiful dolphins as they escort the ship around the Clyde!

And at the end of your journey, you can take home an exclusive Waverley gift from the on-board shop - Waverley has her own range of souvenirs, sweets and chocolate!

Waverley is owned by a Registered Charity and by sailing aboard this magnificent ship, the last seagoing paddle steamer in the World, you are helping to ensure that Waverley can continue to sail for many years to come.

Waverley sails from her base at Glasgow Science Centre on the Firth of Clyde, from late May until August and from Oban in May and June. Waverley also operates elsewhere in the British Isles, including on the Bristol Channel, England's scenic South Coast and the famous River Thames - see our website for full details.

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  • Level access to all public areas
  • Partially suitable for visitors with limited mobility

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Waverley Excursions

Paddle steamer waverley.

Sail aboard the famous Paddle Steamer Waverley

Welcome aboard the famous Paddle Steamer Waverley to enjoy an unforgettable day at sea! Built in 1947, our magnificent steamship cruises the waters of the West Coast of Scotland, linking Glasgow, Greenock and Largs with the beautiful islands, lochs and Highland villages around the Firth of Clyde and West Highlands. Onboard you will experience the power and majesty of Waverley’s giant steam engine, see her paddle wheels turn, listen to their rhythmic beat and hear her melodic steam whistle as she glides between piers and harbours. See her engineers skilfully operating her steam engine whilst her officers and crew expertly navigate her from the bridge.

3rd_aug_1.jpg

Head Office 36 Lancefield Quay Glasgow G3 8HA

Tel: 0141 243 2224

Live service status

Paddle Steamer Waverley

waverley paddle boat trips

4 – 25 September 2024

The world’s largest seagoing paddle steamer is back on the South Coast and Isle of Wight from Wednesday, 4 September until Wednesday, 25 September 2024.

Waverley is named after Sir Walter Scott’s novels and was constructed to replace the 1899 Waverley, which was sunk during enemy action at Dunkirk on May 29, 1940.

Waverley holds the distinction of being the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer. In 1974, at the end of her working life, she gained renown for being gifted to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society for just £1.

Choose from a variety of day, afternoon, and evening cruises and enjoy the ever-changing coastal landscape of the south coast. On board, indulge in a hot or cold snack, afternoon tea and cake, a hearty meal in the Dining Saloon, or relax in one of the comfortable lounges.

No cruise is complete without visiting the Souvenir Shop, where exclusive gifts and mementos await, allowing you to carry a piece of Waverley’s legacy home with you.

With departures from Ryde, Portsmouth, Yarmouth and many more, step back in time aboard the famous Paddle Steamer Waverley – they look forward to welcoming you aboard!

Scotland Welcomes You

Discover All There Is To See And Do!

waverley paddle boat trips

Waverley Paddle Steamer: Great Day Trip

Updated 2020-01-03

A leisurely cruise on the Waverley Paddle Steamer would have to be on my list of the ‘highly recommended’ if you’re looking for ideas for a relaxing, enjoyable day trip.

Waverley

Not only will you enjoy the picturesque mountain scenery as you sail on the Firth of Clyde or some of the lochs, you’ll be creating your own little piece of history. The PS Waverley is the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world.

About The Waverley Paddle Steamer

She was built on the River Clyde in 1947 to replace the original ship which was sunk at Dunkirk in 1940, and she’s been going strong ever since. After many years serving as a passenger ship, it was expected that She would become a museum. However, a massive restoration project to return her to her original style was completed in 2003.

And the Waverley is beautiful. During your cruise, should you fancy eating or having a drink, you’ll have choices of two lounge bars, a tearoom, and a restaurant offering everything from snacks and three course meals with drinks. If you’d rather just relax, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the views, there’s a comfortable observation lounge with windows on both sides, situated on the Promenade Deck.

Waverley

Large groups of up to 65 guests can hire one of the comfortable lounges to make your cruise a little more exclusive, and get a group discount.

If you find yourself anywhere on the west coast of Scotland or in the Western Isles, you will not be too far away from one of the Waverley’s many departure points.

Cruises are available day or evening, and there are special interest cruises for bird watching or spotting sea life. You can get connections to cycling or walking routes.

So, what exactly is a paddle steamer?

Well, it’s a ship or boat that uses one or more paddle wheels to provide the thrust to propel, and is driven by a steam engine. The Waverley’s magnificent 2100 horse power steam engine and the massive paddle wheels are on full public view.

A cruise on the Waverley Paddle Steamer is a magical experience. For full info on departures, timetables and booking, check Waverley Excursions official website.

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Paddle Steamer Cruises Aboard Waverley

Add Paddle Steamer Cruises Aboard Waverley to your Itinerary

Tel: 0141 243 2224

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Isle of Wight, things to do, Waverley Paddle Steamer, Yarmouth, Needles

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Celebrate Waverley’s Diamond Jubilee 1947 - 2022

Step aboard the famous Waverley – The last seagoing paddle steamer in the World – and experience the sight, sound and thrill of travelling on this magnificent steamship.

Hear the telegraph ring and watch the mighty steam engine start to drive the ship’s massive paddle wheels, view the stunning coastline, visit new places, recapture happy memories and don’t forget to visit the Souvenir Shop and purchase an exclusive memento.

Paddle steamer Waverley is registered on  The National Historic Fleet  as being a vessel of pre-eminent national significance. She has operated in preservation since 1975 and become a “national treasure” carrying over 6 million passengers.

Waverley is the sole survivor and has become an icon in her own lifetime.

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Friday 2nd September - Yarmouth to Cruise the Needles and Freshwater Bay parting Yarmouth Pier 13.40

Saturday 3rd September - Yarmouth to Steam Round the Isle of Wight parting Yarmouth Pier 13.10

Sunday 4th September - Yarmouth to Swanage parting Yarmouth Pier 10.55

Sunday 4th September - Yarmouth to View Bournemouth Air Festival and meet Steamship Shieldhall parting Yarmouth Pier 10.55

Sunday 4th September - Yarmouth to Southampton (One Way) parting Yarmouth Pier 19.15

Tuesday 6th September - Yarmouth to Steam Round the Isle of Wight parting Yarmouth Pier 12.30

Wednesday 7th September - Yarmouth to Cruise Cowes and Solent parting Yarmouth Pier 13.40

Thursday 8th September - Yarmouth to Swanage parting Yarmouth Pier 11.40

Thursday 8th September - Yarmouth to Cruise Jurassic Coast and Lulworth Cove parting Yarmouth Pier 11.40

Friday 9th September - Yarmouth to Cruise the Needles and Freshwater Bay parting Yarmouth Pier 13.40

Saturday 10th September - Yarmouth to Steam Round the Isle of Wight parting Yarmouth Pier 13.10

Sunday 11th September - Yarmouth to Swanage parting Yarmouth Pier 11.40

Sunday 11th September - Yarmouth to Cruise Jurassic Coast and Lulworth Cove parting Yarmouth Pier 11.40

Sunday 11th September - Yarmouth to Southampton (One Way) parting Yarmouth Pier 18.30

Tuesday 13th September - Yarmouth to Steam Round the Isle of Wight parting Yarmouth Pier 12.30

Wednesday 14th September - Yarmouth to Cruise Cowes and Solent parting Yarmouth Pier 13.40

Thursday 15th September - Yarmouth to Swanage parting Yarmouth Pier 11.40

Thursday 15th September - Yarmouth to Cruise Jurassic Coast and Lulworth Cove parting Yarmouth Pier 11.40

Friday 16th September - Yarmouth to Cruise the Needles and Freshwater Bay parting Yarmouth Pier 13.40

Saturday 17th September - Yarmouth to Steam Round the Isle of Wight parting Yarmouth Pier 13.10

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Passenger Boat Trips

A full programme of passenger trips to and from Swanage Pier is available throughout the summer months. Passenger boat trips are operated by City Cruises Ltd.

These range from full-day cruises along the Jurassic Coast to shorter trips to view spectacular Old Harry Rocks and into Poole Harbour.  The popular Sea Train Adventure combines a relaxing cruise from Poole Harbour into Swanage and then steam train to Corfe Castle, where you will have time to explore the ruins of Corfe Castle before your return into Poole Harbour.  Check Swanage Railway website for train times

The boats have wide open decks, comfortable lounges and washrooms aboard. A fully licensed bar serving hot and cold beverages, beers, wines, snack and soft drinks.

For timetables or more information please contact City Cruises . You can book direct with the boat operator or via the Tourist Information Centre.

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Full details of special Swanage Pier Summer Boat Cruises can be found on our Events page.

Waverley Paddle Steamer Trips

Summer sailings from Swanage Pier aboard the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world. Magnificently restored with towering tunnels, timber decks and gleaming varnish and brass. Built in 1947, this wonderful vessel offers regular trips calling at various ports around the UK.

Passenger Access

Access to ships for sailings from Swanage Pier is from the lower pier deck, via a small flight of eight open steps.  Passengers should please consider this when making their arrangements for sailings to or from Swanage Pier.

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Waverley paddle steamer: Iconic paddle steamer will return to Suffolk this year as full schedule is confirmed

The Waverley paddle steamer - which runs trips to London - is returning to Suffolk later this year

  • 10:31, 12 JUL 2023

waverley paddle boat trips

A historic paddle steamer is to return to Suffolk later this year, it's been confirmed. The iconic Waverley paddle steamer will once again run trips to central London from the Suffolk coast, following a "highly successful" programme in 2022.

The cruises to London's Tower Pier will be held in late September and take passengers down the east coast and through the Thames Estuary into the capital. On Saturday, September 23, the Waverley will sail from Ipswich to Tower Pier, via Harwich and Clacton.

Four days later, on Wednesday, September 27, the 76-year-old steamer will take passengers to London from Great Yarmouth, Southwold and Clacton. In total, Waverley will run 15 trips to London over the autumn, but only those on September 23 and September 27 will depart from Suffolk.

Last year marked the first time in a decade that the Waverley - the world's only seaworthy paddle steamer - had visited Suffolk. Starting its journey at the end of Southwold Pier, the steamer then headed south towards the Thames Estuary, stopping to pick up passengers in Gravesend, Southend, Harwich, Clacton and Whitstable.

Read more: We had a tour around Suffolk's most famous lighthouse and this is what we saw

In the four years prior to 2022, the Waverley underwent major refurbishment works. The 76-year-old vessel has full catering facilities with a self-service restaurant, tea bar and traditional period lounges, so passengers can enjoy a meal or relax with a drink while they watch the world go by.

waverley paddle boat trips

Earlier this year Waverley's Dry Dock Appeal raised £180,000, ensuring that the historic vessel could sail again in 2023. More than 2,000 people donated to the appeal, which took just over four months to reach its funding target.

The Waverley was built between 1945 and 1947 to replace the 1899 Waverley, which was sunk by enemy action on May 29, 1940 at Dunkirk. The historic steamer now visits several areas of the UK offering regular trips on the Clyde, The Western Isles and the Thames.

Passengers will arrive at Tower Pier between 8pm and 9pm, before catching a coach back to their pick-up location. Tickets can be purchased here .

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Waverley’s 2023 in Pictures – 76 Images Capturing her 76th Year

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2023 saw a dramatic turnaround in the fortunes of Paddle Steamer Waverley. Less than 3 weeks into the year and a public appeal was launched to raise £180,000 towards a £250,000 shortfall to afford the costs associated with her annual dry docking and recommissioning for another season.

By the close of the season in October over 157,000 passenger journeys had generated record revenues with no sailings lost across the entire season due to technical issues. Sufficient income was earned to meet the annual maintenance cost of the current winter refit, baring any unexpected additional works.

Waverley embarked passengers at 60 ports and piers around the UK with over 30% of sailings sold out in advance or with sections of a day’s sailing fully booked. The ship visited all four countries in the UK across a five day period – has this ever been achieved by a paddle steamer previously?

Sir Tim Laurence, husband of Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal, accepted an invitation to become Patron for Waverley Steam Navigation Co. Ltd. having visited the ship two days before she entered service back in May. Sir Tim later enjoyed an evening cruise from Gravesend to London in early October and was impressed by the ship and her unique charm.

Several calling points which have been absent from the timetables for decades were re-established including Craignure, Troon, Tenby, Portishead and Ipswich. Shoreham-by-sea and Warrenpoint saw Waverley offering a sailing for the first time.

The following 76 images give a flavour of the past year in the career of the remarkable Paddle Steamer Waverley.

waverley paddle boat trips

Accolades in 2023 include Waverley being awarded Gold Status with Visit Wales, being included in seven of the UK’s best boat trips and being awarded best visitor attraction experience by Best of Scotland Reader’s Choice awards.

Statistics show the ship carried the greatest number of passengers since 2003. In total 157,402 passenger journeys were recorded across 124 days in service giving 1,269 journeys a day on average. This generated an average revenue of over £37,000 per sailing day. (2022 was under £27,000 per day earnings.)

Given that the ship has now re-established herself across all sailings areas following the boiler refit and pandemic an independent Economic Impact Assessment has been commissioned, the results of which are expected in the coming months. This will show Waverley’s economic benefit to the UK and Scottish economies, and helps strengthen her case for financial support. While 2023 has generated an operating surplus to meet basic maintenance costs the ship will never generate sufficient income to meet major renewals. Ongoing support will be needed to keep Waverley at sea in the years ahead, an element of luck and good favour is also required!

Headline Costs in 2023 (rounded):

Crew – £775,000 Fuel – £700,000 Catering & Shop Purchases – £410,000 Berthing and Pilotage – £320,000 Coaches and passenger transfers – £170,000 Marketing – £150,000 In season Renewals and Repairs – £150,000

If asked what made 2023 a success it was all elements – timetabling, marketing, technical, crewing, weather, ports / piers – coming together with some good fortune. Waverley is a well established brand with a high profile and unique selling point, but her continued operation relies on donors, supporters, customers, volunteers, staff and crew.

Looking to 2024 and Waverley is booked to dry dock in Greenock in April before her first passenger sailing on Friday 17th May. Timetables will be released area-by-area from February with the new season kicking off with three days on the Clyde before the ship makes her annual trip to Oban on Monday 20th May. The Bristol Channel will see 3 weeks of sailings in June with two further ports being added to the itinerary to build on the outstanding success of 2023. In late August Waverley will offer her first sailings this century in the South West with Plymouth and several other ports featuring. Given the exceptional level of interest created by an innovative sailing programme in 2023 the 2024 timetable will be equally exciting with further ports of call added to the itinerary.

Bookings will open as the timetables are released for each area. To ensure you receive details as timetables are released you can sign up for Waverley e-newsletters online . PSPS members will also receive details by email.

I would like to thank and acknowledge all those who have provided images which have been used in this post in supporting Waverley’s continued operation.

  • by Paul Semple
  • on 31 December 2023

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Paddle Steamer Preservation Society

The Society is a company limited by guarantee (having no share capital), registered in England and Wales No. 2167853, and a charity registered in England and Wales (298328) and in Scotland (SC037603). Registered Office Mayfield, Hoe Lane, Abinger Hammer, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6RS. The Society is governed by its Articles of Association which set out its objects which may be summarised as to preserve in operation paddle steamers, to educate the public in their historical significance and to preserve relics and other materials associated with paddle steamers.

Copyright 2022 Paddle Steamer Preservation Society except where noted.

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IMAGES

  1. Waverley Excursions

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  2. ICONIC PADDLE STEAMER WAVERLEY MAKES TRIUMPHANT RETURN TO SOUTH COAST

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  3. A boat trip on the River Thames aboard the Paddle Steamer Waverley

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  4. Paddle Steamer Waverley Islay Cruise

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  5. Tickets and timings to board Waverley Paddle Steamer in Southampton

    waverley paddle boat trips

  6. Paddle Steamer Waverley, first visit to the South Coast April 1978

    waverley paddle boat trips

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  1. Waverley Excursions

    Visit our Online Shop for all things Waverley. Tickets are now available for all of Waverley's sailings from 17th May until 25th August, and all London & Thames Estuary sailings. Book your cruise aboard the World's last seagoing paddle steamer today online or by calling 0141 243 2224. Bookings for the South West, South Coast & Isle of Wight ...

  2. Timetables

    Waverley will operate from Friday 17th May until Sunday 20th October in several areas of the UK. The season outline is as follows: Glasgow & Clyde Coast - Friday 17th May - Sunday 19th May. Oban & Inner Hebrides - Monday 20th May - Monday 27th May. Warrenpoint - Tuesday 28th May & Wednesday 29th May. Fishguard - Thursday 30th May ...

  3. Paddle Steamer Waverley, Glasgow

    Welcome aboard the famous Paddle Steamer Waverley to enjoy an unforgettable day at sea! Built in 1947, our magnificent steamship cruises the waters of the West Coast of Scotland, linking Glasgow, Greenock and Largs with the beautiful islands, lochs and Highland villages around the Firth of Clyde and West Highlands.

  4. Fares and Brochures

    CHILDREN GO FOR £1 ON ALL GLASGOW & CLYDE COAST SAILINGS. We are delighted to announce that for 2024 Child (5-16) fares on all Glasgow & Clyde Coast sailings will be just £1 to mark the 50th Anniversary since Waverley was gifted to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society for £1. Children under 5 go FREE on all sailings (no advance booking is ...

  5. WAVERLEY EXCURSIONS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go ...

    Waverley Excursions. Waverley is the World's last seagoing paddle steamer offering Day, Afternoon and Evening Cruises in several areas around the UK. Step aboard to enjoy a unique piece of our maritime, industrial and social heritage. Only aboard Waverley can you enjoy unrivalled access to our stunning coastline, savour the sound as the paddles ...

  6. Waverley Excursions

    Sail aboard the famous Paddle Steamer Waverley. Welcome aboard the famous Paddle Steamer Waverley to enjoy an unforgettable day at sea! Built in 1947, our magnificent steamship cruises the waters of the West Coast of Scotland, linking Glasgow, Greenock and Largs with the beautiful islands, lochs and Highland villages around the Firth of Clyde and West Highlands.

  7. Paddle Steamer Waverley

    Flagship of our fleet, Paddle Steamer Waverley is the last seagoing passenger-carrying paddle steamer in the world.. Built in 1946, she sailed from Craigendoran on the Firth of Clyde to Arrochar on Loch Long until 1973. Bought by the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society, she has been restored to her 1947 appearance and now operates passenger excursions around the British coast.

  8. WAVERLEY EXCURSIONS

    Waverley is the World's last seagoing paddle steamer offering Day, Afternoon and Evening Cruises in several areas around the UK. Step aboard to enjoy a unique piece of our maritime, industrial and social heritage. Only aboard Waverley can you enjoy unrivalled access to our stunning coastline, savour the sound as the paddles beat, view the ship ...

  9. Paddle Steamer Waverley

    Waverley holds the distinction of being the world's last seagoing paddle steamer. In 1974, at the end of her working life, she gained renown for being gifted to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society for just £1. Choose from a variety of day, afternoon, and evening cruises and enjoy the ever-changing coastal landscape of the south coast.

  10. Waverley Paddle Steamer: A Great Day Trip

    The Waverley's magnificent 2100 horse power steam engine and the massive paddle wheels are on full public view. A cruise on the Waverley Paddle Steamer is a magical experience. For full info on departures, timetables and booking, check Waverley Excursions official website. MORE DAY TRIPS…. Glasgow Botanic Gardens. Culross Village.

  11. Paddle Steamer Waverley Coach Trips & Breaks

    An Imperial Christmas in Vienna. 8 Days from just £1099 pp. Departures: December. Full financial protection and complete peace of mind. Book Now. 1. We offer a fantastic range of Paddle Steamer Waverley coach breaks that combine nostalgic charm and historic scenery for all to enjoy!

  12. Paddle Steamer Cruises Aboard Waverley

    Celebrate Waverley's Diamond Jubilee 1947 - 2022. Step aboard the famous Waverley - The last seagoing paddle steamer in the World - and experience the sight, sound and thrill of travelling on this magnificent steamship. Hear the telegraph ring and watch the mighty steam engine start to drive the ship's massive paddle wheels, view the ...

  13. London & Thames Estuary

    We suggest you arrive at the pier around 1 hour before Waverley departs to ensure you catch the train in time for Waverley's departure. Train tickets can be purchased at the Pier. If you prefer, you may walk down the pier - approx. 1.3 miles. Reduced entry charge to walk both ways is Adult £3, Child & Senior £2.

  14. History of the Waverley, surviving Paddle Steamer on Glasgow's River

    Discover the history of the Waverley, the world's last ocean-going paddle steamer built in 1947 by A & J Inglis on the River Clyde in Glasgow. Countless Glaswegians have enjoyed a trip 'doon the watter' aboard this important symbol of Clyde heritage. Why not download the Clyde Waterfront Heritage guide and visit this historic River Clyde attraction.

  15. PS Waverley

    PS Waverley is the last seagoing passenger-carrying paddle steamer in the world. Built in 1946, she sailed from Craigendoran on the Firth of Clyde to Arrochar on Loch Long until 1973. Bought by the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society (PSPS), she has been restored to her 1947 appearance and now operates passenger excursions around the British coast.. Since 2003, Waverley has been listed in the ...

  16. Boat trips

    Passenger boat trips are operated by City Cruises Ltd. ... Waverley Paddle Steamer Trips. Summer sailings from Swanage Pier aboard the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world. Magnificently restored with towering tunnels, timber decks and gleaming varnish and brass. Built in 1947, this wonderful vessel offers regular trips calling at various ...

  17. Bristol Channel & South Wales

    The coach will take passengers direct to Waverley in Swansea Docks. Portishead - Waverley departs from the quayside adjacent to Eastcliff, BS20 7AF. Public transport: First Bus X4 from Bristol Bus Station, every half hour during the day to Harbour Rd Portishead. Allow 10 minutes to walk to the Quay.

  18. Waverley paddle steamer: Iconic paddle steamer will return to Suffolk

    The iconic Waverley paddle steamer will once again run trips to central London from the Suffolk coast, following a "highly successful" programme in 2022. The cruises to London's Tower Pier will be held in late September and take passengers down the east coast and through the Thames Estuary into the capital.

  19. Paddle steamer Waverley is coming back to Sussex in 2024

    The world's last seagoing paddle steamer will return to Sussex in September. Waverley was built in 1946 to replace an earlier paddle steamer, which sunk in the Second World War during the ...

  20. Waverley Paddle Steamer awarded the title of National Flagship 2024

    The historic boat will be calling in on Somerset locations this 2024. ... The Waverley paddle steamer has a extended sailing programme planned for 2024, with a record beating 70 ports and piers ...

  21. Waverley's 2023 in Pictures

    2023 saw a dramatic turnaround in the fortunes of Paddle Steamer Waverley. Less than 3 weeks into the year and a public appeal was launched to raise £180,000 towards a £250,000 shortfall to afford the costs associated with her annual dry docking and recommissioning for another season. ... being included in seven of the UK's best boat trips ...

  22. Waverley paddle steamer awarded 'prestigious status' ahead of record

    Pictured: The Waverley has been awarded the prestigious status of National Flagship of the Year (Image: Supplied). The 'highlight' of the 2024 season will be Waverley's return to the South West and River Dart in late August where she will exchange whistles with Paddle Steamer Kingswear Castle as the last two operational paddle steamers in the UK meet for the first time in over a decade.