2026

Visiting Bideford Monday 15 June arriving from Ilfracombe at 1800 on the evening high tide.

On the Quay: Band, Fountains, Heritage Display, Food Van

Waverley Timings 15 June: ETA Bideford Pilot station: 1715, Passing Appledore: 1730, At Bideford: 1750 (Then turn in river using flood and pilot boat to push), Alongside Quay Bideford: 1800, Depart: 1900, Disembark Pilot: 1930, Sunset: 2141 

Departs Bideford for Ilfracombe 1900. There are coaches Bideford to Ilfracombe and Ilfracombe to Bideford. Waverley timetable and more information at: https://waverleyexcursions.co.uk

Freshspring open. VIP Viewing onboard SS Freshspring. Tickets £10

Your ticket includes:

• Choice of seated and standing viewing positions
• A complimentary glass of prosecco & nibbles
• A Union Flag to help give Waverley a spectacular welcome
• Self guided ship tour

All profits from ticket sales will go towards the ongoing restoration of SS Freshspring, whose home berth is proudly in Bideford. The steam powered paddle steamer Waverley and SS Freshspring were both launched in 1946.

More information and tickets at: https://www.ssfreshspring.co.uk/events/the-waverley-visits-bideford

Waverley in Bideford 2025

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. 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.

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.

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.