Paddle Steamer Waverley Returns To Cornwall For Spring Bank Holiday

There aren’t many ships left where you can hear the telegraph ring out, watch the engine pistons rise and fall, and see giant paddle wheels churning the water through a porthole. In fact, there’s only one. And she’s coming back to Cornwall next weekend.

Waverley, the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer, will return to Cornish waters for the spring bank holiday, with cruises running from Friday 22nd to Monday 25th May. Falmouth, Fowey, Mevagissey, Penzance and Padstow are all due to welcome the historic vessel.

A Return To Mevagissey After 28 Years

Two stops stand out on this year’s schedule. Waverley will make her first public sailing from Mevagissey since 1997 on Sunday 24th May, and her first visit to Padstow this century on Tuesday 26th May.

Waverley’s Master, Captain Bruce Clark, said: “We are delighted to see Waverley return to the South West for another series of spectacular coastal cruises over the upcoming holiday weekend. This year’s programme offers passengers the opportunity to experience some of the region’s most beautiful coastline from the decks of the World’s last seagoing paddle steamer.

“With sailings from Falmouth, Fowey and Penzance, alongside Waverley’s first public sailing from Mevagissey since 1997 and sailing from Padstow for the first time this century, we look forward to welcoming passengers aboard for what promises to be a memorable visit to Cornwall.”

📷Paddle Steamer Waverley

£1.5 Million Investment In Recent Months

Waverley’s General Manager, Paul Semple, said: “I am particularly looking forward to seeing Waverley steam into the picturesque harbour of Fowey following her first ever visit in 2024. Over the past 6 months we have invested over £1.5 million in Waverley and it’s rewarding when we see passengers stepping aboard to enjoy the unique experience of cruising on Waverley.”

What To Expect Onboard

Passengers can hear the telegraph ring, visit the Engine Room to watch the engine start to move, and see the paddles turning through the portholes. Full catering is available across all cruises, with hot and cold snacks, tea and cake in the afternoon, hot meals in the Dining Saloon, and refreshments in the period lounges. There’s also a Souvenir Shop onboard.

Bookings are open. Tickets are available from waverleyexcursions.co.uk or by calling the booking office on 0141 243 2224.