Welcome to Waverley

2026 Sailings Aboard Paddle Steamer Waverley

Waverley operates in passenger service until Sunday 18th October for what will be her longest operational season in well over a decade. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the Booking office, advance booking is recommended on all cruises.

On 2nd October we will celebrate the 80th Anniversary of Waverley’s launch back in 1946 as the last steamer built for the London & North Eastern Railway.

2026 Timetables:

Outline dates for each sailing area are available on the Timetables Page.

2026 FUEL SURCHARGE

Last Reviewed – 19th September

Fuel prices have risen in recent weeks putting further pressure on the level of spend which can be planned for Waverley’s 2026-27 winter refit. At current prices it is now costing almost £15 per minute to have Waverley in steam. The increase in fuel cost across the 2026 season in comparison to 2025 is now expected to be over £350,000. A Fuel Surcharge is therefore being applied to Adult and Senior fares, no Fuel Charge is added to Child fares.

The current Fuel Surcharge is £3 for fares of £52 or under, and £5 for fares set at £53 or over.

Key Fuel Price Figures:

  • At current prices (which change daily) it is costing between £14 and £15 PER MINUTE in fuel to sail Waverley (she is in steam for about 10-12 hours per day);
  • Fuel increase of over £3,500 PER DAY compared to 2025;
  • Fuel increase of around £350,000 across the 2026 season;
  • An average ticket fare will afford us to purchase less than 4 minutes worth of fuel.

The Fuel Surcharge is modest in comparison to the increase in costs we are facing and by keeping this at a maximum of £5 we hope it will not deter passengers from sailing on Waverley.

WAVERLEY’S ONLINE SHOP

The shop that never closes – pick up an exclusive Waverley souvenir or purchase a gift. Visit our Online Shop for all things Waverley.

Book Now

Come for a paddle and book your 2026 cruise aboard Waverley today!

Book online by clicking the BOOK NOW link below or by calling the Booking Office on 0141 243 2224.

The Booking Office is open Monday to Friday 0930-1630 and Saturdays 0930-1300.

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Sailing Updates

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 23 No sailing scheduled for today

There is no public sailing on Wednesday September 23rd.

Waverley will reposition from the South Coast to Ipswich in preparation for the beginning of her London & Thames Estuary sailing programme on Thursday September 24th.

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 24 Sailing operating as timetabled

LIMITED AVAILABILITY

Waverley will sail from Ipswich (shuttle buses depart from Ipswich Railway Station 0945-1015)and Clacton (1330) for a cruise up the River Thames & under a Floodlit Tower Bridge to London Tower Pier (1945).

One-way tickets from Ipswich to Clacton or London remain available can be booked in advance online or by calling 0141 243 2224 during office hours (Mon – Fri 0930 – 1630). Tickets including coach return from London to Ipswich are almost fully booked – call 0141 243 2224 during office hours (Mon – Fri 0930 – 1630) to book any remaining spaces. 

One-way tickets from Clacton to London remain available can be booked in advance online or by calling 0141 243 2224 during office hours (Mon – Fri 0930 – 1630). Tickets from Clacton including coach return from London are now fully booked.

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25 Sailing operating as timetabled

LIMITED AVAILABILITY

Waverley will sail from Gravesend (0900) and Southend (1040) for a cruise of the River Thames & Under Tower Bridge Twice.

This cruise is now fully booked.

TWINKLING THAMES EVENING CRUISE

Waverley also sails from Gravesend (1610) and Southend (1750) for an evening cruise up the Twinkling Thames and Under a Floodlit Tower Bridge to London Tower Pier (2130), with the option of coach return to Gravesend or Southend.

Tickets for this evening cruise remain available and can be booked in advance online or by calling 0141 243 2224 during office hours (Mon – Fri 0930 – 1630).

Plan Your Cruise

Timetables, Fares & Brochures, Departure Point Information, Catering and more.

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Book Tickets

Tickets can be booked online or by calling 0141 243 2224.

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Introducing Waverley

Learn more about Waverley, her history, steam engine, videos and gallery.

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Supporting Waverley

Become a Friend of Waverley, Join the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society, Donate, Volunteer.

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Shop

Exclusive Waverley Merchandise, Books, Clothing, DVDs, Gift Vouchers and much more.

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Groups & Exclusive Use

Accommodating groups of 10 to 700, Paddle Steamer Waverley makes an ideal venue for your event.

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Latest News

Waverley’s South Coast sailings End on a High

Waverley’s final South Coast sailing today (Tuesday 22nd September) took her from Eastbourne Pier to Newhaven Harbour where she boarded passengers at the East Sussex port for the first time since the 1980s. With almost 600 passengers aboard she proudly steamed out of Newhaven Harbour and set course for the Solent. After a brief stop…

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PADDLE STEAMER WAVERLEY SEEKS NEW OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Paddle Steamer Waverley is seeking an experienced marine professional to join the organisation as its new Operations Director, offering a unique opportunity to lead the safe operation, maintenance and long-term preservation of the World’s last seagoing paddle steamer. Based in Glasgow and working both ashore and onboard the historic vessel, the successful candidate will take…

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100 YEARS ON: WAVERLEY REVIVES OBAN’S GOLDEN AGE OF STEAM

Today marks a significant maritime milestone, exactly 100 years since the launch of the pioneering turbine steamer TS King George V. Launched on 29th April 1926, the much-loved “KGV” became a familiar and cherished sight on Scotland’s west coast, initially serving Inveraray before becoming a mainstay of Oban-based cruising from 1935. From there, she sailed…

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