Discover more at the Steam Yacht Gondola
Find out when the Steam Yacht Gondola cruises, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Book a cruise on Steam Yacht Gondola
Cruise around Coniston Water on the Steam Yacht Gondola. Choose from three routes – the Mountain cruise, Heart of the Lake cruise or the Full Lake cruise, – and soak up the nostalgia of the bygone age of steam. Dogs welcome on board. National Trust members receive a 10% discount on all cruises.
Mountain Cruise - Sail into the heart of the fells
🕥 Departs: 10:50am | Duration: 45 minutes
📍 Departs from: Coniston Pier
🎟️ Adult: £13 | Child: £6.50 Family £32.50 – Great value for a memorable morning!
Start your day with a peaceful voyage across Coniston Water on our Mountain Cruise, offering unbeatable views and exceptional value. For just £13 per adult and £6.50 per child, you’ll enjoy a 45-minute journey through one of the Lake District’s most iconic landscapes.
A Journey Beneath the Old Man
As Gondola glides along the lake’s western shore, the majestic Old Man of Coniston rises into view. At 2,632 feet (802m), this towering peak has watched over the valley for centuries, its slopes once bustling with copper and slate mining. Today, the remnants of that industrial past add texture to the dramatic scenery.
Scenic HighlightsPanoramic views of the Furness Fells, ancient woodlands, and tranquil waters.
- A sweeping turn mid-lake offers a second, stunning view of the Old Man from the eastern shore.
- Brantwood, the historic home of John Ruskin, comes into view. Disembark here to explore its gardens, exhibitions, and lakeside trails.*
A Legacy of Inspiration
John Ruskin’s passion for nature and beauty helped inspire the founding of the National Trust. As you sail past his former home, you’ll see the very landscapes that shaped his vision—and later, the conservation work of Beatrix Potter, whose former property Monk Coniston Hall also graces the northern shore.
Look up to spot the tree-lined ridge of Tarn Hows, a favourite among walkers and nature lovers.
Return to Coniston Pier at 11:35am
*If you choose to visit Brantwood, you can return on one of the next two Gondola sailings. Simply wait at the jetty and signal the crew when you see the boat approaching.
Step Into the World of Swallows and Amazons This Summer
📅 Wednesdays & Saturdays from 23rd July
🕛 12:00pm | Duration: 1 hour
🎟️ Adult: £18 | Child: £9 | Family: £45
This summer, adventure awaits on Coniston Water! Join us aboard the Steam Yacht Gondola for a magical Swallows and Amazons-themed cruise, running every Wednesday and Saturday throughout the school holidays (Jul - end Aug).
Inspired by Arthur Ransome’s beloved tales and the iconic 1974 film, this family-friendly voyage brings the stories to life with nautical-themed activities, live commentary, and stunning scenery.
What to Expect Onboard:
- Hands-on activities: Try your hand at tying sailor’s knots, crafting origami boats, and navigating with a map and compass.
- Spot Captain Flint: Use the telescope to scan the horizon for signs of the infamous pirate!
- Storytelling & Scenery: Discover the real-life locations that inspired Arthur Ransome’s fictional lake, including Wild Cat Island, Beckfoot, and the Amazons’ boathouse.
- Exclusive Map: Explore with a beautifully illustrated activity map designed by Sophie Neville, who played 'Titty' in the 1974 film.
A Cruise Through Literary History
As you glide across the lake, you’ll uncover the landscapes that shaped Arthur Ransome’s world—where imagination meets reality. Coniston Water served as a filming location for both the 1974 and 2016 adaptations of Swallows and Amazons, and now you can experience it just as the characters did.
Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering the stories for the first time, this cruise is a perfect blend of exploration, creativity, and nostalgia.
Booking Information
To join the adventure, simply book the ‘Heart of Coniston’ cruise on our website, call 0344 249 1895, or purchase tickets on the day at the pier.
Heart of Coniston Cruise - Sail through stories, speed, and scenery
🕛 Departs: 12:00pm (and 15:50pm in peak season)
📍 Departs from: Coniston Pier
🎟️ Adult: £18 | Child: £9 | Family: £45
📅 A Swallows and Amazons themed Cruise replaces the Heart of the Lake Cruise on Wednesdays & Saturdays in July and August
Step aboard Gondola for a cruise rich in culture, history, and literary charm. The Heart of Coniston Cruise is a 1-hour journey through the central stretch of Coniston Water, where the lake’s most iconic stories come to life.
Into Swallows and Amazons Country
Sail past the real-life inspirations behind Arthur Ransome’s beloved Swallows and Amazons series. Spot Wild Cat Island, the hidden harbour, and other landmarks featured in both the 1974 and 2016 film adaptations. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to the stories, this cruise brings Ransome’s world vividly to life.
The Spirit of Speed
Hear the thrilling tale of Donald Campbell, the legendary speed record breaker who made Coniston Water famous in the 1950s and 60s. Learn about his daring attempts in Bluebird, the tragic accident that followed, and the legacy preserved today at the Ruskin Museum, where the rebuilt Bluebird K7 is on display.
A Stop at Brantwood (Optional)
On the return journey along the eastern shore, you’ll pass Brantwood, the former home of John Ruskin—artist, writer, and one of the founding inspirations behind the National Trust. You can choose to disembark at Brantwood jetty to explore the house, gardens, and exhibitions.*
*To return, simply catch the final Gondola sailing of the day that calls at Brantwood at 15:20pm. Just stand at the jetty and signal the crew when you see the boat approaching.
Full Lake Cruise - A Grand Tour of Coniston Water – History, Scenery, and Serenity
🕑 Departs: 2:00pm | Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes
📍 Departs from: Coniston Pier
🎟️ Adult £24.00, child: £12.00, family: £60.00
Round off your day with the most complete and immersive experience on Coniston Water. The Full Lake Cruise is the final sailing of the day, offering a leisurely journey through the entire five-mile stretch of this iconic lake.
A Voyage Through Time and Landscape
As Gondola sets sail from Coniston Pier, you’ll head south toward the lake’s peaceful tip. Along the way, enjoy occasional live commentary from the crew, sharing stories of Gondola’s fascinating past—from her Victorian origins to her remarkable rescue and relaunch 40 years ago.
Relax into the rhythm of the steam engine, whose gentle tapping adds to the timeless atmosphere. You’re welcome to visit the open engine room and chat with the engineer about how this elegant vessel operates.
Scenic & Cultural Highlights
- The Southern Reaches: Glide through the quietest part of the lake, surrounded by wooded hills and open skies.
- The Eastern Shore: On your return, take in views of Brantwood, the former home of John Ruskin, and hear about his legacy in art, nature, and conservation.
- Donald Campbell’s Legacy: Learn about his daring attempts to break the world water speed record right here on Coniston.
- Swallows and Amazons Country: Spot Wild Cat Island, Beckfoot, Holly Howe, and the Amazons’ boathouse—real-life locations that inspired Arthur Ransome’s beloved stories.
A Fitting Finale
This 1 hour 40 minute cruise is the perfect way to end your day—whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful escape on the water.
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