The Steam Yacht Gondola
Location : Coniston
The Steam Yacht Gondola is the oldest steam yacht in the North of England. She was built in 1859 by the Furness Railway Company as an attraction for the tourists they brought by train to Coniston. Now fully restored, she once again provides cruises and boat trips on beautiful Coniston Water.
The Steam Yacht Gondola on Coniston Water
The SY Gondola was retired in 1936 and was used as a house-boat, unfortunately she was abandoned in the 1960’s. However, in the mid 1970’s a group of National Trust enthusiasts raised enough money to restore her.
The restored yacht was relaunched on 25th March 1980 and, after a break of 44 years, finally re-entered public service on Coniston Water, Cumbria’s fifth largest lake.
The engine room of the Steam Yacht Gondola
Travellers may choose to sit in the luxurious 1st Class Saloon, or enjoy the open air from the spacious forward or aft seating areas.
Steam Yacht Gondola gave Arthur Ransome the idea for Captain Flint’s houseboat in his children’s book ‘Swallows and Amazons’, although this was eventually modelled on Esperance (now at Windermere Jetty Museum at Bowness-on-Windermere).
The 1st Class Salon
Steam Yacht Gondola 2023 Cruises
The ‘Heart of Coniston’ Cruise
Visits Peel Island (of Swallows and Amazons Wild Cat Island fame), Parkamor and Brantwood. Enjoy a long sail back towards the majestic Coniston fells.
Duration 1 hour.
Departs Coniston 12:00 every day except Friday.
The ‘North Lake’ Cruise
A circuit of the Northern part of the lake in the shadow of the lovely Coniston mountains with calls at Brantwood and Monk Coniston.
Duration 1 hour.
Departs Coniston 10:45 every day except Friday.
The ‘Full Lake’ Cruise
A longer cruise that takes you to every part of the lake, calling at Lake Bank, Parkamor, Brantwood and Monk Coniston.
Duration 1hr and 40 minute
Departs Coniston 13:45 every day except Friday.
We recommend that you check the website of this business before travelling for up to date information on what cruises are in operation at this venue. Some venues may have reduced hours.
Please check timetables before travelling. Times may be subject to change during 2023 and can be weather dependent.
The image below shows the 2022 cruise routes. The updated 2023 cruise route map will be published here as soon as it is available.
Contact : Coniston Pier. Tel 015394 41288
Timetables and fares : https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gondola
Coniston Launch also run boat trips on Coniston.
(updated 15/05/2023)
Accommodation Links:
- The Coppermines Lakes Cottages – Holiday Cottage Agency based in Coniston village
Popular pages:
Menu:
- Big Guide to the Windermere Area
- South Lakes Area Menu
- Launches, Boat Trips & Ferries
- Lakes and Tarns
Grid Ref : SD 308970
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