The world's last sea-going paddle steamer docked on the Sussex coast this afternoon.

PS Waverley, which was built in 1946, docked at Eastbourne Pier today, welcoming visitors on board a cruise to Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters. A second cruise will take passengers to Shoreham Port this evening. 

This is Waverley’s first visit to Eastbourne since 2002 and has been made possible following repairs to the pier. Tim Wardley, Chairman of the National Piers Society said: “Opportunities such as the reopening of Eastbourne Pier to Waverley highlight the importance of the close relationship maintained by the National Piers Society and Waverley Excursions for the benefit of Waverley and our coastal communities."

The boat was bought for £1 in 1973The boat is the last of its kind in the world (Image: Dan Jessup)

The PS Waverley was built to replace a steamer of the same name which was sunk while evacuating troops from Dunkirk during the Second World War.

2024 marks the 50th anniversary since Waverley was gifted for £1 to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society to preserve her for future generations. Since 1975 the steamer has been operated on a not-for-profit basis to ensure her continued survival given she is the last of her kind. 

Following on from Waverley’s south coast programme of cruises she will sail round to London and the Thames Estuary. During her Thames season there will the unique opportunity on Thursday October 3 to sail from Folkestone Harbour all the way to London where on arrival Waverley will pass under a floodlit Tower Bridge to berth at Tower Pier.