Planning your visit

Frequently Asked Questions

• What happens if I turn up and I do not have a pre-booked ticket?

  Tickets can be purchased on the day from the crew, subject to availability. We can usually accommodate you so please do ask.

• Can I book car parking?

  No. The car park near the jetty has spaces on a first-come, first-served basis. It is not managed by the National Trust. It can get busy at peak times so do allow for this in your itinerary.

• What happens if I miss my cruise departure time?

  Please arrive in good time for the departure time (includes pre-booked tickets holders). The car park can get busy at peak times so do allow time to park. If you do miss your scheduled departure time, speak to the crew. We will do our best to accomodate you on a different cruise but we cannot guarantee a transfer.

• Where do I need to wait for my cruise?

  Steam Yacht Gondola sails from the right-hand jetty at Coniston Boating centre (with the Bluebird café behind you). Look out for the red National Trust flag and Gondola information board.

• Do I have to book online?

  You can book over the phone 0344 249 1895.

• What do I need to bring with me?

  Your booking reference number and, if you're a National Trust member, proof of your membership. You can show your reference number on a phone or tablet, show a printout of your confirmation email or just written down, the choice is yours!

• What happens if I feel unwell before I visit?

  Please stay at home and email us to re-schedule your visit. sygondola@nationaltrust.org.uk or call the ticket office 0344 249 1895

• Can I book a seat?

  There are no seat reservations. There is plentiful seating, both indoor and outdoor.

• What happens if you cancel sailings?

  If we cancel sailings on the day that you are booked to visit us, we will automatically refund you through our online booking system. Your payment will be credited back to your original payment card.

• How long is the cruise?

  Our North of the Lake and Heart of the Lake cruises from take approximately one hour. The cruise time for the Full Lake Cruise is 1 hour and 35 minutes.

• Can I travel in a wheelchair?

  Wheelchair passengers welcome but must be ambulant for step onto boat. Full wheelchair access is therefore not possible. Due to the heritage nature of our vessels and the waterside location, we regret that our attraction is not suitable for motorised wheelchairs or mobility scooters.

• Can I bring a dog?

  Dogs are allowed on board, and they travel for free. Please avoid carpeted areas but welcome in all other areas. Please do not allow your dogs on the seats.

  Looking for somewhere to eat? Dogs are welcome at the Bluebird café. Dogs are welcome in the gardens at Brantwood but not in the house if you combine your cruise with a trip to Brantwood.

• Can I bring a bike?

  No, sorry there is no space onboard for bikes due to the heritage nature of Gondola.

• Can I bring a paddleboard (SUP)?

  No, Gondola is a tour around the Lake. There are plenty of areas around Coniston to Paddleboard but please follow water safety advice.

• Can I bring food with me?

  Because Gondola is a heritage vessel, we ask passengers to take care when eating and drinking on board.

• How can I combine my Gondola tour with a visit to Brantwood?

  Catch the North Lake Cruise at 10.45 and disembark at the Brantwood jetty for a visit to the House & garden *not National Trust. With changing exhibitions, galleries, family trails and quirky mountainside gardens, it makes the perfect addition to a Gondola cruise. Return to Coniston on either of the two following Gondola sailings that arrive at the Brantwood jetty at 12:50 or 15:00. Just stand at the jetty and indicate your return when you see Gondola.

• Can I take photographs?

  Yes, there are some wonderful photo opportunities on the Cruise of the water, shore, fells and mountains around Coniston.

• Can I fly a drone on the pier or from the boat?

  We do not grant permission for private flying from our piers and boat for the following reasons:

  Our visitors value the peace and tranquillity of Coniston. The presence of drones can impinge on the quiet enjoyment of the cruises by other visitors and therefore potentially presents a public nuisance risk.

  Wildlife and agricultural animals are sensitive to disturbance, such as birds and deer herds, which could be alarmed or stressed by the presence of drones, especially at breeding times.

  Most drones have cameras attached for their use which contravenes privacy and rules stating that drones must not be flown within 150 metres of any congested area.

  If a drone causes damage or harm, pilots who are members of the public rarely have the correct insurances, or level of insurances, to adequately compensate those affected.