The Bristol Channel and South West Wales sailing itinerary for Paddle Steamer Waverley, the World’s last seagoing paddle steamer, has just been released which confirms the historic steamship will return to Penarth, Swansea, Tenby, Porthcawl, Milford Haven and Fishguard from Monday 2nd June to Wednesday 25th June offering a variety of cruises.
Waverley’s Master, Captain Dominic McCall, commented “We have developed the best possible sailing programme for South West Wales to ensure that as many locals and visitors as possible have the opportunity to step aboard Waverley and enjoy a traditional pleasure steamer excursion. We also have a number of coach pick up locations such as Bridgend and Chepstow to connect with Waverley’s sailings on the itinerary.
I am delighted that we are able to sail Waverley from over a dozen locations on the Bristol Channel and around South West Wales. I particularly enjoy cruising the Bristol Channel coastline with its stunning seascapes and look forward to bringing Waverley back this year and welcoming passengers aboard for a great day out.”
The season gets underway on Monday 2nd June when Waverley offers a ‘Pembrokeshire Islands Explorer Cruise’ from Millford Haven, giving passengers aboard the unique opportunity to steam round Skokholm, Skomer and Ramsey Island. The highlight for many on this cruise will be the chance to view the islands’ and the local wildlife.
There are three planned trips to the remote Lundy Island (3rd, 15th & 17th June) where the Bristol Channel meets the Atlantic allowing passengers time to step ashore and explore the island.
In celebration of Railway 200, the 200th anniversary of the modern railway, Waverley will connect with three steam railways – the West Somerset, the Brecon Mountain and Lynton & Barnstable railways giving passengers the “ultimate steam day out” by taking a paddle steamer and steam train trip.
The number of evening cruises on offer has been increased this season, on Monday 9th June there will be a unique evening cruise up the River Severn and under the bridges with passengers able to join at Penarth. Passengers can join an evening cruise from Penarth round the Holms takes place in support of the Motor Vessel Balmoral currently undergoing restoration work in Bristol on Friday 20th June.
The Captain’s Choice cruise on Wednesday 18th June sees Waverley sail from Porthcawl to Minehead – a first for many years – before cruising along the Exmoor coast to Ilfracombe. Passengers from Porthcawl will have the option of taking a trip on the West Somerset Railway or visiting Minehead, Ilfracombe or Lundy Island.
Tickets are expected to be in high demand for Waverley’s only visit to Tenby this year on Tuesday 24th June when she sails from Penarth to the picturesque harbour. Locals from Tenby can then step aboard for an evening cruise viewing Caldey Island and the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast as Waverley sets course for Milford Haven. The finale of this year’s sailings will take place on Wednesday 25th June with a sailing from Fishguard, Waverley’s first public sailing from the town in over 30 years!
Once aboard Waverley passengers can savour the sight and sound of a real steamship – hear the telegraph ring, visit the Engine Room and watch the engine start to move and see the paddles turning through the portholes. With full catering facilities available throughout all cruises – passengers can enjoy a hot or cold snack, tea and cake in the afternoon, a hot meal in the Dining Saloon or a refreshment in one of the period lounges, as well as a visit to the Souvenir Shop to take home an exclusive gift or memento of their trip on this famous and much-loved ship.
Waverley is currently berthed in Glasgow undergoing annual maintenance and refurbishment works totally over £1 million. 2025 marks the 50th Anniversary of Waverley sailing in preservation. Sailings start on 16th May in Scotland on the Clyde and the Inner Hebrides before she sets course for Bristol Channel and South West Wales.
Special offers for Seniors are available on selected dates where a friend can travel FREE. There are also several options where children (5-16) go for just £1, under 5s go FREE on all sailings.
Bookings are now open with tickets available from waverleyexcursions.co.uk or by calling the booking office on 0141 243 2224.
