Waverley Excursions

Waverley Excursions operate two historic ships – Paddle Steamer Waverley and Motor Vessel Balmoral. Built in 1947 and 1949 respectively, these magnificent ships operate day and afternoon cruises each summer from a range of ports around the U.K.

Having called for over 20 years, Penarth is an important destination in the programme of cruises which operate throughout the summer months. Bringing visitors to the town as well as offering day trips to the local population, all our passengers visit the pier in order to board the ship. These local piers are the lifeblood of maintaining the opportunity of a day cruising.

What better way to do some sightseeing than from the vantage point of one of the passenger decks or, alternatively, whilst enjoying some food and drink in one of the bars or restaurant.

Great days out combined with the splendour and fascination of a by-gone era to a great range of destinations including Ilfracombe, Lundy Island, and Clevedon to name just a few.

For more information and to book your trip visit www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk

History Of The Ships

Flagship of our fleet is the famous WAVERLEY - the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world. It is thought that this famous ship is probably the most photographed ship in the world!

Built on the Clyde in 1947 - to replace the original Waverley that sunk off Dunkirk in 1940, the Waverley was originally built to sail only between Craigendorran & Arrochar in West Scotland.

£1 doesn't get you much these days, but in 1974 it bought a 693-tonne paddle steamer! Mounting running costs left the then operators no choice but to withdraw Waverley from service with the idea of preserving this unique ship. The Paddle Steamer Preservation Society (PSPS) stepped in and took over the helm - for the princely sum of £1. It is a credit to the Society and supporters that the Waverley became more than a museum and now operates a full programme of cruises from Easter to October.

2003 saw the completion of a major restoration project, which returned Waverley to the original 1940s style with which she was built. This has only been possible with major grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) totalling over £6m and the PSPS. Contributions have also come from Glasgow City Council, Scottish Enterprise Glasgow, the European Regional Development Fund and local authorities. WAVERLEY has been supported by the PSPS with a vibrant membership of over 4,000 for 30 years but only the excellent partnership with the HLF has provided WAVERLEY with a viable long-term future.

Balmoral was built in Southampton in 1949 and operated under the Southampton Red Funnel Fleet for 20 years. She then moved round to the Bristol Channel where she became the last member of P&A Campbell's famous White Funnel Fleet. When they ceased operation in 1980, Balmoral moved to Dundee to become a floating restaurant, and there she stood, unsuccessful & gradually falling into disrepair, until she was rescued by the friends & supporters of the Waverley.

She returned to service in 1986 and to this day operates her main summer season in the Bristol Channel, offering day excursions to popular Coastal Resorts, as well as making visits to other ports & piers throughout the UK in Spring & Autumn. Coastal cruising, once a great British tradition, remains alive & well in the care of Waverley Excursions and the operation of the Balmoral and Waverley.

In Winter 2002, Balmoral was fitted with new engines. The Project was dependent on nearly £150k being raised through the help of the Public Sector & local Councils, Supporter Societies and on-board Fund raising Activities which in turn secured a further £3/4m contribution from the Heritage Lottery Fund. This money has now been used to replace the engines but has also helped carry out additional improvements to enhance passenger comfort.

Waverley completed a £7m Heritage Rebuild in 2003 - restoring her to her former 1940s glory - thanks to a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the support & financial assistance of many authorities and civic bodies notably Glasgow City Council, the PSPS, Scottish Enterprise and Local Councils of Dumbartonshire, Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, Argyle & Bute. The project was also partially funded by the European Union, European Regional Development Fund.

Balmoral also benefitted from refurbishment during the winter of 2003/4 - again with thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery fund and also local councils around the Bristol Channel area - Balmoral's main sailing area.

Facilities

Owned by a registered Charity and British Registered to carry up to 800 passengers, Waverley's on-board facilities include a self-service restaurant, two fully licensed bars, heated observation lounge, 'Jeanie Deans' tearoom and a souvenir shop. A visit to the engine room is a must on any trip to see the magnificent engines at work. Waverley also has a disabled toilet on the main deck and the crew are trained & happy to give every assistance to allow less-agile passengers to enjoy their day with us.

Balmoral can comfortably accommodate up to 750 passengers and has a self- serve restaurant on-board along with two licensed bars, heated observation lounge and the souvenir shop.

Both ships have passenger decks giving great vantage points to enjoy the fresh air, the sun and the scenery.