Ahead of this week’s visit of the Waverley Paddle Steamer to Tenby Harbour the public are reminded that parking will be restricted.

This summer’s sailings of the Waverley includes visits to Pembrokeshire on June 17 and 18, with cruises around the south coast, Caldey Island, St Govan’s Head and Skokholm, Skomer and Ramsey Islands planned.

Coach returns will pick up and drop off passengers embarking on the Waverley’s cruise towards Milford Haven from North Beach Car Park and this is the recommend parking area.

There will be no parking available at the Harbour nor South Beach Car Park, as this is closed for the Pembrokshire Street Food Festival taking place from Friday to Sunday.

The Waverley is returning to Tenby after more than 30 years and will be docking at 6 pm on June 17.

The 1947 paddle steamer will remain alongside for a limited amount of time, with an estimated turnaround time of 45minutes, for anyone wishing to welcome the ship to shore.

In Tenby there will be ample viewing points, away from the Harbour, to see the Waverley, such as North Walk, The Norton and the Esplanade and South Beach as she departs for Milford Haven.

There are 600 passengers to board after a similar number have disembarked the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer at Tenby.

Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett said: “People in Milford Haven and Tenby are sure to welcome the Waverley back to Pembrokeshire.

“By parking responsibly passengers and those hoping to catch a glimpse of this iconic vessel are sure to have an enjoyable experience.”

The paddle steamer, launched in 1947, was gifted for £1 to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society in 1974 and is owned and maintained by registered charity Waverley Steam Navigation Co. Ltd on its behalf.

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

The sailings provide a unique opportunity to experience a real steamship while taking in the delights of our coastal landscape.

More than 100,000 took to the sea on the Waverley last year, and the income generated from sailings contributes to keeping the ship in seagoing condition, along with fundraising and grants.

This year increasing fuel costs has led to an additional fundraising campaign in a bid to raise an extra £200,000.

The Waverley has made return visits to Milford Haven in recent years but this summer sees its return to Tenby, where in years gone by many residents enjoyed trips through the Bristol Channel to the south coast.

County councillor for Tenby’s South ward, Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall said: “This will bring back memories for many locals in Tenby and is yet another attraction for our wonderful town. It was always a huge attraction in years gone by and many families will have fond memories of going to Ilfracombe and local trips.

“Many are very excited to see the Waverley return to the harbour and will I am sure receive a huge welcome.”

With a 600 person capacity there will be a large influx of visitors on sailing dates and parking arrangements will be reviewed.

All Harbour users will be asked to give the vessel a wide berth on her approach and departure due to her restricted ability to manoeuvre.

Cllr Sinnett continued: “I’m sure both Milford Haven and Tenby will welcome the Waverley back to Pembrokeshire and the unique opportunity it offers to see the coast from a different perspective.

“I remember taking my family on the Skomer and Skokholm trip that went from Milford many years ago and we had a fantastic time and I really hope that there’s a great turn out not just for the trips but also to get a sight of this amazing vessel.”

Waverley’s General Manager, Paul Semple, commented: “The ship offers a truly unique experience and I know many will welcome the sight of her famous red, white and black funnels and the distinct sound of her paddles beating.

“I am delighted with the hugely positive response since we released the timetable and opened bookings. There is a clear demand for Waverley to reunite with the Bristol Channel.”

Joining guests on the Paddle Steamer on the Saturday, June 17 voyage, will be Tenby Male Choir who will perform two short informal sets for passengers enjoying this special cruise.