Things to see and do in the park at Fell Foot

Take a leisurely walk around the park and meadows. There's plenty of things to do at Fell Foot. Enjoy the views and get outdoors in the fresh air.

Spring at Fell Foot

Spring is the time to stretch your legs here at Fell Foot and take in the sights and smells of the new season See crocus then daffodils adding splashes of colour around the park. With benches outside you can sit next to the lake at the cafe and try something tasty from the seasonal menu of scones, cakes and hot pasties.

There’s a choice of gentle walks around the park, and paddle sports hire returns from Easter. If you’re visiting with children you can visit the outdoor play area, look for the native wildlife themed rubbing plaques on the nature trail, have a go at orienteering or borrow a balance bike for toddlers to scoot around on (free to hire - donation of £3 welcome).

Dogs on leads are welcome across the park, including the café, and the south meadow provides a great space to run off some steam.

If you’re just starting off on your Lake District adventure, Fell Foot is a great place to begin; we have a friendly welcome team and everything to make your day comfortable – toilets, a large car park, café, lakeshore access and showers and changing rooms.

Walking at Fell Foot

If you enjoy a gentle stroll then Fell Foot is the place for you. Enjoy the feeling of open green space, fresh air and closeness to the lake.

Try the easy loop down to the lakeshore or venture further afield to the meadow. Use the walking route links below to follow the route on your phone or you can pick up a leaflet with a map from one of our welcome huts at Fell Foot when you visit.

Our most accessible route is the Fell Foot short loop highlighted in orange on our visitor map. It's a short circular walk 880 yards (0.8km) along the shoreline offering far-reaching views north, with plenty of photographic opportunities, especially of the Fairfield Horseshoe.

There are plenty of benches around the park to take a moment to rest and look at the views.

You can borrow an all-terrain wheelchair to make it easier to get around the park. This must be booked in advance. Please email fellfoot@nationaltrust.org.uk to at least 48hrs before your visit to enquire about booking.

Fell Foot Park Short Loop route
This tranquil 1.6mile (2.5km) route takes you around the whole park to the tip of the lake where it turns into the River Leven. The walk is a little more strenuous and takes you to the wildflower meadow, past reedbeds and takes in the heritage buildings in the park. You'll be rewarded with some great views and the chance to spot some rare wildlife such as water rails which are a smaller relative of moorhens and coot water fowl.

You can download the Fell Foot circular heritage trail route.

Pinetum

In the pinetum there are California redwoods and firs. There are ancient beech trees and rhododendron that add colour in the autumn and spring. Nearby if you look carefully, you might see hints of where the grand old villa would have once stood on the house lawn.

Victorian boathouses

There is a small harbour complex of three piers and five Gothic boathouses, complete with crenelated turrets, arrow loops, doorways and rustic limestone decoration – all designed to be viewed from the lake.

The boathouses relate architecturally to others on Windermere, particularly the earlier and larger example at Wray Castle. However, the extent of the Grade II complex at Fell Foot is among the best in the Lake District. One of the boathouses is now a cosy cafe and in another you can see the Victorian boat winch.

Parkrun during the Fell Foot Outdoor Festival at Fell Foot, Cumbria — A parkrun at Fell Foot | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Limber up for a parkrun

Every Saturday morning, Fell Foot hosts a popular 5km parkrun. Organised by a group of dedicated volunteers, all abilities are welcome and encouraged to enjoy the challenge while taking in the scenery at Fell Foot.

This activity is free, but parking charges still apply to non-National Trust members. Please register your interest first on the parkrun website.

Orienteering

Orienteering is a fun and exciting adventure challenge for all ages. It involves finding checkpoints by reading a map and navigating. We have four orienteering courses at Fell Foot created in collaboration with Lakeland Orienteering Club.

Find out more and download a trail map via Lakeland Orienteering Club.

Picnics

With large grassy lawns leading down to the lakeshore and views across Windermere it makes a great picnic spot. There are wheelchair accessible tables. If you run out of food or drink, pop into one of our Boathouse café to top up.