The world's oldest seagoing paddle steamer is coming to the Thames

The Waverley is the world’s last ever seagoing paddle steamer and has sailed UK waters for eight decades. Launched on the River Clyde in 1946, it was built to replace the 1899 Waverley that sank at Dunkirk. The ship will celebrate its 80th birthday with visits to the Thames Estuary between September 24 and October 11, departing from Essex, Sussex, Kent, Norfolk, Suffolk, and London. Ship spotters can board at London Tower Pier near Tower Hill Underground. On board, visitors can explore the engine room, hear the telegraph ring, and watch the paddles turn, with period lounges, catering, and a souvenir shop. An evening return cruise from Gravesend under Tower Bridge (twice) costs £57 for an adult. The anniversary season also includes routes to multiple UK coastal regions and ports.

"Launched on Glasgow's River Clyde in 1946, The Waverley is a steamship which has been chugging across UK waters for the past eight decades. The old girl was built to replace the 1899 Waverley that sank at Dunkirk and she was dubbed a 'vessel of pre-eminent national importance' in 2003."

"Now, to celebrate her 80th birthday, she'll be making waves in the Big Smoke. The Waverley will visit the Thames Estuary as part of her anniversary season between September 24 and October 11, with departure points in Essex, Sussex, Kent, Norfolk, Suffolk and, of course, London."

"On board, you'll be able to explore the engine room, hear the telegraph ring and watch the paddles turn. The ship, which looks just as she did when she first set sail thanks to a £1.5 million winter refit, also has full catering, period lounges, and a souvenir shop."

"If you thought the old steamer would rest once she'd made the trip daan saaf, think again. During her anniversary season, she'll also be making visits to the Clyde Coast, Inner Hebrides, South Cornwall and South Devon, Bristol Channel and South Wales, South Coast and Isle of Wight, North Wales, and the Mersey."

Read at Time Out London