Waverley Excursions

Waverley Excursions and the last seagoing paddle steamer

Waverley Excursions Ltd. operates the Paddle Steamer Waverley, presented on its own website as the world's last seagoing paddle steamer. The vessel, built in 1946 at the A.&J. Inglis Pointhouse shipyard in Glasgow, was launched on 2 October that year by Lady Matthews, wife of the chairman of the London & North Eastern Railway (LNER), and entered service on 16 June 1947. The ship is owned by a registered charity and operated on a not-for-profit basis in association with the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society.

Sailing areas and season

The company schedules its cruises across distinct geographical areas. For 2026, sailings are listed for London and the Thames Estuary, as well as Glasgow and the Clyde Coast in its autumn season. The website indicated that passenger service would continue until Sunday 18 October, which would be the longest operational season in more than a decade. Outline dates for each sailing area are published on the timetables page.

Among the stops listed in the programme are Tower Pier and Limehouse Landing in London, Gravesend, Southend, Clacton, Rochester, Eastbourne Pier and Newhaven Harbour. The company noted that in September 2026 Waverley embarked passengers at the East Sussex port for the first time since the 1980s.

Excursions and experiences on board

The offering combines daytime crossings with afternoon and evening cruises. The programme includes steamship parades, such as the one held on the River Medway alongside the Steam Tug Challenge, and evening cruises on the Thames passing under the illuminated Tower Bridge. Some itineraries include time ashore and coach connections for passengers' return.

The ship has a steam engine, self-service restaurant, heated lounges and a souvenir shop. The company also sells merchandise, books, clothing, DVDs and gift vouchers through its online shop.

Groups, events and private use

Waverley is offered as a space for groups of between 10 and 700 people, allowing it to be used as an events venue. The company also offers exclusive hire of the vessel, organisation of fundraising cruises, coach tours and filming of audiovisual productions on board.

Bookings and customer service

Tickets can be purchased online or through the booking office, and the company itself recommends advance booking on all cruises. The office can be contacted by telephone and email, and the registered office of Waverley Excursions Ltd. and Waverley Steam Navigation Co. Ltd. is at Lancefield Quay, Glasgow.

Fuel surcharge and cost pressures

The website reported the application of a fuel surcharge on adult and senior fares, with no fuel charge added to child fares. The surcharge in force at the time of consultation was £3 for fares of £52 or under and £5 for fares of £53 or over. The company justified the measure by rising fuel costs: keeping the steamer in operation cost between £14 and £15 per minute, with an increase of more than £3,500 per day compared to 2025 and an estimated additional cost of more than £350,000 over the 2026 season.

Preservation and organisational structure

The company is seeking an operations director with experience in the maritime sector to lead the safe operation, maintenance and long-term preservation of the vessel. The role, based in Glasgow with activity both ashore and on board, reflects the management model of a historic vessel supported by a charity and a preservation society.

Location and contact

36 Lancefield Quay, Glasgow G3 8HA · Telephone: 0141 243 2224 · Email: info@waverleyexcursions.co.uk