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Steam Launch Gondola

Travel Information and nearby accommodation

'Gondola' is a purpose built steam yacht, carrying passengers on pleasure trips around Coniston Water as it has done since Victorian times. The yacht was first deployed on Coniston Water in 1859, and carried passengers on daily trips until 1939. The boat was badly damaged in a storm in the 1960s, so badly, in fact, that it was determined that she was too badly damaged to be restored. A new Gondola was built on the same lines as the original, and launched in 1980.

Gondola is a pecular, but very attractive vessel, a combination of Victorian engineering and ornate Venetian style.

The Gondola operates a regular schedule of sailings from April through October, sailing from Coniston Pier. Regular voyages include trips to Monk Coniston, perfect for a walk to Tarn Hows, and Brantwood jetties. From the latter, passengers can visit Brantwood, home of writer John Ruskin. All trips are combined with informative and entertaining guided comentary from crew members, detailing the many connections of Coniston Water with author Arthur Ransome, speed pioneer Donald Campbell of Bluebird fame, and Victorian critic and social activist John Ruskin.

Although Gondola is owned by the National Trust, it is operated as a private business, and thus there are no discounted prices for Trust members. In an effort to reduce the environmental impact of running Gondola, the yacht has been converted from burning coal to burn eco-friendly logs made from wood waste.
Pier Cottage, Coniston, Lake District, Cumbria, England, LA21 8AJ

About Steam Launch Gondola
Attraction Type: Family
Location: Follow signs for Coniston Pier, at the northern end of Coniston village.
Website: Steam Launch Gondola
Email: gondola@nationaltrust.org.uk
National Trust
Location map
OS SD310975
Heritage Rating:   ?

Nearest attractions Nearest Towns and Villages Nearest accommodation Nearest Tourist Information Centre

OS map Related Information

Nearest Attractions Ruskin Museum, Coniston - 0.5 miles (Museum) Tom Gill - 1.6 miles (Countryside) Coniston Water - 1.6 miles (Countryside) Tarn Hows - 1.7 miles (Countryside) Brantwood - 1.9 miles (Museum) Hawkshead Old Courthouse - 2.6 miles (Historic Property) Grizedale Forest Park - 2.6 miles (Countryside) Beatrix Potter Gallery - 2.6 miles (Museum)

Nearest Towns and Villages Coniston - 0.3 miles away Ambleside - 4.6 miles away Grasmere - 5.6 miles away Rydal - 6.3 miles away Windermere - 6.4 miles away Watendlath - 11.8 miles away Ulverston - 12.1 miles away Kendal - 13 miles away

Nearest Accommodation to Steam Launch Gondola

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

Thurston House - 1 - 0.4 miles from Steam Launch Gondola Coniston, Cumbria Sleeps: 5 Stay from: £135

Thurston House - 2 - 0.4 miles from Steam Launch Gondola Coniston, Cumbria Sleeps: 5 Stay from: £135

Thurston House - 3 - 0.4 miles from Steam Launch Gondola Coniston, Cumbria Sleeps: 6 Stay from: £135

More Self Catering near Steam Launch Gondola

Nearest Hotels

Waterhead Hotel - 0 miles from Steam Launch Gondola Coniston, Cumbria Stay from: £68.00

Monk Coniston - 0.3 miles from Steam Launch Gondola Coniston, Cumbria Stay from: £35.00

Bluebird Lodge - 0.6 miles from Steam Launch Gondola Coniston, Cumbria Stay from: £62.00

More Hotels near Steam Launch Gondola

Nearest Bed and Breakfasts

Wanslea Guest House - 5.7 miles from Steam Launch Gondola Ambleside, Cumbria From: £39.00

White Lodge Hotel - 5.8 miles from Steam Launch Gondola Bowness-on-Windermere, Lancashire From: £45.00

May Cottage B & B - 5.8 miles from Steam Launch Gondola Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria From: £78.00

More bed and breakfasts near Steam Launch Gondola

Coniston
Community Tourist Information Centre
Ruskin Avenue
Coniston
Cumbria
England
LA21 8EH
Tel: 015394 41533
Fax: 015394 41802
Email: mail@conistontic.org
Web: http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/
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