Private charters and weddings on the Steam Yacht Gondola

Gondola, a rebuilt Victorian steam-powered yacht, on Coniston Water, Lake District — Steam Yacht Gondola on Coniston Water | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Looking for a wedding reception, anniversary, birthday, retirement or corporate venue on the lake in Coniston? Steam Yacht Gondola is a different kind of experience, a beautifully restored steam powered yacht available to hire as a private venue. Discover how to book your wedding or event onboard the Gondola.

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

Inside the Gondola

The interior boasts a luxurious ambience with polished brass and carpeted floors, recreating the atmosphere of a bygone era.

The two saloons reflect Victorian trains from the Furness Railway. There’s a first-class saloon with comfortable upholstered seating and an ornate ceiling, and a third-class saloon with a rich mahogany ceiling and leather seats.

Capacity

The Gondola is licensed for up to 86 passengers using both the outside space and indoor seating areas. Inside there is seating for 50 people. If you’re having catering during your trip, the maximum we recommend is 50 guests.

Catering

The central seating in the saloons can be turned into tables for catering – the seating is fixed bench-style around the perimeter of the saloons. If you do decide to have catering, we recommend a cruise of 1.5–2 hours to sail the full length of the lake.

Due to the nature of the yacht, we ask that you consider the food being served. Finger food of a dry nature, such as canapés, hors d’oeuvres, sandwiches and cake are fine, but food which might affect fabrics, such as soup, stew, curry or red wine, cannot be allowed to be consumed or carried through the forward saloon. There are no cooking facilities or running water and no heating of food or drink is allowed on board.

We aim to do everything possible to make your charter memorable, but the decision of the Boatmaster as to what is suitable on board on the day will be final, so we encourage you to discuss your menu with us ahead of time.

Entertainment

You’re welcome to arrange your own entertainment onboard Gondola, such as a jazz/blues band or string quartet and we would be happy to provide some local contacts.

Please bear in mind that the number of musicians in the band needs to be included in your passenger numbers when putting together your guest list.

Gold painted serpent and Pilot Jack flag of Gondola, a rebuilt Victorian steam-powered yacht on Coniston Water, Lake District — Gold painted serpent and Pilot Jack flag on the Gondola's bow | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Weddings

An evening sail on Coniston Lake aboard this restored Victorian boat is a standout experience for you and your guests on your special day.

The Gondola isn’t licensed for civil ceremonies, but we work closely with Brantwood, on the shores of Coniston Water, which is licensed for civil wedding ceremonies to offer this additional and unique experience as part of your wedding day.

Passengers can board at Brantwood Jetty following the ceremony for canapés and champagne from Brantwood’s restaurant.

Visit brantwood.org.uk or telephone 01539 441396

The small print

The earliest charter time is 4.45pm and cruises must end by dusk
All sailings are weather permitting
Prices quoted are for charters embarking/disembarking at Coniston Jetty
Piers are also available at Lake Bank and Brantwood subject to permissions and an additional cost.