The world’s last seagoing paddle steamer is returning to cruise the Bristol Channel in June for the first time in five years docking at Penarth, Porthcawl and Tenby. Waverley will give people the opportunity to step aboard for a nostalgic trip on the famous steamship from June 2 to 18 this summer.
Other Welsh stop offs include Newport, Milford Haven and a cruise around Swansea Bay, the Gower coast, Caldey Island and St Brides Bay. It will be the first time the steamer visits Tenby in 30 years. The steamer will also offer a wide variety of cruises from Clevedon, Portishead, Weston, Minehead and Ilfracombe.
The paddle steamer, launched in 1947, was gifted for £1 to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society in 1974 and is owned and maintained by registered charity Waverley Steam Navigation Co. Ltd on its behalf. Waverley is named after Sir Walter Scott’s Waverley novels and was built to replace the 1899 Waverley which was sunk by enemy action on May 29th, 1940 at Dunkirk.
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The paddle steamer, launched in 1947, was gifted for £1 to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society in 1974 and is owned and maintained by registered charity Waverley Steam Navigation Co. Ltd on its behalf. Waverley is named after Sir Walter Scott’s Waverley novels and was built to replace the 1899 Waverley which was sunk by enemy action on May 29, 1940 at Dunkirk.
Since Waverley last cruised the Channel in 2018 she has undergone a multi-million pound refurbishment with new steam boilers installed. Thanks to a £180,000 public appeal, to meet the annual dry docking fees, the ship’s charitable owners are offering the most extensive sailing programme for over a decade. Waverley first visited the Bristol Channel in 1979 sailing in the wake of the famous White Funnel Fleet of pleasure steamers which operated until the 60s.
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."
Waverley has made return visits to Milford Haven in recent years but this summer sees its return to Tenby, where in years gone by many residents enjoyed trips through the Bristol Channel to the south coast.
Local member Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall said: “This will bring back memories for many locals in Tenby and is yet another attraction for our wonderful town. It was always a huge attraction in years gone by and many families will have fond memories of going to Ilfracombe and local trips. Many are very excited to see the Waverley return to the harbour and will I am sure receive a huge welcome.”
To relaunch her sailings on the Bristol Channel there are several special offers, with kids fares from £1, over 60s can 'Bring a Friend Free’ on June 13, and NHS workers can claim a 15 per cent discount when booking in advance at waverleyexcursions.co.uk.
During the programme of cruises Waverley will offer the traditional pleasure trips from 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. Tickets for all sailings can be booked at waverleyexcursions.co.uk or by calling 0141 2432224.
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