Paddle Steamer Waverley to return to Gravesend 

The Paddle Steamer Waverley was first launched in 1946 and was built in Glasgow to serve the London and North Eastern Railway.

The steamer is famously known to be the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer and was gifted to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society in 1974 for just £1.

The Paddle Steamer Waverley was first launched in 1946. (Image: Waverley Excursions) On board, passengers can see the interiors of this historic paddle steamer, including the Engine Room where passengers can witness the engine in motion.

There’s even a Dining Saloon on board where you can get food and drinks and even order an afternoon tea, along with a souvenir shop where you can pick up mementos from your trip.

This autumn, from September 27 until October 13, this iconic paddle steamer will be making a return to Gravesend in Kent and will be running a line-up of nostalgic trips and themed cruises. This autumn, this iconic paddle steamer will be making a return to Gravesend in Kent. (Image: Waverley Excursions) Back for 2024, the paddle steamer will be hosting a number of trips sailing up the River Thames, including a Swinging Sixties Pirate Radio Cruise on October 6, where guests can dance along to music from the 60s, along with DJ performances and a close-up look at the historic Thames Fort.

The Waverley will also be running trips where guests can steam up the River Thames at dusk, passing well-known sights like the Isle of Dogs, the O2 Arena and Greenwich, before arriving at Tower Bridge which will open to allow the Waverley to pass underneath.

The Waverley will also be running trips where guests can steam up the River Thames at dusk, passing underneath Tower Bridge. (Image: Waverley Excursions) The historic paddle steamer will also be making a special trip to the Essex coast and around the Principality of Sealand on October 8.

During the trip, guests will have a chance to see the sights of the Essex coast and to meet Prince Michael of Sealand, who will give a commentary of this impressive maritime structure, along with DJs from Pirate Radio Essex.

The lineup will conclude on October 13 with a Historic Shops Parade, where the 78-year-old paddle steamer will be joined by other historic vessels including Steam Tug Challenge.

On board, passengers can see the interiors of this historic paddle steamer, including the Engine Room. (Image: Waverley Excursions) Captain Dominic McCall shared his excitement: “Waverley’s return to London and the Thames Estuary is always a special occasion, and this year is particularly significant. We’re offering more special event cruises than ever before, allowing passengers to experience Waverley while enjoying one-of-a-kind sailing.

“From historic anniversaries to pirate radio, there’s something for everyone onboard Waverley. We look forward to welcoming both locals and visitors for what promises to be an unforgettable series of cruises.”

The lineup will conclude on October 13 with a Historic Shops Parade, where the 78-year-old paddle steamer will be joined by other historic vessels. (Image: Waverley Excursions) Tickets can be booked online or by phone starting from £43 for adults and £21.50 for children.