Step aboard Paddle Steamer Waverley for nostalgic cruises the whole family can enjoy - book for summer 2026

Step in the footsteps of a bygone era with traditional “Doon the Watter” sailings on the Clyde aboard Paddle Steamer Waverley. Trips will run throughout the summer season starting on Friday, June 26 and running until Sunday August 30.

This year marks 80 years since Waverley was launched – on October 2, 1946 – with her maiden voyage taking place in June the following year. Waverley is the World’s last seagoing paddle steamer and the sole survivor of Britain’s once extensive paddle steamer fleet.

Throughout the summer passengers can book day trip voyages from Glasgow to popular Clyde coastal destinations including Dunoon, Rothesay, Brodick, Largs and Millport.

Waverley sails directly from Glasgow on the River Clyde, including passing through the new Govan and Renfrew bridges which open specially for the ship. Sailings combine heritage, scenery and day-trip destinations in one experience.

Google Review from Claire Smith – five stars “Fantastic experience for all of the family. Children's tickets (ages 5-16 only £1). The ship is pristine and the engine room was brilliant to see.”

What passengers can expect

This is an unforgettable chance to rediscover the tradition of Clyde pleasure cruising and see the scenic Firth of Clyde from the water. The cruises offer a variety of sailing including on open water and sea lochs as you pass by some spectacular scenery including mountains and the Kyles of Bute.

Waverley takes passengers back to a bygone era, its magnificent triple expansion steam engine is a sight to behold when running at full steam ahead.

Walk the wooden decks past polished brass fittings, listen to the iconic steam whistle and sound of the paddles, and delight as the instantly recognisable funnels on board draw attention wherever you go.

Down below decks, take a visit to the engine room, hear the telegraph ring out and watch the engine come to life. Find yourself a comfy seat by a porthole and watch the magnificent paddles power through the waters – it truly is a step back in time and a marvel of engineering, and a trip on board offers every passenger the joy of seeing this real working steamship doing what she was made to do.

There’s also a touch of luxury about the ship, its brass fittings and wood polished and varnished ready to welcome the season’s visitors. With full onboard catering throughout the sailings you can enjoy food onboard too. Indulge in teas and cakes, hot and cold snacks and meals in the dining saloon and comfortable lounges. And with a souvenir shop onboard offering exclusive gifts and momentos, you can take away a treasured reminder of the day too.

Waverley has been delighting passengers young and old who cherish the opportunity to experience the classic “Doon the Watter’ trips, for decades. Passengers can embark at any one of the 18 ports of call available on a variety of trips.

Whether you embark in Glasgow city centre, pick up the ship at Ayr, Largs or Greenock, a magical and memorable trip awaits. Waverley calls at a number of seaside towns and destinations. How about a trip down the water to Rothesay, a swing by Dunoon, Millport, Ardrishaig or Tarbert, or up into Campbeltown, Blairmore or Tighnabruich.

Love an island? Choose a trip to the Isle or Arran, calling at Brodick and Lochranza, or out round Ailsa Craig.

You’d be forgiven for thinking you were on a grand European adventure, taking in the Scottish fjords and the vistas near the Arrochar Alps on trips up and around Loch Goil. For an Instagram ready moment, don’t miss out on the evening sunset cruise ‘Doon the watter’.

Google review by Ally McGrath – five stars “Had a nice day on the Waverly, good to see Glasgow from the Clyde, food on board was great, great selection of food and drinks available and had some great view all the way to Largs and back.”

Book now

Bookings are now open with tickets available from waverleyexcursions.co.uk or by calling the booking office on 0141 243 2224.