waverley boat trips glasgow

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Paddle Steamer Waverley

Sail aboard the famous Paddle Steamer Waverley for a memorable day at sea on Scotland's beautiful West Coast. Experience the sights, sounds and thrills of travelling on the last seagoing Paddle Steamer in the World, amidst glorious Scottish scenery.

Welcome aboard the famous Paddle Steamer Waverley to enjoy an unforgettable day at sea! Built in 1947, our magnificent steamship cruises the waters of the West Coast of Scotland, linking Glasgow, Greenock and Largs with the beautiful islands, lochs and Highland villages around the Firth of Clyde and West Highlands. Onboard you will experience the power and majesty of Waverley’s giant steam engine, see her paddle wheels turn, listen to their rhythmic beat and hear her melodic steam whistle as she glides between piers and harbours. See her engineers skilfully operating her steam engine whilst her officers and crew expertly navigate her from the bridge. Paddle steamers first sailed on the Clyde in 1812 and Waverley continues the traditions of her predecessors.

Explore Waverley's extensive open decks, admire the shining brasses, marvel at her towering funnels and polished wooden handrails and feel the wind in your face as she effortlessly cruises through time. You can even send a postcard from Waverley’s Victorian post-box! 

Eating and drinking aboard is part of the Waverley experience. You can enjoy lunch or dinner in our traditional dining saloon and relax in the comfortable period lounges beautifully restored to their original nineteen forties style. Our friendly stewards and catering crew look forward to welcoming you.

Waverley offers a great way to see wildlife. Bring your binoculars to spot birdlife, seals and porpoises. You might even see our beautiful dolphins as they escort the ship around the Clyde!

And at the end of your journey, you can take home an exclusive Waverley gift from the on-board shop - Waverley has her own range of souvenirs, sweets and chocolate!

Waverley is owned by a Registered Charity and by sailing aboard this magnificent ship, the last seagoing paddle steamer in the World, you are helping to ensure that Waverley can continue to sail for many years to come.

Waverley sails from her base at Glasgow Science Centre on the Firth of Clyde, from late May until August and from Oban in May and June. Waverley also operates elsewhere in the British Isles, including on the Bristol Channel, England's scenic South Coast and the famous River Thames - see our website for full details.

Transport and Parking

• On Public Transport Route
• Public Parking Nearby
• No Pets Allowed

Accessibility

• Suitable for visitors with limited mobility
• Level Access
• Accessible toilets
• Wheelchair access throughout
• Level access to dining room, cafe or restaurant
• Partial wheelchair access
• Level access to all public areas
• Partially suitable for visitors with limited mobility

Typical Prices

• Baby Changing Facilities
• Lunch Available
• Breakfast Available
• Licensed Bar
• Catering Available
• Picnic Area
• Evening Meal Available

Payment Methods

• Credit Card
• Internet Banking Transfer

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Waverley Excursions

Location & Hours

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Waverley Terminal

36 Lancefield Quay

Glasgow G3 8HA

United Kingdom

Finnieston, West End

About the Business

Paddle Steamer Waverley is the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world. Magnificently restored with towering funnels, timber decks, gleaming varnish and brass. See and hear the mighty engines - they will provide a whiff of nostalgia for some but are sure to impress all! Each year, Waverley starts her season sailing amidst the stunning scenery of the Western Isles; she visits the Bristol Channel; spends the summer exploring the West Coast of Scotland before moving to the South Coast of England in September and London and the Thames in October. With Day, Afternoon and Evening Cruises to choose from - bring along friends and family, both young and old, for daytrip to remember. There is something to suit every taste and pocket. …

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ABANDONED. DANGEROUS COMPANY! 70 people including elderly, disabled and children abandoned in Minehead after an organised trip off the boat. All left for over 2 hours with no contact from the boat after a coach failed to pick everyone up. We're then left to find own way back to Penarth from Minehead at own cost. Absolutely disgusting, traumatising and dangerous. This company should not be allowed to run! Do not book!

A last minute booking on the Thames cruise aboard the Waverley. What a magnificent sight was this paddle steamer berthed by Tower Bridge. Quick cup of coffee, as we were early, before boarding. Even though there 'seemed' a load of people, space was no problem. Plenty of places to sit either on deck or below. The experience started at 9.30 am. As a tug turned this great steamer around and then we were off. Can't beat seeing that great London Tower Bridge being raised. Passing underneath with a courteous blast to say thank you. The trip along the Thames was so interesting and supplemented by the descriptions and interesting facts across the ships speakers. Arrived, dead on time, at 1.30 at Southend pier for our break before returning. Bars and dining rooms were always busy but never a long wait. Why rush anyway. Interesting, as the sun went down, to see the lights along the river. A river I was bought up along all my life and the changes are outstanding. The finale, a lit up Tower Bridge opening. A fantastic day out. Looking forward to seeing The Waverley next year for another, maybe different, cruise. Finally, Thank you to the Captain and all his crew. Everyone worked so hard to make our day special.

Picking us up from Southend pier

Living in a house overlooking the Firth of Clyde in Dunoon for the past two decades, it would be hard to not take notice of the Waverley - the world's last seagoing paddle steamer - as she sails past in the summer time. Living in such a location may sound like paradise to some people, but unfortunately it's quite hard for me to say anything positive about Dunoon having lived here for so long. Whatever your opinion is on Dunoon, undoutedly the best way to get there is by travelling all the way from Glasgow on the Waverley. Not only that, you can travel from Glasgow to locations all over the place - Helensburgh, Tarbert, the Isles of Mull, Bute and Arran to name but a few, taking you through some beautiful scenery along the west coast of Scotland. The excursions naturally run only in the summer months, with the odd exception. I cannot emphasise strongly enough how enjoyable a trip it is though, especially in warm and sunny weather. It was especially enjoyable for me when I sailed to Rothesay, where you get to see the Firth of Clyde from a totally different view than you would just driving along the coast. Being on a paddle steamer - a working one at that - is a truly unique experience. Sitting out on deck on the Waverley is completely different to that on one of the local ferries. For many people, a real highlight is being able to pop downstairs to the engine room - it really is a sight to behold to watch these huge, powerful pistons in action, driving the ship along - even the smell is very evocative. The Waverley is a big ship and includes a lounge, bar and tearoom as well as a large amount of space on deck. It runs just about very day of the summer season as well and is relatively inexpensive, so there's no excuse for not checking it out. All in all, travelling on the Waverley is a truly unique experience and the fact that you can travel on it the whole way up the Clyde right out of Glasgow makes it even more ideal. Superb.

Glasgow is known for its steamers, but this ship is without a doubt the biggest steamer in the city! The Waverley is in fact the biggest and only paddle steamer of its kind left in the world. Built in 1946, it somehow has the attributes of imperialist travelling of the industrial era, and indeed is one of the few existing and working homages to the industry the Clyde has seen over the years. The Waverley rarely operates outside summer season, but should you chance to be in Glasgow when she sails you will be in for a treat. Taking off from just outside the Science Centre, The Waverley cuts the water of the Clyde from Glasgow right down to the Clyde mouth at Kilcreggan, Dunoon, Rothesay and even as far out as Brodick on Arran. It's a wonderul alternative to sightseeing in the region and for locals, it can give a wonderfully new perspective of the city seen from the water. Once you race out of the city, you are hit with a wave of sea air and serenity, making it a great day out for family and friends of all ages. It's a sensational way to see the West of Scotland in all its panoramic glory, and a good way to decipher where the different towns are in the Inverclyde region. There are open decks to sit out on and viewing rooms downstairs where kids stare enthralled at the ship's inner workings. Since The Waverley has become a Glasgow institution over the years she should be marked down on your wishlist when visiting here, and definitely experienced at least once if you live close by. She's now a world famous ship celebrity and we are lucky to still have her on our banks. Since she has not been called off to distant shores I would recommend that people make use of the wonderful day out you experience when travelling down the Clyde on her!

The Waverley coming home, taken from baaker2009's Flickr page

Dwarfed by the QE2, taken from Sea Pigeon's Flickr photostream

This is an amazing experience for all ages and I cannot recommend it highly enough. The boat itself is beautiful and one can only imagine it in its heyday, full of travellers visiting far off places. Today, The Waverley is kept in immaculate condition from the gleaming brass and copper to the neat manicured timbers - and it's all on show - even the impressive engine room with its pistons and valves pumping away. We took a day trip up the Clyde and out past Greenock, Dunoon, Cumbrae and onto Ayr, Girvan and Ailsa Craig - a full 9 hours in total. Despite some lively seas, the boat was very steady and the crew looked after us very well. There is a lovely tea room on board, a full dining saloon and a bar or two as well! One tip, wrap up wam as the best experience is to be up on deck and it can get a bit breezy!!

Since I only ever caught the Waverley for an afternoon trip from Bute, I can't comment on it as anything other than a pleasure steamer. However, I enjoyed being cruised around the islands, moving at a steady pace and feeling far more comfortable than on any modern ship. There is an excitement about catching the Waverley that goes beyond most trips: it is part of history, and I was enthralled when I sat and watched the turbines and pistons work their magic. The best part of the journey was standing in the engine room. Preserved by enthusiasts, the Waverley is one of the few things that shows pride in Glasgow's past: apart from token gestures by the city, there is little that celebrates Glasgow's former shipyards and industry- most of the time, the past is merely something to be plundered and updated. This excursion, however, embraces its elegance and style.

This steamer was due to leave Worthing Pier yesterday, but as per previous outings.it didn't show up!! Apparently skipper decided to remain in Portsmouthdue to breezy conditions!! ? Fair weather sailor!! The last time I booked.the ship never stopped at Worthing! Tried to, but got a fouled lineso all of us that had waited for an overdue ship didn't go anywhere!! How disappointing. Many of us won't bother re-booking..

I've been on the Balmoral three times but only on the crossing from Penarth to Ilfracombe in the Bristol Channel. While the boat is beautifully restored and it's a great way to see the coastline of Wales and England, I thought the trip was overpriced and overcrowded with people each time. I don't know if it's the same on the other cruise routes, or on the sister boat, the Waverley, but I felt there were far too many people allowed on board. It was extremely difficult to find anywhere to sit and moving around the boat was horrible as we jostled with the crowd. Of course, it didn't help that, all three times, the majority was drunk. Most of them started drinking in Penarth before we even got on board and they continued to drink on the crossing in the bar. In Ilfracombe they piled into the pubs getting tanked up for the journey back. On the return trip it was truly awful and we couldn't wait to get off the boat. If you dislike being in a noisy crowd, this is not the trip for you!

The Balmoral in the Bristol Channel

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Waverley Excursions - Paddle Steamer 'Waverley', Glasgow

About PS Waverley

Named after Sir Walter Scott’s first novel, Paddle Steamer Waverley was built on the Clyde.  Waverley ’s keel was laid on December 27, 1945 but due to material shortages after the war, she was not ready for launch until October 2, 1946.  It wasn’t until the following year on January 20, 1947 that she was towed to Greenock for the installation of her boiler and engines.  Finally she made her maiden voyage on June 16, 1947 and started what was to become a very long career.

Waverley was originally intended to sail only between Craigendoran & Arrochar in West Scotland. She now sails right round Britain offering regular trips on the Clyde, the Thames, South Coast of England and the Bristol Channel with calls at Liverpool & Llandudno.

Waverley is the world’s last sea-going paddle steamer. In 1975, at the end of her working life, she was famously gifted for £1 to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society. Waverley Steam Navigation Co. Ltd, a charity registered in Scotland, was set up to operate the ship.  Waverley then began a second career as one of the country’s best-loved tourist attractions. Since she has been in operational preservation she has been awarded four stars by Visit Scotland, an engineering heritage award, and has carried over 6 million passengers from over 60 ports around the UK.

2003 saw the completion of a major restoration project, which returned Waverley to the original 1940s style in which she was built. This was made possible with major grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the PSPS.  Contributions also came from Glasgow City Council, Scottish Enterprise Glasgow, the European Regional Development Fund and local authorities.

2017 marked 70 years since Waverley ’s maiden voyage on 16 June, 1947.

--------------------------------- The Waverley Academy

The Waverley Academy seeks to engage students in a unique way, provide them with hands-on experience and inspire them to progress careers in the marine industry. The Academy serves to preserve traditional skills which were once in abundance in the West of Scotland, along with providing training suitable for a 21st century environment.

The Academy comprises four distinct parts: - the Deck Training Academy - the Engineering Initiative - fairly extensive Volunteer programme in which many volunteers learn new skills - development of a Schools programme,which offers a package which can easily be incorporated into the Curriculum for Excellence.

Since the Academy’s launch, Waverley welcomed two Officer cadets onboard the ship and provided essential training and valuable sea time to enable them to progress their career at sea.  Through the winter seasons they have worked in partnership with the Weir Group who have placed apprentices on board. Each apprentice was given exposure to a broad range of marine engineering disciplines and have been provided with a strong foundation for their future careers.

This initiative is not a new one. Since the early 90’s the Waverley organisation has been training people in a range of maritime skills. More than 100 people have benefited and many of the graduates of this training programme can now be found in senior roles across the industry in all corners of the world.

All this has been achieved by using their own funds, however the cost of training has increased significantly over the years and having pulled resources together and officially launched the Waverley Academy, they are seeking funding to support this initiative.

Future participants will gain significant training on an iconic vessel that holds an important place in British maritime history, and learn from highly experienced professional staff and volunteers.

----------------------------- Latest News 

April 2023 Waverley's Dry Dock Appeal reaches £180,00 target Read more

January 2023 Waverley Excursions has launched the 2023 Dry Dock Appeal, to raise funds to cover her annual maintenance work and enable her to steam again in 2023  Read more

May 2021  Waverley leaves Dales’s dry dock at Greenock after her extensive refit. Read more.

£350,000 has now been raised from individuals towards Waverley’s COVID-19 Relief Appeal. The Paddle Steam Society send their most sincere thanks to everyone that donated and contributed to the appeal, which has enabled the refit works to be carried out.  

Waverley will begin passenger sailings for the 2021 season around the third week in June on the Clyde. Subscribe to Waverley’s e-newsletters to get details as soon as they are released via the website:  waverleyexcursions.co.uk .

April 2021 Waverley steams to Greenock for annual dry docking - and COVID appeal reaches £330,000. Read more

Waverley Boiler Refit Progress Report - the aft funnel has been lifted into place!  

May 2020  Support Waverley through regular giving: earlier in 2020 there was a re-launch of the 'Friends of Waverley' scheme to create a way for regular donors to give a small monthly donation to help safeguard the ship. All Friends of Waverley will also receive a biannual “The Funnel” e-newsletter giving updates and reports on Waverley and what it takes to keep her paddles turning.  The team deeply appreciates all donations to help safeguard Waverley as they work to preserve a unique pierce of our maritime heritage allowing future generations to experience Waverley . 

Waverley 's new boilers arrive! 

January 2020

On 18 December 2019, the Boiler Refit Appeal reached its target of £2.3million.  The appeal attracted donations from over 8,000 individuals, the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society, several trusts, organisations and the Scottish Government.  Ongoing support will be required in the months ahead and to maintain  Waverley  in service.  

The ship will move to Greenock for work to begin mid-January, expected to take around four months.  

Waverley  will return to service for summer 2020 once a major refit to install new boilers and electrical equipment is completed.

Summer 2019:  Save the Waverley Boiler Refit Appeal

Waverley urgently requires two new boilers to produce steam to driver her triple expansion engine that turns the ship's paddle wheels.  Without these Waverley will never sail again.  An appeal has been launched to raise the funds required to replace the boilers, boiler room equipment and re-commission her for the 2020 summer season with an appeal target of £2.3million.

All online and postal donations will be recorded on a Donor Wall aboard Waverley . 

• The Registers
• Shipshape Network

Paddle Steamer Waverley Excursions

Step aboard waverley the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world for a day, afternoon or evening cruise from a port near you.

About Paddle Steamer Waverley Excursions

The Waverley is the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world. Magnificently restored with towering funnels, timber decks, gleaming varnish and brass. See and hear the mighty engines - they will provide a whiff of nostalgia for some but are sure to impress all!

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