Dates for cruises from Southend Pier have been revealed as the world's last seagoing paddle steamer Waverley is set to return later this year.

The timetable for the popular cruises this year has been revealed, as the steamer returns from Friday September 22.

This year’s timetable builds on the highly successful 2022 programme which saw several cruises fully booked and thousands of people enjoying the trips.

Waverley will be offering sailings from Southend Pier up the River Thames to London Tower Bridge, the Maunsell Forts, Clacton, Gravesend and both a River Blackwater cruise and a River Medway cruise.

A highlight of this year’s programme will be Waverley taking centre stage in a Historic Ships Parade on Saturday September 30, where it will meet several other historic vessels including Steam Tug Challenge, X-Pilot, Vic 96 and Touchstone. Waverley will cruise out to Knock John and Shivering Sands Forts giving close up views of these impressive structures.

The ever popular sailings under Tower Bridge are also a frequent feature on the timetable.

On Sunday September 24 and Saturday October 7, Waverley will cruise up the river Medway to view Paddle Steamer Medway Queen at her berth in Gillingham.

Those who can't make a full day cruise also have the option to join Waverley for an evening cruise on the Thames and view a floodlit Tower Bridge, open just for the vessel.

Here are all the dates for the sailings from Southend Pier:

  • Friday September 22
  • Sunday September 24
  • Tuesday September 26
  • Thursday September 28 
  • Friday September 29
  • Saturday September 30 (Historic Ships Parade)
  • Sunday October 1
  • Tuesday October 3
  • Wednesday October 4 
  • Thursday October 5
  • Friday October 6
  • Saturday October 7
  • Sunday October 8

Full details of the trips can be found at bit.ly/44hMqwW.

Bookings are open for all London and Thames cruises and can be booked online or by calling 0141 243 2224 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm).