PS Waverley: Last seagoing paddle steamer visits Suffolk

  • Published
Paddle Steamer Waverley on the River Orwell in Suffolk, with the Orwell Bridge and Ipswich in the backgroundImage source, Jeff Welch
Image caption,

The Waverley visited Ipswich on Saturday for the first time since 2020

The world's last seagoing paddle steamer is travelling along the East Anglian coast on its way to London.

The PS Waverley's route begins in Great Yarmouth with stops in Southwold and Southend, before continuing its journey to Tower Bridge.

Built in 1946, the ship has carried passengers since its maiden voyage to Lochgoilhead and Arrochar in 1947.

PS Waverley, which can carry up to 700 passengers, also visited Ipswich on Saturday for the first time since 2020.

Image source, Gill Moon Photography
Image caption,

Wednesday's cruise starts in Great Yarmouth, with stops at Southwold Pier (pictured last year) and Clacton in Essex before heading to London

A spokesperson for Waverley Excursions said: "We are thrilled to see such overwhelming support for Waverley's cruise from Southwold."

Image source, Jeff Welch
Image caption,

The paddle steamer arrived in Ipswich for the first time since 2000

Image source, Jeff Welch
Image caption,

On Saturday, the Waverley left Ipswich on its way to Clacton and London, and it ran a Southend Pier Celebration Cruise on Friday

The boat now contains eateries and bars, as well as a souvenir shop.

PS Waverley is owned by the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society, which was gifted the ship for £1 in 1974.

Due to necessary boiler upgrades, the Waverley saw a short withdrawal from service about three years ago.

Since her return, the ship has been offering passenger tours throughout the UK from May to October.

Follow East of England news on Facebook, external, Instagram, external and X, external. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk, external or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830

Related internet links

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.