Historic paddle steamer the Waverley will return to Tenby again this year.

Waverley Excursions has confirmed that Waverley, the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer, will be returning to the Bristol Channel for a three-week period operating from South Wales, Somerset, and North Devon from Saturday, June 1 to Sunday, June 23.

This announcement follows Waverley’s highly successful re-introduction to the Bristol Channel in 2023 after a five-year period of absence.

Specific dates are yet to be given for the Waverley’s arrival at the seaside town of Tenby. The paddle steamer received a warm welcome when it returned to Tenby after more than 30 years, last June.

Docking at the popular Pembrokeshire coastal resort on Saturday, June 17 - the 1947 paddle steamer remained alongside for about 45 minutes, for the hundreds of people wishing to welcome the ship to shore.

Crowds lined the seafront roads and gardens, and all the paths of Castle Hill, to see the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer on her visit to the picturesque harbour.

600 passengers climbed on board in Tenby for the trip, with Tenby Male Choir joining guests to perform two short informal sets for passengers enjoying the coastal cruise to Milford Haven.

Waverley’s Master, Captain Dominic McCall, commented: “Following the outstanding support we received on returning Waverley to the Channel in 2023 we have now planned a more extensive programme of sailings for this year which will give even more opportunity for locals and visitors alike to enjoy a nostalgic trip aboard a historic steam ship.

“I look forward to setting sail from several Welsh ports and piers including Penarth, Porthcawl, Swansea, Tenby and Milford Haven to give everyone that steps aboard a great day out.

“It was heartwarming to see the enjoyment of passengers as we cruised the Channel to visit locations such as Minehead, Ilfracombe and Lundy Island last season and I look forward to returning this summer.”

Waverley Excursions General Manager, Paul Semple, will deliver a presentation followed by a Q&A session ahead of the release of the 2024 Bristol Channel sailing programme on Saturday, February 17 at Cardiff’s Holiday Inn, Castle Street at 2.15pm which is open for all and free to attend.

Paul commented: “I am delighted to confirm that the Bristol Channel will once again hear the beat of paddles when Waverley returns in June.

“We are currently planning the most exciting programme of sailings for several decades as we look to expand Waverley’s areas of operation across the UK.

“I look forward to sharing our plans for the upcoming season in Cardiff on February 17 where I will also be able to share the inside story of what it takes to operate such a unique and famous ship.”

Waverley is currently docked in Glasgow with maintenance and refit work ongoing before the ship moves to dry dock in April.

This winter will see £700,000 spent directly on the ship with some internal refurbishment works taking place to keep the iconic vessel in operation.

The final 2024 sailing programme for the Bristol Channel will be released when bookings open in early March.