The world’s last seagoing paddle steamer will be making its way back to the historic River Mersey this year.
The iconic silhouette of the Waverley, the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer, is coming to grace the River Mersey with its presence once again.
This June, the “Pride of the Clyde” makes a triumphant return to Liverpool and Seacombe as part of a nationwide tour celebrating a major milestone, a monumental 80 years since the launch in 1946.
For four days only, from Friday, June 19 to Monday, June 22, 2026, locals and tourists alike will have the rare chance to step back in time and experience the golden age of steam travel.
Scenic Waverley journeys to North Wales
The Waverley’s 2026 Mersey residency kicks off on Friday, June 19, with an atmospheric evening arrival into Liverpool from Llandudno, setting the stage for a weekend of nostalgic maritime travel.
On Saturday, June 20, and Sunday, June 21, the steamer will depart from the Liverpool Landing Stage for full-day excursions to North Wales, offering passengers stunning views of the Great Orme, the North Anglesey coast, and the wildlife sanctuary of Puffin Island.
The visit concludes on Monday, June 22, with a special departure from Seacombe, providing Wirral residents with their own dedicated opportunity to board for a final grand cruise to Llandudno before the ship continues her national tour.
Stepping onto the teak decks of the Waverley is akin to entering a living, breathing museum where the golden age of steam is meticulously preserved.
The heart of the vessel is the Engine Room, where passengers can peer down from the gallery to watch the massive, gleaming triple-expansion steam engines drive the ship’s giant paddle wheels.
This sensory journey is soundtracked by the rhythmic slaps of the paddles hitting the water and the occasional chime of the brass telegraph.
Beyond the machinery, the ship offers a touch of mid-century elegance in her restored dining saloons and period lounges.
Visitors can enjoy traditional afternoon tea or a meal while watching the Liverpool skyline recede into the distance.
A storied legacy on the Liverpool waterfront
While the Waverley is a “Clyde-built” Scottish icon, her connection to the River Mersey is a storied one that breathes life into a long-lost maritime tradition.
Her relationship with the city truly began in 1977, when she made a historic voyage to celebrate the centenary of Llandudno Pier.
This debut was a massive success, proving to the maritime world that there was still a deep-seated local appetite for steam-powered coastal excursions.
For the people of Liverpool, the Waverley’s arrival represented a revival of the famous golden route between the Liverpool Pier Head and North Wales, a service originally operated by the Liverpool & North Wales Steamship Co. until its closure in the 1960s.
Since that 1977 visit, the Waverley has transitioned from a rare guest to a beloved summer fixture on the Mersey.
Her presence at the Liverpool Landing Stage serves as a living bridge to the city’s Victorian and Edwardian peak, offering a sensory experience that no modern ferry can replicate.
Over the decades, she has marked major milestones in the region, including the 2014 reopening of Llandudno’s landing stage, and her 2026 visit continues this legacy.
Today, seeing her red-and-white funnels against the backdrop of the Three Graces will be a supreme highlight of the city’s nautical calendar.
