Fell Foot Park is a country park, formerly the grounds of a Victorian house, situated beside Windermere, a lake in Cumbria, England, and in the ownership of the National Trust. It is in the civil parish of Staveley-in-Cartmel in South Lakeland district.
The estate was owned by Jeremiah Dixon, mayor of Leeds in 1784, who sold it in 1859 to Colonel G.J.M. Ridehalgh (1835-1892), a director of the North Lonsdale Iron and Steel Company, colonel of the 2nd Westmorland Volunteer Battalion Border Regiment and one of the founder members of the Royal Windermere Yacht Club. The house was demolished in 1907 to build a larger replacement, but the project was abandoned when the then owner died. The estate was given to the National Trust in 1948.
The manager's house (originally built as a gas works), several boathouses including one converted to a cafeteria, and a workshop and dock are Grade II listed buildings. They were constructed for Col. G.J.M. Ridehalgh. The park's buildings were flooded during the 2015–16 Great Britain and Ireland floods.
Situated at the very southern tip of Lake Windermere, Fell Foot is a great, family friendly location to play, explore and relax. Sweeping lawns offer plenty of space for games, picnics and gentle walks, while easy lake access makes the park perfect for paddling, swimming and boating. Rowing boats are available to hire (from April to October) and the National Trust adventure playground offers fun for all ages.
Whether you’re into running, walking, swimming or boating, there's always something to do at Fell Foot. Come and have a look around!
Running and walking. Around the park there is a fantastic run route that gives you a chance to explore all the best bits of the park and clock the views up the lake. A tranquil and easy meadow walk will lead to the southern end of the park where it’s possible to admire wildflowers, butterflies and birds surrounded by the sounds of nature. South of the round lawn is the old arboretum where you can discover a variety of specimen trees.
Get fit with Parkrun. What better way to keep fit than taking part in this 5km timed run, jog or walk, organised by Parkrun, around the beautiful park with the stunning Lake Windermere as your backdrop? Join them on Saturdays at 9am. Whether you're a keen club runner or you’d simply like to improve your health and fitness it's worth having a go. For all abilities and purely for your own enjoyment, it's entirely free; you just need to register first with Parkrun online.
On the water. Fancy a duck’s-eye view of the Lake District from Windermere itself? With easy lake access, the park is ideal for paddling, swimming and boating. Rowing boat hire, (between 8 April and October), and Lake cruises are just a few ways to make the most of the splendid lakeside location. From Fell Foot you can take the ferry across to Lakeside, where you'll find the southern terminus of Windermere Lake Cruises and the access point for steamers up the lake.
Boat and canoe hire. If you want to take to the water, between 8 April and October you can hire one of the National Trust's four-seater rowing boats and spend a relaxing hour or two exploring Lake Windermere and the River Leven. Take in the beauty of the lake and enjoy uninterrupted views of the surrounding fells. Boats can be hired from Boathouse Café. Fell Foot is a brilliant place to bring your kayak or canoe and explore the southern end of Windermere, finding the quiet spots to rest and enjoy the beauty of the scenery or the abundance of wildlife. Canoe hire is available during the weekends and holidays.
Sleeker Swim. SleekerSwim have been running Swim Technique and Open Water courses since 2005 with a series of events and swim sportives held at Fell Foot this year, follow the link for more details: http://www.sleekerswim.co.uk.
Nordic Walking. Nordic Walking is a perfect activity for all the family, or escape for an hour to have a go on your own! Free 45 Minute Tasters are available at Fell Foot on Friday mornings, starting in the main car park at 11am. For more information and to book a session please visit http://nicsnordicwalks.co.uk/.
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There are two large car parks. Parking charges for non-members apply. Coach access is difficult, please call beforehand. There is a Café with indoor and outdoor seating. Rowing boats are available for hire 8 April to October (weather permitting) . Rowing boat hire charges apply, including members. Dogs - on leads welcome. Pushchairs and baby back-carriers admitted. There is a free children's adventure playground. There is a tree trail around the park. Baby changing facilities in main car park and by the café. Accessible toilets in the main car park and by the café. Grounds are partly accessible, grass and loose gravel paths, steep slopes, undulating terrain. Please contact a member of staff for advice. Assistance dogs are welcome.
From May to Oct you can arrive at Fell Foot from Lakeside by boat. The journey is just 10 minutes, and the boats run every day from 11am - 5pm every 30 minutes. Experience more of the lake and travel to Lakeside on the Windermere Lake Cruises from Bowness-on Windermere or Ambleside, the boats run 7 days per week, all year round. Or for something different, climb aboard a steam train on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway to Lakeside. Visit www.golakes.co.uk/byboat and www.golakes.co.uk/bytrain for more information.
Location : Newby Bridge, Windermere, Cumbria, LA12 8NN
Transport: Windermere (National Rail) then bus. Bus: 6 from Windermere and Bowness-on-Windermere stops outside.
Opening Times: April through August, daily, 08:00 to 18:00, otherwise )9:00 to 17:00
Tickets : Free
Tel: 015395 31273
