Are you planning a trip to Exeter and wondering about parking options? Finding free parking in Exeter can be a challenge, but it is not impossible. Whether you are visiting the city for a day or a longer period, there are options available that can help you save money on parking fees. In this article, we will provide an overview of free parking options in Exeter and tips to help you find the best spots for your needs.
Exeter is a bustling city with plenty of attractions to explore, from historic landmarks to modern shopping centres. However, finding parking can be a hassle, especially during peak hours. Fortunately, there are several free parking options available in the city, including park and ride sites, residential roads, and after-hours deals. In this article, we will explore these options in detail and provide tips to help you navigate to the best parking spots.
Key Takeaways
- Free parking options in Exeter include park and ride sites, residential roads, and after-hours deals.
- To save money on parking fees, consider using public transport links or walking to your destination.
- Make sure to follow parking regulations and safety guidelines to avoid fines or penalties.
Overview of Parking in Exeter
If you’re planning a trip to Exeter, it’s important to consider your parking options before you arrive. Exeter has a range of parking options available, from city centre car parks to park and ride services and free parking spots. Here’s an overview of what you need to know.
City Centre Parking Options
Exeter has several city centre car parks available, including Cathedral & Quay Car Park, Guildhall Car Park, and Mary Arches Car Park. These car parks offer convenient access to the city centre, including shopping, restaurants, and attractions. Prices vary depending on the car park and the length of your stay, but expect to pay around £2-£3 per hour.
Park and Ride Services
If you’re looking to avoid the hassle of city centre parking, Exeter also has several park and ride services available. The Honiton Road, Sowton, and Matford park and ride services offer convenient access to the city centre, with buses running every 12 minutes, seven days a week. It’s a cost-effective way to get into the city centre without the stress of driving and parking.
Free Parking Availability
If you’re looking for free parking in Exeter, there are a few options available. Haven Banks Car Park offers free parking after 6 pm, and Wardrew Road Car Park offers free parking on Sundays. There are also several free parking spots available across the city centre after 6 pm. However, it’s important to note that these spots can be difficult to find, especially during peak times.
Overall, it’s important to plan ahead when it comes to parking in Exeter. Consider your options and choose the one that best suits your needs and budget. Whether you opt for city centre parking, park and ride services, or free parking, there are plenty of options available to make your trip to Exeter as stress-free as possible.
Parking for Specific Needs
If you have specific parking needs, such as being disabled, travelling in a coach, or driving a motorcycle or motorhome, there are options available to you in Exeter.
Disabled Parking Facilities
If you have a Blue Badge, you can park for free in designated disabled parking bays across the city. The Cathedral & Quay Car Park has several disabled bays available, as well as accessible toilets and lifts to the city centre. You can also find free disabled parking in Exeter at some of the park and ride sites, such as Sowton and Matford.
Coach Parking Areas
If you’re travelling in a coach, there are several coach parking areas in Exeter. The closest coach parking area to the city centre is the Paris Street Coach and Car Park, which has spaces for up to 16 coaches. There is also coach parking available at the Matford Park and Ride site, which is just a short bus ride away from the city centre.
Motorcycle and Motorhome Parking
If you’re travelling on a motorcycle, you can park for free in designated motorcycle bays across the city. The Cathedral & Quay Car Park has several motorcycle bays available, as well as secure parking at the nearby John Lewis car park. If you’re travelling in a motorhome, you can park at the Matford Park and Ride site for up to 24 hours.
Overall, Exeter offers a range of parking options for those with specific needs, including disabled parking, coach parking, motorcycle parking, and motorhome parking. Make sure to check the specific parking requirements and availability of each location before you arrive.
Cost-Effective Parking
When it comes to parking in Exeter, finding a cost-effective option can be a challenge. However, there are some car parks that offer affordable rates and free parking options. In this section, we will take a closer look at the cheapest car parks in Exeter and the free parking times and locations.
Cheapest Car Parks
If you are looking for the cheapest car parks in Exeter, then Smythen Street Car Park and Magdalen Street Car Park are good options to consider. Both car parks offer hourly, daily, and weekly rates, with prices starting at £1.50 per hour.
Another affordable option is Grace Road Central car park, which offers a daily rate of £2.50. This car park is located near the city centre and is within walking distance of many popular attractions.
Free Parking Times and Locations
If you are looking for free parking in Exeter, then there are several locations where you can park your car for free. Water Lane and Marsh Green Road North are two streets near the town centre where you can park for free.
In addition, some council-run car parks in the city centre offer free parking after 6 pm. The Cathedral & Quay car park is one such car park, which is locked at 11 pm and has 355 spaces available.
It is important to note that some streets in Exeter have parking restrictions, so it is important to check the signs before leaving your car. However, if you plan your trip carefully and take advantage of the free parking options available, you can save money on parking while enjoying all that Exeter has to offer.
Parking Regulations and Safety
When parking in Exeter, it is important to be aware of the parking regulations and safety guidelines to avoid fines and ensure the safety of your vehicle.
Council-Run Car Parks
The Exeter City Council runs several car parks throughout the city, including the Flowerpot Lane Car Park and the Okehampton Street Car Park. These car parks have different rates depending on the length of stay, and some offer discounted rates for overnight parking. It is important to check the rates and regulations before parking to avoid any fines.
Overnight and Long-Term Parking
If you plan on parking overnight or for an extended period, it is important to be aware of the regulations. Parking is not allowed on most streets in Exeter between 8 pm and 8 am, and there are restrictions on how long you can park in certain areas. The council-run car parks offer overnight parking options, and there are also private car parks that offer long-term parking.
To ensure the safety of your vehicle, it is important to park in well-lit areas and to not leave any valuables visible in your car. It is also important to follow the regulations and not park in areas where parking is not allowed, as this can result in fines or towing.
By following the regulations and guidelines for parking in Exeter, you can avoid fines and ensure the safety of your vehicle.
Navigating to Parking Spots
When driving to Exeter, it’s important to know the best routes to take to reach your parking spot. Here are some of the access routes and major roads you should consider:
Access Routes and Major Roads
- M5: This is the main motorway that connects Exeter to other major cities such as Bristol. If you’re coming from Bristol, take the M5 southbound and exit at junction 30 for Exeter.
- A38: This is the main road that connects Exeter to Plymouth. If you’re coming from Plymouth, take the A38 eastbound and follow the signs for Exeter.
- Maple Road: This is a popular road that leads to the city centre. It’s a great option if you’re looking for parking near landmarks and amenities such as the Exeter Cathedral, River Exe, and the Quays.
Parking Near Landmarks and Amenities
If you’re looking for parking near landmarks and amenities, there are several options available. Here are some of the best places to park:
- Exeter Cathedral: If you’re visiting the Exeter Cathedral, you can park at the Cathedral & Quay Car Park. This car park is located just a few minutes’ walk from the cathedral and offers affordable rates.
- River Exe: If you’re planning to explore the River Exe, you can park at the Haven Banks Car Park. This car park is located near the river and offers stunning views of the water.
- Quays: If you’re looking for parking near the Quays, you can park at the Quay Car Park. This car park is located just a few minutes’ walk from the Quays and offers affordable rates.
- Museums: If you’re planning to visit the museums in Exeter, you can park at the Harlequins Car Park. This car park is located near several museums, including the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum.
- Bars: If you’re planning to visit the bars in Exeter, you can park at the Mary Arches Car Park. This car park is located near several popular bars, including the Fat Pig and the Oddfellows.
Public Transport Links
If you prefer to use public transport instead of driving, Exeter has several options available. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Bus Stops and Fares
Exeter has an extensive bus network, with several routes serving the city centre and the surrounding areas. You can find bus stops in many locations, including near Exeter Central, Waitrose, and John Lewis.
To use the bus, you can either pay the fare in cash or use a contactless card. The fares vary depending on the route and the distance travelled. You can find more information about the fares on the Stagecoach website.
If you’re over 60 or have a disability, you may be eligible for a National Bus Pass. This pass allows you to travel for free on local buses throughout England. You can find more information about the pass on the GOV.UK website.
Park and Cycle Options
If you want to avoid the traffic and get some exercise at the same time, you can use the park and cycle options available in Exeter. These options allow you to park your car in a designated area and cycle the rest of the way to your destination.
There are several park and cycle locations in Exeter, including at the Sowton Park and Ride site. You can find more information about the park and cycle options on the Devon County Council website.
Overall, Exeter has a good public transport network that can help you get around the city and the surrounding areas. Whether you choose to take the bus or cycle, you can save money and reduce your carbon footprint by using these options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can one find free parking spots in Exeter town centre?
Finding free parking spots in the town centre can be a challenge, but there are a few options available. The best places to look for free parking in Exeter town centre are the side streets and residential areas near the city centre. However, be aware that parking in these areas can be limited and subject to time restrictions.
Are there any time restrictions on free parking areas in Exeter?
Yes, most free parking areas in Exeter have time restrictions. These restrictions can vary from area to area, so it’s important to check the signs carefully before leaving your car. Some areas may allow free parking for a limited time, such as two hours, while others may have no restrictions at all. Make sure to check the signs and adhere to the restrictions to avoid receiving a parking ticket.
What are the best locations for complimentary car parking in Exeter?
The best locations for free parking in Exeter are the park and ride sites. Exeter has three park and ride sites that offer free parking and access to the city centre when you use the local Stagecoach bus service, without having to battle through traffic. Buses run every 12 minutes 7 days a week. It is designed to provide an alternative to driving into the city center, helping to reduce traffic congestion and parking issues.
Can you park for free in Exeter after 6 pm and where?
Free parking is available in some areas after 6 pm, but it’s important to check the signs carefully before leaving your car. Some areas may have time restrictions that apply outside of normal business hours, while others may allow free parking during certain times of the day. Make sure to check the signs and adhere to the restrictions to avoid receiving a parking ticket.
Does Exeter offer free parking for a limited duration, such as 2 hours?
Yes, some areas in Exeter offer free parking for a limited duration, such as two hours. However, these areas can be limited and subject to time restrictions. Make sure to check the signs and adhere to the restrictions to avoid receiving a parking ticket.
Are there park and ride services in Exeter that allow free parking?
Yes, Exeter has three park and ride sites that offer free parking and access to the city centre when you use the local Stagecoach bus service. The park and ride sites are located outside the city centre and are designed to provide an alternative to driving into the city center, helping to reduce traffic congestion and parking issues. Buses run every 12 minutes 7 days a week.
