Historic Steam Yacht Gondola

Steam Yacht Gondola is a rebuilt Victorian steam-powered passenger yacht, launched on Coniston Water in 1859 to carry the Furness Railway's wealthy tourists in style. Retired in 1936 and later wrecked, she was rebuilt by Vickers of Barrow and relaunched by the National Trust in 1980, and now sails from Coniston Pier on three cruises: the Mountain Cruise, the Heart of Coniston Cruise and the Full Lake Cruise. Passengers ride in the opulent saloons or on the open decks, watch the steam engine through open viewing windows and quiz the engineer, while the crew's commentary covers the area's history. Well behaved dogs are welcome on board in all non-carpeted areas. You can also step off at the Brantwood jetty for John Ruskin's house, which is not National Trust and sits up a steep path. Reviewers describe the trip as smooth and surprisingly quiet and single out the informative crew. The Trust advises booking online in advance and warns that the pay and display car park at Coniston Pier gets very busy, so allow time to park and be at the boat five minutes before departure.