Balmoral returns to the Bristol Channel on her Diamond Jubilee season - Sailings Commence July 17th

Just a few days after her 60th birthday, the classic coastal excursion vessel Balmoral will return to the Bristol area offering cruises along both sides of the Bristol Channel.

Balmoral will be cruising the Bristol Channel providing a range of Day, Afternoon and Evening sailings on selected days to Penarth, Watchet, Minehead, Ilfracombe and Lundy Island as well as trips that join up with steam train trips, sunrise cruises, summer evening showboats with live music.

Sail up the Severn Estuary- the most extensive, dynamic and dramatical tidal estuary in Britain leading onto the River Avon and through the stunning Avon Gorge, under the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Step back time and view the SS Great Britain at Bristol historic docks.

Why not cruise 3 rivers & 5 bridges in one day! For those who wish to unwind from the hubbub of the modern world, cruise to peaceful and unspoilt Lundy Island or why not visit the delightful and ancient harbour town of Watchet, steeped in history. Cruise Atlantic & Exmoor Coasts with the chance to view some of the most magnificent coastal scenery in the whole of England. Alternatively stop off at Penarth, known as Wales’ Garden by the sea or join a trip up to the Brecon Steam Mountain Railway through beautiful Welsh countryside. Stop off at the seaside town of Ilfracombe situated on the North Devon coast. Alternatively for earlybirds there are sunrise cruises sailing on the River Severn all the way to Lydney/Sharpness and back. Finally, don't miss our famous Evening Showboats with live music onboard and make it a night to remember!

The trips are scheduled to give you enough time ashore at various seaside resorts like Minehead, splash about at Ilfracombe with the kids, join up with the famous Lynton Barton narrow guage railway, or join up with a Bristol City tour or stay on board and cruise around the ‘Channel Islands’ of Flat & Steep Holm!

This is the area which she has served for the longest period in her 60 years, with a total of twelve years under the P&A Campbell flag and twenty-three years under the WSN flag. The much loved-loved Bristol Channel is the start and finish of all her annual timetables. She lays up for the winter in Bristol at Princes Wharf, where her loyal band of volunteers get dirty bringing the ship up to standard – ‘all shipshape and Bristol fashion’ – for the following season. From 1969 to date Balmoral has cruised the entire length and breadth of this area. She has only missed the years 1981-85 inclusive.

This year the Balmoral will be under the command of Captain Ian Clark, in his spare time he works with the Sea Cadet Corps encouraging young people to take an interest in the sea. He and his crew look forward to welcoming as many passengers on board as possible to enjoy a classic coastal cruise – there is space for over 600 on Balmoral, refreshments are available and the bar will be open as she cruises along the Manx coastline. 

Balmoral was launched in 1949 and served initially on the Solent in the Red Funnel fleet, with whom she will celebrate her 60th birthday on 27th June. She later moved to the Bristol Channel with P&A Campbell before becoming a floating restaurant in Dundee – until rescued by her current charity owners, the Waverley Steam Navigation Company.

Full details of the sailings can be found, and bookings made on line, at www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk , or by phone on 0845 130 4647.  Tickets may also be purchased at many Tourist Information Centres along the Bristol Channel or on board the ship on the day – subject to space availability.

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