Iconic paddle steamer coming to Plymouth

19th August 2024

The world’s last seagoing paddle steamer, Waverley, will make a highly anticipated return to Plymouth and the South West next week. Scheduled from Friday 30 August to Monday 2 September, this will mark Waverley’s first visit to the region since the late 1990s and includes the first paddle steamer sailings from Penzance, Plymouth, and Falmouth this century. Additionally, the famous paddle steamer will make her inaugural sailing from the picturesque town of Fowey.

On Friday, 30 August, Waverley will make a grand return to Plymouth, participating in the Cattewater 150 celebrations to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Cattewater Harbour.

Captain Richard Allan, Harbour Master and CEO of Cattewater Harbour Commissioners, expressed his enthusiasm: “Following a successful trial last October, we are delighted that PS Waverley will return to Plymouth this month as part of our harbour’s anniversary year and the special Cattewater 150 celebrations. This iconic vessel will be berthed at the Barbican Landing Stage during her visit, facilitating easy access for passengers embarking on sailings in Plymouth Sound, the Tamar, and the wider South Devon coast.”

Captain Dominic McCall, Master – PS Waverley, shared his excitement about the upcoming visit: “We are thrilled to bring Waverley back to Plymouth and the South West after such a long absence. This visit is particularly special as it includes our first-ever sailing from Fowey and a historic meeting with the Kingswear Castle on the River Dart. Our crew are very much looking forward to welcoming passengers aboard to experience the unique charm and history of the World’s last seagoing paddle steamer.”

As part of the Cattewater 150 celebrations, Waverley will host an enchanting evening cruise on Friday, August 30th, departing from Plymouth. Passengers can enjoy a scenic voyage along the South Cornwall coastline, taking in views of the River Tamar, its renowned bridges, Plymouth Hoe, and Plymouth Sound as the sun sets. The following day, Saturday, August 31st, will feature a historic meeting with Kingswear Castle, the UK’s only coal-fired paddle steamer, on the River Dart. This first-ever encounter between the two iconic vessels on the River Dart promises a unique experience, with Kingswear Castle sailing to meet Waverley at the river’s entrance.

On the evening of Saturday 31 August, Waverley will embark on a special cruise to Start Point, returning to Dartmouth for the spectacular Dartmouth Royal Regatta Fireworks. Passengers can enhance their experience by taking the Dartmouth Steam Railway from Paignton to connect with the evening cruise. On Sunday, September 1st, Waverley will offer an afternoon cruise from Plymouth for a picturesque sailing past Rame Head to the historic Eddystone Lighthouse, providing breathtaking views of the South Devon and South Cornwall coast.

During the early years of Waverley’s preservation career in the late 1970s she offered several trips from Plymouth but hasn’t offered passenger sailings since the in 1980s. It is hoped that her 2024 visit will prove popular with locals and visitors alike. 

The 2024 South Coast sailing programme will commence on September 4th, building on the exceptional success of 2023, with Waverley operating from various ports including Weymouth, Swanage, Poole, Yarmouth, Ryde, Southampton, Portsmouth, and Shoreham.

Don’t miss your opportunity to join in this historic experience. Tickets for Waverley’s South West and South Coast cruises can be purchased online at waverleyexcursions.co.uk or by calling the Waverley Booking Office on 0141 243 2224.