PADDLE STEAMER WAVERLEY SET FOR RETURN TO THE SOUTH COAST AND ISLE OF WIGHT

Waverley, the World’s last seagoing paddle steamer, will return to the South Coast and Isle of Wight from Monday 1st September until Sunday 21st September, offering an exciting programme of cruises from ports and piers including Portsmouth, Southampton, Swanage, Weymouth, Poole, Gosport, Shoreham, Eastbourne, as well as Yarmouth and Ryde on the Isle of Wight.

Captain Dominic McCall, Waverley’s Master, commented: “We are delighted to bring Waverley back to the South Coast and Isle of Wight again this September. Cruising round the Island is always a memorable experience, and this year we are especially looking forward to the 70th anniversary celebration with SS Shieldhall, as well as our connections with the Swanage Railway and Isle of Wight Steam Railway which give passengers the chance to enjoy a full steam day out by paddle steamer and by steam train.”

Taking a cruise aboard Waverley as she steams round the Isle of Wight remains a highlight for many, with breath-taking views of Alum Bay, the Needles Rocks and Lighthouse, St Catherine’s Lighthouse, and the island’s coastal towns including Shanklin, Sandown and Cowes. This year’s dates for steaming round the Island are September 3rd, 4th, 6th, 10th, 13th, 14th and 20th.

On Wednesday 3rd September, passengers can join Waverley at Yarmouth for a special evening sunset cruise to Swanage, taking in the famous Needles Lighthouse and Hurst Castle. Every Friday throughout the visit, on 5th, 12th and 19th September, she will sail from Portsmouth, Southampton and Yarmouth to cruise along the Isle of Wight coastline, rounding the Needles and passing Freshwater Bay. These sailings will feature a special “Seniors Bring a Friend Half Fare” offer, adding even more appeal.

On Tuesday 9th September, Waverley will set course from Swanage, Weymouth and Poole to steam along Dorset’s dramatic Jurassic Coast, with spectacular views of Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and Portland Bill. Seniors will again be able to take advantage of the Half Fare offer on this memorable sailing.

Saturday 13th September will see Waverley celebrate the 70th Anniversary of SS Shieldhall. This unique occasion will bring both steamships together in the Solent for a celebratory sailing alongside eachother, with plenty of steam whistle salutes to mark the event.

In celebration of Railway 200, marking 200 years of the modern railway, Waverley will also connect with two heritage railway lines – the Swanage Railway and the Isle of Wight Steam Railway – giving passengers the chance to enjoy the ultimate steam day out, combining travel by paddle steamer and steam train.

Once aboard Waverley passengers can savour the sight and sound of a real steamship – hear the telegraph ring, visit the Engine Room and watch the engine start to move and see the paddles turning through the portholes. With full catering facilities available throughout all cruises, passengers can enjoy a hot or cold snack, tea and cake in the afternoon, a hot meal in the Dining Saloon or a refreshment in one of the period lounges, as well as a visit to the Souvenir Shop to take home an exclusive gift or memento of their trip on this famous and much-loved ship.

Following her time on the South Coast and Isle of Wight, Waverley will continue her 2025 programme by offering cruises on the Thames from Tuesday 23rd September until Sunday 12th October. Sailings will depart from London Tower Pier, Gravesend, Southend, Clacton, Folkestone, Ipswich, Rochester, Southwold and Whitstable.

Tickets for all sailings can be booked in advance at waverleyexcursions.co.uk or by calling the booking office on 0141 243 2224. Tickets can also be purchased on board Waverley. Kids go for £1 on selected sailings.

Waverley was built in Glasgow for the London and North Eastern Railway, launched in October 1946, and entered service on 16th June 1947.

• Waverley is the World’s last seagoing paddle steamer and was gifted to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society in 1974 for £1.

• Since 1975 she has operated in preservation carrying over 6 million passengers, visiting several areas of the UK offering a variety of day, afternoon, and evening cruises. The ship is operated on a ‘not-for-profit’ basis and owned by Waverley Steam Navigation Co. Ltd, a Registered Charity (SC005832).

• The steamer is British Registered for up to 750 passengers and is fully restored to her original 1940s style.

• Waverley was included within the 2023 ‘The Times listing of ‘Seven of the UK’s best boat trips’.

• Sir Timothy Laurence, husband of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, is Patron of Waverley.

• A recent independent Economic Impact Assessment put Waverley’s contribution to the UK economy at £11.6 million showing an increase of over 100% on a similar assessment 8 years previous.