Discovery Programmes


The Footprint was constructed to be an an inspiring eco-classroom for the school or other groups visiting St Catherine's on an educational visit and since its been up and running the feedback from teachers and pupils has been wonderful. The cross-curricular discovery programmes now on offer to primary schools focus on sustainability and the environment, and tie in to the environmental principles of the construction.


A Key stage 2 teacher from South Walney Junior School near Barrow-in-Furness commented, "The group thoroughly enjoyed the visit to the Footprint.The activities were varied and interactive and all of the children (and adults!) learned a lot about the environment and sustainability. A very successful visit!"


A Year 2 teacher from ST Mark's CE Primary School in Natland near Kendal remarked, "We had a fantastic day! Thank you so much for all the time and effort you put into tailoring the day for our age range. The children loved it and have talked about it a lot since. We noted that when we got back none of them had mentioned that it was raining all day – so they must have been having fun!"


Our established half or full day programmes are available, all year round:

  • Who lives in a Place like this? Looks at natural habitats, shelters, choices and basic needs in human and wildlife systems
    KS1 & 2 full day

  • Leaving a Footprint
    Considers sustainable building materials and their properties, design, choices and decision-making using the Footprint as a stimulus for discussion
    KS1 & 2 half or full day

  • Countryside Detectives
    Using historical evidence and present day clues to interpret the past values that shaped the landscape and identify the values today that will shape it in the future
    KS2 half or full day

  • Full Circle
    Comparing natural and human cycles, energy and water flow, use and waste
    KS2 full day

Additionally, two NEW sessions are available for 2011

  • Only YOU can save the World!
    Investigating how climate change happens and how personal footprints can be reduced
    KS2 half or full day
  • Farm Visit
    Exploring real life on a Cumbrian upland farm
    KS1 & 2 half day (Spring and Autumn)

All our programmes are fully risk-assessed and led by experienced staff. Sessions are hands-on and inspire participants
to a greener future, whilst having fun outdoors and in the Footprint itself.


St Catherine's is easily accessible by train and on foot (20 minutes walk) from Windermere station.
There is minibus parking on site and coach drop off nearby.


Prices for 2011:
Minimum charge of 10 children
March-October: Half Day......£5 Full Day......£7
November-February: Half Day.....£4 Full Day......£6
We also offer a discount of 50p per child that arrive by sustainable transport (walking, cycling or by public transport)


A downloadable flier for the sessions is available below

Downloadable pdfs giving an overview of each of the discovery sessions are available below.


For further information or to enquire about a booking contact the Footprint at:
footprint@nationaltrust.org.uk or telephone 015394 88409



****NEWS**** And it gets better... schools who travel to the Footprint to take part in a programme can take advantage of First Transpennine Express' generous offer of FREE train travel from the Lancaster area to Windermere, thus reducing the carbon footprint of their visit to the Footprint. Check out this link or use the contact information above for further information.