Book a cruise on the Steam Yacht Gondola

During September, Steam Yacht Gondola will be operating a reduced timetable due to jetty works in Coniston.

There will be a single full lake cruise departing at 17.00 from Brantwood Pier on the East shore of the Lake on selected dates.

Explore the whole of Coniston water which is five miles long and half a mile wide with a maximum depth of 56.1m.

First you will head down to the tranquil southernmost point of Coniston Water. On the way, hear about Gondola's long history and association with Coniston, from her Victorian heyday to her rescue, rebuild and relaunch 40 years ago.

Settle down, relax and enjoy the fantastic views and occasional commentary from the crew. Immerse yourself in the peace and tranquility of the Gondola sailing experience. You’ll find yourself comforted by the rythmic tapping of the steam engine. Visit the engine room which is open to view and hear from the engineer about the operation of Gondola.

Returning along the east shore there'll be enough time to hear about Donald Campbell and his pursuit of the world water speed record, as well as the legacy of John Ruskin's work and his life at Brantwood.

Hear about Arthur Ransome, the author of Swallows and Amazons, and you'll get to view Wild Cat Island and other landmarks such as Beckfoot, Holly Howe and the Amazons’ boathouse, made famous by his world-renowned book.

Travel the full length of Coniston in 1 hour 40 minutes, finishing back at Brantwood at 18.40.

Address

Brantwood House,
East of Lake,
Coniston,
LA21 8AD

Please be on the jetty by 16:55. The cruise will depart at 17:00 and return at 18:40.

There is a steep footpath down to the jetty. Please allow at least 5 minutes to walk from the car park. Please do not arrive and park too early, unless also visiting Brantwood or the Café (which we recommend!)

There are no toilets onboard Steam Yacht Gondola. No toilets available onshore after café closes at 16:30.

Due to the size of the saloons on-board and outer decks, suitably sized pushchairs and baby back-carriers only are welcome on board. The size is at the crew’s discretion. Well behaved dogs welcome on our outer decks or in the aft saloon cabin.

Accessibility

Boat – The jetty is 150 metres from the car park via a sloped footpath. There is one step onto the jetty and one step onto the boat. Handrail and crew assistance.

We regret that this temporary arrangement is not suitable for wheelchair passengers. Stern area of boat is level access once onboard, but not undercover. 4 steps down with handrail to undercover area.

There are no toilets onboard Steam Yacht Gondola. Toilet facilities available at Brantwood until 1630 if you are using their café or visiting the house.

Directions by Road

Brantwood House, East of Lake, Coniston, LA21 8AD

By Car – Exit the M6 at Junction 36. Join the A590 in the direction of Kendal. Exit at the Brettargh Holt junction. At the roundabout take the 1st exit signposted for Barrow-in-Furness. Continue to follow the signs for Barrow-in-Furness. At the Meathop roundabout take the second junction exit towards Barrow-in-Furness. At the next roundabout (junction with A592) take the first exit continuing on the A590. Turn right onto the A5902 signposted for Workington, Whitehaven. Turn right onto the A5084 signposted for Coniston. Turn right onto the A593 in Torver. Follow the signs for Brantwood from the village of Coniston.

Car Parking

There is a 150 metre walk down to the jetty over a sloped footpath. Please allow at least 5 minutes to walk from the car park. Please do not arrive and park too early, unless also visiting Brantwood or the Café. The car park will close shortly after the sailing. Car Parking is free.