Paddle Steamer Waverley is today, Friday 2nd October 2026, celebrating a phenomenal 80 years since she was first launched into the River Kelvin, Glasgow. This anniversary is particularly significance given how few steam ships have ever had a career that spanned eight decades.

The World’s last seagoing paddle steamer made a spectacular passage through London’s Tower Bridge shortly after 9.30am this morning, as part of a special anniversary sailing on the River Thames. She will continue downriver today, visiting Gravesend and Southend before undertaking a cruise of the historic Thames Forts.

Waverley was launched at Pointhouse Yard of A&J Inglis in Glasgow on 2nd October 1946 by Lady Matthews, wife of the Chairman of the London & North Eastern Railway (LNER). She entered service the following year on 16 June 1947, beginning a remarkable career that would see her become one of the most recognisable historic vessels in the world.

At her launch in Glasgow, Lady Matthews spoke of “the splendour of the Clyde coast scenery”, which she said, “should be viewed from steamers like this.” Among those joining Waverley for her 80th anniversary celebrations today is David Horne, Managing Director of LNER, recognising that Waverley was the last steamer build for the old LNER, who also operated The Flying Scotsman.

Reflecting the long-standing connection between the railway company and the paddle steamer it commissioned 80 years ago. Paul Semple, General Manager of Waverley Excursions, said: “Waverley reaching her 80th anniversary is a remarkable achievement and one that everyone connected with the ship can be incredibly proud of. She was built to serve the Clyde coast and, 80 years later, she continues to give tens of thousands of people the opportunity to experience the joy of travelling by steam.”

“From her early beginnings with LNER to her survival as a working paddle steamer after being gifted for £1 to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society, Waverley has become much more than a ship. She is a living piece of maritime history and a much-loved part of our national heritage.”

“It is particularly special to be celebrating her 80th anniversary here in London, sailing through Tower Bridge, while also looking ahead to returning home to the Clyde for the final sailings of our anniversary season.”

To mark the milestone, a new book, ‘Waverley 80 Years of Pleasure’, has also been complied by historian Iain Quinn. The book celebrates Waverley’s extraordinary 80-year story, from her launch and early career through to her preservation and continued life as a working passenger ship.

Following today’s anniversary celebrations, Waverley will continue sailing on the River Thames until Sunday 11th October, before returning to Scotland for the final weekend of her 2026 anniversary season.

Waverley will return to Glasgow and the Clyde coast for two final sailings on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October, bringing her 80th anniversary season to a close on her home waters.

Tickets for Waverley’s remaining 2026 sailings are available online at waverleyexcursions.co.uk or by calling 0141 243 2224.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

• In 2026, Paddle Steamer Waverley marks 80 years since her launch on 2nd October 1946. This milestone will be followed on 16th June 2027 by the 80th anniversary of Waverley’s maiden voyage, when she entered service in 1947.

• In each of the past three consecutive summer seasons Waverley has attracted over 150,000 passengers reaffirming the affection towards the historic steamer.

• 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.

• 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.

Please direct any questions to Samuel Brown, Marketing Manager, by emailing marketing@waverleyexcursions.co.uk or call 0141 243 2224.

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