Emma Mykytyn Waverley Thames Cruises 2026: London, Tower Bridge and Thames Estuary Sailings
Looking for a unique way to explore London and the Thames Estuary in 2026? The world’s last seagoing paddle steamer, Waverley, returns to the River Thames this autumn with cruises to London, Southend, Whitstable, Clacton, the River Medway and the Thames Forts.
Waverley’s London and Thames Estuary 2026 cruising season runs from Thursday 24 September until Sunday 11 October 2026, with sightseeing cruises, seaside day trips, themed sailings and a special cruise celebrating the ship’s 80th anniversary.
One of the highlights is the unforgettable experience of sailing beneath Tower Bridge, with selected evening cruises passing under the famous landmark when it is illuminated after dark.
Waverley’s Thames sailings offer one of the most unusual ways to see London from the water.
Cruises travel through the Thames Barrier and around the Isle of Dogs, passing major London landmarks including:
– The O2 Arena
– Canary Wharf
– Greenwich
– The Thames Barrier
– Isle of Dogs
– Tower Bridge
– The Pool of London
For many passengers, the highlight comes as Waverley approaches Tower Bridge.
On selected cruises, the bridge opens to allow the historic paddle steamer to pass underneath before Waverley continues into the Pool of London.
Seeing Tower Bridge open from the deck of the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer is an experience very few other London sightseeing cruises can offer.
Sail under a floodlit Tower Bridge
Some of Waverley’s most atmospheric sailings arrive in central London during the evening.
As darkness falls, passengers can watch London’s riverside buildings light up while Waverley heads towards an illuminated Tower Bridge.
Crowds often gather beside the Thames to watch as the bridge opens and the paddle steamer passes beneath.
If you are searching for an unusual boat trip in London, this has to be one of the most spectacular.
Thames Estuary day trips aboard Waverley
Waverley’s 2026 programme isn’t limited to central London.
Passengers can enjoy traditional paddle steamer excursions along the River Thames and Thames Estuary, including trips to popular seaside destinations such as:
Southend
Cruise along the Thames towards Southend-on-Sea, home to its famous pleasure pier and traditional seaside attractions.
Whitstable
Waverley will also visit Whitstable, the Kent coastal town particularly well known for its oysters, independent shops and seaside atmosphere.
Clacton
Selected cruises travel to Clacton-on-Sea, offering passengers the chance to combine a paddle steamer trip with some time beside the sea.
Passengers can also join Waverley from locations including Ipswich, Gravesend, Tilbury, Southend, Clacton and Rochester.
Special Waverley Thames cruises September 2026
There are several special themed cruises during Waverley’s September programme.
Friday 25 September – General Steam Navigation Company Anniversary Cruise
Waverley will mark the 60th anniversary of the final sailings of the General Steam Navigation Company.
Passengers can enjoy live entertainment onboard from the Eclipse ’60s Duo.
Saturday 26 September – 1940s River Medway Cruise
Travel back to the 1940s during this special cruise along the River Medway.
Entertainment comes from the Bel Canto Vintage Sisters, while the route includes the chance to pass historic Paddle Steamer Medway Queen.
Sunday 27 September – Cockney Sing-Along Cruise
Singer and pianist Tom Carradine will host Waverley’s Cockney Sing-Along Cruise.
The sailing heads towards the fascinating Red Sands and Shivering Sands Thames Forts.
Built offshore in the Thames Estuary, these unusual structures make this a particularly interesting cruise for anyone interested in maritime or military history.
Monday 28 September – Radio Caroline ’60s Cruise
Waverley will sail towards MV Ross Revenge, the famous ship associated with Radio Caroline.
The Radio Caroline ’60s Cruise includes entertainment from Radio Caroline DJs and the Eclipse ’60s Duo.
Wednesday 30 September – Whitstable Cruise
Passengers can enjoy a paddle steamer trip to Whitstable, accompanied by live onboard entertainment from ABBA-Tastic.
Waverley’s 80th anniversary cruise
One of the highlights of the Waverley Thames cruise programme for 2026 takes place on Friday 2 October.
The ship will celebrate the 80th anniversary of her launch with a special cruise to the Thames Forts.
Waverley was launched in 1946 and has become one of Britain’s most recognisable historic passenger ships.
Entertainment during the anniversary cruise will be provided by the Bel Canto Vintage Sisters.
River Medway Steam Parade
On Saturday 3 October, Waverley will take part in the River Medway Steam Parade.
The paddle steamer will sail alongside other historic vessels, including steam tug Challenge.
There will also be a traditional piano knees-up sing-along onboard.
For fans of historic ships and steam-powered vessels, this should be one of the most interesting sailings of Waverley’s autumn season.
River Orwell cruise from Ipswich
Waverley will operate her only afternoon cruise on the River Orwell on Tuesday 6 October 2026.
The sailing forms part of the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society Members’ Nominated Sailing, with special bridge visits available to PSPS members.
The route provides a chance to see the River Orwell and the huge Port of Felixstowe from the water.
Waverley Thames Season Finale 2026
Waverley’s London and Thames Estuary season concludes on Sunday 11 October 2026.
The finale includes a particularly unusual sailing, with Waverley operating her first-ever cruise from Rochester to Whitstable.
The final journey then heads back along the River Thames towards London.
Passengers can enjoy one last cruise along the illuminated Thames before Waverley passes beneath a floodlit Tower Bridge.
It should provide a suitably dramatic ending to the ship’s 2026 London season.
What is Waverley?
Waverley was launched in 1946 and is now recognised as the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer.
Unlike modern sightseeing boats, passengers can see the ship’s huge paddle wheels in action and watch her traditional steam machinery operating during the journey.
Waverley now operates cruises around different parts of the UK, allowing passengers to experience a surviving piece of Britain’s maritime heritage.
