🗓️ Sunday 3rd – Wednesday 20th September 2023
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.
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.






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

Swanage Timetable
Whether you want to book tickets or simply catch a glimpse from the pier of this striking historic vessel, here are the dates and times she’ll be calling at Swanage:
- Sunday 3rd September – To Bournemouth Air Festival + meet Steamship Shieldhall. Depart Swanage 12.30pm, return 5.10pm
- Tuesday 5th September – Swanage to Ryde, or cruise No Man’s Land, Horse Sand Forts & Sandown Bay. Depart 11.05am, return 6.30pm
- Thursday 7th September – Cruise Jurassic Coast and Lulworth Cove. Depart Swanage 1.40pm, return 4.30pm
- Sunday 10th September – Cruise the Jurassic Coast, viewing Lulworth Cove & Durdle Door. Departing 1.40pm, returning 4.30pm
- Tuesday 12th September – To Yarmouth, or steam around the Isle of Wight. Depart 10.50am, return 7pm
- Thursday 14th September – Cruise along the Jurassic Coast to Lulworth Cove. Depart 1.40pm & 4.30pm
- Sunday 17th September – Cruise the Jurassic Coast viewing Lulworth Cove & Durdle Door. Depart 1.40pm, return 4.30pm
- Wednesday 20th September – Jurassic Coast and Lulworth Cove cruise. Departing Swanage 1.40pm, returning 4.30pm
Please ensure you arrive at the ship 10 minutes before your departure time.
View the full South Coast & Isle of Wight timetable (PDF file) for this September, or check out the entire programme for 2023 via Waverley’s official website.
Tickets
Book your tickets direct with Waverley online, where you can filter by departure point, destination and date:
- Prices range from £21.50 – £49
- Children aged 5 – 16 can travel for £1 on certain journeys
- Children under 5 travel for free
- Discounts are available for NHS & care workers (15% discount, excluding Saturdays)
- Discounts available for senior citizens
- Some sailings are dog-friendly, at an additional £5

Contact
Explore the website or get in touch with Waverley Excursions for further information:
- Email: info@waverleyexcursions.co.uk
- Phone: 0141 243 2224