Fewston Reservoir lies in the Washburn Valley, and offers a choice of walks and nature watching opportunities for visitors.  Easily accessible from the A59 Fewston Reservoir sits directly above Swinsty Reservoir, and at the lower end the two share a car park.

Fewston supplies water to Leeds, and the remains of some of the buildings that were on the site prior to the completion of the dam can be seen on the banks.  Fewston has a popular walking loop path that traces its circumference and horse and cycle routes in the woods on its southern side.

The car park at Fewston has been designated a Dark Sky Discovery Site and is one of the most accessible of the Nidderdale Dark Skies sites.  As a Milky Way site, Fewston offers skies where the Galaxy can be seen with the naked eye.