Harrold-Odell Country Park
Harrold-Odell Country Park
Harrold-Odell Country Park
4
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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Best nearby
Restaurants
16 within 3 miles
Attractions
29 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
460 reviews
Excellent
213
Very good
174
Average
39
Poor
10
Terrible
24
John R
Hockliffe, UK125 contributions
Sep 2020 • Family
The park is really beautiful; two lakes surrounded by woodland with a nature reserve thrown in. It also has two playgrounds, which our little one really loved. There are lots of interesting wood carvings of animals and birds dotted around the main walking route.
The main reason for writing this review is to counter some of the others that are a bit down on the Dragonfly Cafe. The two ladies working in there were very friendly and helpful and explained all the COVID precautions they were taking. I ordered a toastie which was very tasty, my dad had a ready-made sandwich which looked packed with fillings, and my little one had a kid’s lunch box which was good value. Good selection of crisps, drinks, chocolate etc. too. It seems most people’s gripe is with hot drinks, which we didn’t order, but the cafe exceeded my expectations having read some of these reviews beforehand. Do give it a try as I’m confident you won’t be disappointed if you’re after some lunch!
The main reason for writing this review is to counter some of the others that are a bit down on the Dragonfly Cafe. The two ladies working in there were very friendly and helpful and explained all the COVID precautions they were taking. I ordered a toastie which was very tasty, my dad had a ready-made sandwich which looked packed with fillings, and my little one had a kid’s lunch box which was good value. Good selection of crisps, drinks, chocolate etc. too. It seems most people’s gripe is with hot drinks, which we didn’t order, but the cafe exceeded my expectations having read some of these reviews beforehand. Do give it a try as I’m confident you won’t be disappointed if you’re after some lunch!
Written October 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
debrichgil
Bedford, UK50 contributions
Aug 2020
Had not been for a while and was surprised by the pleasant ness of the small Cafe, with enough to fill you up, and child friendly menu.
The park now encompasses two Lakes and some length of the River Ouse. The walks are well signposted and now include walks through deep woods, marshland areas, and riverside as well as surrounding two beautiful lakes in beautiful countryside, rivalling other Bedford surprises such as Priory Country Park , the RSPB ( Much better bird life at Harrold !!), Mowsbury Hill Fort, and the Forest of Marston Vale.
The park now encompasses two Lakes and some length of the River Ouse. The walks are well signposted and now include walks through deep woods, marshland areas, and riverside as well as surrounding two beautiful lakes in beautiful countryside, rivalling other Bedford surprises such as Priory Country Park , the RSPB ( Much better bird life at Harrold !!), Mowsbury Hill Fort, and the Forest of Marston Vale.
Written August 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue Davies..
Bedfordshire, UK128 contributions
May 2020 • Couples
Omg never been here before and it absolutely brilliant. Plenty of wildlife and magnificent lakes and scenery... Was nice that there was plenty of seating areas so you can just sit and enjoy.. Excellent parking.. The park is a gem. Very clean. And would definitely recommend a visit.. We loved our day out here! Thankyou
Written May 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Becky B
6 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
A group of us - my partner and his mum, and me and my parents - went to Harrold Country Park this afternoon. My parents were visiting us so thought it would be nice to show them the sights. The park is lovely, and somewhere my partner and I had been numerous times. Beautiful scenery, wildlife, fresh air...lovely! With the weather being colder we opted to eat in the cafe this time, where previously we have taken a picnic. Never again! While the food was satisfactory, the staff we very abrupt with us. We had turned up at 3.20 (it closes at 4) simply wanting a small lunch and drink each. Sadly the rude and abrupt manner of the staff serving us spoilt our enjoyment of the afternoon. We felt as if we were an inconvenience to the staff and were rushed in making our decisions as to food without a full explanation as to what was available...as if we should know exactly what we wanted before even seeing the choices and knowing where we wanted to sit when they take orders on entry. While we will happily return to the park, we will not be going to the cafe again as we did not feel welcome at all. Our advice would be to do the same.
Written February 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CDH65
Stevington15 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
Living locally we visit Harrold Country Park regularly and over the past couple of years given the Dragonfly Cafe another chance and another chance and each time can't beleive we have wasted our money. Food quality and portions size is poor for London prices! Today I decided to only buy a small bottle of water and Pepsi as the kids were giving me greif because they were thursty. I was shocked at having to pay £4.20 for 2 small bottles. I will not be visiting this cafe again unless you are happy to be ripped off. Last time for me.
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah B
Felmersham, UK3 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
I don’t normally write reviews from my visits but I feel so annoyed about this I feel that I have to. Today I visited the cafe and ordered a latte, brownie and two ice creams for my children. This came to a total of £9.35, I asked for a couple of tap waters for the children and was refused.
While I would completely understand them not serving water for free if I was not spending anything ,I really found this response quite unbelievable. It was a warm day and tap water is not much to ask for when I had spent nearly £10.
I will not be visiting again.
While I would completely understand them not serving water for free if I was not spending anything ,I really found this response quite unbelievable. It was a warm day and tap water is not much to ask for when I had spent nearly £10.
I will not be visiting again.
Written July 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jo Holding
4 contributions
Feb 2020
A lovely place to walk and explore - however turned up at the Cafe for some food at 2:45pm and was rudely told that the kitchen is shut for hot food even though the sign clearly said hot food served until 3pm, the lady was so rude; ''We have cleaned down the kitchen now so you can't have anything hot''. My Son asked whether they had a chocolate milkshake and the lady huffed and puffed rudely pointing at the fridge, my wife politely asked whether there was any chocolate milkshake as the fridge was nearly bare, the lady snapped back and said; ''No, that's it then''. I was so taken a back and disappointed as the children and myself had a really nice time walking and exploring and talking to the volunteers in the park, what a shame it had to be spoiled by someone who clearly does not like their job and has no people skills - don't put a sign out for hot food until 3pm if you are not going to do food after 2:30pm - very disappointing. There was plenty of walkers and families willing to eat and drink queued up behind us (School Half Term Holiday and good weather) so I would imagine if someone was willing to serve food later, with better customer service, they could make a killing.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grant T
1 contribution
Aug 2022 • Solo
Absolutely awful scone. Tried to cut it and it just completely grumbled. Coffee was ok. Charge £8.25 for the privilege. Lady serving seemed mildly irritated when I asked if she’d wash her hands after handling charge from a previous customer. 1 star is actually generous. Avoid.
Written August 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GingerMango
Northampton, UK36 contributions
Sep 2020
Great park, lovely walks & views.
We went to the café as we wanted to support it; sadly we wont go again. The latte was weak and not hot... and then we were charged £3.50 for 100ml lemonade !!
I've always supported independent sites, but they need to be respectful of customers too ! Next time, we'll being a flask !
We went to the café as we wanted to support it; sadly we wont go again. The latte was weak and not hot... and then we were charged £3.50 for 100ml lemonade !!
I've always supported independent sites, but they need to be respectful of customers too ! Next time, we'll being a flask !
Written September 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian W
Bedfordshire, UK369 contributions
Dec 2020 • Couples
Wife and myself quite often go for a walk around the lake just for some exercise and fresh air. Good size car park clean toilets if required. When walking around can easily self distance from other groups. Cafe in building at start doing takeaways. When half way round you can take the path out to O’dell and the Bell is also doing takeaway hot drinks. Ideal way to spend a morning or afternoon in these strange times.
Written December 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lesley o
Bedford, UK
I'm really interested in seeing a Kingfisher - did you seem them on both lakes or primarily one of them? if so which one, any advice on time of day, weather etc?
Many Thanks
Lesley
Peter L
6 contributions
I've not seen any Kingfishers there but I have seen one at Mill Meadow in Bedford - that's the bit of the Great Ouse behind Cardington Road east of The Park Hotel.
skybluebellender
Coventry, UK
Are you allowed to stay overnight in your motorhome at this attraction?? Thanks
Peter L
6 contributions
Simple answer, no, AFAIK they lock the barrier at the road entrance to stop "travellers" setting up camp.
Hi, is the park mobility scooter friendly, or are the paths not suitable, thank you
B B
Milton Keynes, UK19 contributions
I have seen powered scooters regularly in the park. The paths around the lake are not laid to cement, but paths are there. There may be a bit of vibration . It i a lovely place to go .
Hi,is the park mobility scooter friendly, or are the paths not suitable .
Knittingnan
Bedford, UK22 contributions
I would say NO. It was hard to push a wheelchair
Harrold-Odell Country Park (Bedford) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Harrold-Odell Country Park
- Harrold-Odell Country Park is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Harrold-Odell Country Park:
- (2.97 mi) The Red Lion Stevington
- (1.83 mi) Feather Down New Barn Farm
- (9.09 mi) The Stanwick Hotel
- (7.26 mi) Premier Inn Wellingborough Hotel
- (7.72 mi) Premier Inn Bedford South A421
- Restaurants near Harrold-Odell Country Park:
- (0.00 mi) Dragnfly Cafe
- (0.26 mi) Spices of Paradise
- (0.45 mi) The Oakley Arms
- (0.30 mi) Harrold Green Fish Bar
- (0.48 mi) The Muntjac