Things to see and do in the park at Fell Foot

Visitors at the Boathouse Cafe, Fell Foot, in Cumbria — Choose from a selection of freshly prepared hot and cold food, cakes, pastries and drinks at the Boathouse Cafe | © National Trust Images/John Millar

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.

Winter in the park at Fell Foot

In winter Fell Foot park is a great place to look out across the water of Windermere and, if it’s cold enough, you’re likely to see mist over the lake or even a dusting of snow on the very tops of the fells.

A walk along the water’s edge and into the south meadow provides great views north towards to the Fairfield Horseshoe and brings you down to the southernmost tip of Windermere as it meets the River Leven. Here you’ll find rich reedbeds beginning to turn brown and home to wildlife such as the reed warbler and elusive otters.

It’s a great place to walk the dog on a blustery day with chance to warm up in the Boathouse café with a hot drink, soup or meal afterwards.

Santa Paws Festive Photo Studio SOLD OUT

*Pre-booked slots are now filled, there may be drop in slots on the day.* Enjoy a festive day out with your four-legged friend at Fell Foot. Why not put on your Christmas jumpers and hats for photographer Shaun Barr, to capture a free image of you and your dog to share with friends and family. 30 November and 7 December, between 10am-3pm. Free event but we recommend Santa Paws Festive Photo Studio | National Trust.

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.

There are two recommended walks, but feel free to explore off the beaten track. Try the easy loop down to the lakeshore or venture further afield to the meadow. Download a map here or 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 Lakeside Walk highlighted in orange on our visitor map. It's a short circular walk 875 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 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.