Waverley paddle steamer celebrates 80th anniversary

The Waverley, the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer, celebrated its 80th anniversary with a special voyage through London’s Tower Bridge on October 2, 2026. The historic vessel passed through the bridge on the River Thames as part of an anniversary cruise that continued toward Gravesend and Southend.

Launched in Glasgow on October 2, 1946, by A&J Inglis for the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER), the ship entered service in June 1947. After being retired from commercial service, the vessel was sold to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society for £1 in 1974. Since 1975, it has operated as a heritage vessel, carrying more than six million passengers on a not-for-profit basis.

Currently owned and operated by the Waverley Steam Navigation Co Ltd, a registered charity, the British-registered ship can carry up to 750 passengers. While it continues to perform regular sailings from locations such as Kilcreggan, there are ongoing hopes for its return to Helensburgh once the local pier is refurbished.