Embarking on a voyage on the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer is an iconic day out, and the fact that your dog can join you makes it even more special. We recently had this unique experience and are excited to share some useful tips if you’re considering taking your dog on The Waverley.
Dogs on The Waverley
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For Father’s Day this year (15 June 2025), we treated our parents – Hoomum’s Glam-ma and Bampi, and Hoodad’s Grumpy – to a maritime adventure aboard The Waverley from Penarth Pier to Ilfracombe… and of course, Ivan came along for the ride. Spoiler: he was a very good boy all day. (It was a 3-hour trip each way; I was nervous that he’d try to have a weewee on board, but he didn’t!)
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Whether you’re planning your paddle-powered trip or just wondering, Can I take my dog on the Waverley?, here’s everything we learnt from our four-legged-friendly cruise!
Waverley Excursions Penarth
Our day started bright and early in Penarth. We parked at Cliff Parade Free Car Park, which was surprisingly quiet at 9am and just a gentle 15-minute walk down to the Penarth Pier – the pickup and drop-off point. The sun was already shining, and the vibe on the seafront was full-on holiday mode.
Travelling with your Dog
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We fuelled up at Coffi Co with a few takeaway teas and an iced coffee. The little café right on Penarth Pier was also open and buzzing with excitement. A small queue had already formed for the Waverley boat trips from Penarth, so we joined in, soaking up the coastal buzz.
When the Waverley finally pulled in – a gleaming beauty with twin red funnels and a chug-a-chug charm – it felt like stepping back in time. Boarding was straightforward, and we headed straight to the top deck for prime views (and max sunshine – don’t forget the suncream, my poor sunburnt knees are still recovering!). Some guests were already on board, as the day had started in Clevedon.
Waverley Excursions with Dog Reviews
Our little adventure pup, Ivan, was warmly welcomed on board. The dedicated dog bowl station by the Purser’s Office is a testament to the Waverley’s dog-friendly approach. This thoughtful setup immediately put us at ease for the journey ahead. Dogs get their own adorable little boarding pass with their name hand-written – honestly, the cutest touch.
Ivan is very nosy and likes to people-watch, usually sitting in the middle of an aisle. However, he settled beautifully under the bench, cwtched in for most of the outward journey.
There’s plenty to keep humans entertained, too – a café, restaurant, bar, and even a souvenir shop on board. It has keyrings, magnets, water bottles, hats, fleeces, fudge and shortbread. You can even peek into the heart of the engine room and marvel at the fact that, yes, the Waverley is still steam powered! That said, the engine (which you can view in motion – very cool!) is a bit loud for nervous pooches, so bear that in mind. Ivan wasn’t too fazed, but we did keep him close. We arrived in Ilfracombe around midday and headed off to explore.
On the way home, as the sun dipped, it got nippy. So, if you’re sailing in, pop some jeans/leggings or a hoodie/coat into your bag. But spotting dolphins leaping out of the water, then playfully following the boat as we cruised along the coast, made us forget about the cold.
Ivan got a little restless in the last hour, so he made it his mission to introduce himself to every other passenger within snacking distance. Tail wagging, bum rubs on demand, looking totally adorable. Classic Ivan.
We arrived back at Penarth Pier and made the (slightly uphill!) walk back to the car. Tired paws, salty hair, and very happy hearts.
Things to do in Ilfracombe
Ilfracombe is a treasure trove once you dock the Waverley – and it’s wonderfully dog-friendly too. The first thing you see as you arrive is Damien Hirst’s iconic Verity statue. Stroll around the harbour and browse the bustling shops, cafés and dog-friendly pubs.
A wander to Tunnels Beaches gives you both Victorian charm and sheltered coves, while pups can run and splash all year on the nearby Wildersmouth Beach and Hele Bay. Here, you’ll find Hele Cornmill and Tearoom, where you’ll get to try some of the best scones in Devon!
Waverley Excursions with Dog Prices
Dogs travel for a small extra charge, and they do require a ticket – which you can either pre-book online and collect when boarding. Dogs are £5. Well worth it for their tail-wagging memories!
For full cruise timetable fares, departure points, and special offers, check the official website – it’s regularly updated with the latest Waverley news, plus coach connections, accessibility information, advanced information, and all the essential safety information too.
Waverley Excursions Discount Code
Waverley Excursions offers a 15% discount to NHS and Blue Light workers on all cruises (excluding Saturdays and public charters) when booked in advance online or by phone using the promo code NHS15. You will need to show proof when picking up your tickets.
Keep an eye on the official Waverley website and sign up for the newsletter – they often share special offers and early bird rates.
Take a Trip on The Waverley
So, is the Waverley Paddle Steamer dog friendly? YES. It’s a big yes from us (and an even bigger one from Ivan).
Whether exploring the south coast, hopping between departure points, or craving an old-school sailing adventure with your furry first mate, the Waverley ticks all the boxes. We had a fantastic day out. In fact, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would!
So next time you’re wondering, Are dogs allowed on the Waverley Paddle Steamer? – go ahead and book it. You (and your dog) won’t regret it.
Here’s to more paws on deck 🐾
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any paddle steamers in the UK?
Yes! The Waverley is the most famous – and the last seagoing paddle steamer in the world.
Is the Waverley the last paddle steamer in the world?
She sure is – and she’s lovingly preserved by the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society and supported by public donations and a fab newsletter.
Does the Waverley still sail?
Absolutely! The Waverley sails around the UK each year – usually from spring through autumn – with a full timetable of routes and sailing dates.
How fast is the Waverley Paddle Steamer?
She can reach speeds of up to 18 knots – not bad for a vessel that’s been around since 1946!
Is the Waverley still steam powered?
Yes – she’s powered by her original triple-expansion steam engine, which you can actually view in action during your trip!
Are there toilets on the Waverley Paddle Steamer?
Does the Waverley have toilets? Yes, there are – they’re surprisingly decent and clearly signposted.! There’s even a port hole to look out to sea.
Can you take your own food on the Waverley paddle?
You can, although with a café, restaurant, and bar on board, you might not need to.
Is there a restaurant on the Waverley Paddle Steamer?
Yes – offering hot meals, snacks, and drinks throughout the day.
How many people can travel on the Waverley?
Waverley was originally certified to carry 1,350 passengers, but over the past 70 years, changes to global passenger regulations and modern safety standards have gradually reduced her capacity. Today, she can welcome up to 860 passengers on board.
Was the Waverley used in Sherlock Holmes?
With her vintage vibe and film-worthy funnels, it’s easy to see why people ask. The Waverley was featured in the 2011 film Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.
Can you make a donation to the Waverley?
Absolutely! You can donate to Waverley as a one‑off gift or a monthly “Friend of Waverley” donation. These go straight into keeping our beloved paddle steamer ship‑shape for years to come – things like hull surveys and painting, deck seat varnishing, replacing paddles, fuel (it burns about £9 per minute!), winter surveys and more – all adding up to around £600,000 a year on basic maintenance.
Is The Waverley on the National Historic Ships register?
Yes indeed! The Waverley is proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Vessels and is part of the National Historic Fleet, recognised as a vessel of “pre‑eminent national importance”. In 2024, she was also named National Flagship of the Year by National Historic Ships, celebrating her role in visiting over 70 ports and piers around the UK.
When are cruise timetables published?
Timetables are released region-by-region between February and April, typically about 1–3 months before each sailing period.
Your Timeline Cheat-Sheet
| What’s Coming Up | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Clyde & Inner Hebrides cruises | Mid-February |
| Bristol Channel & SW Wales | Early March |
| South Coast & IoW | Around mid-April |
| London & Thames Estuary | Often mid-April |
| Full national timetable PDF | Late April/Early May |
What are the best Waverley excursions with dogs?
Some of the best Waverley tours with a dog include the scenic Penarth to Ilfracombe day trip, with plenty of dog-friendly pubs and coastal walks when you dock.
Glasgow to Rothesay is another top pick, offering island charm and relaxed promenades on the Isle of Bute. For shorter sails, try Llandudno to the Menai Strait or Dartmouth coastal cruises, ideal for dogs new to boats. And if you fancy an island escape, Southampton to Yarmouth (Isle of Wight) or Oban to Tobermory deliver stunning views and wag-worthy adventures ashore.
Stay the Night
If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book as soon as possible in advance. Prices rise the closer you get to the travel date. However, there is a vast array of dog friendly accommodation for all budgets.
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