PS Waverley Cruises SEPTEMBER 2026

🗓️ Friday 4th – Sunday 20th September 2026 (Selected Dates)

The last seagoing paddle steamer in the world

Step aboard the majestic Waverley from Swanage Pier for a memorable day out on the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer this September.

  • Waverley in Swanage Bay
  • Passengers aboard Waverley at Swanage Pier
  • Paddle steamer Waverley preparing to leave Swanage Pier
  • Paddle steamer The Waverley passing Swanage's old pier

This famous vessel, built in 1946, is named after Sir Walter Scott’s Waverley novels and has been fully restored over the years and returned to service so that passengers can continue to enjoy the unique experience she offers.

PS Waverley will once again be visiting the Purbeck coastline this year as part of her South Coast & Isle of Wight sailings, with Swanage Pier one of its 50 departure points around the UK.

Carrying up to 860 passengers, Waverley is fully steam-powered and was built to replace the 1899 Clyde steamer Waverley which served as a minesweeper during WWI and was sunk by enemy action at Dunkirk in 1940.

She has carried over 6 million passengers to date.

Take a short cruise around the Jurassic Coast to Lulworth Cove or across the water to the Isle of Wight, or simply admire the historic steamship from Swanage Pier.

PS Waverley arriving at Swanage Pier
'Waverley' painted paddle box
The twin funnels of PS Waverley docked at Swanage Pier
Passengers aboard paddle steamer Waverley in Swanage Bay
PS Waverley at Swanage Pier and Ballard Down headland
Passengers disembarking paddle steamer Waverley at Swanage Pier

On Board

Sailing on Waverley is a great experience for the whole family.

Step aboard – and back in time – as you watch the dramatic Jurassic coastline from the deck, relax in the comfort of the heated period lounges, and enjoy historic quirks such as sending a postcard from the on-board Victorian postbox.

  • Refreshments & Catering – Enjoy a meal in the Dining Saloon on the main deck, a sandwich or snack in the Caledonia Tea Bar on the promenade deck, or relax with a drink in hand at either the period Jeanie Deans Lounge or the Talisman Bar
  • Steam Engine – View the 2100 horsepower, triple expansion reciprocating steam engine in action
  • Souvenir Shop – Purchase a memento of your journey – there’s lots of Waverley souvenirs to choose from, including stationery, books, apparel, postcards, gift vouchers and other memorabilia. Merchandise is also available to buy online from Waverley’s website
Paddle Steamer Waverley in Swanage Bay

Swanage Timetable for 2026

Whether you want to book tickets or simply catch a glimpse from the pier of this striking historic vessel, here are the dates she’ll be calling at Swanage:

  • Friday 4th September
  • Sunday 6th September
  • Monday 7th September
  • Wednesday 9th September
  • Friday 11th September
  • Sunday 13th September
  • Wednesday 16th September
  • Thursday 17th September
  • Sunday 20th September

Please see the below timetables for full details and timings:

South Coast timetable 2026 - Waverley
South Coast & IoW timetable 2026 - Waverley
Twin funnels of PS Waverley

Tickets

Book your tickets direct with Waverley, where you can filter by departure point, destination and date.

You can book tickets online via Waverley Excursions: https://waverleyexcursions.co.uk or by calling the booking office on 0141 243 2224.

People boarding paddle steamer Waverley in Swanage

Contact

Explore the website or get in touch with Waverley Excursions for further information:

  • Email: info@waverleyexcursions.co.uk
  • Phone: 0141 243 2224
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