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What you need to know about visiting Fell Foot

Fell Foot Park at the south end of Windermere, Cumbria, showing the National Trust boat hire business, tea shop and retail shop in restored boathouses built from local limestone.
Historic boat houses at Fell Foot | © National Trust Images/Joe Cornish

We can’t wait to welcome you to Fell Foot. Take a stroll around the meadow, have a paddle on the lake or a bite to eat in the café. Here’s all you need to know about visiting.

Opening times

Fell Foot Park is open 9am – 8pm

The Boathouse Café is open 9.30am – 5pm every day.

Parking & booking

Parking is free for National Trust members. There is a parking charge for non-members (£6 for up to 2 hours, £7.50 for up to 4 hours, £9 all day). Cash at the ticket machine or card payments can be taken by a member of the welcome team. Booking is not required.

Overnight stays for motorhomes and campervans in our carparks are not allowed due to the impact on nature and wildlife, staff resource and visitors. However, motorhomes and campervans are very welcome and well served at our campsites. You can find your nearest site here nationaltrust.org.uk/holidays

Eating at Fell Foot

The Boathouse cafe offers a range of savoury light bites, sandwiches and hot lunches. Tray bakes, cakes and scones are baked fresh each day.

If you’d rather bring your own picnic, tables and benches can be found outside the café, or choose your own spot on the lawn, or bench along the lakeshore. Barbeques are not permitted at Fell Foot.

Active base

Active base is a state-of-the-art changing facility with showers, lockers and underfloor heating. Day passes are available from just £2 and can be bought from the café.

Water sports at Fell Foot

With easy access to the water, Fell Foot is ideal for paddling, canoeing and boating. Take a look at the Water sports page for information on equipment hire, launching your own equipment and guided activities. Please look out for water safety advice at Fell Foot when you visit. A member of the team will also be happy to help and advise.

Lake District National Park’s guide to swimming

Swimming in lakes, rivers and tarns is a popular activity in the Lake District, but it is important to be aware of the risks involved before entering the water. Lakes and tarns can be deep and the water cold, even on warm days. Please be aware that during autumn & winter we often see higher water levels in the lake which can make for more challenging conditions when swimming and paddleboarding. Before you set off, read the Lake District National Park's guide to swimming to make sure you have the right skills and equipment to stay safe in the water.

Blue-green algae

Blue-green algae often blooms in Windermere and can be potentially fatal to dogs. For more information and to find out about current conditions head to the Lake District National Park's website.

Fishing at Fell Foot

Fishing is not permitted from April – October. Outside of this period fishing is permitted if the person has all the relevant licenses. Care must be taken to avoid other lake users.

Boat storage at Fell Foot

Boat storage is currently full at Fell Foot however please email the Active Base to be added to the waiting list or to make further enquiries.

A man walking a dog at Fell Foot Park in Cumbria
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Things to see and do in the park at Fell Foot 

Take a leisurely walk around the park and meadows and keep an eye out for wildlife including otters, warblers and geese. There's plenty of things to do at Fell Foot.

Paddle boarding during the Fell Foot Outdoor Festival on Lake Windermere at Fell Foot, Cumbria
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Watersports & equipment hire at Fell Foot 

Fell Foot is the perfect place to try out a new activity on Windermere, England's largest lake. With easy access to the water, the park is ideal for paddling, canoeing and boating. See what’s on offer.

A family eating and drinking in the cafe at Fell Foot Park
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Visiting Fell Foot with your dog 

Fell Foot is a three pawprint rated place. Find out all you need to know about exercising your four-legged friends around the parkland, Windermere’s lakeshore and the south meadow.

Visitors and their dog relaxing by the shore of Lake Windermere in spring at Fell Foot, Cumbria
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Family-friendly things to do at Fell Foot 

From buggy-friendly lakeshore walks to Gothic boathouses to explore and England’s largest lake to splash in, there’s something for all ages at Fell Foot, Windermere.