Are you planning a trip to Cambridge and worried about finding a parking space? You’ll be happy to know that there are several free parking options available in the city. Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying for a week, you can save money by taking advantage of the free parking spots in the city.
Free Parking in Cambridge
Cambridge is a beautiful city, known for its stunning architecture, picturesque streets, and world-renowned universities. However, with its popularity comes the challenge of finding affordable parking. Fortunately, there are several free parking spots in the city, including Gwydir Street Car Park, Sun Street Car Park, Adam and Eve Street Car Park, and Castle Hill Car Park. These parking spots are free during specific times, so make sure to check the parking restrictions before leaving your vehicle.
Key Takeaways
- There are several free parking spots available in Cambridge, including Gwydir Street Car Park, Sun Street Car Park, Adam and Eve Street Car Park, and Castle Hill Car Park.
- It’s important to check the parking restrictions before leaving your vehicle to avoid getting a ticket.
- Cambridge is a popular city, so make sure to arrive early to secure a free parking spot.
Overview of Free Parking in Cambridge
Cambridge is a bustling city with a lot of visitors and commuters, which makes parking a challenge. However, there are several options for free parking in Cambridge that you can take advantage of.
Street Parking
Street parking in Cambridge is limited, but there are some areas where you can park for free. The most popular spots for free street parking are the residential areas around the city centre. However, be mindful of any parking restrictions and make sure you are not parked illegally.
Free Car Parks
Cambridge has several free car parks that you can use. The most popular free car parks in Cambridge are the Park and Ride sites. These sites are located on the outskirts of the city and offer free parking for up to 18 hours. After 18 hours, a fee is charged, so be mindful of how long you park. The Park and Ride sites also offer a shuttle bus service that takes you into the city centre. This is a convenient way to park for free and avoid city centre traffic.
Blue Badge Holders
Blue badge holders can park for free in designated parking bays throughout Cambridge. These bays are clearly marked and are located near popular destinations such as the city centre, hospitals, and other public buildings.
In summary, there are several options for free parking in Cambridge. Street parking, free car parks, and designated parking bays for blue badge holders are all available. Be mindful of any parking restrictions and always park legally.
Blue Badge Parking
If you hold a Blue Badge, you can park for free in designated parking bays in Cambridge. However, it is important to note that there are restrictions on where you can park and for how long.
On-Street Blue Badge Parking
On-street parking for Blue Badge holders is available in designated parking bays throughout Cambridge. These bays are marked with the international symbol of access and are reserved for Blue Badge holders only.
It is important to note that parking in these bays is subject to time limits, which are clearly displayed on the signs. You must ensure that you do not exceed the time limit, as this may result in a penalty charge notice.
Off-Street Blue Badge Parking
Off-street parking for Blue Badge holders is available in most of the council-operated car parks in Cambridge. However, it is important to note that not all spaces in these car parks are designated for Blue Badge holders.
If you are parking in an off-street car park, you should look for the designated Blue Badge parking bays. These bays are usually located close to the entrance of the car park and are marked with the international symbol of access.
It is important to note that parking in these bays is subject to time limits, which are clearly displayed on the signs. You must ensure that you do not exceed the time limit, as this may result in a penalty charge notice.
Overall, if you hold a Blue Badge, you can park for free in designated parking bays in Cambridge. However, it is important to be aware of the restrictions and time limits that apply to these spaces.
City Centre Parking Options
If you’re looking for free parking in the city centre, you might have a hard time finding it. However, there are a few options that offer affordable parking rates.
Queen Anne Terrace Car Park
Located on Gonville Place, Queen Anne Terrace Car Park is a popular option for those visiting the city centre. The car park has 200 spaces and charges a peak-time parking tariff of £2.50 per hour, but the off-peak tariff is only £1.20 per hour. The car park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Grand Arcade Car Park
Another popular option is the Grand Arcade Car Park on Corn Exchange Street. The car park has 1000 spaces and charges a peak-time parking tariff of £3.50 per hour, but the off-peak tariff is only £1.50 per hour. The car park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Grafton East and West Car Parks
The Grafton East and West Car Parks are located on East Road and Newmarket Road, respectively. These car parks have a combined 1400 spaces and charge a peak-time parking tariff of £2.50 per hour, but the off-peak tariff is only £1.20 per hour. The car parks are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Overall, these car parks offer affordable parking rates for those visiting the city centre. However, it’s important to note that peak-time parking tariffs can be more expensive, so it’s best to plan your visit accordingly.
Park and Ride Services
If you’re looking for free parking in Cambridge, Park and Ride services are an excellent option. There are five Park and Ride sites available in Cambridge: Madingley Road, Trumpington, Milton, Newmarket Road, and Babraham Road. Each site offers free parking and a frequent bus service into the city centre.
Madingley Road Park & Ride
Madingley Road Park & Ride is located to the west of the city centre and offers 1000 free parking spaces. The bus service runs every 10 minutes, with the journey taking approximately 15 minutes to get to the city centre. The bus ticket prices are affordable, with an adult return ticket costing just £3 and up to three children under 16 travelling for free with every fare-paying passenger.
Trumpington Park & Ride
Trumpington Park & Ride is located to the south of the city centre and offers 1200 free parking spaces. The bus service runs every 10 minutes, with the journey taking approximately 10 minutes to get to the city centre. The bus ticket prices are the same as Madingley Road Park & Ride.
Milton Park & Ride
Milton Park & Ride is located to the north of the city centre and offers 1100 free parking spaces. The bus service runs every 10 minutes, with the journey taking approximately 10 minutes to get to the city centre. The bus ticket prices are the same as Madingley Road Park & Ride.
Newmarket Road Park & Ride
Newmarket Road Park & Ride is located to the east of the city centre and offers 1000 free parking spaces. The bus service runs every 10 minutes, with the journey taking approximately 10 minutes to get to the city centre. The bus ticket prices are the same as Madingley Road Park & Ride.
Babraham Road Park & Ride
Babraham Road Park & Ride is located to the south-east of the city centre and offers 1000 free parking spaces. The bus service runs every 20 minutes, with the journey taking approximately 15 minutes to get to the city centre. The bus ticket prices are the same as Madingley Road Park & Ride.
In summary, Park and Ride services in Cambridge are an affordable and convenient option for free parking. With five sites located around the city and a frequent bus service, it’s easy to get into the city centre without the hassle of finding parking.
Local Car Parks
If you’re looking for a place to park your car in Cambridge, there are several local car parks available for you to choose from. Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular ones:
Adam and Eve Street Car Park
Adam and Eve Street Car Park is a great option if you’re looking for a place to park your car in the city centre. It is open 24 hours a day, and there are payment machines that accept cash, card, Android Pay, and Apple Pay. The car park is located just a short walk away from some of Cambridge’s most popular attractions, including the Fitzwilliam Museum and the Cambridge Arts Theatre.
Castle Hill Car Park
Castle Hill Car Park is another popular option for those looking for a place to park in the city centre. It is open 24 hours a day and has payment machines that accept cash, card, Android Pay, and Apple Pay. The car park is located just a short walk away from the famous Cambridge Castle and the beautiful Kettle’s Yard art gallery.
Gwydir Street Car Park
Gwydir Street Car Park is a great option if you’re looking for free parking in Cambridge. You can park for free on Sundays, and there are payment machines that accept cash, card, Android Pay, and Apple Pay. The car park is located just a short walk away from the beautiful Cambridge University Botanic Garden.
Lammas Land Car Park
Lammas Land Car Park is a great option if you’re looking for a place to park your car near the River Cam. It is open 24 hours a day and has payment machines that accept cash, card, Android Pay, and Apple Pay. The car park is located just a short walk away from the famous Grantchester Meadows and the beautiful Jesus Green Park.
Overall, there are plenty of local car parks in Cambridge that offer convenient and affordable parking options. Whether you’re looking for a place to park in the city centre or near one of Cambridge’s many beautiful parks, there’s sure to be a car park that meets your needs.
Parking Tariffs and Payment Options
When it comes to parking in Cambridge, there are various payment options available for you. Multi-storey car parks allow you to pay with cash or by card, Android Pay or Apple Pay at the payment machines before you return to your vehicle. You can also pay by card, Android Pay or Apple Pay at the car park exits. Street-level car parks allow you to pay by phone with JustPark when you arrive, or use your card at the machine (except at Riverside).
Peak-time tariffs may apply to some car parks, which means that you may have to pay more during peak hours. However, off-peak tariffs are also available, which means that you can park at a cheaper rate during non-peak hours.
Payment machines are also available in most car parks, which allow you to pay for your parking using cash or card. Some machines may also accept Android Pay or Apple Pay. You can pay for your parking before you leave the car park or at the exit.
In addition, some car parks offer special deals and discounts for long-term parking. It is worth checking with the car park operator before you park to see if any discounts are available.
Overall, there are various payment options available for parking in Cambridge, and it is important to choose the one that is most convenient for you. Whether you choose to pay with cash, card, or mobile payment, make sure that you are aware of the parking tariffs and payment options available to you.
Special Parking Considerations
If you have specific parking needs, such as a motorcycle or an electric vehicle, or if you are travelling with young children, it’s important to be aware of the special parking considerations available in Cambridge. Here are some options to consider:
Motorcycle Parking
If you’re travelling by motorcycle, you can take advantage of the designated motorcycle parking bays located throughout the city. These bays are often located in convenient locations close to popular attractions and shopping areas.
Electric Vehicle Charging
If you’re driving an electric vehicle, you’ll be pleased to know that there are a number of electric vehicle charging points located throughout Cambridge. These charging points are often located in car parks and other convenient locations, making it easy to top up your battery while you’re out and about.
Parent-and-Child Bays
If you’re travelling with young children, you’ll want to take advantage of the parent-and-child bays located in many of Cambridge’s car parks. These bays are wider than standard parking spaces, making it easier to get your children in and out of the car, and are often located close to the entrances of the car park.
Remember to always check the signage when parking in these designated bays to ensure that you’re complying with the rules and regulations. By taking advantage of these special parking considerations, you can make your visit to Cambridge as hassle-free as possible.
Parking Restrictions and Permits
Parking in Cambridge can be a bit tricky due to the various parking restrictions and permits in place. It’s important to be aware of the rules to avoid getting ticketed or towed.
The Cambridgeshire County Council is responsible for managing parking restrictions and issuing parking permits in Cambridge. There are different types of parking permits available for residents, businesses, and visitors.
If you are a resident, you can apply for a resident’s parking permit, which allows you to park in designated resident parking bays. The permit costs £20 per year and is valid from 1 April to 31 March. If your vehicle has CO2 emissions under 75g/km, you are eligible for a reduced fee of £10. You can also apply for a visitor’s permit, which costs £10 and is valid for five visits of up to one day in duration.
Businesses can also apply for a parking permit, which costs £112 per year. However, there are restrictions on the number of permits that can be issued per business.
It’s important to note that there are also parking restrictions in place throughout Cambridge, including off-street parking orders. These restrictions are put in place to manage traffic flow and ensure public safety. Make sure to check for signs and markings before parking your vehicle to avoid getting ticketed or towed.
Overall, it’s important to be aware of the parking restrictions and permits in Cambridge to avoid any inconvenience or fines. If you have any questions about parking permits or restrictions, you can contact the Cambridgeshire County Council for more information.
Alternative Transportation Options
If you prefer not to drive in Cambridge, there are plenty of alternative transportation options available to you. Here are two popular options:
Cycling
Cycling is an excellent way to get around Cambridge, as it is a flat city with plenty of cycle paths and lanes. You can bring your own bike or rent one from one of the many bike rental shops in the city. Some of the popular bike rental shops include Rutland Cycling, Station Cycles, and City Cycle Hire.
If you’re new to cycling, you can take advantage of the many cycle training courses available in Cambridge. These courses will teach you the basics of cycling, as well as how to cycle safely on the city’s roads. You can find out more about these courses on the Cambridge City Council website.
Walking
Walking is another excellent way to get around Cambridge, especially if you’re exploring the city centre. Most of the city’s major attractions are within walking distance of each other, and you can enjoy the beautiful architecture and scenery as you walk.
If you’re looking for a guided walking tour, there are plenty of options available in Cambridge. Some of the popular walking tour companies include Cambridge Tour Guides, Footprints Tours, and Cambridge Alumni Tours. These tours will take you to the city’s major attractions, as well as some of its hidden gems.
Overall, cycling and walking are both excellent alternative transportation options in Cambridge. They’re both eco-friendly, affordable, and a great way to explore the city.
Additional Parking Information
Season Tickets and Permits
If you are a frequent visitor to Cambridge, you may want to consider purchasing a season ticket or permit for parking. The Cambridge City Council offers season tickets for several of its car parks, including the Grand Arcade and Queen Anne Terrace. These tickets are valid for a specified period and offer a discounted rate compared to the standard daily rate.
Alternatively, you can apply for a parking permit from the Cambridgeshire County Council. These permits allow you to park in designated areas for a specified period, usually a year, and can be renewed annually. The cost of a permit varies depending on the location and type of permit.
Parking Fines and Enforcement
It is important to be aware of the parking rules and regulations in Cambridge to avoid receiving a parking fine. The Cambridge City Council is responsible for enforcing parking regulations in the city. If you park illegally, you may receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) which can range from £50 to £130 depending on the severity of the offence.
If you receive a PCN, you have the option to pay the fine or challenge it if you believe it was issued unfairly. You can find more information on how to challenge a PCN on the Cambridge City Council’s website.
It is important to note that parking enforcement is taken seriously in Cambridge, and fines are actively enforced. Therefore, it is recommended that you follow the parking regulations to avoid receiving a fine.
Special Events and Holiday Parking
If you are planning to visit Cambridge during special events and holidays, you may be worried about finding free parking. However, there are some options available that can help you save money on parking.
Sundays and Bank Holidays
On Sundays and bank holidays, parking is free in most of the council-owned car parks in Cambridge. This includes the Grand Arcade, Grafton East, Grafton West, and Queen Anne car parks. However, please note that some private car parks may still charge for parking on these days.
Evening and Overnight Parking
If you need to park your car in the evening or overnight, there are some car parks that offer free parking during certain hours. For example, the Grafton East and Grafton West car parks offer free parking from 5 pm to 7 am every day. Similarly, the Queen Anne car park offers free parking from 7 pm to 7 am every day.
Special Events and Holidays
During special events and holidays, parking can be a challenge in Cambridge. However, there are some options available that can help you save money on parking. For example, during the Cambridge Folk Festival, parking is available at the Trumpington Park and Ride site for a reduced rate of £5 per day. Similarly, during the Cambridge Beer Festival, parking is available at the Jesus Green car park for a reduced rate of £5 per day.
Overall, there are some options available for free parking in Cambridge during special events and holidays. However, it is important to check the specific parking rules and regulations for each car park before parking your car.
Nearby Amenities and Attractions
If you’re looking for free parking in Cambridge, you’ll be pleased to know that there are several nearby amenities and attractions that you can easily access from your parking spot. Here are a few of the highlights:
University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, and it’s located right in the heart of the city. If you’re interested in exploring the beautiful architecture and historic buildings of the university, you can park for free at Sun Street Car Park in Cambridge between 5pm and 8.30am or at Gwydir Street Car Park on Sundays. Both of these car parks are within a 15-minute walk of the university.
Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens in Cambridge are a beautiful oasis in the heart of the city. If you’re looking for a peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature, this is the perfect spot. You can park for free at Adam and Eve Street Car Park or Castle Hill Car Park in Cambridge between 7pm – 8am daily and Sundays before 10am. Both of these car parks are within a 15-minute walk of the Botanical Gardens.
Grafton Shopping Centre
If you’re in the mood for some retail therapy, the Grafton Shopping Centre is a great place to visit. You can park for free at Sun Street Car Park in Cambridge between 5pm and 8.30am. This car park is within a 15-minute walk of the shopping centre.
Overall, there are plenty of nearby amenities and attractions that you can easily access from your free parking spot in Cambridge. Whether you’re interested in exploring the historic buildings of the University of Cambridge, relaxing in the Botanical Gardens, or doing some shopping at the Grafton Shopping Centre, there’s something for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best options for free parking in Cambridge city centre?
Cambridge city centre has several options for free parking. The most convenient option is to park at one of the five Park and Ride sites located on the outskirts of the city. These sites offer free parking for up to 18 hours, and you can use the bus to get into the city. The buses are well-equipped, with free Wi-Fi, USB charging, and more.
Can you find free parking in Cambridge on Sundays, and if so, where?
There are many options for free parking in Cambridge on Sundays. The Park and Ride sites are free on Sundays, and you can also park for free in some of the on-street parking spaces. However, you should check the signs to make sure that parking is allowed on Sundays.
Are there any areas with free street parking available in Cambridge, Massachusetts?
Unfortunately, we cannot provide information about free parking in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The search results provided relate to Cambridge, UK.
What locations offer the most convenient free parking for a day out in Cambridge?
The most convenient free parking locations for a day out in Cambridge are the Park and Ride sites. These sites are located on the outskirts of the city and offer free parking for up to 18 hours. You can then use the bus to get into the city, which is a quick and convenient way to travel.
Where can one locate a map detailing free parking spots in Cambridge?
The Cambridge City Council website provides information about parking in Cambridge, including a map of car parks and on-street parking locations. You can find this information at https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/parking-in-cambridge.
What are the most affordable parking alternatives in Cambridge?
The most affordable parking alternatives in Cambridge are the Park and Ride sites. These sites offer free parking for up to 18 hours, and you can use the bus to get into the city. The buses are well-equipped, with free Wi-Fi, USB charging, and more. Additionally, some on-street parking spaces offer free parking, but you should check the signs to make sure that parking is allowed.
