The World’s last seagoing paddle steamer is returning to cruise the Bristol Channel this June for an extended period building on the exceptional success of her 2023 visit. Waverley will give locals and visitors alike the opportunity to step aboard for a nostalgic trip on the famous steamship from Saturday 1st to Sunday 23rd June. The steamer will offer a wide variety of cruises from Penarth, Porthcawl, Swansea, Tenby and Milford Haven.
This year marks the 45th anniversary since Waverley first visited the Bristol Channel and South Wales back in 1979, sailing in the wake of the famous White Funnel Fleet of pleasure steamers which operated until the 60s. Nowadays only Waverley offers pleasure steamer trips to the popular North Devon resort of Ilfracombe, around the Holm Islands and along the Welsh Heritage Coast.
Waverley’s General Manager, Paul Semple, commented, “I am delighted to announce that Waverley will be returning to the Bristol Channel for a longer period this summer given the level of demand we saw last year with a more extensive selection of cruises on offer. Waverley offers a truly unique experience and I know many will be excited to review our 2024 sailing programme which has just been published.”
To launch her sailings on the Bristol Channel there are several special offers to take advantage of with Kids For £1 and the popular “Seniors Bring a Friend FREE” offer on selected cruises, and NHS workers can claim a 15% discount when booking in advance at waverleyexcursions.co.uk.
During the programme of cruises Waverley will offer trips from Penarth and Swansea to the remote Lundy Island. This year Waverley has partnered with three heritage railways to offer the “Ultimate Steam Day Out” where passengers can combine a trip on a paddle steamer with the ride behind a steam locomotive – passengers can choose from trips on the Brecon Mountain Railway, Lynton & Barnstaple Railway and the West Somerset Railway.
A highlight of this year’s timetable sees Waverley return to Tenby on Thursday 6th June where the famous steamship will be offering an evening cruise along the stunning Gower Coast with views of Mumbles Head.
To close her season of sailings in South Wales Waverley will offer two cruises from Milford Haven. The penultimate Bristol Channel sailing will see Waverley cruise up the River Cleddau and under the Cleaddau Bridge before cruising to St Ann’s Head on Saturday 22nd June. Waverley then offers a grand finish on Sunday 23rd June with her Pembrokeshire Islands Explorer Cruise – ideal for viewing the wildlife on Skokholm, Skomer and Ramsey Island.
Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett said: “Pembrokeshire is delighted to welcome Paddle Steamer Waverley back again after last’s year’s successful visit and the unique opportunity she offers to see the coast from a different perspective. I’m sure there will be a great turn out to see this amazing vessel on its voyages both in Tenby and Millford Haven, and it will be a fantastic trip for those on board.”
Tickets for all sailings can be booked online at waverleyexcursions.co.uk or by calling 0141 243 2224.
