If you’re planning a trip to Northampton, you may be wondering about parking options. Luckily, Northampton offers a variety of free parking options for visitors. Understanding the different types of free parking available and where to find them can help you save money and make the most of your visit.
One of the main benefits of free parking in Northampton is that it can save you money. With free parking options available throughout the town, you can avoid paying expensive parking fees and use your money for other activities. Additionally, free parking can be more convenient, as it may be located closer to your destination than paid parking options.
When visiting Northampton, it’s important to be aware of the different types of free parking available. Some options include council-run car parks, on-street parking spaces, and free parking on weekends in certain car parks. By understanding these options and where to find them, you can make the most of your visit and save money on parking fees.
Key Takeaways
- Northampton offers a variety of free parking options for visitors.
- Free parking can save you money and be more convenient.
- Understanding the different types of free parking available and where to find them can help you make the most of your visit.
Understanding Free Parking in Northampton
If you are planning to visit Northampton town centre, you may be wondering about the parking options. Fortunately, there are several free parking options available in Northampton. In this section, we will discuss the regulations and charges, locations of free car parks, and park and ride options.
Regulations and Charges
Northampton Council provides free parking in some of its car parks on weekends for a period of 2 hours. This means that you can park free of charge on Saturdays and Sundays for up to 2 hours in Chalk Lane car park, Doddridge Street car park, and Commercial Street car park. However, if you exceed the 2-hour limit, you will be charged the standard parking rate.
Locations of Free Car Parks
Chalk Lane car park is located in the town centre and has 110 spaces available. Doddridge Street car park is also situated in the town centre and has 148 spaces. Commercial Street car park is located near the bus station and has 42 spaces available.
Park and Ride Options
If you prefer to park outside of the town centre and take a bus, there are park and ride options available at Sixfields. The park and ride service operates from Monday to Saturday and a bus ticket costs £2.50 per person. The bus runs every 15 minutes and takes approximately 15 minutes to reach the town centre.
In summary, Northampton Council provides free parking in some of its car parks on weekends for a period of 2 hours. Chalk Lane car park, Doddridge Street car park, and Commercial Street car park are the designated free car parks. If you prefer to park outside of the town centre, you can use the park and ride service at Sixfields.
Benefits of Free Parking
If you’re a shopper in Northampton, free parking can be a significant advantage. Not only does it save you money, but it also makes it easier to access the town centre. Here are some of the benefits of free parking.
Advantages for Shoppers
Free parking in Northampton makes it easier for shoppers to visit the town centre. You can park your car without worrying about the cost and spend more time exploring the shops, cafes, and restaurants. With free parking, you can also park closer to your destination, making it easier to carry your shopping bags.
Support for Local Businesses
Free parking can also support local businesses in Northampton. When shoppers can park for free, they are more likely to visit the high street and shop local. This can help boost the local economy and support the growth of local businesses. By shopping locally, you can help create a vibrant and diverse town centre.
Economic Regeneration
Free parking is also an important part of economic regeneration in Northamptonshire. With the impact of COVID funds and events, local businesses need support to recover and thrive. Free parking can attract more shoppers to the town centre, which can help generate more footfall and sales. This can create a positive cycle of economic growth and regeneration for the town centre.
In conclusion, free parking in Northampton can benefit both shoppers and local businesses. By supporting the growth of local businesses, you can help create a vibrant and diverse town centre.
Free Parking Initiatives
If you are looking for free parking in Northampton, you will be pleased to know that there are several initiatives in place to make this possible. In this section, we will discuss some of the schemes and efforts that have been implemented to provide free parking in the town.
West Northamptonshire Council Schemes
The West Northamptonshire Council has been working hard to provide free parking in Northampton, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. In December 2023, the council announced that it would be offering free parking in all council-run car parks on weekends and bank holidays. This initiative was designed to encourage people to shop locally and support businesses during the festive season.
Moreover, the council has also launched a trial scheme to offer free parking in Northampton town centre. The scheme was launched in January 2024 and will run for two years. The trial scheme is aimed at supporting traders from Northampton Market, who have moved to Commercial Street car park due to the Market Square’s redevelopment.
Northampton Town Centre BID Efforts
The Northampton Town Centre BID (Business Improvement District) has also been working towards providing free parking in the town. The BID is a not-for-profit organization that represents local businesses and aims to improve the town centre’s economic vitality.
One of the BID’s initiatives is the Christmas Free Parking scheme, which was launched in December 2023. The scheme provided free parking on Saturdays and Sundays in council-run car parks. The initiative was aimed at encouraging people to visit the town centre during the festive season and support local businesses.
In addition to this, the BID has also been working with the council to provide free parking during other events in the town, such as the Northampton Balloon Festival and the Northampton Food and Drink Festival.
Overall, there are several initiatives in place to provide free parking in Northampton. Whether you are visiting the town centre for shopping or attending an event, you can take advantage of these schemes to save money on parking fees.
Using Technology to Find Parking
If you’re looking for free parking in Northampton, you can use technology to your advantage. There are several parking apps and online resources that can help you find available parking spots and save time.
Parking Apps and Online Resources
Parking apps are a great way to find available parking spaces and save time. Some of the popular parking apps in Northampton are:
- Parkopedia: This app offers detailed information about car parks in Northampton, including their location, opening hours, and fees. You can also use the app to reserve a parking space in advance.
- RingGo: This app allows you to pay for parking in Northampton using your mobile phone. You can also use the app to find available parking spaces and extend your parking time remotely.
- JustPark: This app allows you to reserve a parking space in advance and also find available parking spaces in real time. You can also use the app to pay for parking and extend your parking time remotely.
In addition to parking apps, there are also several online resources that can help you find free parking in Northampton. Some of the popular online resources are:
- Free Parking Spots: This website offers detailed information about free parking spots in Northampton, including their location, opening hours, and restrictions.
- Northampton Borough Council: This website offers information about council-run car parks in Northampton, including their location, opening hours, and fees.
When using parking apps and online resources, it’s important to keep in mind that some car parks in Northampton may require you to pay and display a ticket. Make sure to read the signs and instructions carefully before parking your car.
Using technology to find parking in Northampton can save you time and hassle. With the right app or online resource, you can easily find available parking spaces, reserve a parking spot in advance, and even pay for parking using your mobile phone.
Additional Parking Options
If you are looking for additional parking options in Northampton, there are two main types of car parks available: Pay and Display and Council-Operated Parking Facilities.
Pay and Display Car Parks
Pay and Display car parks are a popular option for those who need to park for a short period of time. These car parks are located throughout Northampton and offer a range of prices depending on the location. Some popular Pay and Display car parks include Mayorhold Shoppers and Hunter Street.
It is important to note that Pay and Display car parks have time limits, so be sure to check the signs before leaving your car. Additionally, it is important to have the correct change or a card that is accepted at the Pay and Display machine.
Council-Operated Parking Facilities
Council-Operated Parking Facilities are another option for those who need to park in Northampton. These car parks are operated by the council and offer a range of prices depending on the location. Some popular Council-Operated Parking Facilities include Millbrook Close and Dallington Road.
It is important to note that Council-Operated Parking Facilities may have different prices depending on the time of day and day of the week. Additionally, some Council-Operated Parking Facilities offer free parking on weekends, so be sure to check the signs before leaving your car.
Overall, there are many parking options available in Northampton, whether you need to park for a short period of time or for an extended period. Be sure to check the signs and prices before leaving your car to avoid any unnecessary charges.
Special Considerations
Accessibility and Family-Friendly Parking
If you have accessibility needs or are travelling with young children, it is important to know which car parks offer the most convenient and family-friendly parking. Luckily, many of the council-run car parks in Northampton offer accessible parking bays and family-friendly spaces. For example, the Chalk Lane Car Park has 8 accessible bays and 2 family-friendly spaces, while the Doddridge Street Car Park has 9 accessible bays and 2 family-friendly spaces. You can find a full list of council car parks and their facilities on the West Northants Council website.
Parking for University and The Saints
If you are a university staff or student, or attending a Saints game, there are several car parks that offer convenient parking options. The St John’s Multi-Storey Car Park is located near the university and has 24/7 access. The Sixfields Stadium Car Park is also a popular choice for Saints games, with over 1,000 spaces available. You can pre-book parking at Sixfields Stadium through the Northampton Saints website.
When visiting Northampton, it’s important to know where to find free parking spots. However, it’s also important to consider other factors such as accessibility, family-friendly spaces, and parking for specific events or attractions. By planning ahead and knowing your options, you can make the most of your visit to Northampton without breaking the bank.
Parking for Specific Events and Seasons
Christmas and Holiday Parking
If you plan on visiting Northampton during the festive season, you’ll be pleased to know that there are several free parking options available. The council-run car parks in Northampton offer free parking on weekends for a period of 2 hours at selected car parks, including Chalk Lane Car Park. Additionally, there are several free parking spots in Northampton that you can take advantage of.
To make your Christmas shopping experience even better, the town centre offers free parking for late-night shopping events during the holiday season. This parking is available after 5 pm on Thursdays and Fridays in December.
Event-Specific Parking Arrangements
If you’re attending an event in Northampton, it’s worth checking out the parking arrangements beforehand. Some events may have specific parking arrangements in place, and it’s important to be aware of these to avoid any inconvenience.
For example, if you’re attending an event at Sixfields Stadium, you can park for free at the stadium and take a shuttle bus to the town centre. Alternatively, you can park at the nearby Sixfields Park and Ride, which has approximately 700 spaces and is open to university staff, students, and visitors.
When attending events in Northampton, it’s also worth considering public transport options. The town has an excellent bus service, and there are several bus stops located throughout the town centre.
Overall, Northampton offers plenty of free parking options, whether you’re visiting for the holidays or attending an event. By taking advantage of these free parking options, you can save money and make the most of your time in the town.
Future of Parking in Northampton
Planned Developments and Improvements
As Northampton continues to undergo regeneration, parking remains a key issue for the town. The West Northamptonshire Council has been working on several developments and improvements to address this issue and make parking more accessible and convenient for residents and visitors alike.
One of the planned developments is the construction of a new multi-storey car park in the town centre. This car park will provide additional parking spaces and reduce congestion in the town centre. The car park is expected to be completed by 2025 and will be managed by the council.
In addition to the new car park, the council is also looking to improve existing parking facilities in the town. This includes upgrading payment systems to make it easier for people to pay for their parking and reducing the time it takes to find a parking space. The council is also exploring the possibility of introducing smart parking technology, which would allow drivers to find available parking spaces using their mobile phones.
Mark Mullen, Operations Manager at the West Northamptonshire Council, has stated that these developments and improvements are part of the council’s wider strategy to support the town’s regeneration. He also emphasised that the council is committed to providing affordable and accessible parking for everyone who visits Northampton.
Overall, the future of parking in Northampton looks promising, with several developments and improvements planned in the coming years. These improvements will make parking more accessible and convenient for residents and visitors alike, and support the town’s ongoing regeneration efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find free parking spots in Northampton town centre?
Northampton town centre has several free parking spots available for visitors. You can park free of charge in council-run car parks on weekends for a period of 2 hours at the following car parks: Chalk Lane Car Park, St. John’s Car Park, and Mayorhold Car Park.
Are there any time restrictions on free parking areas in Northampton?
Yes, there are time restrictions on free parking areas in Northampton. You can park free of charge in council-run car parks on weekends for a period of 2 hours. After that, you will need to pay the regular parking fee.
Can you provide a map highlighting the free parking zones in Northampton?
Yes, you can find a map highlighting the free parking zones in Northampton on the Northampton Borough Council website. The map shows the locations of all the council-run car parks in the town centre and indicates which ones offer free parking on weekends.
What are the best locations for free parking in Northampton?
The best locations for free parking in Northampton are the council-run car parks in the town centre. Chalk Lane Car Park, St. John’s Car Park, and Mayorhold Car Park all offer free parking on weekends for a period of 2 hours.
Are Blue Badge holders entitled to free parking in Northampton, and where?
Yes, Blue Badge holders are entitled to free parking in Northampton. They can park free of charge in any council-run car park in the town centre, as well as in any on-street parking bay, for an unlimited amount of time. However, they must display their Blue Badge at all times.
What are the free parking options in Northampton on Sundays?
On Sundays, you can park free of charge in any council-run car park in Northampton town centre for the entire day. This includes Chalk Lane Car Park, St. John’s Car Park, and Mayorhold Car Park. However, please note that there may be time restrictions in place on other days of the week.
