If you’re on the hunt for a unique and picturesque summer getaway, why not consider a trip aboard a paddle steamer, visiting some of the more secluded islands across southwest Wales and the Bristol Channel?
The Waverley, the last seagoing paddle steamer in the world, will be setting sail from stops including Clevedon Pier, just a half hour drive from Bristol. There’s also a coach transfer available to towns such as Penarth, Swansea, Tenby, Porthcawl, Milford Haven and Fishguard, where you can board a series of fascinating cruises this June.
A paddle steamer is a type of steamboat that uses a steam engine to power paddle wheels, propelling the vessel through the water. Once on board the Waverley, passengers can take in the sights and sounds of a genuine steamship, watching the paddles turn.
Full catering facilities are also available during the cruises, allowing passengers to enjoy hot or cold snacks, afternoon tea and cake, a hot meal in the Dining Saloon, or a drink in one of the period-themed lounges.
The ship will first set sail from Milford Haven on Monday, June 2, embarking on a Pembrokeshire Islands Explorer cruise. Passengers will have the opportunity to steam around Skokholm, Skomer 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.
Three planned trips to the remote Lundy Island, where the Bristol Channel meets the Atlantic, are scheduled for June 3, 15 and 17. These excursions will allow passengers to disembark and explore the island.
Lundy, an untouched gem off the north Devon coast, is free from the disturbance of cars and boasts a quaint village complete with an inn, Victorian church and the 13th-century Marisco Castle.
Visitors can also discover a disused lighthouse known as The Old Light, which offers stunning views over the northern part of the island. Like its Pembrokeshire counterparts, Lundy is a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering an abundance 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, will see the 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 iconic paddle steamer Waverley is set to make a special visit to Tenby this year, embarking from Penarth on an exciting voyage to the idyllic harbour town on Tuesday, June 24. Upon arrival, Tenby’s residents are invited to join an evening cruise that will showcase views of Caldey Island and the breath-taking Pembrokeshire Coast before heading to Milford Haven.
The season’s spectacular closing will be marked by a voyage from Fishguard on Wednesday, June 25, marking Waverley’s first public departure from the locale in over three decades.
In addition to these day trips, a selection of evening cruises is also on offer, including a memorable trip up the River Severn scheduled for Monday, June 9. Departing from Penarth, just over an hour from Bristol, guests will experience the stunning sight of sailing under the bridges during twilight hours.
Steam enthusiasts are in for a treat as Waverley ties in with several steam railways throughout the year to celebrate two centuries since the inception of modern railways. This unique collaboration includes connections with the West Somerset, Brecon Mountain, and Lynton and Barnstaple railways, providing visitors the “ultimate steam day out” combining journeys on both a paddle steamer and a steam train.
Captain Dominic McCall, the Master of the Waverley, has expressed excitement about this year’s timetable, saying: “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.”
Bookings are already open, with tickets available through waverleyexcursions.co.uk or by contacting the booking office at 0141 243 2224. There are also offers available for both seniors and children.