World famous Waverley returns to Bay

Waverley, the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer, will return to South Devon this summer with an extra special date in Torbay.

The historic steamship is set to offer cruises from Thursday August 28 until Monday September 1 with Penzance, Falmouth, Fowey, Plymouth and Dartmouth due to welcome the famous vessel.  A major highlight of this year’s programme is Waverley’s first public sailing from Torquay since the 1980s on Saturday August 30.

Waverley’s Master, Captain Dominic McCall, said: "In 2024 we received a fantastic welcome when Waverley visited the South West with tickets selling out as locals and visitors flocked aboard. Sailing Waverley into the picturesque Fowey harbour was special but the highlight for many was meeting Paddle Steamer Kingswear Castle on the River Dart, the sight of both paddlers side by side and their steam whistles tooting was memorable for all that were aboard. This year I am delighted to announce that Torquay has been added to the cruise itinerary as we further develop the unique sailings Waverley can offer.”

Waverley’s visit to the South West will showcase some of the region’s most breathtaking landscapes. On Thursday August 28, she will sail from Falmouth and Penzance, offering passengers the chance to view Mousehole, Gwennap Head, and Land’s End, before an evening cruise to St Michael’s Mount and Lizard Point. The following day, Friday August 29, she will sail from Plymouth and Falmouth to cruise Dodman Point, Looe Bay, and the Rame Heritage Coast, followed by a sunset cruise from Plymouth to Whitsand Bay and Cawsand Bay.

Waverley will call at Torquay at 12:30pm on Saturday August 30 firstly offering an afternoon cruise along the South Devon Coast viewing Dawlish and Teignmouth before then offering a further sailing at 3:45pm to steam across to Dartmouth to meet Kingswear Castle and steam up the River Dart as part of the Dartmouth Royal Regatta event. On Monday September 1 Waverley will sail from Torquay at 12:15pm bound for Weymouth giving passengers the opportunity to enjoy the stunning south coast with views of Lyme Bay, Portland Bill, Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove.

Carolyn Custerson, CEO of the English Riviera BID Company, said: “We are excited that the iconic Paddle Steamer Waverley will be returning to the English Riviera this summer and berthing in Torquay for the first time in decades. This is fantastic news for our local tourism economy, offering visitors and residents a unique opportunity to escape their everyday life and experience a journey on the world’s last sea-going paddle steamer. We look forward to welcoming the Waverley and all her passengers to the English Riviera.”

After her historic return to Torquay, Waverley will continue her South West programme on Sunday August 31 with a cruise from Dartmouth, Plymouth, and Fowey, sailing to Start Point, Prawle Point, and the famous Eddystone Lighthouse. To round off this special series of sailings, on Monday September 1, Waverley will offer a South Devon to Dorset Coastal Explorer cruise, with departures from Plymouth, Torquay, and Weymouth, taking in the dramatic Jurassic Coast, including Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove - England’s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Once aboard Waverley passengers can savour the sight and sound of a real steamship - hear the telegraph ring, visit the Engine Room and watch the engine start to move and turn the massive paddles, which can be seen through the portholes. With full catering facilities available throughout all cruises - passengers can enjoy a hot or cold snack, tea and cake in the afternoon, a hot meal in the Dining Saloon or a refreshment in one of the period lounges, as well as a visit to the Souvenir Shop to take home an exclusive gift or memento of their trip on this famous and much-loved ship.

Waverley is currently in dry dock for her annual survey, repair works and full repaint. Over the course of the past winter more than £1 million has been invested in the ship to keep her operating. Her sailing season begins next month and sees her scheduled to visit over 70 ports and piers across the UK.