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
image of 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
image of the engine room of the Steam Yacht Gondola on Coniston Water
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
image of the Steam Yacht Gondola on Coniston Water

Steam Yacht Gondola 2024 Cruises

The ‘Heart of the Lake’ Cruise

A circular cruise heading south around the lake, calling at Brantwood.
Duration 1 hour.
Departs Coniston 12:00 daily.
Adult £17.50, child £8.75, family £43.75

The ‘North Lake’ Cruise

A circular cruise around the northern part of the lake, calling at Brantwood.
Duration 1 hour.
Departs Coniston 10:45 daily.
Adult £17.50, child £8.75, family £43.75

The ‘Full Lake’ Cruise

The Gondola’s flagship cruise of the full circuit of Coniston Water with a short stop at Lake Bank and Brantwood.
Duration 1hr and 45 minute
Departs Coniston 13:45 daily.
Also 15:45 peak season only. Please check website for dates and details of extra sailing.
Adult £23.50, child £11.75, family £58.75

image of the flag on the prow of the Steam Yacht Gondola at Coniston