Bedfords Park Visitor Centre
A beautiful park offering close encounters with red deer, scenic walks, and family-friendly fun, all with free parking.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Great for family fun
Bedfords Park Visitor Centre
Best Time
Great for family fun
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautiful park offering close encounters with red deer, scenic walks, and family-friendly fun, all with free parking.
"Fenomenal place to visit with a whole family! The whole deer feeding experience is fantastic!"
🍎 Feed the Deer
Bring carrots and apples for the red deer! They come right up to the fence.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Cafe
The cafe welcomes dogs, offering a warm spot to relax after your walk.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Red Deer Sanctuary
Deer Enclosure
Get up close with majestic red deer. Bring carrots and apples to feed them – a truly special experience!
Scenic Lake Walk
Around the Lake
Enjoy a peaceful stroll around the lake, offering beautiful views and a chance to connect with nature.
Children's Play Area
Near Car Park
A great spot for kids to burn energy with a dedicated play area, perfect for family outings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Deer Feeding Fun
Family-Friendly Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🍎 Feed the Deer
Bring carrots and apples for the red deer! They come right up to the fence. +1
🐾 Dog-Friendly Cafe
The cafe welcomes dogs, offering a warm spot to relax after your walk.
🚗 Free Parking
Plenty of free car parking spaces available, especially near the play area.
🚶♀️ Nature Reserve Walks
Explore walking tracks and enjoy the nature reserve, including a wildflower area.
Tips
from all over the internet
🍎 Feed the Deer
Bring carrots and apples for the red deer! They come right up to the fence. +1
🐾 Dog-Friendly Cafe
The cafe welcomes dogs, offering a warm spot to relax after your walk.
🚗 Free Parking
Plenty of free car parking spaces available, especially near the play area.
🚶♀️ Nature Reserve Walks
Explore walking tracks and enjoy the nature reserve, including a wildflower area.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Bedfords Park for its family-friendly atmosphere and the incredible red deer feeding experience. The scenic walks, dog-friendly cafe, and ample free parking are also frequently highlighted as major positives. While generally well-loved, some may find the visitor centre amenities basic.
"Fenomenal place to visit with a whole family! The whole deer feeding experience is fantastic! Everyone loved it and everyone was extremely happy! We had so much fun, and the walk around the lake was also great! Such a beautiful place! We will definitely be back again!"
Agnieszka Płoskonka
"There is a decent size car park near the children's play area. Lovely little cafe that has two entrances, one for people with dogs. Dog friendly so you can get out of the bad weather and warm up after your walk.
There is a red deer enclosure and the deer come right up to the fence.
There's a wild flower area, a lake and it is a nature reserve.
It will probably be very popular if it snows as there are some great slopes for tabboganing.
Family friendly, definitely worth a visit"
Sarah Jakes
"A lovely place for a walk with some walking tracks and great views. The deer enclosure is nice to see (take some carrots if you want to feed them). There's a visitor centre with some typical gift shop merchandise and cafe. Really nice to visit, quite unexpected being so close to urban areas. Lots of free car park spaces when I visited too."
Adam
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bedfords Park is easily accessible by car, with ample free parking available. Public transport options may require a combination of bus and walking, so checking local routes is recommended.
Yes, there is a decent-sized car park located near the children's play area, and it's generally free to use. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Bedfords Park itself is free. There are no admission tickets required to explore the grounds, lake, and deer enclosure.
The park grounds are generally open from dawn till dusk. The visitor centre and cafe will have specific operating hours, which are best checked directly.
There is no entry fee for the visitor centre itself. It houses a cafe and gift shop, with purchases being optional.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Families can enjoy the children's play area, walk around the lake, and most excitingly, feed the red deer. It's a very family-friendly destination. +1
Absolutely! Visitors are encouraged to bring carrots and apples to feed the red deer, who often come right up to the fence. +1
Yes, there are lovely walking tracks and paths throughout the park, including a scenic route around the lake and through the nature reserve.
Yes, Bedfords Park is perfect for dog walks, with open grounds and walking tracks. The cafe also welcomes dogs. +1
The visitor centre includes a cafe with a beautiful vista and a gift shop selling typical merchandise. It's a nice place to warm up or grab a refreshment.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a lovely little cafe located at the visitor centre, offering tea, cake, and other refreshments. It has two entrances, one for people with dogs. +1
While there's a cafe, picnicking is generally welcome in parks. Enjoying your own snacks on the grounds is a great option.
Specific dietary options are not detailed in reviews, but cafes typically offer a range of choices. It's best to inquire directly upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
The red deer enclosure offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially during feeding times. The lake and surrounding nature reserve also provide beautiful scenic shots.
Yes, with the red deer sanctuary and nature reserve areas, it's a great spot for wildlife photography. Keep an eye out for various birds around the lake too.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during weekdays if possible to avoid the biggest crowds, though weekends are still very manageable. The easy access and free parking make it a stress-free outing for parents. It’s a place where kids can connect with nature and animals in a safe and engaging environment.
🐾 Dog Owners
🚶 Nature Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Red Deer Experience
It's important to remember that while the deer are accustomed to visitors, they are still wild animals. Maintain a respectful distance and follow any posted guidelines. The enclosure is well-maintained, offering a safe and enjoyable way to observe and interact with the deer. The sheer joy and excitement from visitors, especially children, during feeding times are palpable in many accounts.
Beyond just feeding, observing the deer's natural behavior in their habitat is also a rewarding experience. The presence of the deer adds a unique charm to Bedfords Park, setting it apart from other local green spaces and drawing visitors seeking a connection with wildlife.
Family Fun and Amenities
Adding to the convenience for families and all visitors is the dog-friendly cafe located within the visitor centre. This allows everyone, including canine companions, to take a break from the elements, warm up, and enjoy refreshments. The cafe offers a pleasant vista, making it a nice place to relax after exploring the park.
Reviews frequently mention the overall positive atmosphere and the enjoyment derived from simple activities like walking around the lake or exploring the nature reserve. The combination of natural beauty and accessible amenities makes Bedfords Park a well-rounded destination for all ages.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit