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Lake at Harrold-Odell Country Park

Harrold-Odell Country Park is made up of 144 acres of award winning green space which includes a nature reserve, two picturesque lakes and a stretch of the River Great Ouse. From April to November cattle roam in the river meadow. 

Green Flag Award

Harrold-Odell Country Park is one of four Bedford Borough Council managed parks which has been awarded a Green Flag. The Green Flag Award scheme recognises quality parks and open spaces in the UK and around the world. 

More information on the Green Flag Award.

The Park was also granted the CPRE Mark for Landscape Improvement award.  

Friends of Harrold-Odell 

The Friends of HOCP is a voluntary organisation that takes an interest in the Park, volunteers and supports the work of the park rangers. The Friends were awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2018. Membership is free and open to anyone. Please email hocp@bedford.gov.uk for more information.

Location 

Facilities

  • Boardwalk overlooking the Dragonfly Pond
  • Café
  • Car park on site. the main car park is open 24 hours. The overflow car park closes at 5pm.
  • Fishing (permit only)
  • Outdoor classroom
  • Outdoor gym
  • Play area for 2-8yrs (Harrold end)
  • Play area for 8-12yrs (Odell end)
  • Toilets
  • Two bird hides

Book an event in this park

Go to our parks events booking page to create an event.

Café

The Dragonfly Café is open daily and run by Churchill Catering Ltd. The café is running a full takeaway service offering a range of freshly cooked and prepared hot and cold food to include bacon and sausage sandwiches, soup, panini, toasties, jacket potatoes and a wide selection of cold sandwiches. Vegetarian, gluten free and vegan options are available. Please ask on arrival or call 01234 331278.

Fishing in Harrold-Odell Country Park

Fishing at Harrold-Odell Country Park is restricted. In some waters fishing is not permitted at all. Where fishing is permitted you will need a current Environment Agency rod licence and a fishing permit from Bedford Borough Council.

All information on where you can and cannot fish is posted outside the park's Visitors' Centre and on fishing map boards located around Harrold-Odell Country Park. 

Fishing permits are valid for one season only. The fishing season runs from 16 June to 14 March each year.

See our rivers, waterways and fishing page for more information about fishing permits.

Warden's office 

You can contact the park office on 01234 720016 between 9am-5pm (answerphone out of hours) or email hocp@bedford.gov.uk.