Step aboard the Waverley Paddle Steamer for a unique trip on one of the UK’s best-loved tourist attractions. Experience a bygone era as you board the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer on one of her many excursions around the UK. Waverley is the last survivor of a 200 year tradition of pleasure cruises on Paddle Steamers and an experience you won’t forget. From the moment you’re greeted by the uniformed crew as you step aboard, you’re transported back in time for a nostalgic trip along the coast.
For those of you living in Somerset, or visiting during the summer, be sure to catch the Waverley Paddle Steamer during her sailing season along the Bristol Channel. The best place in Somerset to see her (or take a trip) is from Clevedon Pier. A visit to this Grade I listed Victorian Pier adds to this unique experience and authentic charm.
An excursion on the Waverley Paddle Steamer is a unique experience because there is nowhere else in the world where you can enjoy a seagoing paddle steam cruise. The Waverley who was once part of a fleet, is now the last of her kind offering trips along the coast. Day trippers can enjoy a nostalgic cruise and for some is also a reminder of their childhood trips ‘back in the day’!
What is there to see and do on Waverley?
From the moment Waverley approaches the pier or dockside you’ll see the famous twin red, white and black funnels and the paddle wheels with water foaming around them. Once on board, you can head below deck and look through the portholes and see the paddles in motion. Also witness the powerful triple expansion steam engine in operation, the engineers at work and smell the hot oil and steam. Most of Waverley’s machinery are powered by steam from her two massive oil-fired boilers. You’ll hear the beat of the paddles and the telegraph ring. All this is part of the authentic experience of a real steamship.
Head upstairs and enjoy refreshments in the traditional dining saloon or period lounges while watching the coastal views. You’ll notice the stairs on the way up all have Waverley’s name engraved in brass.
The Purser’s Office is on the Promenade Deck – this is where you collect your tickets if you booked less than 7 days before your excursion. It’s also where you can buy your tickets if you pay on the day.
There is a little souvenir shop on the main deck where you can buy a Waverley memento and even send a postcard using the Victorian postbox onboard.
Our favourite thing to do on board Waverley is to go up to the top observation deck for the best views. There is plenty of outdoor seating for seeing the fantastic coastal views and wildlife spotting.
Where does the Waverley Paddle Steamer go?
The Waverley paddle steamer makes passenger excursions from various UK ports, including Scotland, London and Thames River, Northern Ireland, the Bristol Channel, North Wales and the Mersey. Sail around Islands, explore stunning coastlines, estuaries and rivers, including pretty seaside towns.
Waverley offers a variety of day, afternoon and evening cruises from around 70 ports and piers – check out the timetable below for your nearest departure point.
Waverley 2024 Dates
Waverley’s 2024 season is now well underway. She will operate in several areas of the UK until Sunday 20th October. The season outline is as follows:
- Bristol Channel – Friday 31st May – Sunday 23rd June
- North Wales & The Mersey – Monday 24th June – Wednesday 26th June
- Glasgow & Clyde Coast – Friday 28th June to Sunday 25th August
- South West including Plymouth – Thursday 29th August – Monday 2nd September
- South Coast & Isle of Wight – Monday 2nd September – Wednesday 25th September
- London & Thames Estuary – Friday 27th September – Sunday 13th October
- Final Sailings of the 2024 season (Glasgow & Clyde Coast) – Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th October
Book online for all sailings or call the booking office on 0141 243 2224.
Excursions in The Bristol Channel [2024]
There is a fantastic choice of excursions in the Bristol Channel this season between the following ports:
- Clevedon Pier
- Ilfracombe
- Bideford
- Portishead
- Penarth Pier
- Tenby Harbour
- Fishguard Harbour
- Weston super Mare
- Minehead Harbour
- Visiting Lundy Island
- Porthcawl Harbour
- Swansea
- Milford Haven
There are also coach connections from:
- Bridgend
- Chepstow
- Bristol
- Newport
Waverley Excursions in The Bristol Channel include three steam or Heritage Railway trips. The Waverley links up with a day trip on the Brecon Mountain Railway, the West Somerset Railway and the Lynton and Barnstable Railway.
The excursions to Lundy Island and around the Holm Islands are always very popular. Check out the timetable – there is something for the whole family to enjoy.
History of Paddle Steamers in the Bristol Channel
Early Days
Paddle Steamers have been working in the Bristol Channel since the 1820’s taking thousands of passengers between Somerset and South Wales. In the early days the steamers were limited to where they could dock due to the huge tidal range of the Severn Estuary. The opening of Birnbeck Pier in 1867 and Clevedon Pier in 1869 allowed more excursions from North Somerset because the boats could dock more often in deeper waters.
The War Years
In Spring 1888 the paddle steamer Waverley began sailing the Bristol Channel until war broke out in 1914. The fleet was requisitioned by the Admiralty for use as mine sweepers in both WW1 and WW2 and made a significant contribution to the war effort. In May 1940, Waverley performed a heroic role evacuating troops at Dunkirk before being sunk by enemy action. Eleven White Funnel ships were “called up” at the beginning of the war but many were lost and only four paddle steamers returned to cruise the Bristol Channel in the post war years.
Post War Years
The current Waverley Paddle Steamer was built in 1946 to replace the ship sunk at Dunkirk to serve around Argyll and Bute, and the River Clyde.
By 1973 Waverley was the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world, and by the end of that year she was withdrawn from service. The running costs were just too high.
Waverley was offered to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society (PSPS) in 1973. In August of the following year Waverley was “sold” for £1 and officially handed over to Waverley Steam Navigation Co. Ltd., a company formed by the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society.
By May 1975, Waverley returns to service in Glasgow carrying her first passengers and returned to the Bristol Channel in 1979. She now operates on a not-for-profit basis and is currently more popular than ever!
This year marks her 45th anniversary sailing The Bristol Channel and is an iconic sight steaming along the coast.
How much does it cost for an excursion on the Waverley?
The fare to sail onboard the Waverley Paddle Steamer varies on each excursion. But look out for special discounts:
- Children’s fares start from only £1 (fares on all Glasgow & Clyde Coast trips this year, plus selected dates elsewhere)
- Under 5’s travel for FREE
- Children age 5-16 travel for half fare on most cruises.
- There are discounts available for Seniors on some cruises including their popular “Senior Bring A Friend FREE” special offer on selected dates.
- There is a discount for NHS staff and groups of 10 or more.
Eating and drinking on board Waverley
Waverley has a range of dining and refreshment options on board. On the main deck there is the Dining Saloon serving hot food and snacks, including breakfast rolls. The Jeanie Deans Lounge Bar is also on the Main Deck serving hot and cold drinks.
On the Promenade Deck is a tearoom serving hot and cold drinks, soup, sandwiches, snacks, cakes and ice cream.
Finally, the Talisman Bar located beneath the Dining Saloon offers a range of alcoholic drinks.
You may also bring your own picnic to eat on board Waverley, but you are not permitted to bring your own alcohol on board.
How many passengers does the Waverley Paddle Steamer take?
The Waverley Paddle Steamer is certified to carry 740 passengers. Most of the seating is outside as it’s primarily a sight-seeing trip but there is an indoor saloon, dining area and place to view the engines below deck.
How many paddle steamers are there in the UK?
There are currently three operational paddle steamers sailing in Great Britain: PS Waverley, PS Kingswear Castle and PS Monarch. The two former paddle steamers are listed in the National Historic Fleet as being of pre-eminent national significance.
- PS Monarch is the world’s smallest commercial paddle steamer.
- Paddle Steamer Kingswear Castle, built in 1924, is Britain’s last coal burning river paddle steamer.
Waverley operates on a not-for-profit basis and relies on public support to
keep her sailing. Sign up to the newsletter to keep up to date with the latest timetables and news. Waverley’s survival is dependent on people sailing on her and your contributions are responsible for her ongoing success.
More Somerset Days Out
Before you go, check out these blog posts:
The Best Days Out and Unmissable Things To Do in Somerset
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