🚗 Harrold Odell Country Park Car Park – Carlton Road, Harrold Parking Guide
Free dawn-to-dusk parking at Harrold Odell Country Park – easy access to lakes, trails & bird hides, perfect for family days out and nature walks.
🚗 Type: Free Public Country Park Car Park
🕒 Open: Park hours (dawn to dusk year-round; gates close after dusk)
🌟 Rating: 4.7 / 5 (visitor feedback highlights convenience and scenic setting)
💰 Pricing & Permits
Cost: Free (no pay machines or permits required)
Restrictions: Parking strictly limited to park opening hours; vehicles left after closing may be locked in until next morning
Blue-Badge Holders: No special bays—standard free parking; badge should be displayed
📊 Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | Approximately 80 marked bays |
| Surface | Hardened gravel |
| Lighting | None (daylight hours only) |
| Security | Occasional ranger patrols; no CCTV |
| Height Limit | None (vans and small motorhomes tolerated) |
| Barrier System | None |
♿ Accessibility
Disabled Access: Level gravel paths from bays to visitor centre and lakeside hides
Designated Bay: One wider bay nearest entrance suitable for wheelchair users
Drop-Off Zone: Informal layby by main entrance for quick unloading
🔌 EV Infrastructure
On-Site Charging: None
Nearest Public Chargers:
Tesco Bedford (Priory Business Park, 5 mi) – 4×7 kW, 8 min drive
Bedford Train Station (station car park, 6 mi) – rapid chargers available
📅 Peak Times & Occupancy
| Timeframe | Occupancy | Typical Visitors |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays 10 AM–12 PM | ~50 % | Dog walkers & birdwatchers |
| Weekdays 2 PM–4 PM | ~40 % | Picnic-goers & anglers |
| Saturdays & Sundays | ~85 % | Families & nature enthusiasts |
| Early Mornings (dawn) | ~20 % | Sunrise photographers |
Pro Tip: Arrive before 10 AM on weekends and school holidays to secure a central bay close to the visitor centre.
🚶 Walkability Score
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Centre & Café | 1 min | Toilets, refreshments & trail maps |
| Main Lake Hide | 3 min | Birdwatching platforms |
| Woodland Trail Entrance | 2 min | 3 km mixed-woodland loop |
| Meadow Loop | 5 min | Wildflower meadows & picnic tables |
| Odell Village Centre | 15 min | Historic church, tea rooms & craft shops |
🛒 Nearby Amenities
On-Site:
Public Toilets: At visitor centre
Café Kiosk: Seasonal hot drinks & snacks
Picnic Areas: Tables scattered around lakeside
Nearby (Odell & Carlton Road):
Pub: The Crown Inn (1 mi) – traditional ales & meals
Tea Room: Hidden Pantry (Odell village, 1.2 mi) – homemade cakes
Shop & ATM: Odell Village Stores (1 mi)
🅿️ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance | Cost | Max Stay | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlton Road Layby | 0.2 mi | Free | Informal | First-come; limited bays |
| Renhold Village Hall Car Park | 3 mi | Free | Daytime only | Quiet rural setting |
| Bedford Golf Centre Car Park | 4 mi | £1 / hr | Dawn–Dusk | Café, toilets & club facilities |
| Bedford Priory Country Park | 6 mi | Free | Dawn–Dusk | Larger site with children’s play |
⚠️ Important Notices
Closing Time: Gates lock at dusk—vehicles may be unable to exit until next morning
Weather Impact: Gravel surface can become slippery or flooded after heavy rain; park on firm, higher ground
Wildlife Protection: Stay on waymarked paths; dogs must be kept on leads in sensitive areas
📌 Expert Tips
Birdwatcher’s Hack: Bring binoculars to the early-morning hide sessions—kingfishers are often spotted on the main lake
Picnic Prep: Café opens at 10 AM weekends; bring a blanket if you arrive earlier
Cycle-Friendly: Ample bike racks at entrance—combine parking with a cycle tour of nearby lanes
Family Fun: Pack wellies for the woodland trail boardwalks, which can be muddy
🔮 Future Developments
2025: Installation of a second lakeside viewing hide for improved wildlife access
2026: Planning underway for two new EV charge points in the main car park
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