The Best Boat Trip in Lake District – The Steam Gondola Lake Coniston. If you are planning on going on a boat trip while in the Lakes in Cumbria. Then you want to go on the best boat trip on the Lakes. In our opinion that is the Steam Gondola on Lake Coniston. Not only does it afford spectacular views of the lake but the history that surrounds it and the opulence inside means you get so much more than a boat ride.
The Best Boat Trip in Lake District
Although Lake Coniston, one of the North Lakes may be lesser known than its larger neighbour Windermere it is rich in history. It was the lake where Donald Cambell broke the water speed record in Bluebird before it became his ultimate resting place. Well known children’s fiction writer Arthur Ransome also lived on its shores with his wife. And is known to have based many of the characters and scenes for his Amazon & Swallow novels from around the lake. Such stories are brought to life during the river cruise. But the real attraction is the boat itself. The only operating Steam Gondola in the world.
Where is the Venetian Steam Gondola located?
The Steam Gondola, part of the National Trust is located at Coniston Pier, you can use the following address to find it in the sat nav. Coniston Pier, Lake Rd, Coniston LA21 8AN. When you arrive you will see several different wooden structures the Steam Gondola is the one furthest to the right as you look out at the water. There is a signpost at the end of the jetty. Which also displays the sailing times and the route and gives you details of how to book.
Parking at Coniston Water
There is a reasonably sized carpark right next to Coniston Water. Payable by cash, card or Ringo. It cost £3.40 for two hours when we visited. I would imagine in peak times it does get busy and there did not appear to be any other parking. So I would suggest getting there early during peak times to make sure you get a spot.
Where is there to eat at Coniston Water?
Right on the water is the Bluebird Cafe. They sell cold and hot drinks along with cakes and light lunch bites such as sandwiches and toasties. With seating inside and out it is the only place to eat so was busy when we visited. However, I would imagine in warmer weather that many people choose to eat sitting on the grey stones next to the water. A coffee, tea for two, apple juice, chocolate muffin and two ham and cheese toasted sandwiches came to £33 so it is not cheap either! Find out more on their website – Bluebird Cafe Coniston.
Tickets & prices for the Steam Gondola
You can book tickets in advance or on the boat itself. We had booked tickets for the first sailing of the day. Having to travel down to Sussex afterwards. However due to bad traffic in Ambleside and the weather we were delayed and missed the sailing. Speaking to the booking line they said to hold onto the ticket and see if there was room on the next trip out at midday.
Thankfully because you can also buy tickets on the day there was room for us. However, in peak times it can get very popular so I would always recommend booking in advance via the website. As they always board those with tickets first. As it is part of the National Trust members get a 10% discount on the ticket price. With a family ticket of two adults and two children costing £37.50 with children under five travelling free. The Gondola operates between March and October daily.
Inside the Steam Gondola
As you board you walk around the engine and into the standard class compartment. If you can I would recommend sitting at the front of the boat which is first class. The interior of the boat has been restored to what it would have been like when it was first built in 1858. It was based on Queen Elizabeth’s train carriage in 1860. With seating all around the outside and a large bench in the middle, there is plenty of places to sit. On a good day, you can also sit outside at the front of the boat. There are not many seats at the front so if you want to sit outside then head there first. As it was raining when we visited everyone sat inside and wandered outside for the odd photo.
It is encouraged that you move around the boat and read the details on the walls of how it was restored. This was easy for us as the boat was not full on our sailing. We were also told to visit the engineer who looks after the steam engine during the trip. The boys really enjoyed watching him put more wood on the fire. The engineer and the manager who tells you all about the boat and its history are happy to answer any questions you may have.
There are no refreshments or toilets on the boat. And you are asked not to eat during the trip to ensure the gondola stays in as good condition as possible. Toilets are available in both the carpark and in the Bluebird Cafe.
The different trips available on the Steam Gondola
We went on the North Lake Cruise which is an hour long. They also operate a full-length lake trip which lasts for an hour and forty minutes. With two young children, the hour trip was perfect as Harry was starting to get restless by the end of it. The trip we chose stops at Brantwood House and gardens, where there is cafe. There is the chance to get off of the boat and visit the house and gardens before returning on a later sailing. If you want to do this all you need to do is tell the manager.
Brantwood also has a cafe which you can book in advance. You do not need to buy tickets for the house and garden to go to the cafe. We had planned to do this. However, due to staff shortages, they cancelled our reservation on the morning of our trip. You can find out more on the Brantwood website, please note that Brantwood House is not part of the National Trust.
The Best Boat Trip in Lake District
We had a lovely trip on the Steam Gondola. In our opinion, it is by far the best boat trip in the Lake District. We have been on other trips to different lakes but this is our favourite. Have you visited the Lake District? I would love to hear about your favourite parts in the comments below.
For more ideas for days out with kids locally to the Steam Gondola check out – Child-friendly attractions in the Lake District
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One Response
We are desperate to The visit Lake District one day soon with the children, this looks like a great boat trip and something to bear in mind.