The History of the Paddle Steamer Waverley
20 April 2023
Named after Sir Walter Scott’s first novel, the Waverley is the last seagoing passenger-carrying paddle steamer in the entire world. She was built in 1946 to replace a former Waverley that was sadly sunk by aircraft in the 1940s during the evacuation of troops from Dunkirk; certainly a hard act to follow but she had it in her!
When was the Waverley’s Maiden Voyage?
After officially entering service in 1947, she sailed from the Firth of Clyde in western Scotland to Arrochar in the Scottish Highlands for over 25 glorious years. However, the sixties saw a decline in passenger numbers and by 1973, the Paddle Steamer Waverley was withdrawn from service and sold to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society for just £1.
Interesting facts - she’s been ‘round the block a few times – Waverley on tour
After the purchase, this pin-up of the paddle steamer world enjoyed a full winter refit that included life-rafts replacing the original lifeboats to allow for an increase in passenger numbers. Throughout the late seventies, her popularity increased so much that she crossed the border to enjoy guest appearances at Llandudno Pier’s centenary event as well as a highly-publicised trip to London in 1978, earning her reputation as one of Britain’s best-loved tourist attractions. You go, girl!
Restoration - pampered with the ultimate makeover
Having benefited from another boiler upgrade in 1981 (hello higher speeds and lower fuel costs) the Waverley headed out on her debut round cruise of Britain before visiting Southern Ireland and the Isle of Man. By 2003 she enjoyed a full heritage rebuild which saw her return to her almost-original appearance. After a successful ‘Save the Waverley’ appeal in 2019 and what was known as an ‘open-heart-surgery’ boiler refit (they certainly don’t come cheap – we’re talking over £2 million – sounds like an overpriced game of Operation to us!) she once again headed out on the water in 2020.
Ride the Waverley with Just Go! Holidays
The legendary Paddle Steamer Waverley will be making a visit to Llandudno this June, and we're offering two dates to experience an incredible cruise along the stunning Welsh coastline.
The tour will be departing on 23rd or 24th June 2024, from a selection of our many pickup points.
The tour also includes return coach travel, two nights at a selected JG3 or JG4 rated hotel with dinner and breakfast, and an en-route excusrion to Liverpool. Hurry! Spaces are limited – secure your place today.