Be a Steam Yacht Gondola engineer for a day – gift experience

Crew members in the Engine Room on Steam Yacht Gondola on Coniston Water, Lake District — Crew members inside the Gondola's Engine Room | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Join the crew of Steam Yacht Gondola for an exclusive, hands-on day on the water. Take the helm, explore the engine room and get up close to the workings of this magnificent Victorian steam yacht. Perfect as a gift or a treat for yourself, Engineer for a Day is an unforgettable Lake District experience.

What’s included?

The experience runs from approximately 8.30am to 4.30pm, giving you a full day as part of the crew. You'll work alongside Gondola's crew during scheduled passenger sailings, helping prepare the vessel, welcome passengers and keep this historic steam yacht running smoothly. Depending on the day's operating schedule, you'll take part in up to three sailings, although timings and sailings may occasionally change due to operational requirements or weather conditions.

We’ll welcome you on board with a Steam Yacht Gondola–branded set of overalls and introduce you to the fascinating world of traditional steam power.

From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, you can choose how involved you’d like to be. Whether you want to get hands‑on or simply soak up the atmosphere, our friendly and knowledgeable crew will share what it takes to run this much‑loved historic vessel.

Exclusively yours

This is a one‑of‑a‑kind experience, designed especially for one person.

Lunch is provided by The Bluebird Café, and we’ll also treat you to a tea or coffee made using the steam‑powered Windermere Kettle. At lunchtime, you can do as the crew do – relax on the open decks or in the indoor saloons and enjoy the boating conversation.

Your gift also includes a complimentary ticket for a guest to join you one of the scheduled cruises that day.

Crew of Steam Yacht Gondola attending the firebox — Attending the firebox on Steam Yacht Gondola | © Jamie Harper

Highlights of the day

During your trip you will:

Have one-to-one experiences with the crew members.
Learn to light the boiler and raise steam.
Feed the firebox with environmentally friendly fuel logs, take on water and tend the engine.
Learn how to tie up the boat at the jetty and set up the passenger gangway.
Try your hand at helming in the stunning surroundings of Coniston Water.
Discover the history of the boat and learn how she was resurrected from the depths of Coniston Water.
Invite a friend to join you on board for one of the day's sailings – a chance to get those all-important photographs of the engineer in action.

You’ll leave as an ‘honorary member’ of the crew with your Steam Yacht Gondola overalls as a memento of your fabulous day with us.

Gift vouchers

Available as a gift voucher, Engineer for a Day makes a thoughtful present for friends, family and steam enthusiasts alike. If you have received a gift voucher, please contact our team on sygondola@nationaltrust.org.uk to book your experience. Your gift voucher must be redeemed within 12 months of purchase.

Cost and booking

The experience costs £375 for one person. Please note the experience is only suitable for participants aged 18+. You can book the experience or purchase a voucher online.

Buy voucher or book experience

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