SS Daniel Adamson Announces 2026 Public Sailing Programme

The iconic steam tug-tender SS Daniel Adamson - affectionately known as The Danny -has announced the release of her 2026 public sailing programme.

Following several operational challenges, the Danny will be offering a reduced number of River Weaver sailings in 2026. These will take place across two weekends in May, two in June, two in August, alongside sailings to and from the much-loved Acton Bridge Steam Events in October.

The clear message for this year is book early to avoid disappointment - and support the Danny in any way you can.

River Weaver sailings offer an unparalleled heritage experience: a journey aboard a 1903 steam tugboat still operating exactly as she did over 120 years ago, travelling along one of the most picturesque and historically significant rivers of the Industrial Revolution. The Weaver was home to the first canalised river for transport, the world’s first boat lift, and today offers a striking blend of industrial legacy and beautiful pastoral scenery.

On board the Danny, history is alive all around you. You can watch coal being shovelled into the fire that heats the water to create steam, see the captain at the original 1903 ship’s wheel, and - at quieter moments - step closer to the action at locks. Peer down into the engine room to witness the engineer responding to commands sent via the original engine-room repeater telegraph. It is a rare, immersive encounter with a living, working piece of Britain’s maritime heritage.

The survival of the last coal-fired passenger carrying steam tug-tender in operation is a story of northern grit and determination. Having lived through two world wars, the closure of Ellesmere Port (where she operated from 1903–1922), and the shutdown of Manchester Docks (where she worked from the 1920s to the 1960s), the Danny was ultimately rescued from the scrapyard by a group of dedicated volunteers determined to save her for the nation and return her to steam.

This was not a government initiative or a museum project, but the work of ordinary people who recognised her national significance and taught themselves the skills needed to bring her back to life.

A National Lottery Heritage Fund grant enabled the completion of a full restoration in 2016, but the challenges of keeping a historic steam vessel operational have never stopped.

Despite this being the tenth year of successful cruises, events, and learning programmes, the Danny team has faced exceptional obstacles in preparing for the current season. Over the past year alone, these have included the loss of long-standing Liverpool workshop facilities, the vessel being stranded on the River Weaver following the emergency closure of Marsh Lock, significant income losses, and the need to install costly new equipment to meet updated maritime regulations.

“Despite everything, all of this year’s essential maintenance - including the ten-year boiler examinations - is nearly complete, thanks to donations through our ongoing JustGiving campaign,” said Andy King. “Our volunteers have been nothing short of extraordinary. They’re currently working from a shipping container with just a couple of lathes alongside the vessel. What they’ve achieved under such difficult circumstances is remarkable.

“We really do need to increase ticket uptake across our full range of cruises this season,” Andy added. “Every booking directly supports the Danny’s continued operation, education programmes, and social outreach. If you’ve ever thought, ‘I must do a trip on the Danny sometime,’ this is the year to do it. Whether you join us on the River Weaver, the Manchester Ship Canal, or sail into Liverpool, you’ll not only enjoy an unforgettable experience - you’ll be helping to keep the Danny steaming into the future.”

Further details are available now at:

Bookings: https://www.thedanny.co.uk/events

Just Giving Campaign: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/thedanny

PayPal Donations: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/AJMGB2V9X3YWY