The world’s last seagoing paddle steamer will be making trips from a number of Welsh locations
If you’re on the hunt for a picturesque yet unique day out this summer, why not consider hopping aboard a paddle steamer and exploring some secluded islands across south west Wales and the Bristol Channel?
The Waverley, the last seagoing paddle steamer in the world, will be embarking on journeys from popular Welsh seaside towns such as Penarth, Swansea, Tenby, Porthcawl, Milford Haven and Fishguard for a series of cruises this June.
A paddle steamer is a steamboat that’s powered by a steam engine, which drives paddle wheels to move the vessel through the water. Once on board the Waverley, passengers can savour the sights and sounds of a genuine steamship and watch the paddles in action.
Full catering facilities are also available during the cruises, allowing passengers to enjoy a hot or cold snack, afternoon tea and cake, a hot meal in the Dining Saloon, or a drink in one of the period lounges.
The beloved ship will first set sail from Milford Haven on Monday, June 2 for a Pembrokeshire Islands Explorer cruise. Passengers will have the opportunity to steam around Skokholm, and Ramsey Island, offering them the chance to spot some of the islands’ wildlife.
Skomer is particularly famous for its Atlantic Puffin colony, which swells to nearly 35,000 during the summer months.
There are also three scheduled trips to the secluded Lundy Island, where the Bristol Channel meets the Atlantic, on June 3, 15 and 17. These trips allow passengers to disembark and explore the island.
Lundy is a pristine island off the north Devon coast. Free from cars, the island features a small village with an inn, a Victorian church, and the 13th-century Marisco Castle.
Visitors can even explore a disused lighthouse. The Old Light is said to offer stunning views over the northern part of the island.
Like the Pembrokeshire islands, nature enthusiasts will find plenty of seabirds, wildlife, flora and fauna. The island even provides opportunities for diving and seal watching.
The Captain’s Choice cruise on Wednesday, June 18, sees Waverley sail from Porthcawl to Minehead – a first in 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.
The paddle steamer Waverley is set to make a special trip to Tenby this year, departing from Penarth on Tuesday, June 24. Tenby locals will have the chance to hop on for an evening cruise that offers views of Caldey Island and the breathtaking Pembrokeshire Coast as the Waverley heads towards Milford Haven.
The grand finale of this year’s sailings will be on Wednesday, June 25, with a departure from Fishguard marking Waverley’s first public sailing from the town in over 30 years.
In addition to day cruises, several evening excursions are available. On Monday, June 9, there’s a unique evening cruise planned up the River Severn, passing under its bridges, with passengers able to embark at Penarth.
For enthusiasts of steam-powered travel, the Waverley will also be teaming up with steam railways to mark the 200th anniversary of the modern railway. The paddle steamer will link up with the West Somerset, Brecon Mountain, and Lynton and Barnstaple railways, offering passengers the “ultimate steam day out” by combining a paddle steamer and steam train journey.
Captain Dominic McCall, the Master of the Waverley, 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.
“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.”
Tickets are available now at waverleyexcursions.co.uk or through the booking hotline on 0141 243 2224. There are offers available for seniors and children.
