Steam Yacht Gondola

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Address: The National Trust Gondola Booking Office c/o Low Wray Campsite Ambleside Cumbria Postcode: LA22 OJA Email: click here to make an enquiry Telephone: 015394 32733 Website: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-gondola Google map Click here Multimap.co.uk satellite map Click here

Description Gondola is a re-built elegant steam yacht providing the most wonderful, nostalgic sailing experience. The original Gondola was first launched in 1859 and the present-day Gondola reflects and brings to life the splendour and luxury of the Victorian era. Not only can passengers enjoy the stunning backdrop provided by the Coniston Fells and its majestic lake, they can relax in the opulently upholstered saloons and marvel at the gentle gliding motion of this vessel which is indeed an experience in itself. This graceful yacht is part and parcel of the history and heritage of Coniston and plies the lake every year between the months of April to October. We operate a seven day service running from Coniston Pier to Brantwood and Monk Coniston jetties with round trips of approximately 45 minutes carrying up to 86 passengers on each trip. Steam power is traditionally produced by the burning of coal, but in 2008 Gondola began burning sustainable logs made from wood waste resulting in a massive reduction of 90 per cent of the carbon emissions produced by Gondola when burning coal. Gondola’s carbon footprint was further reduced by the fact that previously the only suitable coal for Gondola’s boiler had to be imported from Russia and Poland. The ‘blazer’ logs now being used are manufactured much closer to home in North Wales. Timetable for 2011 The sailing season commences on 1st April. Gondola will call at Monk Coniston Jetty at the far northern tip of Coniston Water every day allowing passengers  to combine a cruise on Gondola with a gentle ramble to the famous Victorian beauty spot, Tarn Hows by walking through the the newly opened access through the grounds of the Monk Coniston estate. Click here for the full timetable or download a PDF of the timetable at the foot of this page Gondola Explorer Cruises Every Sunday, Monday and Thursday throughout the season at 2.00pm. A 105 minute cruise, along the full length of Coniston Water. Passengers will be able to enjoy an entertaining commentary by the crew about Coniston's famous connections, Ransome, Ruskin, the Campbell family and much more. Tickets can be bought in advance at Coniston TIC (tel 015394 41533) or email. Tickets are £21, £10.50 and £52.50 (adult, child, family). Wild Cat Island Cruises Every Saturday morning at 11am. Enjoy a 105 minute 'Swallows and Amazons' style cruise with the crew, calling in at Brantwood and Monk Coniston on the return and now calling at Parkamoor on the return for access to stunning walks on the east side of the lake.. Tickets can be bought in advance at Coniston TIC (tel 015394 41533) or email. Tickets are £21, £10.50 and £52.50 (adult, child, family). No visit to Coniston would be complete without a voyage on the Gondola! It evokes a feeling for an age of steam that was grand at its time and remains as the most pleasurable way of any to travel the lakes themselves.

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