THE Waverley is returning to Llandudno this June and demand for tickets is expected to be high.

The unique vessel - the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer, will sail from Llandudno Pier on Tuesday, June 20 and Wednesday, June 21. She is returning to the town for the first time in five years. This follows a £3million refurbishment.

The timetable has not yet been revealed to the general public, but the Pioneer can reveal she will sail from Llandudno Pier on June 20 and will cruise around the Great Orme and Puffin Island.

On Wednesday, June 21, she will sail from Llandudno for a cruise of Anglesey Coast.

Samuel Brown, marketing executive at Waverley Excursions Ltd, said: “We are delighted that repairs will be made on the landing stage at Llandudno Pier, therefore allowing Waverley to return. We know there is a lot of support for Waverley in the area and we will be opening bookings next week commencing on March 20.

“Since Waverley’s last visit in 2018 the ship has received new boilers and other refurbishments totalling over £3 million.”

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The famous Waverley will also sail from Liverpool.

A statement on the Waverley Excursions’s Facebook page said:

“Given that 2023 is ‘Year of the Pier’ this is fantastic news that after an absence of five years, Waverley can return to the magnificent Grade II listed pier.

“At 2,295 feet, Llandudno Pier is the longest in Wales, and one of the UK’s finest. It has also held the title of ‘Pier of the Year’ nominated by the members of the National Piers Society.”

In 1974, at the end of her working life, the Waverley was gifted for £1 to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society.

Waverley Steam Navigation Co Ltd, a charity registered in Scotland, was set up to own and operate the ship. Waverley then began a second career as one of the country’s best-loved tourist attractions.

Since she has been in operational preservation, she has been awarded four stars by Visit Scotland, an engineering heritage award, and has carried over six-million passengers from more than 60 ports around the UK.

Passengers can look into the engine room and see the massive piston rods driving the cranks to turn the shaft which turns the paddle wheels on either side of the ship, giving a nostalgic of the early days of steam.

The vessel has two bars, dining saloon and can accommodate more than 900 passengers.

To book [from March 20], visit waverleyexcursions.co.uk