Iconic paddle steamer the Waverley returned to Tenby yesterday evening, with crowds gathering in the sunny seaside town to watch the famous steamship head in.

The world’s last seagoing paddle steamer has returned to cruise the Bristol Channel this June for an extended period building on the exceptional success of her 2023 visit, giving locals and visitors alike the opportunity to step aboard for a nostalgic trip on the famous steamship.

This year marks the 45th anniversary since Waverley first visited the Bristol Channel and South Wales back in 1979, sailing in the wake of the famous White Funnel Fleet of pleasure steamers which operated until the 60s.

Nowadays only Waverley offers pleasure steamer trips to the popular North Devon resort of Ilfracombe, around the Holm Islands and along the Welsh Heritage Coast.

A highlight of this year’s timetable saw the Waverley return to Tenby on Thursday, June 6 offering an evening cruise along the stunning Gower Coast with views of Mumbles Head.

To close her season of sailings in South Wales Waverley will offer two cruises from Milford Haven this month.

The penultimate Bristol Channel sailing will see Waverley cruise up the River Cleddau and under the Cleddau Bridge before cruising to St Ann's Head on Saturday, June 22.

Waverley then offers a grand finish on Sunday, June 23 with her Pembrokeshire Islands Explorer Cruise – ideal for viewing the wildlife on Skokholm, Skomer and Ramsey Island.