THE place to be on Thursday afternoon (May 28) was Minehead Harbour as the world’s last sea going paddle steamer The Waverley made the first of it’s three scheduled visits of 2026.

In addition to a large number of passengers who were returning to Clevedon, many of whom had enjoyed a trip on the West Somerset Railway, some were just taking a nostalgic trip aboard the paddle steamer, from where they returned by coach.

There was also a large number of onlookers who had turned out to witness the visit of the historic vessel which was built on the Clyde and launched 80 years ago.

Waverley was originally built for sailings in West Scotland, and in 1974 at the end of her working life was sold to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society.

The Waverley Steam Navigation Co Ltd, a charity registered in Scotland, was set up to own and operate the ship.

In years gone by, the White Funnel fleet of coastal vessels, owned by P&A Campbell, regularly plied the waters of the Bristol Channel, with MV Balmoral probably one of the final ships to operate in the area.

Waverley is one of the country’s best-loved tourist attractions and over the course of a summer visits many of the coastal areas of the UK, offering regular trips around the Clyde, the Western Isles, the Thames, the South Coast of England, and the Bristol Channel, with calls also at Liverpool and Llandudno.

Further sailings aboard Waverley from Minehead were scheduled for June 3 departing at 9 am for a trip to Ilfracombe and then on to Lundy Island, and on Saturday, June 13, departing at 5.50 pm for a trip to Clevedon.

The Bristol Channel sailings come as the paddle steamer’s owners announced a £4 surcharge on tickets due to the rising cost of fuel caused by the US-Iran conflict.

Waverley general manager Paul Semple said: “This year is particularly special as Waverley celebrates 80 years since her launch in 1946.

“Eight decades on, she continues to steam around the Great British coastline.

“While the cost of operating a historic ship continues to rise, including a 65 per cent increase in fuel costs this season, Waverley remains very much in operation thanks to the tremendous support we receive from passengers, members, volunteers, and supporters across the UK.

“The best way people can help secure Waverley’s future is by stepping aboard and enjoying a cruise, helping to ensure she can continue sailing for generations to come.”

The ship’s Captain Bruce Clark said: “We are delighted to see Waverley return to the Bristol Channel for another series of spectacular coastal cruises over the next few weeks.

“This year’s programme offers passengers the opportunity to experience some of the region’s most beautiful coastline from the decks of the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer.

“There is something for everybody, from relaxing afternoon and evening cruises to full day excursions across the Bristol Channel.”

More information, including how to book tickets, is available on the Waverley’s website.