Fell Foot

Fell Foot is a Victorian lakeside park at the southern tip of Windermere, England's largest lake, once the pleasure grounds of a Lake District villa and a place of recreation for more than two centuries. Restored to its Victorian layout, its Grade II listed Gothic Revival boathouses now hold the Boathouse Cafe, and the lawns run straight down to the shore for paddling, picnics and swimming. Seasonal rowing boat, kayak and paddleboard hire runs from the water's edge, with a play area by the south car park, a nature trail, orienteering courses and a parkrun every Saturday morning. Dogs are welcome everywhere including the cafe, and can run off the lead in the south meadow unless cows are grazing. Reviewers like the clean water, the benches along the lakeshore path and the 1.5-mile walk beside the lake and through the meadow. Tips from regulars: members should scan their card at the parking machine for a free ticket, and after heavy rain the lower lakeside path can flood.