If you’re planning a trip to Windsor, you’re probably wondering about parking options. Fortunately, there are several free parking spots in and around the town. Whether you’re visiting Windsor Castle, exploring the surrounding attractions, or simply looking for a place to park while you shop and dine, there are plenty of options available.
Windsor is a popular tourist destination, and parking can be a challenge during peak season. However, with a bit of planning, you can avoid the crowds and find free parking spots in convenient locations. From council-run car parks to on-street parking bays, there are plenty of options available for visitors to Windsor. If you’re a Blue Badge holder, you can also take advantage of free parking in designated bays across the town.
Key Takeaways
- Free parking options are available in and around Windsor, including council-run car parks and on-street parking bays.
- Blue Badge holders can park for free in designated bays across the town.
- Planning ahead can help you find the best parking options and avoid the crowds during peak season.
Overview of Parking in Windsor
If you are planning a visit to Windsor, you may be wondering about the parking situation in the area. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available, including both free and paid parking. In this section, we will provide an overview of parking in Windsor, including car park locations and the types of parking available.
Windsor Car Park Locations
There are several car park locations in Windsor, including both on-street and off-street options. Some of the most popular car parks in the area include:
- Romney Lock and King Edward VII car parks on Datchet Road
- Alma Road and Alexandra Gardens, next to the Coach Park
- Eton Court Car Park on Sheet Street
- Meadow Lane Car Park in Eton
- Windsor Library Car Park on Bachelors Acre
You can find more information about these car parks and their locations by visiting the Windsor website.
Types of Parking Available
When it comes to parking in Windsor, there are several different types of parking available. These include:
- Short-stay parking: This type of parking is ideal for those who only need to park for a few hours. Short-stay car parks can be found in the middle of town and are generally more expensive than long-stay options.
- Long-stay parking: If you are planning to stay in Windsor for a longer period of time, long-stay parking may be a better option. These car parks are generally located on the outskirts of town and are often cheaper than short-stay options.
- Free parking: There are several free parking options available in Windsor, including King Edward VII Park & Ride and Romney Lock Park & Ride. These car parks are located outside of town but offer a convenient way to get into the city centre.
No matter what your parking needs may be, there are plenty of options available in Windsor. Whether you are looking for short-stay, long-stay, or free parking, you are sure to find a solution that meets your needs.
Free Parking Options
Windsor offers various free parking options for visitors to the town. In this section, we will provide you with information about the locations of free car parks, as well as the free parking times and conditions.
Locations of Free Car Parks
There are several free car parks in Windsor that you can use. One of the most popular options is the Home Park car park, which is located on the Long Walk. This car park is completely free, and it is open to the public every day. Another option is Alexandra Gardens, which is a beautiful park located on the banks of the River Thames. This car park is also free, and it is open to the public every day.
If you are looking for a car park that is closer to the town centre, you can use the Alma Road car park. This car park is located next to the Coach Park and is less than 10 minutes’ walk from Windsor Castle and the town centre. Additionally, you can use the Romney Lock car park, which is located on Datchet Road. This car park is also free and is open to the public every day.
Free Parking Times and Conditions
It is important to note that some of the free car parks in Windsor have time restrictions. For example, the Home Park car park is only open from 8 am to 6 pm, and the Alexandra Gardens car park is only open from 8 am to 9 pm. Similarly, the Romney Lock car park is only open from 7 am to 9 pm.
Additionally, some of the free car parks have conditions that you need to be aware of. For example, the Springfield Road car park has a maximum stay of two hours, and the Bulkeley Avenue car park has a maximum stay of three hours. The East Berks College car park is only available for use outside of term time, and the York House car park is only available on weekends and bank holidays.
Overall, there are plenty of free parking options available in Windsor. By using the information provided in this section, you can find the perfect free car park for your visit to the town.
Parking for Special Groups
If you are a blue badge holder, you can park for free in any of the on-street parking bays in Windsor, as long as they are not in a residents’ area. There are also designated disabled bays in Alexandra Gardens car park, located on Alma Road. You can park in any bay for free as long as you display your valid disabled badge.
If you are a motorcyclist, there are designated motorcycle bays in the following car parks in Windsor:
- Eton Court Car Park, located on Sheet Street
- Victoria Street Car Park, located on Victoria Street
- King Edward VII Car Park, located on St. Leonards Road
These bays are free to use, and you do not need to display a ticket. However, please note that you must park your motorcycle within the marked bays, and not in any other parking space.
It’s important to note that while there are designated parking bays for blue badge holders and motorcycles, they are subject to availability. If there are no available bays, you may need to park in a regular parking space. In this case, you will need to pay the regular parking fee.
If you are a blue badge holder or a motorcyclist, it’s always a good idea to plan ahead and check the availability of designated parking bays. This will help you avoid any inconvenience or unnecessary expenses.
Windsor Castle and Surrounding Attractions
If you’re planning a visit to Windsor Castle, you’ll want to know about the parking options available to you. There are several car parks located near the castle and surrounding attractions, making it easy to park your car and explore the area.
Parking Near Windsor Castle
There are several long-stay car parks located near Windsor Castle, including Romney Lock and King Edward VII car parks on Datchet Road, and Alma Road and Alexandra Gardens, next to the Coach Park. These car parks are all less than 10 minutes’ walk to Windsor Castle and the town centre and are much cheaper than the short-stay car parks in the middle of town.
If you’re looking for free parking options, there are a few spots available. Eton Court Car Park located at Sheet Street, Meadow Lane Car Park located at Meadow Lane Eton, and Windsor Library Car Park located at Bachelors Acre all offer free parking. Additionally, free Blue Badge parking is available at any of the on-street parking bays, provided they are not parked in a residents area.
Parking for Legoland Visitors
If you’re visiting Legoland, there are several parking options available. The Legoland Windsor Resort has its own car park, which costs £7 per car per day. Alternatively, you can park at the Windsor & Eton Riverside train station car park, which costs £15 per day. From there, you can take the Legoland shuttle service, which runs every 30 minutes and costs £5 per person return.
If you’re planning to visit Legoland during the summer months, you may want to avoid the changing of the guard ceremony at Windsor Castle, as this can cause traffic delays and make parking more difficult. However, if you do want to see the ceremony, it takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 11am, and lasts for approximately 30 minutes.
Overall, there are plenty of parking options available for visitors to Windsor Castle and the surrounding attractions. Whether you’re looking for long-stay car parks, free parking, or parking for Legoland, there’s something to suit everyone’s needs.
Payment and Charges
When it comes to parking in Windsor, there are various payment options available. You can pay for parking using cash or credit/debit card at the pay and display machines located in the car parks. The charges for parking vary depending on the car park and the length of stay.
Pay and Display Information
You can find pay and display machines in all of Windsor’s car parks. The machines are easy to use and accept both coins and card payments. Once you have paid for your parking, you will receive a ticket that you should display on your dashboard. Make sure you check the tariff board before paying to ensure you know how much you need to pay and for how long you can park.
RingGo and Mobile Payments
If you prefer not to use cash or card payments, you can use RingGo to pay for your parking. RingGo is a mobile payment service that allows you to pay for parking using your smartphone. To use RingGo, you need to register for an account and download the app. Once you have done this, you can pay for parking by entering the location code of the car park and the length of time you wish to park. You can also pay for parking using SMS. Please note that there is a small fee for using the RingGo service.
In conclusion, there are various payment options available for parking in Windsor. You can pay using cash or card at the pay and display machines or use RingGo to pay using your smartphone. Make sure you check the tariff board before paying to ensure you know how much you need to pay and for how long you can park.
Parking During Events and Bank Holidays
Event Day Parking
Windsor is a popular tourist destination, and events such as the Royal Windsor Horse Show, Windsor Festival, and the Christmas lights switch-on attract large crowds. During these events, parking can be challenging, and it is advisable to use public transport or park in designated parking areas.
The Coach Park at Alexandra Gardens is a popular parking spot, especially during events. However, it is essential to note that during events, the Coach Park is reserved for coaches and event officials only. Therefore, it is advisable to use other designated parking areas such as the King Edward VII and Romney Lock car parks on Datchet Road. These car parks are less than 10 minutes’ walk to the town centre and Windsor Castle and are much cheaper than the short-stay car parks in the middle of town.
Bank Holiday Parking Regulations
On bank holidays, parking regulations in Windsor still apply. However, some car parks may offer free parking on bank holidays. For example, the Eton Court car park on Sheet Street offers free parking on bank holidays.
It is essential to note that traffic wardens and police control parking in Windsor, and parking violations attract fines. Therefore, it is advisable to park in designated parking areas and observe parking regulations to avoid fines.
In conclusion, during events and bank holidays, parking in Windsor can be challenging. However, by using public transport, designated parking areas such as the King Edward VII and Romney Lock car parks on Datchet Road, and observing parking regulations, you can avoid parking problems and enjoy your visit to Windsor.
Long-Stay and Short-Stay Parking
If you’re planning a trip to Windsor and need to park your car, it’s important to know the difference between long-stay and short-stay car parks. Long-stay car parks are ideal if you’re planning to stay in Windsor for more than a few hours, while short-stay car parks are better suited for those who need to park for a shorter period of time.
Long-Stay Car Parks
Windsor has several long-stay car parks available, including open-air car parks and multi-storey car parks. These car parks are generally cheaper than short-stay car parks and offer a convenient option if you plan to stay in Windsor for a day or more.
One of the most popular long-stay car parks in Windsor is the King Edward VII car park, located on Datchet Road. This car park is open 24/7 and offers affordable rates for those who need to park for several days. Other long-stay car parks in Windsor include Romney Lock car park and Alexandra Gardens car park, both of which are within a 10-minute walk of Windsor Castle and the town centre.
Short-Stay Car Parks
If you only need to park for a few hours, short-stay car parks are the best option. These car parks are generally located in the town centre and are ideal for those who need to run a quick errand or visit a local attraction.
Windsor has several short-stay car parks available, including the Alma Road car park and the Alexandra Gardens car park. These car parks are located near the town centre and offer convenient parking options for those who need to park for a few hours.
When parking in a short-stay car park, it’s important to be aware of the time restrictions. Most short-stay car parks have a maximum stay of 4 hours, so make sure you check the signs before leaving your car.
Overall, whether you need to park for a few hours or a few days, Windsor has plenty of parking options available. By knowing the difference between long-stay and short-stay car parks, you can choose the best option for your needs and budget.
Council-Run Car Parks and Facilities
If you’re looking for free parking in Windsor, there are several council-run car parks and facilities available. Here are some of the options:
Map of Windsor Council-Run Car Parks
To help you find the best place to park, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead provides a map of council-run car parks. The map shows car park locations, opening hours, and charges. You can also use the map to find disabled bays and electric vehicle charging points.
Park and Ride Facilities
If you’re visiting Windsor for the day, consider using the park and ride facilities. The park and ride options include:
- King Edward VII Avenue: This park and ride facility is located on the A308, just outside Windsor. From here, you can catch a bus to Windsor town centre. The bus runs every 10-15 minutes and takes around 10 minutes to reach the town centre. Parking is free, but you’ll need to pay for the bus fare.
- Stafferton Way: This park and ride facility is located in Maidenhead, a short drive from Windsor. From here, you can catch a bus to Windsor town centre. The bus runs every 20 minutes and takes around 30 minutes to reach the town centre. Parking is free, but you’ll need to pay for the bus fare.
These park and ride facilities are a convenient way to avoid the hassle of finding a parking spot in Windsor. Plus, they’re a more environmentally friendly option than driving into town.
Live Information
To help you plan your trip to Windsor, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead provides live information about council car parks. The information includes the number of spaces available and the current status of the car park. This can be especially helpful during busy periods when car parks are likely to fill up quickly.
Royal Borough Parking
If you’re a resident of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, you can apply for a Royal Borough parking permit. This permit allows you to park in designated resident bays and car parks for free or at a reduced rate. If you’re a frequent visitor to Windsor, this could be a cost-effective option for you.
Overall, there are plenty of council-run car parks and facilities in Windsor to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a free parking spot or a convenient park and ride option, there’s something to suit every need.
Parking Regulations and Compliance
When parking in Windsor, it’s important to be aware of the regulations and comply with them to avoid receiving a penalty charge notice. Civil enforcement officers patrol the streets and car parks to ensure compliance with the regulations.
Civil Enforcement and Penalties
Penalty charge notices are issued to vehicles that are parked in contravention of the regulations. The penalty charge is £70, which is reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days. Failure to pay the penalty charge may result in legal action being taken against the registered keeper of the vehicle.
Parking Signage and Information
Parking signage in Windsor is designed to provide clear information about the regulations and restrictions in place. Tariff boards and variable message signs provide information about the charges and restrictions in car parks. Resident and pay and display, limited waiting areas, resident-only bays, taxi bays, bus stops, loading bays/zones, clearways, and shared use bays are all clearly marked with signs.
It’s important to read the signs carefully and comply with the regulations to avoid receiving a penalty charge notice. If you have any questions about the regulations or signage, you can contact the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council for more information.
In addition to the regulations and signage, permits may be required to park in certain areas. These permits are available from the council and must be displayed clearly in the vehicle. Patrolled surface car parks are also available in Windsor, which offer a convenient and safe place to park.
Accessibility and Additional Services
Shopmobility and Accessibility
If you have mobility difficulties, you can take advantage of the Shopmobility service in Windsor. The service provides mobility scooters and wheelchairs to help you get around the town centre and visit attractions such as Windsor Castle. The service is available for anyone with a mobility issue, whether permanent or temporary. You can find the Shopmobility office at Windsor Coach Park on Alma Road. The office is open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 5pm and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. You can book a scooter or wheelchair in advance by calling 01753 622330.
Windsor is generally accessible for wheelchair users, with most of the major attractions and shops having level access. The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead provides information on accessibility for disabled visitors on its website. You can also find information on accessible bus routes throughout the borough by calling 01628 683880.
Covid-19 Impact on Parking
The Covid-19 pandemic has had an impact on parking in Windsor. The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead has introduced measures to support social distancing and reduce the spread of the virus. This includes the suspension of on-street parking in some areas to allow more space for pedestrians and cyclists.
Royal Borough Advantage Cardholders can still enjoy free parking in council-owned car parks in Windsor. However, some car parks may be closed or have reduced opening hours due to the pandemic. It is advisable to check the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead website for the latest information on car park closures and restrictions.
In addition, the council has implemented cashless parking in all council-owned car parks in Windsor. This means that you can pay for parking using your mobile phone or by using a debit or credit card at a parking machine. If you are not a smartphone user, you can call 0161 634 0340 to pay for your parking through RingGo. You can also pre-register online at RingGo.co.uk to make your call to park much quicker.
Overall, parking in Windsor is easy and convenient, with a range of options available for visitors. Whether you are a Royal Borough Advantage Cardholder or not, you can find affordable parking in the town centre.
Transport Links and Additional Parking
Park and Ride Sites
If you are travelling to Windsor by car, you might want to consider using one of the Park and Ride sites. The two Park and Ride sites in Windsor are the Uproft Park and Ride and the Peel Close Park and Ride. Both sites offer a convenient way to park your car and then catch a bus into the town centre.
The Uproft Park and Ride is located on the A308, just off Junction 8/9 of the M4. The car park has 650 spaces and is open from Monday to Saturday. The Peel Close Park and Ride is located on the A332, just off Junction 6 of the M4. The car park has 300 spaces and is open from Monday to Saturday.
Both Park and Ride sites offer a frequent bus service into the town centre, with buses running every 10-15 minutes. The journey time is around 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.
Additional Parking Areas
If you prefer to park your car in the town centre, there are several additional parking areas available. The Guildhall car park is located in the heart of Windsor, just a short walk from the castle. This car park has 315 spaces and is open 24 hours a day.
Another option is the Windsor & Eton Riverside Station car park, which has 248 spaces and is open 24 hours a day. This car park is located next to the railway station, making it a convenient option if you are arriving by train.
Finally, the Peascod Street car park is located in the town centre, just a short walk from the castle. This car park has 422 spaces and is open 24 hours a day.
Please note that parking charges apply at all of these car parks. It is also worth noting that parking can be difficult to find during peak times, so it is advisable to arrive early to secure a space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best locations for complimentary parking in Windsor town centre?
There are several free parking options available in Windsor town centre. The most popular locations include the Alma Road and Alexandra Gardens car parks, which are situated next to the Coach Park. These car parks are less than 10 minutes’ walk to Windsor Castle and the town centre. Another option is the Romney Lock and King Edward VII car parks, located on Datchet Road. These car parks are also within walking distance of the town centre and are much cheaper than the short-stay car parks in the middle of town.
Can visitors find free parking near Windsor Castle?
Unfortunately, there is no free parking available near Windsor Castle. However, there are several car parks located nearby, including the Alexandra Gardens and Romney Lock car parks. These car parks are within walking distance of the castle and the town centre.
Are there any free parking options available in Windsor on Sundays?
Yes, there are several free parking options available in Windsor on Sundays. The Alma Road and Alexandra Gardens car parks are both free on Sundays, as well as the Windsor Yards car park, which is located in the town centre.
What are the long-stay parking charges in Windsor?
The long-stay parking charges in Windsor vary depending on the car park and the length of stay. The Romney Lock and King Edward VII car parks on Datchet Road offer long-stay parking for £10 per day. The Alma Road and Alexandra Gardens car parks also offer long-stay parking, with charges starting at £7 for up to 24 hours.
Is it permissible to park on the street in Windsor?
Yes, it is permissible to park on the street in Windsor, but there are certain restrictions in place. Visitors should check for parking signs and lines before parking on the street. There are also several pay-and-display parking bays located throughout the town centre.
Does Windsor Great Park offer free parking facilities?
No, Windsor Great Park does not offer free parking facilities. Visitors must pay for parking at the designated car parks located throughout the park. Charges vary depending on the length of stay and the car park.
