PS Waverley: World's last seagoing paddle steamer to return to Eastbourne this month

The famous steamship arrived in Dartmouth late evening on Tuesday, September 1 ahead of a series of spectacular cruises along the south coast between September 3-22.

And there will be a Beachy Head and Seven Sisters cruise on September 21 and 22, while the ship will set sail from Newhaven for the first time publicly since the 1980s.

Once onboard, passengers can savour the sight and sound of a real steamship - hear the telegraph ring, visit the engine room and watch the engine start to move and see the paddles turning through the portholes.

Captain Bruce Clark, Master of Waverley, said: “We’re delighted to be returning to the South Coast for a variety of sailings over the next three weeks, from scenic cruises along the Jurassic Coast to sailings around the Isle of Wight and across the Solent.

“There really is something for everyone, with daytime, afternoon and evening cruises offering locals and visitors the chance to enjoy some of the South Coast’s most spectacular scenery from the unique perspective of Waverley.

“From Durdle Door and the Needles Lighthouse to Freshwater Bay, Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters, we’re looking forward to showcasing some of the region’s most famous landmarks.”

Waverley was built in Glasgow for the London and North Eastern Railway and launched in October 1946, before entering service on June 16, 1947.

The ship was gifted to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society in 1974 for just £1 and, since 1975, has operated in preservation carrying over 6 million passengers on a ‘not-for-profit’ basis.

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