Coniston Boat Trips
Discover the hidden gems of Coniston Water on a tranquil boat trip. As you glide across the shimmering waters, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery, you’ll be captivated by the beauty and tranquilly of this idyllic lake.
Whether you’re seeking a leisurely cruise, a thrilling adventure, or a romantic escape, Coniston Water offers something for everyone.
Step aboard the historic Coniston Gondola
Imagine yourself stepping back in time to the Victorian era, enjoying the opulence and charm of luxury travel. Board the Gondola and experience the thrill of gliding across Coniston Water in a historic steam vessel. Relax in the sun on the open-air decks, or watch the gleaming steam engine in action from the viewing windows.
As you cruise, take in the breathtaking scenery of the Coniston Fells and learn about the area’s rich history and famous connections from our knowledgeable crew. It’s the perfect way to unwind and create unforgettable memories.
Catch a boat to Brantwood
Overlooking Coniston Water, Brantwood was once the home of Victorian writer and art critic, John Ruskin. Now a museum dedicated to Ruskin and the arts, it holds events and exhibitions all year round, and is also co-home to the Cumbria Wisteria Collection – Ruskin was also a noted garden experimenter, and the 250-acre estate features eight unique gardens created by him.
The smartest way to arrive at this historic house is by boat on one of the direct routes from Coniston run by Coniston Launch – you can also buy discounted entry tickets on the boat. If you want more Ruskin, then he also has a section devoted to him in the aptly named Ruskin Museum in Coniston village.
Go on a Swallows and Amazons cruise
Spend 90 adventurous minutes in Arthur Ransome’s literary world on this Swallows & Amazons cruise run by Coniston Launch.
Sailing around Coniston Water and visiting the places that inspired the much-loved series of children’s books, you’ll take in Wild Cat island (featured in the 1970s film version), the secret harbour, the Amazon’s boathouse, and some of the other locations that Ransome used to create his fictional world. Tickets for this cruise also allow you to travel on two other routes on the lake for no extra charge, so you could make a whole watery day of it.
Get steaming on the lake
Fancy chugging along on Coniston Water on a Victorian steam-powered yacht? Of course you do.
Run by the National Trust, the Steam Yacht Gondola is a real piece of Lake District history (it also inspired Captain Flint’s houseboat in Swallows & Amazons), and has been carrying passengers for over 160 years. With three different cruises to choose from, including a full lake cruise, there’s no better way to take in the splendour of the surrounding fells as the friendly and knowledgeable crew keep you entertained with stories about Coniston and its famous connections.
Be your own skipper
If you want to get out and explore the lake under your own steam, then you can hire a motor boat, kayak, canoe or paddleboard from the Coniston Boating Centre, which is run by the Lake District National Park Authority.
You don’t need to be a seasoned skipper to take to the water as the trained staff will show you the ropes and provide any safety equipment you might need before you head out to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery. If you haven’t got your sea legs yet, you can also hire adult and child e-bikes to get out and about – they’ll even help you out with route planning.
Discover more of the Lake District
With weekly articles highlighting the very best of the Lake District, there’s always something to get you inspired for your next trip!
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