A Christmas gift from Steam Yacht Gondola

Steam yacht gondola moored in Coniston

Give a unique gift this Christmas with a cruise on board Steam Yacht Gondola in the beautiful Lake District surroundings.

Inspired by Venetian ‘Burchiello’ barges, Steam Yacht Gondola was originally built in 1859 and later restored by the National Trust in 1980. She is an 84-foot long steam-powered boat sailing daily on Coniston Water between April and October. You can now book gift vouchers for our journeys and experiences to give to a loved one this Christmas. 

Choose between a full day’s experience as one of the crew tending to the boiler in the engine room and driving the boat from the helm; a full lake cruise with commentary of the local history and stopping off at jetties around the lake; or a private charter for just your nearest and dearest. All gift vouchers last for the duration of Steam Yacht Gondola's sailing season.

To book an experience click here or get in touch with our bookings office by email: sygondola@nationaltrust.org.uk or phone: 015394 32733.

Gondola engineer

Become an Engineer for the day 

We can now again invite you to 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 in this special gift experience.

Old Man of Coniston reflected on a resplendent autumn morning on Coniston Water

Full Lake Cruise 

This cruise is the perfect way to see the glorious autumn colours of the Coniston woods and fells, taking you the entire length of Coniston Water and back. Departing daily at 1.45pm, this cruise lasts 1 hour 45 minutes.

Party on 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: sygondola@nationaltrust.org.uk.

Take in true Lake District scenery as you pass fells, mountains and Lakeland houses from the open air deck or one of Gondola’s lavish saloons inside.

The two saloons reflect Victorian trains from the Furness Railway: a ‘first class’ saloon with comfortable upholstered seating and ornate ceiling and a ‘third class’ saloon with a rich mahogany ceiling and leather seats. The interior boasts a luxurious ambience with polished brasses and some carpeted floors, recreating the atmosphere of a bygone era. 

The interior saloons on Steam Yacht Gondola
The interior saloon on Steam Yacht Gondola
The interior saloons on Steam Yacht Gondola

How to get here
Cruises depart from Coniston Pier and stop off around the lake at key interest points where you can hop off the boat. To get to Coniston Pier by car, take the A593 from Ambleside or the B5285 from Hawkshead. Turn immediately left after the petrol station. The pier is at the end of Lake Road. Parking is 50 yards from the pier and is pay and display (not NT). 

Facilities on board
There is a small shop on board selling items as a memento from your trip with us. Due to the size of the boat, there is no toilet on board. The closest toilets to Coniston Pier are in the car park (not NT). Food and drink is not available to purchase on the boat. 

Get in touch
Telephone 015394 32733
Email sygondola@nationaltrust.org.uk