Activities at Steam Yacht Gondola
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. Email us to discuss your requirements: bookings.gondola@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Full Lake Cruise on Gondola
This cruise is the perfect way to see all the varied highlights of the lake, taking you the entire length of Coniston Water and back. This cruise lasts 1 hour 40 minutes.
Coniston Cruise - South Lake
Steam your way across Coniston Water aboard a unique historic yacht to discover the wooded east shore and Brantwood, home of John Ruskin.
Gondola Cruise - North Lake
On the hour-long North Cruise, you'll have the chance to hear about Gondola's origins and how the significance of her Venetian design is a reflection of wider social and cultural events at the time of her conception.
Steam Yacht Gondola Brantwood to Parkamoor trail
This Lake District walk starts and ends with a trip on Coniston’s famous steam-powered Steam Yacht Gondola, providing a perfect opportunity to view the area’s spectacular scenery from the water as well as from the fells during your walk.
- Moderate
- 3 hours
- 6.0 miles (9.65km)
Steam Yacht Gondola Parkamoor to Brantwood trail
This Lake District walk starts and ends with a trip on Coniston’s famous steam-powered Steam Yacht Gondola, providing a perfect opportunity to view the area’s spectacular scenery from the water as well as from the fells during your walk.
- Moderate
- 3 hours
- 6.0 miles (9.65km)
Groups are welcome on Steam Yacht 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.
March 2021: Start of sailing season postponed
Virtual greetings from the crew - 27 March 2020 would have marked 40 years since Gondola's return to service on Coniston Water and our 2020 start of sailing season.
Sept 2018: Gondola ‘family’ reunion to mark ruby rebuild anniversary
A reunion of those connected to the rebuilding of Gondola 40 years ago met on board in September for some nostalgic reminiscing.
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.
Five reasons to come aboard this autumn
A sail on Coniston lake aboard Gondola is an idyllic autumn activity, enjoyed by thousands since Victorian times. Discover why so many have taken to this steam-powered yacht with our top reasons to visit this season.
Steam Yacht Gondola Lake Bank to Coniston
This beautiful walk is in two distinct parts. The first takes you up to 200m above sea level and the second part follows the lake shore path, and both have wonderful views.
- Moderate
- 4 hours
- 7.6 miles (12.2km)
A Victorian day out in Coniston
Make the most of your day out on Coniston and combine your cruise with a visit to Brantwood, the home of John Ruskin.
The Swallows & Amazons return
Hop on board Steam Yacht Gondola and experience the magic of Arthur Ransome's world of Swallows & Amazons. See real locations that influenced places in the book and see some of the film locations used for the new Swallows & Amazons movie.
Enjoy a cruise aboard Gondola this Autumn
Jump on board Gondola this Autumn and enjoy the array of spectacular colours around Coniston Water
January 2018: Snowed under
It's all work, work, work over the winter
November 2017: One flag just isn't enough
Ever wondered what the different flags represent on Steam Yacht Gondola?
October 2017: Steam Yacht Gondola, or is it?
Why is it called 'Steam Yacht Gondola'?