Coachlines - January 2026
30.01.26 Assistant Nick Lyford
Save the date: Bluebird K7 – The Festival
Through the hard work of Freeman David Barzilay and his team, we have been given the most wonderful and exclusive opportunity to see Bluebird K7 run again on Coniston Water.
A full package for this event has been arranged as per the details below. We have been allocated 12 double rooms in the Windermere Manor Hotel which will be the base for our weekend. Unfortunately given this restriction the allocation will be on a first-come, first-served basis when the booking on our website is launched, so keep your eyes on your email and the Coachmaker website where the final price will be also be advertised.
Day one: 15th May
Windermere Manor Hotel – Champagne reception
Set in beautiful gardens, the historic Windermere Manor Hotel is the perfect place to stay during your visit. Enjoy a Champagne reception on arrival followed by dinner.
Day two: 16th May
The Bluebird Café
Situated on the shores of Coniston Water, The Bluebird Café is in a unique and idyllic location. On arrival the café will provide a welcome Bucks Fizz followed by a breakfast butty mid-morning.
Enjoy a two-course lunch with a glass of wine where you can meet the men who are piloting K7 for her return to water: Dave Warby, a current world water speed record challenger in his hydroplane, Spirit of Australia II and RAF pilot Flight Lt David-John Gibbs
The package also includes a mid-afternoon cream tea and unlimited hot drinks throughout the day. Alcohol can be purchased separately. It is planned that Bluebird K7 will make several runs across Coniston Water throughout the day, but this will be subject to weather conditions. On return to the Windermere Manor Hotel a buffet dinner will be provided.
Day three: 17th May
Lunch at The Inn on the Lake, followed by an Ullswater Steamer boat trip
A three-course lunch with tea and coffee at the Inn on the Lake Hotel at 12pm followed by a boat trip on Ullswater at 2:05pm, where Donald Campbell broke his first world water speed record. You will travel from Glenridding Pier to Pooley Bridge and back again.
Day four: 18th May
Departure