Harrold and Odell Country Park
Harrold and Odell Country Park includes a nature reserve, two picturesque lakes and a stretch of the River Great Ouse as well as two play areas. We only visited one play area which is near the entrance which is suitable for young children. It has two slides, a ramp, ladders and mini climbing walls. There’s also a wobbly bridge. Next to the play area there’s a skate park, gym equipment and basketball ring. When we visited in January it was really muddy, so if there has been a lot of rain make sure you take your wellies. We only went for a short walk whilst there, but there is a second play area suitable for older children which is near the Odell entrance. That play area includes a witches-hat shaped roundabout & rope climb, a tunnel, a basket swing & climbing frame. You can see the pictures of that one on the park’s website.
The park is one of the only country parks that we’ve visited that is completely free – I.e you don’t even pay to park. Some of the others do have much bigger play areas though so it’s not worth visiting just for the play areas. It’s probably worth going to if you enjoy a good walk and like spotting wildlife. The park is a haven for wildlife. More than 160 species of birds have been recorded there. These range from the common Canada and Greylag geese to rarer visitors such as Bittern and Little Egret. Many wild flowers are present around the Park. A number of mammals also live and visit there. If you’re lucky you could spot a fox, weasel or shrew. Rabbits are common on the warren.
ADDRESS – Harrold-Odell Country Park, Carlton Road, Harrold, MK43 7DS
TIME FROM MK – 35 mins
I'm Laura, mum of two boys - aged six and four. I started this website at the end of Sept 2015 whilst on maternity leave. I now work four days a week and do this blog late at night once the little boys are sleeping. It's won several awards over the last four years and I continue to run it for free and mostly focus on free, cheap, and good value days out. Do drop me an email laura@miltonkeyneskids.com if you want to contact me. Don't forget to follow all of our latest adventures on facebook, instagram and twitter and have a look at all of the videos of the places we visit on the Milton Keynes Kids YouTube Channel - subscribe to it for notifications every time I add a new place. And remember... you may been reading this post months after we visited, do check with the destination you're visiting for up to date opening times and prices. If you find this blog useful then please do comment on my posts and leave me a Facebook review - it makes doing this all the more worthwhile.
Harrold and Odell Country Park
A selection of pictures taken from our visit to Harrold and Odell Country Park in January 2016
