Harrold-Odell Country Park
A serene country park with two lakes, woodland walks, wildlife, and family-friendly amenities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Peaceful nature immersion
Harrold-Odell Country Park
Best Time
Peaceful nature immersion
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene country park with two lakes, woodland walks, wildlife, and family-friendly amenities.
"Lovely park with two lakes surrounded by woodland, great to spend a day with kids. 
🚶♀️ Flat, Easy Walks
Enjoy mostly flat, gravel paths perfect for leisurely strolls around the lakes.
☕ Dog-Friendly Cafe
The Dragonfly Cafe welcomes well-behaved dogs and offers lovely lake views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Lakes and Wildlife
Main park area
Two picturesque lakes and a river teeming with waterfowl. Perfect for birdwatching and peaceful strolls.
Woodland Walks and Sculptures
Surrounding woodland trails
Explore charming woodland paths dotted with delightful animal and bird wood carvings.
The Dragonfly Cafe
Near the main entrance
A dog-friendly cafe offering refreshments with lake views.
Adventure Playground & Skatepark
Near the cafe
Fun zones for children and teens, making it a great family day out.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Navigating the Park and Facilities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Flat, Easy Walks
Enjoy mostly flat, gravel paths perfect for leisurely strolls around the lakes.
☕ Dog-Friendly Cafe
The Dragonfly Cafe welcomes well-behaved dogs and offers lovely lake views.
💰 Parking Donation
A voluntary donation box is available for parking fees.
Midges in Warmer Months
Be aware of potential midge clouds on warmer evenings.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Flat, Easy Walks
Enjoy mostly flat, gravel paths perfect for leisurely strolls around the lakes.
☕ Dog-Friendly Cafe
The Dragonfly Cafe welcomes well-behaved dogs and offers lovely lake views.
💰 Parking Donation
A voluntary donation box is available for parking fees.
Midges in Warmer Months
Be aware of potential midge clouds on warmer evenings.
🚰 Toilet Access
Check opening times for public toilets as they can be limited.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Harrold-Odell Country Park for its beautiful lakes, peaceful walking trails, and abundant wildlife, making it a lovely spot for families and dog owners. While the natural setting is a major draw, some guests note that facilities like public toilets can be inconsistent, and the cafe has received mixed feedback.
"Decent car park. Voluntary donations go in a secure box. The old cafe has been replaced a while ago. It is nowhere near as good. I wouldn't bother now.
The public toilets are in a slightly sorry order... when they're open.
Annoyingly, not often enough.
Walking is good though flat.
Views are lovely most of the time. There is a large lake a smaller one and a river. There is a ton of goose/waterfowl and cattle poop to navigate through in some areas.
There is a sport/ training spot frequently ruined by screaming, out of control children.
Some circular dog walking paths, and waste bins strategically located.
A couple of well-placed benches with lovely views, in honour of certain locals who passed away.
There can be evenings with huge clouds of midges, usually warmer times, but they're usually not a problem.
Wildlife is happy there and the rangers look after the area rather well. It can and has flooded dramatically in the area, but work to deal with that is underway and in some areas, completed too.
It's close to Olney, a small village with further pubs, restaurants and more hairdressers than anyone could need.
A couple of reasonable pubs nearby."
N Aa
"Lovely circular walk which takes around 45 minutes, with a play park, skate park, and exercise park. Benches dotted around. We didn't eat or drink from the cafe but this is wheelchair accessible. A lovely place to take a walk around the lake. Harrold village is also a lovely place to go for a walk. It's a riverside village, you will find a chip shop, Indian and a coop in the. A old lock up still stands in the village."
Kelly “WhatsUp Bedfordshire” Price-watts
"The country park is easy to access with plenty of car parking spaces. There are a few disabled spaces on the left as you enter. Facilities include a dog friendly cafe, enclosed children's adventure playground, an outdoor gym and a bike course. There are also public loos.
There are lovely lakeside walks, river walks and woodland walks with bench seats along the way. The paths are all gravel or grass but are mostly flat, however a wheelchair might be difficult to manoeuvre in some places."
Heavy Dude
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Harrold-Odell Country Park is located in Bedfordshire. It's accessible by car, with a voluntary donation parking area available. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus routes is advisable if you're not driving.
Yes, there is a car park with a voluntary donation system. Disabled parking spaces are also available near the entrance.
Cycling is a great way to reach the park, and there are dedicated bike courses within the park itself.
While accessible by car, public transport links might require careful planning. It's best to check local bus schedules in advance.
Use the postcode MK43 7DS for GPS navigation. The park is well-signposted once you are in the vicinity of Harrold village.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the park itself is free. There is a voluntary donation box for parking.
The park is generally open from dawn till dusk. However, specific facilities like the cafe and toilets may have limited operating hours.
No, there is no entrance fee for Harrold-Odell Country Park. Parking is by voluntary donation.
The cafe typically closes around 4 PM, but it's advisable to check their specific hours before your visit.
The park sometimes hosts events, including trail runs.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The park offers lovely lakeside walks, river walks, and woodland trails. The circular lake walk is popular and takes about 45 minutes.
Yes, the park has bird hides and is home to a variety of waterfowl and other bird species, making it a great spot for birdwatchers.
Absolutely! There's an enclosed children's adventure playground, a skate park, and an outdoor exercise park.
The park has fishing platforms on the lake, suggesting fishing is permitted.
Many paths are flat and gravel, but some areas can be difficult for wheelchairs or pushchairs, especially after rain.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, The Dragonfly Cafe is located at the park and offers hot and cold refreshments. It's also dog-friendly.
The cafe serves a selection of cakes, hot food, and other refreshments.
Yes, there are several spaces suitable for picnics, particularly near the cafe area.
The nearby village of Olney has several pubs and restaurants, and Harrold village also offers dining options.
Yes, The Dragonfly Cafe is very dog-friendly, offering water bowls for your pets.
📸 📸 Photography
The lakes, wildlife, and woodland sculptures offer beautiful photographic opportunities. The golden hour light can be particularly stunning.
Yes, the park is rich in wildlife, including numerous waterfowl and birds, making it ideal for nature photography.
Benches are strategically placed with lovely views, often in memory of locals, offering peaceful spots for photography.
A versatile lens for landscapes and wildlife, like a 24-70mm or a telephoto lens, would be beneficial.
The combination of lakes, meadows, and woodlands provides diverse landscape photography opportunities throughout the seasons.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
The Dragonfly Cafe is dog-friendly, providing water bowls, making it a perfect spot to relax after a walk. Remember to keep dogs under control, especially around wildlife and other visitors, and utilize the strategically placed waste bins. 🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Birdwatchers
Keep an eye out for other wildlife, as the park supports a rich ecosystem. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Natural Beauty
The park's commitment to nature is evident in its well-maintained trails and the presence of bird hides, which provide excellent vantage points for observing avian life.
The rangers actively manage the area, ensuring the wildlife can thrive, though occasional flooding can occur, with ongoing work to mitigate its impact. Family Fun and Activities
The park's accessibility, with mostly flat and gravel paths, makes it suitable for pushchairs and younger children, although some areas might present challenges.
Visitor Experience and Amenities
Despite these minor drawbacks, the park is generally well-looked after by rangers, and the wildlife is clearly thriving.
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