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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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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.

Head Office 36 Lancefield Quay Glasgow G3 8HA

Tel: 0141 243 2224

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Paddle Steamer Cruises Aboard Waverley

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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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Paddle Steamer Waverley

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Supporting the preservation and operation of paddle steamers Waverley and Kingswear Castle

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.

Since 2003 Waverley has been listed in the National Historic Fleet by National Historic Ships UK as “a vessel of pre-eminent national importance.”

The Beginning

Waverley is the 16th Clydebuilt vessel to be named after Scottish novelist and poet Sir Walter Scott’s (1771-1832) first novel published in 1814. She was ordered by the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) to replace an earlier Waverley . This earlier paddle steamer, built in 1899 by A & J Inglis of Glasgow, served in the both World Wars as a minesweeper before being sunk by aircraft on 29th May 1940 during the evacuation of troops from Dunkirk. The present day 693 tonne Waverley was also built by Inglis at the same Pointhouse yard, her keel being laid on the 27th December 1945 and launched on 2nd October 1946 by Lady Matthews, the wife of the Chairman of the LNER. Waverley entered service on the 16th June 1947, working the LNER’s Firth of Clyde steamer route from Craigendoran Pier, near Helensburgh, up Loch Long to Arrochar. In her first year in service she wore that company’s red, white and black funnel colours.

The 1948 nationalisation of Britain’s railways brought their Scottish steamers into the Caledonian Steam Packet Company (CSP), a subsidiary of the Railway Executive, and the funnels were repainted yellow with a black top. In 1965 a Scottish red lion rampant was fixed to each side of both funnels. Waverley’s hull was painted monastral blue until 1970.

After a revival of fortunes in the 1950s, the 1960s saw a gradual change in holiday habits that led to a decline in passenger numbers and the closure of many of the small piers. Since 1969 and the formation of the Scottish Transport Group, the CSP had been gradually merging with the West Highland shipping and ferry company David MacBrayne Ltd. In 1973 the company became Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd (CalMac).

Sale and Restoration

CalMac withdrew Waverley after the 1973 season as she was too costly to operate and needed significant expenditure. By then the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society had been set up as a registered UK charity, and had bought the near-derelict small River Dart paddler Kingswear Castle . CalMac, keen to ensure that the ship was preserved, sold Waverley to the PSPS for the token sum of £1.

A public appeal was launched to secure funding for the return of the Waverley to service and the fund-raising operation was successful. Waverley underwent a £7m two-phase Heritage Rebuild in 2000 and 2003 at the shipyard of George Prior Engineering in Great Yarmouth, funded principally by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The substantial work included two new boilers, improvements to meet modern safety standards and to returning the ship to her original 1947 livery. An archive of over 600 photographs taken during both phases of the rebuild may be viewed from the menu to the right below .

In 2009 the ship was affiliated with Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer HMS Defender , having hosted the official dignitary party at Defender’s launch on the River Clyde.

In August 2011 the ship was awarded the Institution of Mechanical Engineers 65th Engineering Heritage Award. The plaque is displayed on the ship by the engine room.

Waverley is powered by a three-crank diagonal triple-expansion marine steam engine built by Rankin & Blackmore, Engineers, Eagle Foundry, Greenock, Scotland. It is rated at 2,100 IHP and achieved a trial speed of 18.37 knots (34.02 km/h; 21.14 mph) at 57.8 rpm. Passengers can watch these engines from passageways on either side of the engine room.

The main crank is solidly attached to both paddle wheels so they cannot turn independently of each other. The Waverley therefore has a much larger turning circle than modern ships several times her size.

Waverley makes passenger excursions from various British ports and indeed has circumnavigated the coast of the United Kingdom. She sails between May and October each year, primarily operating from Glasgow and the Firth of Clyde but also the Bristol Channel, the Solent and the Thames.

She also undertakes private charters and has provided a period setting for television documentaries and movies such as Guy Ritchie’s 2011 film “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.”

Waverley is operated on behalf of the Society by Waverley Excursions Limited .

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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.

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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.

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.

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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Waverley Paddle Steamer

Sat 1 Jun 2024: An Online Exclusive Day Excursion to the Waverley Paddle Steamer with Johnsons Coaches

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Saturday 1st June 2024

Join us and discover Britain’s coastline on board the World’s last seagoing Paddle Steamer.

Built in 1946, this is the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world. With the help of Lottery funding, this historic ship has been extensively refurbished to the original 1940’s style in which she was built. 2024 marks the 45 years since Waverley first sailed the Bristol Channel and South Wales.

On arrival at Clevedon we join the paddle steamer, 'The Waverley'. There is a range of eating and drinking options aboard to enjoy. Waverley’s Dining Saloon, situated on the Main Deck is open throughout your cruise offering a selection of Soups, Sandwiches & Snacks and full meals are available. Hot drinks, soft drinks and cakes are also available. The Caledonia Tea Bar on the Promenade Deck offers a range of hot and cold drinks, soup, sandwiches, snacks, cakes, and ice cream. The Jeanie Deans Lounge on the Main Deck offers a relaxing atmosphere with excellent views of the passing scenery.

Your day includes :

· One speedy, single departure point here at Henley-in-Arden with free secure car parking

· Return Coach Travel to Clevedon

· Return Cruise from Clevedon via Holm Islands & Penarth (South Wales)

Departing at 10.45am Returning to Clevedon by 2.00pm

· Free time in Clevedon

· Courier service

Please note that you may be required to use up between 1 to 3 flights of stairs before reaching the ship’s gangway.

Price per Person: £72.50

Depart Henley: 8.00am                 Arrive Clevedon: 10.15am

Depart Clevedon: 4.00pm             Arrive Henley: 6.15pm

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.

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If you wish to make an online booking please follow these instructions; 1. Select the number of passengers required to check the availability 2. Click on the shopping trolley icon in the Book Now column (If the trip is unavailable, please use the Call Back facility to enquire about being put on the waiting list for this tour or to explore other possibilities.)

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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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Inside the Waverley, the last sea-going passenger-carrying paddle steamer in the world which visits Wales next month

It's like stepping back in time when you go inside

• 08:15, 14 MAY 2023

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The Waverley, the world's last seagoing paddle steamer, is now open for visitors to experience the thrill of travelling onboard the steamship. As the sole survivor of it's kind, the ship has become an icon- and it is coming to Wales in just a few weeks time for people to experience the thrill of it themselves.

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

It will be cruising the Bristol Channel in June for the first time in five years docking at Penarth , Porthcawl and Tenby from June 2 to 18 this summer, making stops at Newport , Milford Haven and go around Swansea Bay, the Gower coast, Caldey Island and St Brides Bay. It will be the first time the steamer visits Tenby in 30 years.

Read more: You can sail from Wales on the world's last sea-going paddle steamer the Waverley this summer

The steamer will also offer a wide variety of cruises from Clevedon, Portishead, Weston, Minehead and Ilfracombe. It sounds like it is going to be a memorable experience for anyone hopping onboard- so we wanted to get a sneak peek of what visitors were in for.

Here are a few pictures of what it looks like on the inside:

There all sorts of nooks and crannies for people to enjoy the ship from different perspective, including a range of bars.

Visitors can even watch the steam engine start to drive the ship’s massive paddle wheels and view the stunning coastline.

You can step back in time and enjoy the traditional dining saloon and period lounges.

There is also a souvenir shop where you can purchase an exclusive memento of your cruise aboard.

The Waverley has a fascinating history, and was built to replace a previous vessel of the same name that was sunk during the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940. The ship spent many years operating as a passenger ferry on the Firth of Clyde in Scotland.

Originally built in 1947, the Waverley has a rich history and has since been lovingly restored. The steamer's massive paddle wheels are powered by a mighty steam engine, which visitors can watch in action during their trip, and in the 1970s, the ship was rescued from the scrapyard by a group of enthusiasts who formed the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society.

To relaunch her sailings on the Bristol Channel there are several special offers, with kids fares from £1, over 60s can 'Bring a Friend Free’ on June 13, and NHS workers can claim a 15 per cent discount when booking in advance at waverleyexcursions.co.uk.

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WAVERLEY EXCURSIONS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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Huge disappointment - Waverley Excursions

• Europe    
• United Kingdom (UK)    
• Scotland    
• Glasgow    
• Glasgow - Things to Do    
• Waverley Excursions

Last minute decision due to lovely weather! The crew were welcoming, helpful and enthusiastic. It... read more

Glasgow to Oban on the 20th May. One word BRILLIANT. We know you can't take credit for the weather... read more

Huge disappointment

We have just returned from our return trip from largs to millport. First of all, the boat is absolutely stunning. We were all looking forward to this short trip and our 4 year old was very excited to be going on a steam boat. However we were extremely let down with the sheer amount of people that they allow on the boat. Now I have read back on previous reviews and can see that this same issue has been getting raised for a long time and management just don't seem to want to hear it. Yes we know you have seating capacity for over 860, we know people will likely be outside taking in the views when it is nice, and all crowd inside when it is wet. So why aren't YOU doing anything about that and just allowing this to happen? Luckily this was just a short trip for us, we were terrified our little girl would get trodden on as it was so busy you were shoulder to shoulder with everyone. Yes the dining area was quiet and ofcourse everyone was outside where it was cooler. If you are reading this, please have a look at the past reviews before booking. Management- I am well aware that other people may have enjoyed their trip today. But I am writing about OUR experience.

I enjoyed the trip, leaving Glasgow at 9:45 and returning at 20:15 was a long trip but there was always something to see. The weather was glorious so watched from the open deck, apart from having lunch. I imagine it's not so much fun if the weather is bad. Ticketing is well organised and there's plenty of info on the web-site on stop-off and FAQs. I 100% emphasis taking a sun hat and sunscreen as the wind and reflected sunlight is strong. Also layers of clothing as it always much cooler on the water. Food and drink on-board was fine, of course you do pay a premium so no point in grumbling. Fish and chips for lunch with a beer was quite tasty and the coffee and cake in the afternoon was a booster. There's a good amount of sitting space in the dining room, bars and tearoom. Toilet facilities on board were fine. My only observation of you are less mobile then getting up and down the gangplank and the steep onboard stairs might be a challenge, although the crew were very helpful assisting elderly passengers. Parking at the Science Centre was no problem, it cost £10 for the time I stayed. Adding that to the trip itself, onboard food and drink I was around £100 all in. All in all, very enjoyable day going 'doon the watter'.

WAY TOO CROWED DANGEROUS we went on this beautiful boat was great until you think about the fact it was so over loaded we listed to one side. there were so many people we never got to sit down my parents both elderly had to stand the entire trip which was around 4 hrs rediculas we had to take pram as we took 6 months old and a 5 year old. no one moved for the pram it was rediculas so many complaints went over about the space ot lack thereof and staff said its not over loaded. however once your on if you needed to leave you couldn't it was terrifying I dread to think how they safety conduct an evaluation as most were elderly and stubborn a bad mix when on a bit of any kind never going on this again until adequate seats for all or they reduce their numbers 600 was way too many people

Having booked a return trip we were only aware that we had made a mistake when the tickets arrive in the post a few days later stating coach return. We had not noticed this when we booked and it was not suitable for us. I contacted the office as soon as they were next open and asked if we could get a refund. Their policy is only to give refunds within 24 hours of the initial booking with NO flexibility and are quite rude in enforcing this. I contacted then in under a week and over 2 months before the planned trip. I have been offered a credit to spend on another trip this season but there are none in the right areas for us to get to. It seems my best option is to sell the tickets on Ebay.

I have yet to enjoy a trip on the Waverley BUT wanted to leave a review due the excellent customer service I have received. I booked a short trip but misread some details. I contacted the company, during the weekend!, and the problem was resolved and a refund made within hours. Brilliant service Can’t wait for the trip and will leave another review then

Went for a combined stag and hen do. Was absolutely fantastic. Live music, beautiful scenery, the engine room was just amazing to see! Lots of smiling faces even people waving from their windows or balconies on the banks. Please try this. It’s a day in your life you will not regret! Just pack for every eventuality - it’s Scotland after all

Paddle Steamer Waverley Cruises

Dates and times.

Sat 29 & Sun 30 Sep, 10am (2018)

Tower Millennium Pier, Lower Thames Street EC3N 4DT

The Waverley is one of the world’s greatest historic ships – the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world – magnificently restored with towering funnels, timber decks and gleaming varnish and brass. You can see and hear the mighty steam engines as they propel the paddles that take Waverley majestically through the sea.

Either chose to sail down the River Thames to spend the day in Southend, the seaside at Clacton or enjoy an afternoon cruise of the River Medway or take the kids on one-way trip packed with excitement to steam through Tower Bridge and see the highlights of the River Thames as you sail to Gravesend in Kent.

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Family travel adventures

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

• smudgedpostcard
• 10th November 2017
• Culture , days out , London , UK

Have you taken a boat trip on the River Thames? Ever since taking a tour of London’s Tower Bridge , my six year old son has been desperate to see the bridge lift, ideally from a boat-based vantage point. So a few weeks ago, thanks to a grandfather who is always keen to indulge his grandson in anything historic or river-related, we took a trip aboard the Paddle Steamer Waverley on the River Thames in London.

Our journey took us from Tower Pier, next to the Tower of London, to Gravesend in Kent. It is possible to continue on to Southend but as it was October we decided we might not be seeing the famous seaside resort at its best. It turned out that the two hour sail to Gravesend was just right although my three year old son was so captivated by the engine room that we could probably have stayed on the boat all day.

The Waverley took a while to set off, but docked at Tower Pier we had a perfect view of Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, HMS Belfast and the Shard, landmarks that my boys are currently very interested in to put it mildly.

Once we were off, we briefly headed upstream where we were assisted by a tugboat in a 180 degree turn. Due in part to the heavy bias towards transportation in my sons’ picture books, my boys loved everything about this experience. We then watched Tower Bridge lift and we sailed beneath it, much to the delight of everyone on board, especially my children.

The boys loved gazing across the river at the sights we passed. “There it is again!” they chorused as we passed Canary Wharf for the second time. I’m not sure my explanation of river formations was fully appreciated as we sailed along the meanders of the Thames. Other highlights included the Cutty Sark, the Emirates Air Line cable cars and the Thames Barrier which looked rather sinister against the overcast sky.

Once we had passed the big hitters of central London we ventured down into the bowels of the boat to explore the workings of the engine room. It is very hot and loud and the machinery is completely exposed so visitors have a clear view of the mechanics involved. It is an impressive sight.

There are port holes from which to view the paddles turning and some great views out over the river from around the engine room.

The Waverley is the last seagoing paddle steamer in the world. Aside from the Thames, you’ll find her sailing all over the U.K. including Southampton, Liverpool and the west coast of Scotland. She is owned by a charity and has been sailing since 1947 so this year marked her 70th anniversary.

The Waverley has a gift shop, several bars and a restaurant. We decided to have lunch in Gravesend so I can’t comment on the quality of the catering except to say that it doesn’t look like a gourmet experience.

Our trip was a brilliant way to understand London and its history. The shiny skyscrapers of central London gave way to docks and warehouses. Many of the warehouses are now luxury flats, others are derelict and awaiting demolition; but plenty of the docks further downstream were very much in use with rows of gigantic cranes and masses of containers awaiting transportation. The stuff of dreams for small boys…

We saw all manner of watercraft from historic ships to modern pleasure boats, container ships and water taxis. Away from the city we passed a landfill site, a vast ominous lump on the landscape with diggers working on the slopes. There was so much for the children to see and understand on the trip that the adults in our group struggled to keep up a commentary for them.

The day out has to be one of my most enjoyable London trips with my family to date. Anyone who reads my blog regularly will know we took to the water in a more modest boat on a canal , in September with equal success and enjoyment. Watching the world go by from a boat is a special kind of experience which works so well as a multi-generational family trip. For those with little legs or with legs which might be failing (or perhaps you have a foot in each of these camps), a boat trip is a great way to explore together.

We took the Tower Bridge and Thames Highlights trip which lasted 2 hours and takes you to Gravesend (there is a speedy rail link back to central London).

The cost per adult is £25, children under 18 are half price and those under 5 are free. The rail travel from Gravesend back to London is £16 if you take the high speed Javelin service (around 15 minutes) otherwise you can take the standard service at £12 (around an hour). Just make sure you buy the right ticket…

Have you taken a boat trip on the River Thames? Let me know in the comments below.

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59 thoughts on “ A boat trip on the River Thames aboard the Paddle Steamer Waverley ”

That sounds like a great way to travel! I love Tower Bridge. It’s funny I was at the restaurant at the Shard not too long ago and we were saying wouldn’t it be nice for the Tower Bridge to open. Well of course it did open while I was in the bathroom! Luckily I made it back just before it closed. #TheWeeklyPostcard.

Great timing!

What an excellent day trip. The ferry ride, going under the Tower bridge and seeing how the steamboat works – my son would love it!

This is such a brilliant trip for any transport-obsessed child!

my boys would also love to take this trip. They love as well ships and train, especially steam ones. I have noted itfor a future trip to London

Definitely do it! It is such a brilliant day out.

Omgosh this is such a better option than what we did! We took the Cyclone Clipper and hated it. It was terrible! Zooming down the Thames with no outer balcony and it was hot inside. This is definitely a to-do next time! Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard!

That’s interesting, I’ve often wondered about doing that trip, good to know!

Wow, what an awesome trip – I didn’t even know this type of tour (on a paddleboat) was available! Will definitely have to check it out next time I visit London.

Definitely plan it in advance as she doesn’t sail frequently.

This sounds like a lovely way to see the city. We went on a river cruise recently, which was fun, but this has the added bonus of being an interesting vessel. Being able to see round the engine room is a nice touch. Thanks for linking up with #CulturedKids!

We’re definitely going to take to the water again, it’s such a great way to see London.

I’m a big fan of the Waverley on the West Coast of Scotland. But the Thames, now that would be something new. #culturedkids

I’d like to try Scotland!

What a brilliant day out. I went on the Waverley over 30 years ago and loved her, this a special route and I’m heading to her website now to find out when she will paddle the route again. Thank you for linking up to #CulturedKids

This does sound like a little boy’s dream daytrip! I’m sure your kids will never forget the experience. And to do it on the last paddle steamer in the world is so cool! I’m not much of a boat person myself – for me it’s a means to an end (diving), but I do remember a very enjoyable cruise down the River Thames many years ago. I guess it’s one of those things you have to do at least once in your life when you’re in London!

Think of it as a great way to see the city rather than just a boat trip!

What a fantastic day out – I love being on the Thames and taking boat trips, although I hadn’t come across this option before. Seeing the bridge lift is a real experience too, still thrills me – despite living in London for so long, I’ve only seen it once as well. Thanks for linking up with #citytripping

Yes, we tried to see the bridge lift on lots of occasions but never been there on the right day. I expect it’s one of those things that tourists see more than the locals!

It took 2 hours one way but you can do full day trips too.

what a lot of fun!

It was, will definitely be doing it again!

What a fantastic day out. My boys would love this. We were lucky enough to see the bridge lift from dry land in the summer and they loved it but this would be even better. We are thinking of a canal boat trip. Where sis you go? #ExplorerKids

We did a canal trip from Odiham near Basingstoke, it was so relaxing and peaceful.

That looks like an amazing day. My boys would be thrilled as well! #ExplorerKids

My children have been asking about going on a boat for a long time. I shall have to look into this. Sarah #ExplorerKids

It’s totally worth doing, a great way to see London and an exciting boat to explore!

What a great way to see London at its best we would love this and to see the tower bridge open and go under it is fantasic. I will definitely check this out for when we visit Next. Mandy xx #ExplorerKids

It’s a great trip, we all loved it!

What a wonderful way to explore the Thames. I have been on the Thames many times before but never this extensively educational. This is such a great tour. I think my 6 yo boy Ethan would love it too, as well as Evelyn. I think most touristy tour operator like to opt out on the landfills bit, but I think this is a great way to learn about London as a developing city. Thank you so much or linking up with us on #ExplorerKids I really enjoyed reading your post and that hope you can join us again tomorrow! 🙂 xx

How my boys, and girl, would love that! I used to live in London but only ever saw Tower Bridge open a handful of times in my seven years there. What a fabulous thing to see it open from the water! The Waverley is going on my London bucket list this very minute! Popping over belatedly from #ExplorerKids

I’ve decided travelling by boat is my preferred mode of sightseeing!

It was great to read this. Many years ago, when I was a child I sailed on The Waverley in Scotland. It was wonderful and I was very proud to have been on the last sea going paddle steamer in the world.

I’d love to sail on her in Scotland.

Yes, it’s definitely my favourite way to sightsee with my kids!

I’ve been to London about a million times but never been on a tug boat up the Thames yet. It’s such a brilliant way to see so many landmarks in one go!

That looks like such a fun excursion! I have discovered London in many ways, but never from the water. #WanderfulWednesday

Definitely take a trip on the Thames, it gives a totally different perspective to the city.

What a fun experience for kids. I know my kids would love this. They are also crazy about boats. #wanderfulwednesday

For kids and adults alike!

I love boat trips down the Thames – they are just the best way to see the ciry. However this one trumps them all. Seeing the engine is the icing on the cake! #FamilyTravelTips

Yes, it’s such a lovely way to travel!

This is such a fun alternative way to see London! I love zipping down the Thames as you get to see London from a quieter way 🙂

I love sightseeing by boat and even more so, if the boat comes with history! Adding this to my never-ending London bucket list 🙂

It’s such a relaxing way of sightseeing and a great way of showing the kids the sights of London without them having to walk for miles!

What a lovely and unique way to see the sights of London. And I had no idea there was a paddle boat! Perfect for any kid who loves modes of transport. #familytraveltips

Yes, I’d like to sail on the boat elsewhere in the UK next time!

Oh, this looks amazing! Definitely something to go on my list of things to do in London. I have never seen the bridge to up either, pretty sure the children would enjoy it but I definitely would! Thanks for linking up to #familytraveltips Nat.x

We’d tried for years to see the bridge lift, amazing how hard it is to be there at the right moment!

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Oh how fun!! We took the Clipper down the Thames but that was terrible. This would have been much more exciting! #FarawayFiles

I’ve tried to book on to the Waverley before (to see the sea forts) but the dates are very restricted and never quite work out. Having just looked on their website it’s amazing how many other places it sails from/to! #farawayfiles

Yes, I was impressed by the range of itineraries. I’m hoping we’ll go on it again next year.

This is such a brilliant idea for a day out, Annabel! You’ve really inspired me. I know my boys would absolutely love to see Tower Bridge opening up for them and I’ve not heard of The Waverley before. Fantastic share for #FarawayFiles

It is a really brilliant day out and such a great way to learn about London. We need to book another trip!

Such a lovely day out, very relaxing and gives you a different perspective on your surroundings.

It brought back memories of when my Dad worked on the tugs on the River Thames #farawayfiles

Wow, that must have been an interesting job!

Oh yes! Perfection. Love seeing a city from the water and I can only imagine the delight on your dear littles faces. Love that it is perfect for multi-generations as well. How very special to connect to the history and experience together. Thanks so much for sharing with #FarawayFiles!

Boat trips are my fav activity for multi gen outings!

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