The world’s last seagoing paddle steamer Waverley has been in Falmouth as part of her first visit to Cornwall since the late 1990s.

This year 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.

The ship features open promenade decks, a self-service dining saloon, period lounges, a gift shop and an open engine room.

Passengers aboard Waverley have been able to watch the engineers at work as they operate the impressive triple expansion steam engine and view the ship’s paddle wheels.

She arrived in Cornwall on Thursday for sailings between Penzance and Falmouth, also taking in Mousehole, Gwennap Head, St Michael’s Mount and Lizard Point.

Taking a salute from the crew of Flushing and Mylor Pilot Gig Club's Penarrow (Image: Stephen Crawford Davies/Packet Camera Club)

On Friday she sailed from Falmouth to Fowey, and then on to Plymouth for an event this evening.

Tomorrow (Saturday, August 31) there will be an extra special occasion when Britain’s only two operational paddle steamers – Waverley and Kingswear Castle – meet up for the first time on the River Dart.

This evening Waverley is docked in Plymouth for an evening cruise as part of the Cattewatter 150 Celebrations.

Captain Richard Allan, harbour master and CEO of Cattewater Harbour Commissioners, said earlier this year: “Following a successful trial last October, we're delighted that PS Waverley will be returning to Plymouth in August and be part of our harbour's anniversary year and special Cattewater 150 celebrations.

“This iconic vessel will be berthed on the Barbican Landing Stage during her visit, enabling her passengers easy access onto and off as they enjoy sailings in Plymouth Sound, the Tamar and the wider South Devon coast."

Passengers aboard Waverley are able to watch the engineers at work. File picture (Image: Supplied)

This year Waverley holds the prestigious status of being crowned National Flagship by National Historic Ships UK. The award recognises the breadth and geographic coverage of Waverley’s sailings, in addition to the extended sailing programme planned for 2024, which includes her visit to the south west.

The pinnacle of Waverley’s visit will be meeting the last remaining steam powered river paddle steamer, Kingswear Castle, on the river Dart on Saturday afternoon.

Paul Semple, general manager for Waverley, said: “Given Kingswear Castle is celebrating her centenary this year it is fantastic to be able to bring together the only two operational paddle steamers in the UK for the first time on the River Dart.

The last remaining steam powered river paddle steamer, Kingswear Castle. File picture (Image: Supplied)

“I hope many in Cornwall and Devon will step aboard and experience Waverley as a living and working steam heritage attraction which is of national and international significance.”

Following on from the South West sailings Waverley will sail east to Swanage for three weeks of sailings during September on the South Coast and Isle of Wight before finally setting course for London and the Thames Estuary.

About Waverley

Waverley was built in Glasgow for the London and North Eastern Railway, launched in October1946, and entered service in on 16th June 1947.

Since 1975 she has operated in preservation, carrying more than six million passengers, visiting several areas of the UK offering a variety of day, afternoon, and evening cruises.

Registered for up to 780 passengers, she was fully restored to her original 1940s style following a two stage £7m Heritage Rebuild in Great Yarmouth in 2000 and 2003.