If you’re planning a trip to Bristol, you might be wondering about the parking situation. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for free parking in Bristol, whether you’re looking for short-term or long-term parking. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about free parking in Bristol, including where to find it, when you can park for free, and some tips for making the most of your parking experience.
Bristol is a vibrant and bustling city, with plenty to see and do. From museums and galleries to parks and gardens, there’s something for everyone here. However, parking in the city can be a challenge, especially if you’re not familiar with the area. That’s why it’s important to know where you can find free parking, so you can explore the city without worrying about your car.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, free parking in Bristol is a great way to save money and make the most of your time in the city. With a little bit of planning and some insider knowledge, you can park for free in Bristol and enjoy all the city has to offer. So let’s get started!
Key Takeaways
- Free parking in Bristol is available in various locations throughout the city.
- You can park for free during the weekends and off-peak hours.
- Knowing where to find free parking and following parking tips can help you make the most of your parking experience.
Understanding Free Parking in Bristol
If you are planning to visit Bristol, you might be wondering about the availability of free parking in the city. In this section, we will provide you with a brief overview of the legal framework for parking in Bristol and the role of the Bristol City Council in regulating parking.
Legal Framework for Parking
Parking in Bristol is regulated by the Traffic Management Act 2004, which gives local authorities the power to manage parking in their area. The Act allows local authorities to introduce parking restrictions, such as parking charges, time limits, and permit schemes, to manage the demand for parking and reduce congestion.
As a driver, it is important to be aware of the parking restrictions in Bristol, as failure to comply with them can result in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). PCNs are issued by the Bristol City Council and can be appealed if you believe that the PCN was issued unfairly.
Bristol City Council’s Role
The Bristol City Council is responsible for managing parking in the city, including the enforcement of parking restrictions. The Council has introduced a number of measures to encourage sustainable travel and reduce the demand for parking, such as the provision of cycle lanes and the promotion of public transport.
The Council also offers a range of parking permits, which allow residents and businesses to park in designated areas without having to pay the standard parking charges. If you are planning to park in Bristol for an extended period of time, you may wish to consider purchasing a parking permit.
In terms of free parking, there are a number of options available in Bristol, including some car parks which offer free parking for a limited period of time. However, it is important to be aware of the parking restrictions in the city and to ensure that you comply with them to avoid receiving a PCN.
Overall, while free parking in Bristol may be limited, there are still options available if you know where to look. By being aware of the legal framework for parking and the role of the Bristol City Council, you can ensure that you park safely and legally during your visit to the city.
Locations of Free Parking
If you’re looking for free parking in Bristol, there are several options available, including free car parks, on-street parking areas, and park and ride sites. Here are some of the best places to park your car for free in Bristol.
Free Car Parks in Bristol
There are several free car parks in Bristol where you can park your car for free. One of the most popular free car parks is located at Barton Hill Settlement, which is open 24/7 and has plenty of spaces available. Another popular free car park is located at the Harbourside, which is open 24/7 and has over 300 spaces available.
On-Street Parking Areas
There are several on-street parking areas in Bristol where you can park your car for free. One of the best areas for free on-street parking is in the BS3 4NE postcode, which includes streets such as Southville Road and Stackpool Road. Another good area for free on-street parking is in the BS3 2HB postcode, which includes streets such as Luckwell Road and Greville Road. However, be aware that on-street parking can be limited and may not always be available.
Park and Ride Sites
If you’re looking for free parking in Bristol, park and ride sites are a great option. The Long Ashton park and ride site is a popular choice, with free parking available and regular bus services to the city centre. Another good park and ride site is located at Portway, which also has free parking and regular bus services to the city centre. However, be aware that park and ride sites can be busy during peak times, so it’s best to arrive early.
Overall, there are plenty of options available for free parking in Bristol. Whether you’re looking for a free car park, on-street parking, or a park and ride site, there are plenty of places to choose from. Just be aware that parking can be limited in some areas, so it’s best to arrive early to secure your spot.
Free Parking Options by Area
If you’re looking for free parking options in Bristol, you’re in luck. There are several areas around the city where you can park your car without paying a penny. Here are some of the best free parking options by area:
Central Bristol
Central Bristol is a great place to park your car for free. You can find free on-street parking on many of the side streets off of Whiteladies Road, Park Street, and the Clifton Triangle. However, be aware that these spots fill up quickly, especially during peak hours. If you’re willing to walk a bit further, there are several car parks in the city centre that offer free parking for up to two hours. The Cabot Circus Car Park and the Broadmead Car Park are both good options.
Clifton and Surrounding Areas
Clifton is a popular area of Bristol, but it can be difficult to find free parking. However, there are a few options available. You can park for free on some of the side streets off of Pembroke Road, or on the Portway. If you’re willing to walk a bit further, there are several car parks near the Clifton Suspension Bridge that offer free parking for up to two hours.
South and East Bristol
The south and east of Bristol have several areas where you can park your car for free. In Bedminster, you can find free on-street parking on many of the side streets off of North Street. In Knowle, there are several car parks that offer free parking for up to two hours. If you’re in the Easton area, you can park for free on some of the side streets off of Stapleton Road.
North Bristol and Beyond
If you’re in the north of Bristol or beyond, there are still plenty of free parking options available. In Horfield, you can park for free on some of the side streets off of Gloucester Road. In Filton, there are several car parks that offer free parking for up to two hours. If you’re in the north east of Bath, you can park for free on some of the side streets off of London Road. If you’re in the north west of Bath, you can park for free on some of the side streets off of Upper Bristol Road.
Overall, there are plenty of free parking options available in Bristol and the surrounding areas. Just be aware that some spots fill up quickly, so it’s always a good idea to arrive early if you’re planning to park for free.
Weekend and Off-Peak Free Parking
When it comes to finding free parking in Bristol, weekends and off-peak hours can be your best friend. Many car parks in Bristol offer free parking during weekends and off-peak hours, which can save you a significant amount of money.
Weekend Parking Strategies
If you’re planning to visit Bristol over the weekend, you can take advantage of the free parking opportunities available. The following car parks offer free parking on weekends:
- Cabot Circus Car Park
- Harbourside Car Park
- West End Car Park
- Trenchard Street Car Park
It’s worth noting that these car parks can get busy during weekends, so it’s best to arrive early to secure a spot. Additionally, some car parks may have restrictions on the number of hours you can park for free, so make sure to check the signs before leaving your car.
Evening Parking Considerations
If you’re planning to visit Bristol in the evening, you can also take advantage of the free parking opportunities available. Many car parks in Bristol offer free parking after a certain time, which can vary from car park to car park. The following car parks offer free parking after 6 pm:
- Cabot Circus Car Park
- Harbourside Car Park
- West End Car Park
- Trenchard Street Car Park
Again, it’s important to check the signs before leaving your car to ensure that you’re not violating any parking restrictions.
Overall, if you’re looking for free parking in Bristol, weekends and off-peak hours are your best bet. By taking advantage of the free parking opportunities available, you can save a significant amount of money on parking fees.
Special Parking Provisions
Bristol has special parking provisions to cater to the needs of different groups of people. Here are some of the special parking provisions available in Bristol:
Disabled Parking Facilities
Bristol City Council provides designated parking bays for Blue Badge holders in various locations throughout the city. Blue Badge holders can park for free in any on-street parking bay or council car park displaying the Blue Badge symbol. Blue Badge holders can also park in residents’ parking schemes for an unlimited time, provided they display their Blue Badge and clock.
Electric Vehicle Parking
Bristol has electric vehicle charging points available at various locations throughout the city. You can view the locations of these charging points on the Zap-Map website. Some of the charging points are free to use, while others require payment. You can also apply for an electric vehicle residents’ parking permit, which allows you to park in designated electric vehicle bays in residents’ parking zones.
Residents’ Parking Schemes
Bristol City Council offers residents’ parking schemes in various locations throughout the city. These schemes allow residents to park in designated parking bays within a specified area. Residents can apply for a parking permit, which allows them to park in these bays. Visitors’ permits are also available for residents to give to their visitors. The cost of a parking permit varies depending on the location.
In conclusion, Bristol has special parking provisions to cater to the needs of different groups of people, including Blue Badge holders, electric vehicle owners, and residents. If you belong to any of these groups, you can take advantage of these special provisions to make your parking experience in Bristol more convenient and affordable.
Parking Tips and Best Practices
Avoiding Parking Fines
Parking fines can be frustrating and costly. To avoid getting a parking fine in Bristol, make sure you are aware of the parking restrictions in the area you are parking. Some areas have limited parking times or require a parking permit. Check the signs carefully before leaving your vehicle.
Another tip to avoid parking fines is to use the RingGo app. This app allows you to pay for parking using your mobile phone, so you don’t have to worry about carrying change. You can also extend your parking session remotely, so you don’t have to rush back to your car.
Using Parking Apps Effectively
In addition to RingGo, there are several other parking apps available in Bristol that can help you find free or cheap parking spots. Some of the popular parking apps include Parkopedia and JustPark.
When using parking apps, make sure you check the reviews and ratings of the parking spots before choosing one. Some parking spots may have hidden charges or be difficult to access. It’s also important to check if the parking app is compatible with the parking scheme in the area you are parking.
Overall, using parking apps can save you time and money, and help you find the best parking spot for your needs. Just make sure you do your research and read the reviews before choosing a parking spot.
Pay and Display
Pay and display is a common parking scheme in Bristol. With this scheme, you must purchase a parking ticket from a machine and display it in your vehicle. Make sure you have enough change before parking in a pay and display area, as some machines may not accept card payments.
It’s also important to check the expiry time on your parking ticket. If you overstay your parking time, you may receive a parking fine. To avoid this, you can use the RingGo app to extend your parking session remotely.
By following these parking tips and best practices, you can avoid parking fines and find the best parking spots in Bristol. Remember to always check the parking restrictions and use parking apps to save time and money.
Exploring Bristol
If you’re visiting Bristol and looking for free parking options, you’ll be pleased to know that there are plenty of attractions and shopping centres that offer free parking. Here are some of the best places to visit in Bristol that offer free parking.
Attractions with Free Parking
Bristol is home to many popular attractions that offer free parking. Brunel’s SS Great Britain is one of the most popular attractions in Bristol, and it offers free parking to visitors. The Harbourside area is another popular destination that offers free parking. You can park your car and explore the area on foot, taking in the sights and sounds of the waterfront.
Shopping Centres and Retail Parks
Bristol Shopping Quarter is a great place to shop, and it offers free parking at some of its car parks. Cabot Circus is another popular shopping centre that offers free parking for up to two hours. If you’re looking for a retail park, then the Bristol First Hotel retail park is a good option. It offers free parking for up to three hours, so you can take your time and explore the shops.
Overall, Bristol is a great place to visit if you’re looking for free parking options. Whether you’re exploring the city’s attractions or shopping centres, you’re sure to find a place to park your car without having to pay a fortune.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find free parking spots in the centre of Bristol?
There are a few free parking spots in the centre of Bristol, but they are limited and usually fill up quickly. One option is to park at Little Paradise car park, BS3 4NE, which has 50 spaces and is free for 2 hours. Another option is to park at Hereford Street, BS3 4NA, which has free parking for up to 4 hours. However, it is important to note that these spots are popular and may not always be available.
What are the best options for free parking available in Bristol?
The best options for free parking in Bristol are usually found in residential areas outside of the city centre. You can also find free parking at some supermarkets, such as Asda and Morrisons. However, it is important to check the parking restrictions before leaving your car, as some supermarkets may have time limits or require you to be a customer.
Is there any free parking in Bristol on Sundays?
Yes, there is free parking in Bristol on Sundays. You can park for free at most on-street parking bays and in some car parks. However, it is important to check the parking restrictions before leaving your car, as some areas may still have time limits or other restrictions in place.
Can you recommend a map that shows free parking areas in Bristol?
Yes, you can find a map of free parking areas in Bristol on the Bristol City Council website. The map shows the locations of free on-street parking bays and car parks in the city.
Are there any Park and Ride services in Bristol that offer free parking?
Yes, all of the Park and Ride services in Bristol offer free parking. However, you will need to pay for the bus fare to travel into the city centre. The Park and Ride locations are located outside of the city centre and offer a convenient and affordable way to travel into Bristol.
Is overnight parking allowed at any of Bristol’s free parking locations?
It depends on the parking location. Some on-street parking bays allow overnight parking, while others have time restrictions. It is important to check the parking restrictions before leaving your car to avoid any fines or penalties. Additionally, some car parks may have restrictions on overnight parking, so it is important to check the signs and information before leaving your car.
