๐ Harrold Odell Country Park Car Park โ Carlton Road, Harrold Parking Guide
Free dawn-to-dusk parking at Harrold Odell Country Park โ easy access to lakes, trails & bird hides, perfect for family days out and nature walks.
๐ Type: Free Public Country Park Car Park
๐ Open: Park hours (dawn to dusk year-round; gates close after dusk)
๐ Rating: 4.7 / 5 (visitor feedback highlights convenience and scenic setting)
๐ฐ 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 baysโstandard free parking; badge should be displayed
๐ 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 |
โฟ 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
๐ EV Infrastructure
On-Site Charging: None
Nearest Public Chargers:
Tesco Bedford (Priory Business Park, 5 mi) โ 4ร7 kW, 8 min drive
Bedford Train Station (station car park, 6 mi) โ rapid chargers available
๐ Peak Times & Occupancy
| Timeframe | Occupancy | Typical Visitors |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays 10 AMโ12 PM | ~50 % | Dog walkers & birdwatchers |
| Weekdays 2 PMโ4 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.
๐ถ Walkability Score
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Centre & Cafรฉ | 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 |
๐ Nearby Amenities
On-Site:
Public Toilets: At visitor centre
Cafรฉ Kiosk: Seasonal hot drinks & snacks
Picnic Areas: Tables scattered around lakeside
Nearby (Odell & Carlton Road):
Pub: The Crown Inn (1 mi) โ traditional ales & meals
Tea Room: Hidden Pantry (Odell village, 1.2 mi) โ homemade cakes
Shop & ATM: Odell Village Stores (1 mi)
๐ ฟ๏ธ 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 | ยฃ1 / hr | DawnโDusk | Cafรฉ, toilets & club facilities |
| Bedford Priory Country Park | 6 mi | Free | DawnโDusk | Larger site with childrenโs play |
โ ๏ธ Important Notices
Closing Time: Gates lock at duskโvehicles 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
๐ Expert Tips
Birdwatcherโs Hack: Bring binoculars to the early-morning hide sessionsโkingfishers are often spotted on the main lake
Picnic Prep: Cafรฉ opens at 10 AM weekends; bring a blanket if you arrive earlier
Cycle-Friendly: Ample bike racks at entranceโcombine parking with a cycle tour of nearby lanes
Family Fun: Pack wellies for the woodland trail boardwalks, which can be muddy
๐ฎ 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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