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Family-friendly things to do at Fell Foot

Visitors and their dog relaxing by the shore of Lake Windermere in spring at Fell Foot, Cumbria
There's plenty of space at Fell Foot to relax and enjoy the view of the lake | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

If you’re looking for some open space to play games and run off steam, a top spot for wildlife spotting and stone skimming or a great place for dog walking with a cafe, there’s plenty to keep everyone happy during a visit to Fell Foot.

Planning your family visit

Here is the information you need at a glance to help plan your day out at Fell Foot:

  • You'll find toilets and baby-changing facilities in the main car park, next to the café, and in the Active Base. There's also a Changing Places facility available in the boathouse adjoining the café
  • The cafe offers a range of tasty kids’ lunchboxes containing sandwiches, fruit, a treat and juice or water. Hot lunches are also available and tray bakes, cakes and scones are baked fresh each day
  • Highchairs available
  • 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
  • Playground is near the south car park
Playhouse and slide at Fell Foot playground
Playhouse and slide at Fell Foot playground | © S Hunter

Family-friendly activities

Visit the play area

Clamber, swing, spin and slide in the spacious outdoor playground.

Balance bike hire

Balance bikes can be hired free of charge from the visitor welcome point in the car park. Suggested donation of £3 is welcome.

Dip your toe in Windermere

Pop on your wellies and paddle at the waters’ edge.

Equipment hire with Stoked Watersports

You can get on the water with Fell Foot’s outdoor provider, Stoked Watersports. Hire a rowboat, kayak or paddleboard. There's something to suit all levels from beginner to seasoned pro. Please note that hire is seasonal and runs from Easter. Visit the Stoked Watersports website for more details and to book.

If you have your own equipment

Canoe, kayak, inflatable dinghy and paddleboard owners can launch at the south end of the park for free, as long as you can carry the equipment down on foot from the car park.

The Active Base has hot showers and toasty changing rooms, complete with underfloor heating and secure lockers to make your day out comfortable. Day passes are available from just £2 and can be bought from the café.

‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’

Enjoy the great outdoors and get closer to nature with our ‘50 things’ list of activities for young adventurers. There are plenty to tick off here at Fell Foot; make your own list or try a few of our suggestions to ge you started:

Little girl smelling the daffodils at Fell Foot, Cumbria
Keep an eye out for the daffodils springing up on the lawn at Fell Foot | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Little Explorers at Fell Foot

Every Thursday across May - June (excluding 30 May during half term)

Come along for a story and nature walk especially for under 5’s and their grown-ups, older siblings welcome. A great way to meet other families and get outdoors whatever the weather. We recommend bringing wellies if it's wet.

Meet at the Boathose Café at 10am or 2pm.

Free to take part, a suggested donation of £3 is welcomed. No booking needed.

Visitors relaxing on the shore of Lake Windermere at Fell Foot, Cumbria in spring

Discover more at Fell Foot

Find out how to get to Fell Foot, where to park, the things to see and do and more.

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