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.
Group cruises on Steam Yacht Gondola
An historic cruise on Coniston Water aboard a rebuilt Victorian steam-powered yacht is the perfect group experience in the Lake District. Find out how to make a group booking on the Steam Yacht Gondola, the benefits you can receive and the cruises to choose from.
General information for groups
When you make a group booking in advance, your party can take advantage of the following benefits:
- Party leader travels free.
- Free coach parking and toilets are available at the departure point at Coniston Pier (no toilets on board).
Refreshments are available at the Bluebird Café at Coniston Pier. There is also a café at Brantwood.
The Steam Yacht Gondola team can suggest itineraries working with neighbouring attractions so that your group can make the most of their time in the Lake District.
To discuss your group’s requirements, email gondola.bookings@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Steam Yacht Gondola cruise itineraries
You can choose from three itineraries for your group booking. Take in the whole of the lake or focus on just a part of it.
Full lake cruise
Enjoy a 1 hour 45 minute sail around the lake from Coniston Pier and immerse yourself in the nostalgia of this steam experience with full commentary on Gondola’s connection to Swallows and Amazons, the history of the yacht and Coniston’s water-speed ace Donald Campbell and Bluebird K7.
Heart of the lake cruise
This cruise departs at Midday. The one hour Heart of the Lake cruise is packed with cultural highlights and historical gems as you head into Swallows and Amazons and Donald Campbell territory. You’ll sail to 'Wild Cat Island' and even be able to spot the hidden harbour. Donald Campbell used Coniston Water for his water speed record attempts which sadly ended in tragedy.
North lake cruise
Setting sail at 10.45am, the North of the lake cruise lasts one hour. You’ll sail down the lake before gently turning and heading back up the Eastern side affording great views of the Old Man of Coniston and Brantwood, John Ruskin’s former home.
You might also be interested in
Article
Book a cruise on Steam Yacht Gondola
PLEASE NOTE: STEAM YACHT GONDOLA IS NOW IN WINTER MAINTENANCE UNTIL APRIL 2025. Soak up the nostalgia of the bygone age of steam with a cruise on the Gondola yacht and choose from three routes around Coniston Water.
Article
Private charters and weddings on the Steam Yacht Gondola
This beautifully restored steam powered yacht makes for the most unusual of experiences for your wedding, party or corporate event in the Lake District.
Activity
Be a Steam Yacht Gondola engineer for a day – gift experience
Roll up your sleeves and join the crew for a hands-on, one-to-one full day experience on the Steam Yacht Gondola, a magnificent Victorian steamboat.
Article
Education Group Access Pass
If you’re planning educational group visits to National Trust places, then you could benefit from an Education Group Access Pass, which gives you free admission for a year.
Article
Group visits frequently asked questions
Visiting us with a group? Then our answers to your frequently asked questions might help with any question you may have.
Article
Lake District locations star in Swallows and Amazons
Discover some of the 2016 film’s most adventurous settings, from secret moorings to hilltop farms, and find out how to see the places that originally inspired Arthur Ransome.
Activity
Exploring Tarn Hows and Coniston
Explore the varied landscape of the Lake District around Tarn Hows and Coniston. With endless walk and cycle routes and a Tramper to borrow, there’s something for everyone.