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Waverley Excursions

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WAVERLEY EXCURSIONS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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2022 South Coast Season Ends on a High

Waverley’s South Coast sailings ended on a high with tickets sold out and glorious weather on Wednesday September 21. In total over 18,500 passenger journeys were recorded between September 2 and 21. A notable highlight was Waverley making her return to Poole for the first visit since 2014. The sailing ‘Round the Island’ proved as …

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Paddle Steamer Waverley: Timetable for sailings from Portsmouth and Southampton this summer confirmed

Passengers will once again be able to sail around the Isle of Wight

• 10:28, 9 MAY 2023

The dates have been confirmed for when the Paddle Steamer Waverley will return to Hampshire in 2023. Passengers boarding from Portsmouth and Southampton will be given the opportunity this summer to cruise onboard the last seagoing paddler steamer in the world.

The first sailing, which will be to The Needles and Freshwater Bay, will take place on September 1. The final cruise to Dorest's Jurassic Coast and Lulworth Cove will be on September 20. The full timetable is here .

Bookings for the South Coast and Isle of Wight sailings will open on Monday, May 15. As reported by HampshireLive , a public appeal was launched earlier this year to “urgently” raise funds to enable the historic vessel to afford dry dock fees and re-commissioning costs, and therefore sail in 2023.

READ NEXT: 'I sailed on Paddle Steamer Waverley and the Isle of Wight never looked more beautiful'

The Dry Dock 2023 Appeal set a target of £180,000, and, thanks to the support from over 2,000 individuals, reached its target at the start of April. Paul Semple, Waverley’s General Manager, commented: “The level of support for Waverley has been truly fantastic once again with so many people donating to the Dry Dock 2023 Appeal.

"The response on launching the Appeal came quickly with over £100,000 raised in just a few weeks. Clearly, there is widespread affection for what Waverley represents, the unique experience she offers and a wider understanding of the level of funding required to maintain her in seagoing condition.

"On behalf of the whole Waverley team I send our sincere thanks to everyone that has donated to the Appeal. The ultimate reward to those who have donated will be seeing Waverley back in service this summer. Everyone that has donated can take a sense of pride in knowing they play a part in ensuring the paddles keep turning.”

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Waverley’s 2023 in Pictures – 76 Images Capturing her 76th Year

Supporting the preservation and operation of paddle steamers Waverley and Kingswear Castle

2023 saw a dramatic turnaround in the fortunes of Paddle Steamer Waverley. Less than 3 weeks into the year and a public appeal was launched to raise £180,000 towards a £250,000 shortfall to afford the costs associated with her annual dry docking and recommissioning for another season.

By the close of the season in October over 157,000 passenger journeys had generated record revenues with no sailings lost across the entire season due to technical issues. Sufficient income was earned to meet the annual maintenance cost of the current winter refit, baring any unexpected additional works.

Waverley embarked passengers at 60 ports and piers around the UK with over 30% of sailings sold out in advance or with sections of a day’s sailing fully booked. The ship visited all four countries in the UK across a five day period – has this ever been achieved by a paddle steamer previously?

Sir Tim Laurence, husband of Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal, accepted an invitation to become Patron for Waverley Steam Navigation Co. Ltd. having visited the ship two days before she entered service back in May. Sir Tim later enjoyed an evening cruise from Gravesend to London in early October and was impressed by the ship and her unique charm.

Several calling points which have been absent from the timetables for decades were re-established including Craignure, Troon, Tenby, Portishead and Ipswich. Shoreham-by-sea and Warrenpoint saw Waverley offering a sailing for the first time.

The following 76 images give a flavour of the past year in the career of the remarkable Paddle Steamer Waverley.

Accolades in 2023 include Waverley being awarded Gold Status with Visit Wales, being included in seven of the UK’s best boat trips and being awarded best visitor attraction experience by Best of Scotland Reader’s Choice awards.

Statistics show the ship carried the greatest number of passengers since 2003. In total 157,402 passenger journeys were recorded across 124 days in service giving 1,269 journeys a day on average. This generated an average revenue of over £37,000 per sailing day. (2022 was under £27,000 per day earnings.)

Given that the ship has now re-established herself across all sailings areas following the boiler refit and pandemic an independent Economic Impact Assessment has been commissioned, the results of which are expected in the coming months. This will show Waverley’s economic benefit to the UK and Scottish economies, and helps strengthen her case for financial support. While 2023 has generated an operating surplus to meet basic maintenance costs the ship will never generate sufficient income to meet major renewals. Ongoing support will be needed to keep Waverley at sea in the years ahead, an element of luck and good favour is also required!

Headline Costs in 2023 (rounded):

Crew – £775,000 Fuel – £700,000 Catering & Shop Purchases – £410,000 Berthing and Pilotage – £320,000 Coaches and passenger transfers – £170,000 Marketing – £150,000 In season Renewals and Repairs – £150,000

If asked what made 2023 a success it was all elements – timetabling, marketing, technical, crewing, weather, ports / piers – coming together with some good fortune. Waverley is a well established brand with a high profile and unique selling point, but her continued operation relies on donors, supporters, customers, volunteers, staff and crew.

Looking to 2024 and Waverley is booked to dry dock in Greenock in April before her first passenger sailing on Friday 17th May. Timetables will be released area-by-area from February with the new season kicking off with three days on the Clyde before the ship makes her annual trip to Oban on Monday 20th May. The Bristol Channel will see 3 weeks of sailings in June with two further ports being added to the itinerary to build on the outstanding success of 2023. In late August Waverley will offer her first sailings this century in the South West with Plymouth and several other ports featuring. Given the exceptional level of interest created by an innovative sailing programme in 2023 the 2024 timetable will be equally exciting with further ports of call added to the itinerary.

Bookings will open as the timetables are released for each area. To ensure you receive details as timetables are released you can sign up for Waverley e-newsletters online . PSPS members will also receive details by email.

I would like to thank and acknowledge all those who have provided images which have been used in this post in supporting Waverley’s continued operation.

• by Paul Semple
• on 31 December 2023

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Paddle Steamer Preservation Society

The Society is a company limited by guarantee (having no share capital), registered in England and Wales No. 2167853, and a charity registered in England and Wales (298328) and in Scotland (SC037603). Registered Office Mayfield, Hoe Lane, Abinger Hammer, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6RS. The Society is governed by its Articles of Association which set out its objects which may be summarised as to preserve in operation paddle steamers, to educate the public in their historical significance and to preserve relics and other materials associated with paddle steamers.

Copyright 2022 Paddle Steamer Preservation Society except where noted.

Latest Posts

• 2nd June KC Totnes Trip Update 19 April 2024
• Kingswear Castle Special Cruises Announced 19 March 2024
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Paddle Steamer Waverley

4 – 25 September 2024

The world’s largest seagoing paddle steamer is back on the South Coast and Isle of Wight from Wednesday, 4 September until Wednesday, 25 September 2024.

Waverley is named after Sir Walter Scott’s novels and was constructed to replace the 1899 Waverley, which was sunk during enemy action at Dunkirk on May 29, 1940.

Waverley holds the distinction of being the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer. In 1974, at the end of her working life, she gained renown for being gifted to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society for just £1.

Choose from a variety of day, afternoon, and evening cruises and enjoy the ever-changing coastal landscape of the south coast. On board, indulge in a hot or cold snack, afternoon tea and cake, a hearty meal in the Dining Saloon, or relax in one of the comfortable lounges.

No cruise is complete without visiting the Souvenir Shop, where exclusive gifts and mementos await, allowing you to carry a piece of Waverley’s legacy home with you.

With departures from Ryde, Portsmouth, Yarmouth and many more, step back in time aboard the famous Paddle Steamer Waverley – they look forward to welcoming you aboard!

WAVERLEY PARK HOLIDAY CENTRE

[email protected]

01983293452

Whatever you seek on your visit to the Isle of Wight you are unlikely to be disappointed and Waverley Park is ideally located to offer you the best base to explore the island.

Waverley Park is within walking distance of mainland ferry connections, local bus routes and Osborne House, Queen Victoria's favourite home.

The internationally renowned yachting centre of Cowes with its many shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants is a comfortable stroll away via a chain bridge.

A gate at the foot of the park gives access to the unspoilt esplanade, popular for fishing, sailing, crabbing and water sports.

We also have free on-site Wi-Fi available. Please come to reception to get the password and you will be able to access the internet from anywhere on the park.

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Waverley Park Holiday Centre 51 Old Road

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You are here > Home > Accommodation > Waverley Park Holiday Centre

Waverley Park Holiday Centre

Camping & Caravan Site

Tel: 01983 293452

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TO BOOK ON-LINE PLEASE CLICK HERE .

A family run park situated in the Island's most famous town of Cowes - Waverley Park has direct access to the promenade east of the River Medina and enjoys panoramic views over Cowes Harbour and the Solent. At the head of the 12 acre Park is the old Manor House built in 1795 and extended to accommodate the reception and our licensed Club House and terrace which is open nightly during High Season and offers family entertainment and a wide selection of home cooked evening meals to suite all tastes.

- Prices include gas, electricity, linen - Please see more information under 'Tariff'. - Free Club Membership (high season). - Free heated outdoor swimming & paddling pools (high season). - Free cots & highchairs (bookable - cot linen is not provided). - Free table tennis. - All accommodation is fully equipped with colour TV, shower, toilet, fridge, full size gas stove etc. - Haven for wildlife especially red squirrels. - Ideal base for sailing, walking, cycling, fishing and golfing. - Easy access to visitor attractions on the Island. - Within walking distance of Red Funnel's car ferry terminus and West Cowes. - Children's play area. - Dogs welcome.

* Free Wifi *

Touring/camping facilities available. High quality amenity block with launderette, free hot showers, WC, disabled/baby changing and dishwashing facilities.

TARIFF: - Pitches are based on 2 adults for an unmarked pitch. Child rates are available on application. - Flexi-Stay for holiday caravans – we offer full flexibility in the length of your stay (min 3 nights) anytime except High Summer (31st July to 28th August). For stays of less than 7 nights add £25 to cover the cost of cleaning and bed linen.

Ferry inclusive prices available on request. 

**AWARDED DAVID BELLAMY GOLD AWARD**

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

• Excellent 245
• Very Good 77

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* Short night breaks from 3 nights in low season please contact Waverley Park Holiday Centre for more information.

• Wheelchair user accessible
• Wheel-in Shower
• Full liquor licence
• Ice Pack Freezing
• Outdoor eating area

Children & Infants

• Cot(s) available
• Facilities for children
• Family Friendly, Children Welcome
• Highchair(s) available
• Outdoor children’s play area

Establishment Features

• Beach / Coast within walking distance
• Calor/Camping Gaz purchase/exchange service
• Chemical disposal point
• Colour television in lounge
• Dogs admitted on a lead
• Dogs welcome
• Drinking water supply
• DVD player in lounge
• Electric hook-up points
• Ferry discount available
• Gas cylinder exchange
• Grass pitches
• Groups welcome
• Hard standing pitches
• Launderette
• Linen available free of charge - Please note for stays of less than 7 nights in the caravans there is a £20 charge to cover the cost of cleaning and bed linen.
• Mains service pitches available
• Open all year round
• Open Christmas
• Open New Year
• Open on bank holidays
• Pets accepted by arrangement
• Piped water
• Pitches with sea view
• Prior Booking Recommended
• Public Telephone
• Public toilets
• Regular evening entertainment
• Shower block
• Toilet Block
• Total number of touring pitches - 33 + Open camping area
• Tumble dryer
• Waste Disposal Point
• Wireless Internet Access - Free Wi-fi across the whole site.

Languages spoken

• French spoken

Leisure Facilities

• Access to golf course - Osborne House Golf Course - 1 mile
• Eating Out Within Walking Distance
• Fishing - Sea fishing off Esplanade at bottom of site
• Golf Course close by - Osborne House Golf Course
• Outdoor heated pool
• Regular disco
• Snooker / Pool table
• Swimming Pool
• Tennis court - Public Court adjacent to site

Parking & Transport

• Off-road parking
• On site parking
• Parking next to pitch

Payment Methods

• Cash Accepted

Provider Preferences

• Countryside Setting

Room / Unit Features

• Colour television in all units
• Drying facilities
• Electricity Charges Included
• Gas Charges Included
• Microwave in all units
• No Smoking in Unit
• Shaver Point/s
• Telephone in unit

Specialist Features

• Caravan Club non members welcome
• Cyclists welcome
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