Coniston boat trips and boat hire

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.

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Coniston water has something for everyone

Whether you’re seeking a leisurely cruise, a thrilling adventure, or a romantic escape.

Coniston Gondola
Boat to Brantwood
Swallows and Amazons
Be your own skipper

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 breath taking 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.

Steam Yacht Gondola >

Coniston Pier
Lake Road
Coniston
Cumbria
LA21 8AN

034424 91895

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.

Swallows & Amazons cruise

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.

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.

Coniston Boating Centre

Lake Road
Coniston
Cumbria
LA21 8AN

Map >

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