From Blackmore Vale, we will travel to the seaside town of Ilfracombe. The town is known for its picturesque historic harbour of quaint pastel-coloured houses, a 14th-century chapel perched on Lantern Hill, and Damien Hirst’s statue Verity standing guard at the entrance. It is surrounded by dramatic clifftop scenery. We will be boarding the Waverly Paddle Steamer here.

Waverley is the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer. In 1974, at the end of her working life, she was famously 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 6 million passengers from over 60 ports around the UK.

2003 saw the completion of a £7m Heritage Rebuild which returned Waverley to the original 1940s style in which she was built. 2017 marked 70 years since Waverley’s maiden voyage on June 16, 1947 and in May 2020 she was relaunched after the boilers were replaced.

Our cruise today will take us 20 miles west of Ilfracombe to Lundy Island, where we may see dolphins, porpoises and occasionally whales before we see the Island’s large Atlantic Grey Seal Colony. All of this, with the magnificent backdrop of Lundy’s towering cliffs, provides plenty of photo opportunities and makes for an unforgettable day out.

Included:

• 6 hr trip from Ilfracombe to Lundy Island, including landing and a trip around Lundy Island and return to Ilfracombe
• Complimentary drinks on the coach when feasible
• Return travel to Ilfracombe
• Packed lunch

Depart Stalbridge: TBC
Return Stalbridge: 19:00 approx

All itineraries are approximate and subject to change