The last seagoing paddle steamer in the world will return to the Bristol Channel this summer for the first time in five years. Next month, visitors to and residents of the area will be given the chance to step aboard Waverley for a nostalgic journey atop the Channel on the famous steamship.
From June 2 to June 18, Waverley will offer a number of cruises from Clevedon, Portishead, Weston, Minehead and Ilfracombe. Following her last stint in the Bristol Channel in 2018, the steamer has been given a huge multi-million pound refurbishment, with new steam boilers installed.
After members of the public generously donated £180,000 to cover dry docking fees, Waverley's charitable owners have made the decision to offer the most extensive sailing programme in more than a decade, DevonLive reports. The steamer took her first trip along the Channel back in 1979, sailing in the wake of the famous White Funnel Fleet of pleasure steamers which operated until the 1960s.
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Currently, Waverley only offers pleasure steamer trips to Ilfracombe, around the Holm Islands, and along the Welsh Heritage Coast. Waverley’s General Manager, Paul Semple, said: "I am delighted to announce that Waverley will make her much-anticipated return to the waters of the Bristol Channel.
"The ship offers a truly unique experience and I know many will welcome the sight of her famous red, white and black funnels and the distinct sound of her paddles beating. To relaunch her sailings on the Bristol Channel there are several special offers to take advantage of with kids fares from £1, over 60s can 'Bring a Friend Free' on June 13, and NHS workers can claim a 15% discount when booking in advance at waverleyexcursions.co.uk.
"I am delighted with the hugely positive response since we released the timetable and opened bookings just a few days ago. There is a clear demand for Waverley to reunite with the Bristol Channel."
During the programme of cruises Waverley will offer the traditional pleasure trips from the Somerset towns of Portishead, Clevedon, Weston and Minehead to visit Ilfracombe giving passengers several hours ashore to explore. A special sailing on Sunday, June 4 will allow passengers from Clevedon to visit Lundy Island.
There are options to combine a cruise on Waverley with a trip on the West Somerset Railway and visit Minehead. To mark ‘Year of the Pier’ a special evening fundraising cruise for Clevedon Pier will take place on Sunday June 11 with all proceeds going to the upkeep of the historic pier.
A highlight of this year’s sailing schedule sees Waverley offering trips from Portishead for the first time in over 20 years. On Sunday, June 2, those stepping aboard at Portishead will be able to enjoy a cruise on the River Severn and under the Bridges.
Tickets for all sailings can be booked online at waverleyexcursions.co.uk or by calling 0141 243 2224.
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