The world's last seagoing paddle steamer calls at Eastbourne Pier on 21 and 22 September: an evening Beachy Head cruise, then a full day to the Solent.

The paddle steamer Waverley calls at Eastbourne Pier twice this month, on Monday 21 and Tuesday 22 September, the last two days of her South Coast season. Monday brings a short evening cruise to Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters. Tuesday is a full day out to the Solent, and it includes a piece of history for the neighbours: the operator’s timetable bills the day’s call at Newhaven as the ship’s first sailing from Newhaven since the 1980s.

Waverley is the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer, and her visits are a rare chance to sail from Eastbourne’s own pier. Both sailings are on sale now through Waverley Excursions, the Glasgow charity operator, online or on 0141 243 2224.

Monday 21 September: the evening cruise

Waverley arrives off the pier at 4pm on the Monday, having steamed along the Sussex coast from Southampton. She departs again at 4.30pm for a cruise to Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters, returning to the pier at 6.45pm.

At just over two hours, this is the easy option: no coach, no early start, and the best of the chalk coastline from the sea in early evening light.

Tuesday 22 September: a full day to the Solent

The Tuesday sailing leaves Eastbourne Pier at 9am and does not hang about:

  • a morning cruise past Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters to Newhaven
  • the call at Newhaven, which the operator’s timetable marks as the first sailing from the port since the 1980s, with a shuttle bus carrying Newhaven passengers into the docks before the ship sails on at 10.30am
  • a cruise along the Sussex coast viewing the Solent forts, then an afternoon run to the Needles lighthouse
  • the day ends at Portsmouth Harbour at 7pm, with coaches bringing passengers back to Eastbourne for 9pm

That is a twelve-hour day door to door, so treat it as an excursion rather than a boat trip. Fares vary by cruise and are shown at booking.

Waverley's two Eastbourne sailings, 21 and 22 September 2026 A timeline of both days. Monday 21 September: Waverley arrives at Eastbourne Pier at 4pm, sails at 4.30pm on an evening cruise to Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters, and returns at 6.45pm. Tuesday 22 September: departs Eastbourne 9am, sails from Newhaven at 10.30am, cruises the Solent, ends at Portsmouth Harbour 7pm, and coaches arrive back in Eastbourne at 9pm. Waverley's two Eastbourne days Departures from the pier landing stage, 21 and 22 September 2026 8am12 noon4pm8pm Mon 21 4.30pm sail, back 6.45pm Beachy Head & Seven Sisters Tue 22 9am Eastbourne, 10.30am Newhaven, 7pm Portsmouth coach home, 9pm Source: Waverley Excursions South Coast & Isle of Wight 2026 timetable. Graphic by Eastbourne Live.
Monday is the short evening cruise. Tuesday is the full day, with the coach bringing passengers home from Portsmouth.

Boarding at the pier

Waverley Excursions’ own boarding notes for Eastbourne are worth reading before you book:

  • the boarding point is Eastbourne Pier, BN21 3EL
  • there is no step-free access, and stairs must be used to reach the landing stage
  • the pier is about 300 metres long, so allow time to walk out to the berth
  • parking nearby is limited on-street parking on Marine Parade and Grand Parade

If mobility is a concern, the operator’s departure points page carries access notes for every berth. Newhaven, where boarding is by shuttle bus into the docks, is listed with no access restrictions, so the Tuesday day trip can be joined there instead.

What it means for you

If you want the short version, book the Monday evening cruise: two and a quarter hours, from the pier, back before 7pm. If you want the full seaside epic, the Tuesday gives you the Seven Sisters, Newhaven’s first call in some four decades, the Solent forts and the Needles in one day, with the coach home included in the itinerary.

After Tuesday the ship leaves the Channel for the Thames: her London and Thames Estuary season runs from 24 September to 11 October. The next chance to board at Eastbourne will be next year, if the pier stays on the schedule.

More ideas for the rest of the month are on things to do in Eastbourne.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Waverley in Eastbourne in 2026?

Monday 21 September, arriving 4pm and sailing at 4.30pm on an evening cruise to Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters, back at 6.45pm; and Tuesday 22 September, departing 9am for a full day to Newhaven, the Solent and the Needles, ending at Portsmouth with a coach back to Eastbourne for 9pm.

How do I book Waverley tickets?

Online at waverleyexcursions.co.uk or by phone on 0141 243 2224. Both Eastbourne sailings are on the South Coast and Isle of Wight timetable, which runs 3 to 22 September 2026.

Is the Waverley wheelchair accessible from Eastbourne Pier?

No. The operator lists Eastbourne as having no step-free access, with stairs down to the landing stage. Newhaven, the following morning’s port, is listed with no restrictions for disabled passengers.

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