The world's last seagoing paddle steamer will return to Southend Pier later this month for a programme of cruises along the Thames and surrounding waterways.
Paddle steamer Waverley is scheduled to operate from Southend between Friday 25 September and Sunday 11 October 2026, offering a mixture of day, afternoon and evening sailings.
The programme includes journeys through central London, cruises past the Thames sea forts and trips exploring the Rivers Medway and Blackwater.
Tower Bridge and Thames cruises
Passengers will be able to cruise the River Thames and pass beneath Tower Bridge twice on 25 September, 4 October and 8 October.
Twinkling Thames evening cruises featuring floodlit Tower Bridge are listed for 25, 26, 27 and 29 September, followed by further departures on 2, 10 and 11 October.
Other sailings will allow passengers to travel under Tower Bridge before cruising along the Thames on 26, 27 and 30 September and 2 and 10 October.
Southend will also feature in cruises to the Red Sands and Shivering Sands sea forts on 27 September and 10 October. A longer Thames forts sailing on 2 October will add Knock John to the route.
Radio Caroline and Medway sailings
The programme includes a Radio Caroline 1960s cruise on 28 September and a voyage along the River Blackwater and around MV Ross Revenge, the former trawler that became Radio Caroline's radio ship.
On 26 September, Waverley is scheduled to cruise the River Medway and view preserved paddle steamer Medway Queen. A further River Medway cruise will operate on the Thames season's final day, 11 October.
The published timetable also includes calls connecting Southend with locations such as London Tower Pier, Gravesend, Tilbury, Clacton and Whitstable. Passengers should check individual journeys carefully because some options are sold as one-way trips rather than return cruises.
Waverley marks 80 years since launch
This year's visit comes during an important anniversary season for Waverley. The vessel was launched on the Clyde on 2 October 1946 and completed her maiden voyage on 16 June 1947.
Built for the London and North Eastern Railway, she is now the world's last operational seagoing paddle steamer and forms part of the UK National Historic Fleet.
The 2 October sailing from Southend coincides with the 80th anniversary of her launch. Waverley Excursions says the 2026 programme will be the ship's longest operational season in well over a decade, continuing elsewhere until 18 October.
Advance booking is recommended, particularly for weekend and special-event sailings. Exact departure times, fares and return arrangements vary by date and are available from Waverley Excursions.