Coniston Water Campbells On Coniston Cruise
4.9
10 Ratings
Cumbria
Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Pier Cottage - Pier Cottage was where Bluebird was kept during most of the record attempts and it was from here that Donald Campbell set out on the morning of the tragic accident. The railway tracks going into the water form the slipway used by Bluebird for launching. The site also housed a base for Bluebird.
  • Brantwood - Brantwood, the former home of John Ruskin, poet, artist, and social reformer. Visit the house, garden, craft gallery, and Brantwood Café. Brantwood, a historic house and vibrant centre for the arts on the shores of Coniston Water. Our RHS partner gardens are full of interest and provide an insight into the radical experiments in land management and horticulture which Ruskin began. Immerse yourself in our captivating exhibitions, showcasing a diverse range of art forms and inspiring creative expression. From thought-provoking contemporary art & traditional craftsmanship to Ruskin’s core geological collection, our exhibitions will ignite your imagination and leave you with a deeper appreciation for the arts. Indulge your taste buds at our charming cafe, nestled within the enchanting surroundings. Treat yourself to a delectable selection of refreshments while basking in the beauty of the gardens and savouring the tranquility of the Lake District.
What's Included
  • All fees and/or taxes
Additional Information

A 90-minute cruise tracing the path of Sir Malcolm and Donald Campbell’s speed record attempts.

Enjoy an in-depth discussion about the speed record attempts on Coniston Water from the late 1930s to the mid-60s, including recent events. Our 90-minute cruise follows the route of the brave Campbells, focusing on Donald’s final, tragic effort to surpass 300mph on water.

These cruises serve as a tribute to Sir Malcolm and Donald Campbell, who significantly advanced Great Britain’s standing in the world of speed records. We explore the history of the Campbells’ attempts on the lake and highlight key locations on Coniston Water associated with them. Special attention is given to Donald Campbell’s ill-fated attempt to exceed 300mph during the winter of 1966/7.

Pass by Pier Cottage, Bluebird, and Donald Campbell’s Base.

Location
Coniston Ferry Landing
Go the the Coniston Launch sign by the lake, near the Bluebird Café.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(10 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Johnrcumbria
May 22, 2024
A fascinating and informative cruise - An absolutely fantastic cruise around Coniston Water, with a very knowledgeable and informative guide. We would thoroughly recommend the trip and enjoyed it so much that we now intend to also do the Swallows and Amazons Cruise. It was great being able to use our tickets earlier in the day as well and we took the Yellow Route down to Sunnybank, walking back to Coniston.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jona543
Sep 28, 2023
Excellent trip - Excellent trip that gave the full story and related it to the actual site of real events. Very knowledgable guide. Very enjoyable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Companion17643346059
Sep 21, 2023
Well worth doing. - This was a great experience. The Donald Campbell theme was well explored with interesting narration by Kate who spoke with feeling on the subject. We had a perfect day, the lake scenery was super and it was a wonderful 90 minute tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Adriennemi7473kf
Sep 11, 2023
Really Interesting - The subject was fascinating, I thought I knew the story but our guide had lots of extra detail and there was the added dimension of being in the middle of the magnificent setting that is Coniston Water where it all happened.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Davidt04
Sep 8, 2023
Fascinating trip on the lake. - This was a brilliant trip and I would recommend it to everyone as the story of Donald Cambell is both fascinating and tragic. Our guide Kate gave us a great commentary describing what happened on the fatal trip and also speaking about Donalds earlier life. Lake Coniston is a beautiful place and we were able to see the full length of it. It also looks to be a good site for swimming, or hiring a canoe or paddleboard.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stephenrp4978oy
Sep 7, 2023
Cruise on the Coniston lake - Was the best trip we have taken in a long time .Kate and Lauren were brilliant. Lauren was captain and Kate told the story of Donald Campbell with such enthusiasm and could tell she pug her heart into it. Thank you both for being so good . Even sammi the dog enjoyed herself . Will be telling all my friends and family about the trip and the girls thank you so much . [email protected]
Review provided by Tripadvisor
85maryd
Aug 30, 2023
Coniston Water Campbells on Coniston Cruise - We had a really enjoyable boat trip and great weather on our tour on Thursday 24th August. We had heard of Donald Campbell but knew very little of his story. The commentary was really interesting and we learned so much. The staff were very pleasant. The only thing I would say is that the road to Coniston is very windy and narrow in places and the car park was very busy, so I would suggest that you allow extra time. Would highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jill
Aug 24, 2023
Great trip - Lovely informative relaxed and friendly trip. Skippers very welcoming. My grandson had made a little Lego version of bluebird and the praise given to him by the staff and other people on the boat made his day. The trip had been cancelled the day before due to high winds - we were telephoned and emailed and offered either a re schedule or a refund - top company -can’t recommend highly enough
Review provided by Tripadvisor
80shelley
Jul 30, 2023
For Water Speed Enthusiasts - Absolutely loved our recent trip to Coniston which included this cruise where we were able to learn more about Donald Campbells and Bluebird. Kate is very passionate about this subject and we came away with book recommendations which we really appreciated. The Campbell trip is only on set days so check before you visit. Thank you to our Skipper Lauren and Kate our tour guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Evb007
Sep 7, 2023
Donald Campbell's story as a cruise on Coniston Water 👌 - Fun way to get to know Lake Coniston better and hear the story of Donald Campbell's life and attempts to break the 300mph speed record. Definitely recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today