Waverley Paddle Steamer

Experience the Waverley Paddle Steamer in Weston-super-Mare and Clevedon

Each summer, history and adventure come alive on the water as the Waverley, the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer, graces the shores of Weston-super-Mare and Clevedon for a two-week annual event. This iconic vessel offers a rare and unforgettable opportunity to explore the stunning Bristol Channel, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

The 2025 timetable

The 2025 Waverley timetable can be found here and features trips from Weston-super-Mare and Clevedon.

Waverley cruises from Weston-super-Mare 

From Weston there is an Evening Cruise around the Holm Islands on Tuesday, June 10 departing from Knightstone Island at 6.45pm. The trip takes in Weston Bay, Birnbeck Island and the islands of Flat Holm and Steep Holm. This trip returns to Clevedon at 10pm and a coaches will take passengers back to Weston-super-Mare. There is also an all-day voyage to Ilfracombe on Saturday, June 14 leaving Weston-super-Mare at 9.15am and returning 12 hours later.  This trip takes in the North Devon coast, Bull Point Lighthouse and Woolacombe Bay.

Waverley paddle steamer cruises from Clevedon

There are several other nostalgia trips departing from Clevedon. The first is the Exmoor Coast to Foreland Lighthouse cruise departing on Wednesday, June 4. This departs at 9.15am and calls at Penarth on the Welsh coast and Ilfracombe. There is also an Evening Cruise around the Holm Islands on Friday, June 6. This departs from the historic Clevedon Pier at 7pm and returns at 10pm. The following day, Saturday, June 7, there is a Cruise of the North Devon Coast and River Torridge departing Clevedon at 9am calling at Bideford and Ilfracombe before returning to Clevedon at 10.45pm. Then, the following day, Sunday, June 8, there is a day-time excursion from Clevedon round the Holm Islands which leaves at 10.35am returning to Clevedon at 1.10pm. The boat will then set off again on a cruise down the coast to Penarth and Minehead before returning back to Clevedon at 8.15pm. On Monday, June 9, there's two more chances to hop aboard. In the morning, leaving Clevedon at 11.30am, there's the Cruise around Portishead Point and the Holm Islands, which returns at 4.15pm in time for another sailing - The River Severn and Under The Bridges Cruise -  which leaves Clevedon at 4.45pm, returning back to Clevedon at 8.45pm.

There's a midweek Exmoor Coast and Foreland Lighthouse Cruise on Wednesday, June 11. This one departs Clevedon Pier at 9.45am and docks back at 8.45pm.

The Lundy Island Excursion takes place on Sunday, June 15 and includes a two-and-a-half-hour visit to the famous island. This trip leaves Clevedon at 9am on Sunday, June 15 and returns to Clevedon at 11.30pm.

The paddle steamer is back in Clevedon again on Thursday, June 19 for another Exmoor Coast & Foreland Lighthouse excursion. This one features a 9.15am departure with an 8.45pm return.

There's a Friday evening voyage around The Holm Islands on June 20. It's a 7.30pm departure with a 10pm return. 

Saturday, June 21 offers up another double opportunity. There's a morning Cruise Via The Holm Islands departing Clevedon Pier at 9.15am and then an afternoon Cruise Up The River Severn Estuary and Under The Bridges. This sets off at 2.15pm and gets back into Clevedon at 7.30pm.

The following day, Sunday, June 22 sees the Welsh Coast and Nash Point Cruise. This departs Clevedon Pier at 11.45am and returns to the town at 9.15pm.

The penultimate trip of the season comes on Monday, June 23. It's the Exmoor Coast & Foreland Lighthouse trip with a visit to Ilfracombe. It departs Clevedon at 10.15am and returns at 8.40pm.

The final trip of the season is the Gower Coast Cruise taking in a viewing of Worm's Head and Caldey Island.  It's on June 24 with a 10.35am departure from Clevedon. Because of the tide times, this trip features a return by bus with the coaches due to arrive back in Clevedon at 8.45pm.

A Floating Piece of Maritime History

The Waverley isn’t just a boat; it’s a living piece of history. Built in 1946, this paddle steamer is a masterpiece of engineering and design, lovingly restored to her original glory. With her iconic red, white, and black funnels and vintage charm, stepping aboard feels like traveling back in time.

Spectacular Boat Trips Along the Bristol Channel

For two weeks every summer, the Waverley embarks on a series of breathtaking boat trips along the Bristol Channel, departing from Weston-super-Mare and Clevedon. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned enthusiast, these cruises showcase the region’s stunning coastal scenery like never before. From dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches to picturesque towns, the journey is as remarkable as the destination. See the islands of Flat Holm and Steep Holm, disembark at Lundy Island, hop off for an afternoon in Wales or take a cruise to see the spectacular Severn Bridge which spans the Bristol Channel taking thousands of motorists to an from Wales each day.

Perfect for All Ages

This event offers something for everyone. Families can enjoy a unique day out on the water, couples can soak in the romance of the open sea, and history buffs can marvel at the Waverley’s storied past. It’s also an excellent opportunity for photographers to capture unforgettable moments, with the paddle steamer and the beautiful coastline providing the perfect backdrop.

Plan Your Visit

The Waverley’s visit to Weston-super-Mare and Clevedon is a highly anticipated annual event, so be sure to book your tickets early to avoid disappointment. Each trip promises a blend of nostalgia, natural beauty, and maritime wonder that simply can’t be found elsewhere. 

The 2025 schedule sees the paddle steamer return to the Bristol Channel from Monday 2nd June – Tuesday 24th June with departures from Weston-super-Mare and Clevedon.

The exact timetable within these dates for the world's last seagoing paddle steamer hasn't been confirmed yet - but as soon as we know, we will let you know - so, bookmark this page and re-visit us very soon.

Don’t Miss This Unique Summer Highlight

Whether you’re a local or visiting the area, the Waverley’s summer cruises are an experience not to be missed. Join us for this special celebration of heritage and coastal exploration, and create memories aboard the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer. Set sail with the Waverley and discover the magic of the Bristol Channel this summer!

Stay a while

With evening cruises and full-day tours on the timetable why not relax and make a proper break of it by staying in Weston-super-Mare and taking advantage of the town's hotels and accommodation rather than rushing straight back home on the motorway.