The world’s only remaining seagoing paddle-steamer last visited Minehead in 2018. Since then, the Covid pandemic, and a £1 million refit to repair damage after a collision with a Scottish pier, saw all sailings cancelled.
The 77-year-old ship, a major tourist attraction, will make three visits to the town. “This is the biggest time-table Waverley has offered for the Bristol Channel for ten years,” said Waverley general manager Paul Semple. “Minehead is always a key destination.”
On Saturday, June 10, Waverley will arrive in Minehead from Penarth at 11.45am, sailing at 12pm on an Exmoor coast cruise to Ilfracombe. A coach connection will bring passengers back to Minehead, arriving at 7.45pm. There will also be a WSR gala event on that day.
A cruise to Flatholm and Steepholm on Thursday, June 15 will arrive in Minehead at 4.40pm and leave at 5.15pm. The following day, June 16, a coach connection will take passengers to Ilfracombe at 12pm for an afternoon cruise.
Mr Semple added: “Maintaining an historic steamship is a never-ending task with so many pieces of machinery, fixtures and fitting to take care of.”
The Waverley’s returned to Minehead in June was welcomed by the town’s BID chairman, Graham Sizer, who said: “We have missed seeing this fine old ship and this is good news. Her passengers are always welcome in the town.
“BID has been liaising with the Waverley organisation for two years to bring the ship back to Minehead after knowing that plans were being made to revisit the Bristol Channel. It’s also good news that the new Somerset Council has agreed to waive the £400 mooring fees for the Waverley.”
Passengers can book on line at waverleyexcursions.co.uk or call 0141 243 2224.