Waverley, the world’s last sea going paddle steamer, visited Bideford on Saturday 7 June 2025. Due to adverse weather forecast Bideford Fair in Victoria Park was postponed. Bideford Fair will now take place on Saturday 2 August 2025.

Waverley docked at 1515, welcomed by the Bideford Youth Pipe Band and an enthusiastic crowd who braved the showers. She left again for Ilfracombe at 1620 – giving a salute on her hooter to Steamship Freshspring both built in the same year 1946. More information:  https://waverleyexcursions.co.uk

Waverley in Bideford 2025 – images from Waverley FB page.

In 2024 Waverley, the worlds last sea going paddle steamer, was the first heritage vessel to visit the port since Bideford and River Torridge became a heritage harbour in January 2024.

On Friday 31 May arriving 1230 she entered the estuary at about 1200 and was welcomed by a large crowd on the quay enjoying the occasion in brilliant sunshine. Steamship Freshspring was open for the day with spectators lining the decks waving flags and Bideford Town Band playing.

Waverley was back again on 19 June leaving Bideford at 1700 for a cruise along the north Devon coast to Ilfracombe. Once again the weather was beautiful, sea calm and the scenery superb.

Welcome celebrations:

Volunteers handed out Heritage Harbour welcome packs on the quay to passengers and visitors

Steamship Freshspring was open from 1200 with spectators lining the decks to enjoy a great view and atmosphere as Waverley entered the port. Thanks to the loan of a compressor Freshspring’s whistle sounded for the first time in years.

Duet, a Thames steam launch built in 1901 accompanied Waverley up the estuary