
Barnwell Country Park
A child & dog-friendly park with scenic lake walks, a playground, and wildlife observation areas.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere

Barnwell Country Park
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A child & dog-friendly park with scenic lake walks, a playground, and wildlife observation areas.
"Lovely walks around the lakes, very peaceful. Great for dogs and kids."

🚗 Parking Fees Support Park
Parking costs £3.50 for up to 12 hours, with proceeds aiding park upkeep. :car:
🦆 Duck Feed Fun
Grab a 50p bag of duck feed for an interactive wildlife experience. :duck:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lakeside Strolls
Around the park's lakes
Enjoy serene walks around the picturesque lakes, perfect for spotting wildlife and enjoying nature's calm.

Playground Fun
Designated play areas
A hit with younger visitors, featuring sand and water play areas ideal for sunny days.

Wildlife Observation
Wildlife observation hide
Quietly observe local birdlife and other creatures from a dedicated hide.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Outdoors
Best Times for Tranquility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Fees Support Park
Parking costs £3.50 for up to 12 hours, with proceeds aiding park upkeep. :car:
🦆 Duck Feed Fun
Grab a 50p bag of duck feed for an interactive wildlife experience. :duck:
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Plenty of benches and spots for picnics, making it a great family-friendly outing. :sandwich:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Haven
Lakes and river access for dogs to paddle, and plenty of space for them to roam. :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Fees Support Park
Parking costs £3.50 for up to 12 hours, with proceeds aiding park upkeep. :car:
🦆 Duck Feed Fun
Grab a 50p bag of duck feed for an interactive wildlife experience. :duck:
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Plenty of benches and spots for picnics, making it a great family-friendly outing. :sandwich:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Haven
Lakes and river access for dogs to paddle, and plenty of space for them to roam. :dog:
🏃♀️ Running Route
One lap around the park is about 2.5k, perfect for a short run or part of a longer route. :runner:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Barnwell Country Park for its peaceful atmosphere, beautiful lakeside walks, and family-friendly amenities. It's a highly recommended spot for dog owners and nature lovers alike, offering a relaxing escape with good facilities.
"Lovely walks around the lakes, very peaceful. Duck feed was 50p a bag and they came rushing for it which was lovely. Great for dogs and kids. Nice cafe with great selection of sweet and savoury treats."
Jo Markley
"Amazing park for a nature walk. They also have duck feed for 50p and free loos. Parking is available for £3.50 for up to 12hrs and goes toward park upkeep."
Madelyn Smith
"Beautiful park. Family, child and more importantly dog friendly 😉.
Lakes and river for the dog to paddle in. Plenty of benches to sit on and places for picnics. Oh and there’s parking too! Lovely place to visit and only a short walk to town for refreshments."
Jayne Parker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Barnwell Country Park is located in Northamptonshire, England. You can drive there, with parking available on-site. For those looking for a running route, you can park in Oundle and run down to the park, avoiding parking fees.
While specific public transport routes aren't detailed in the provided content, it's advisable to check local bus schedules for services to Oundle, which is a short distance from the park.
Parking is available at the park for £3.50 for up to 12 hours. This fee contributes to the upkeep of the park.
Cycling is a great way to access the park, especially if you're coming from nearby towns like Oundle. There are likely cycle paths leading to the park, though specific routes would need local checking.
The park offers scenic walkways and is generally described as family-friendly, suggesting it is likely accessible for wheelchairs, though specific accessibility details would require direct confirmation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Barnwell Country Park itself is free. However, there is a charge for car parking.
The park is generally open daily, offering ample time for visitors to enjoy its natural beauty. Specific hours for facilities like the cafe might vary.
No, booking tickets in advance is not required for general entry to Barnwell Country Park. It's a public park accessible to all.
While park entry is free, there are small charges for specific activities like duck feed (50p a bag).
The parking fee of £3.50 for up to 12 hours goes towards park upkeep. This generally covers access to the grounds, playgrounds, and walking paths.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Barnwell Country Park offers lovely walks around its lakes, a fenced playground with sand and water play areas, a wildlife observation hide, and opportunities for fishing. It's also a great spot for picnics and dog walking.
Absolutely! It's described as child-friendly with a great playground, sand and water play, and plenty of space for kids to run around. Families often bring picnics.
Yes, Barnwell Country Park is very dog-friendly. Dogs can paddle in the lakes and river, and there's ample space for them to enjoy the outdoors.
Visitors can spot various bird species, including ducks, swans, chaffinches, and nuthatches. You might also see grey squirrels. The park's lakes and natural setting attract diverse wildlife.
Yes, the park features scenic walkways around the lakes, offering a relaxing and therapeutic experience. One lap around the park is approximately 2.5k.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, there is an on-site cafe at Barnwell Country Park that offers a selection of sweet and savoury treats.
The cafe is noted for having a great selection of sweet and savoury treats. It's a nice spot to enjoy a cuppa with a view across the lake.
Definitely! The park has plenty of benches and places for picnics, making it an ideal spot for a family outing.
There are no stated restrictions on bringing your own food for picnics, which is a popular activity for visitors.
Specific opening hours for the cafe are not provided, but it's generally open during park operating hours. It's best to check locally if you plan a visit specifically for the cafe.
📸 📸 Photography
The park offers beautiful scenery with its lakes, wildlife (birds, squirrels), and the changing seasons. The reflections on the water and the natural landscapes provide excellent subjects for photography.
Yes, with various bird species like ducks, swans, chaffinches, and nuthatches present, it's a great location for birdwatching and wildlife photography. The observation hide can offer closer views.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. This also coincides with quieter times at the park.
There is no specific mention of drone usage. It's always recommended to check with park authorities or local regulations regarding drone operation in public spaces.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm or 18-135mm) is good for general scenery and wildlife. For dedicated bird photography, a telephoto lens would be beneficial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
🏃♀️ Runners and Fitness Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Natural Beauty
The park's natural setting is enhanced by its seasonal changes, providing a different visual experience throughout the year. Whether it's the vibrant greens of summer or the muted tones of autumn, Barnwell Country Park offers a consistently beautiful backdrop. The presence of lily pads on the water and opportunities to blow dandelions add to the charming, natural ambiance.
For those seeking a more active experience, the park's perimeter offers a running route of approximately 2.5 kilometers per lap. This makes it an ideal location for a quick jog or as part of a longer training session, combining exercise with the enjoyment of the natural surroundings.
Family and Dog-Friendly Fun
Dog owners will find Barnwell Country Park to be an exceptionally welcoming destination. The park provides access to lakes and the river, allowing dogs to paddle and cool off. The open spaces are ideal for dogs to roam and play, making it a favorite spot for regular dog walkers. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and conducive to a happy outing for both pets and their owners.
Beyond the playground and open spaces, the park's accessibility and the availability of amenities like a cafe and restrooms contribute to a stress-free family and dog-friendly experience. The combination of natural beauty and dedicated facilities makes Barnwell Country Park a consistently popular local spot.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit