On the final full day of our Coniston Stay we promised the kids a trip on the Coniston Steam Gondola. The Gondola’s a fine-looking craft that runs a circuit around Coniston Water, the explorer tour we took lasted for a couple of hours.
We picked up the Gondola from Monk Coniston launch (above) by our cottage and were transported over to the Bluebird Cafe,
Steaming over to Bluebird Cafe, we were advised the trip would officially commence after a lunch break so we took the opportunity to have lunch of our own at the Bluebird Cafe.
Great views of the Boat houses on Coniston water from here.
Bank House Farm as featured in Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome.
Bluebird Cafe on the shore of Coniston water. I can remember coming her a few years back on my own when it looked more like a dated wooden shed. Nowadays it’s a great modern facility. Very light and airy with some great architectural details.
After a great lunch we hopped aboard the Gondola, we were as excited as the kids. It’s not every day you get to ride on a steam-powered boat.
Some fine Autumnal colours all around the Lake. Shortly after embarking on the trip the crew suggested the kids could sit up in the cabin a bit later in the trip, this was a great gesture from the friendly crew and one the kids couldn’t wait for.
Amazing buildings all along the Western Shore. A wine merchant lives here apparently.
As we headed South down the Lake there was an excellent and informative commentary by the crew about the history of the Lake, the famous residents who reside along the lake, both current and previous and of course lots of details about Sir Donald Campbell and Bluebird.
As the trip reaches the most Southerly point we turn around and head back up the East side of the Lake.
Looking back up the length on Coniston Water from the turning point at the Southern end.
What a magnificent Boat House. Darf Vader could have built it himself.
Lots of Photo opportunities from the Steam Gondola
The hidden Launch is located in this area. The crew giving us loads of details about Donald Campbell’s run here.
Detail on the front of the Gondola.
Eventually we moored up at Parkamoor Jetty where I’d visited just that morning. We got off at this point to stretch our legs a little.
10 or 15 minutes later and were off again.
Kids aye.
Pulling away.
Looking back at Parkamoor Jetty.
Within a few minutes the kids were invited up into the cabin.
All 3 of us headed up there. It was a great experience.
The driver suggesting not every 3 and 7 year old get the opportunity to drive a 3 million pound Gondola. Thomas couldn’t believe it. They had a good 15 minutes behind the wheel, eventually taking us back to Monk Coniston.
Fantastic Autumn colours all around the Lake side.
Brantwood home of The John Ruskin Museum.
We got off here at Monk Coniston, the Gondola steams back over to the Bluebird Cafe to conclude the tour for the rest of the passengers.
Coniston Old man in the background with one of the mines visible.
What a great day, a fantastic trip and the sights along the shore are a must if you are staying locally, you simply can’t see these any other way. I’ll definitely take the trip again. Autumn seems like a good time of year as the colours are fantastic along the lake.
We’re inspired to try the Ullswater Steamers next time. Now to get tired boy home for a rest. Too much excitement.
Carry Me!
Here you can see more of my Lake District Prints from Coniston.
