Steam Yacht Gondola

Gondola heading north on Coniston Water in the summertime — Gondola puffs her way north on Coniston Water in the Lake District

Dogs and well behaved owners boarding Gondola — Dogs and their well behaved owners are welcome aboard Gondola on the outer decks

Crewman mooring up Steam yacht Gondola at Coniston jetty — Gondola gliding in to Coniston jetty in the Lake District

wedding couple on bow of Gondola — A wedding couple celebrate aboard Gondola

Children peering into the engine room aboard Gondola on Coniston Water

Gondola engineer loading blazer logs — Feel the heat of Gondola's engine room

Important notice -

We're working hard to reopen many of our places where it is safe to do so. However, Steam Yacht Gondola is closed.

Rebuilt Victorian steam-powered yacht on Coniston Water

Overview
Opening times
How to get here
Facilities and access
Contact us

Which places are open and what you need to know before you visit

We're starting to open some gardens and parklands in England and Northern Ireland at reduced capacity, through advance bookings every week. Most places up to 8 June have now reached capacity. New tickets are released every Friday and we'll continue to add new places over the coming weeks. More than 200 coast and countryside car parks are now open. All houses remain closed for now and all places in Wales remain closed following Welsh Government advice. Read this article to find out what's open and what to expect from your visit.

Steam Yacht Gondola

Things to see and do

March 2020: Start of sailing season postponed

Virtual greetings from the crew - 27 March would have marked 40 years since Gondola's return to service on Coniston Water and our 2020 start of sailing season.

Why Gondola looks like a Venetian 'gondola'

How Gondola became a moving part of Coniston's cultural landscape...

Become an Engineer for the day

Although cruises are currently postponed, you can still buy a gift experience for the future. Be part of the crew for a day and see behind the scenes of Gondola, re-living the nostalgia of the golden age of steam in the engine room and up on the helm.

New sailing timetable for 2020

South Lake Cruise

You can now get out on the lake a little earlier to make the most of your day. Combine a cruise, walk and picnic by steaming down to Parkamoor on the peaceful east shore of Coniston.

North Lake Cruise

Steam your way around the north part of Coniston Water on this 45 minute round trip cruise with options to hop off at Brantwood for a culture fix or Monk Coniston for a lovely walk to Tarn Hows.

Full Lake Cruise

Take a nostalgic journey back in time and enjoy the sophistication of a bygone era on a cruise taking you the entire length of Coniston Water and back. Departing daily at 2.30pm, this cruise lasts 1 hour 45 minutes.

Steam Yacht Gondola

Groups

Group bookings on Gondola

We'd like to welcome your group on board Gondola throughout our sailing year for a historic cruise on Coniston water. Advance bookings benefit from group rates and coach drivers' vouchers. Here's all the information you need to begin your booking.

A Lake District Victorian Journey

Spend a day exploring the unique landscape of the Lake District by various modes of transport, in the traditional style of the Victorian era.

Steam Yacht Gondola

Venue hire

Private Charters and weddings on Gondola

Looking for a wedding reception, anniversary, birthday, retirement or corporate venue on the lake in Coniston? Gondola is a different kind of experience; a beautifully restored steam powered yacht available to hire as a private venue.

Steam Yacht Gondola

What's on

Steam Yacht Gondola

Places to stay

Hoathwaite Campsite

Hoathwaite is our 'back to basics' campsite for those looking for a simpler camping experience with more rudimentary facilities. The campsite sits in a stunning location running down to the lakeshore of Coniston Water where you can paddle, sail or go canoeing. It's a short walk to the jetty where you can hop aboard the historic Steam Yacht Gondola and sail to the start of some hilly trail routes.

Rose Castle Cottage (sleeps 4)

One of the highlights of a stay at Rose Castle Cottage is the breathtaking views as you drive along the track on the approach to the cottage. This delightful and simple 19th-century cottage is situated high above Tarn Hows, in a tranquil location with no neighbours on the horizon and few of the trappings of modern day life.

Steam Yacht Gondola

Our work