If you are planning a trip to Winchester, you may want to consider using the Winchester Park and Ride service. This service is designed to reduce traffic in the city centre and make it easier for visitors to travel around Winchester. If you are driving to the city, you can park your car at one of the five Park and Ride car parks and take the bus to the city centre.
The Park and Ride service operates from three sites: South Winchester, Pitt, and the East Winchester car parks – Barfield, Barfield Phase II, and St Catherine’s. The buses run frequently from 6:30 am to 7:00 pm on weekdays and Saturdays, but not on Sundays or holidays. The service is affordable, with parking at the Park and Ride sites costing just £3.50 per car, which includes travel into the city.
Using the Winchester Park and Ride service is a convenient and cost-effective way to travel around the city. Not only does it reduce traffic in the city centre, but it also helps to reduce air pollution. So, if you are looking for an easy way to explore Winchester, consider using the Park and Ride service.
Overview of Winchester Park and Ride
If you’re planning a visit to Winchester, using the park and ride service can be a convenient and cost-effective way to travel into the city centre. Winchester City Council operates five park and ride sites, including South Winchester, Barfield, Pitt, East Winchester, and St Catherine’s. Each site has its own unique features and benefits, which we’ll explore in this overview.
Benefits of Using Park and Ride
Using park and ride has several benefits, including:
- Reduced traffic congestion: By using park and ride, you can help reduce traffic volumes and the impact of traffic in the city centre. This can help to improve air quality and reduce noise pollution.
- Cost-effective: Parking charges at the park and ride sites are affordable, with a day rate of just £3.50 per car. This includes travel into the city centre for up to 7 people.
- Convenient: The park and ride sites are located on major routes into the city, making them easy to find and access. Regular bus services run every 10-15 minutes, so you won’t have to wait long for a bus.
Key Locations and Routes
Here’s a brief overview of each of the park and ride sites:
South Winchester
Located just off Junction 11 of the M3, South Winchester park and ride has 1,078 parking spaces, including 9 disabled bays and 7 shared use parent/child bays. The site also has a dedicated area for motor homes, with 2 bays available. Regular buses run every 10-15 minutes, and the journey into the city centre takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
Barfield
Barfield park and ride is located on the A31, approximately 2 miles east of Winchester city centre. The site has 192 standard parking spaces, including 2 electric charging spaces. Regular buses run every 10-15 minutes, and the journey into the city centre takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
Pitt
Pitt park and ride is located on the A272, approximately 1 mile west of Winchester city centre. The site has 197 parking spaces, including 2 disabled bays. Regular buses run every 10-15 minutes, and the journey into the city centre takes approximately 5-10 minutes.
East Winchester
East Winchester park and ride has two sites: St Catherine’s and Garnier Road. St Catherine’s park and ride has 573 standard parking spaces, including 2 disabled bays and 8 motor home bays. Regular buses run every 10-15 minutes, and the journey into the city centre takes approximately 10-15 minutes. Garnier Road park and ride has 290 standard parking spaces, including 2 disabled bays. Regular buses run every 10-15 minutes, and the journey into the city centre takes approximately 5-10 minutes.
Overall, Winchester park and ride is a convenient and cost-effective way to travel into the city centre. With regular bus services and affordable parking charges, it’s an excellent option for visitors and locals alike.
Operational Details
Operating Hours and Days
The Winchester park and ride service operates from Monday to Saturday, with the exception of bank holidays. The service does not operate on Sundays. The park and ride car parks are open from 7:30 am until 7:30 pm, with the last bus leaving the city centre at 7:15 pm.
Parking Charges and Payment Methods
The parking charge for Winchester park and ride is £3.50 per day. Payment can be made using RingGo, an app which allows you to pay for parking using your mobile phone. Alternatively, you can pay with cash or card at the payment machines located in the car parks.
Bus Services and Timetables
Winchester park and ride operates five car parks: South Winchester, Pitt, Barfield, Barfield Phase II, and St Catherine’s. Each car park has its own bus service, with buses running every 10-12 minutes during peak hours and every 15-20 minutes during off-peak hours.
The bus services operate on different routes, with each route serving different parts of the city centre. The bus timetables are available on the Winchester City Council website and at each of the park and ride car parks.
Overall, Winchester park and ride provides a convenient and cost-effective way to travel into the city centre. The service operates on weekdays and Saturdays, with parking charges of £3.50 per day. Payment can be made using RingGo or at the payment machines located in the car parks. Buses run every 10-12 minutes during peak hours and every 15-20 minutes during off-peak hours, with different routes serving different parts of the city centre.
Facilities and Accessibility
Car Park Security and Safety Features
Winchester park and ride offers a safe and secure parking experience for all visitors. All car parks are covered by CCTV, ensuring the safety of your vehicle and belongings. The CCTV cameras are monitored 24/7, providing an added layer of security to the car parks. Additionally, there are regular patrols by parking attendants to ensure that everything is in order.
Electric Vehicle Charging Points
For those with electric vehicles, Winchester park and ride offers electric vehicle charging points in some of its car parks. These charging points are available for use by visitors, allowing them to charge their electric vehicles while they are parked. Please note that there may be a fee for using these charging points, so be sure to check the relevant information before use.
Coach Parking Availability
Winchester park and ride offers coach parking facilities for larger vehicles. This makes it an ideal location for coach parties and group visits to the city. The coach parking facilities are located in the Barfield car park, which has plenty of space for larger vehicles. Please note that coach parking is subject to availability, so be sure to check in advance to avoid disappointment.
Overall, Winchester park and ride facilities are designed to be accessible and convenient for all visitors. Whether you are travelling by car, electric vehicle, or coach, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs.
Strategic Importance
Winchester Park and Ride is strategically important for the city as it provides a sustainable and efficient way to reduce traffic volumes and environmental impact. The Park and Ride scheme is an integral part of the city’s Parking and Access Strategy, which aims to encourage the use of alternative methods of accessing the city centre.
Reducing Traffic and Environmental Impact
The Park and Ride scheme has been developed to reduce traffic volumes and the impact of traffic in the city centre. By providing a convenient and affordable way to access the city, the scheme helps to reduce congestion, improve air quality, and create a more pleasant environment for residents and visitors alike.
According to the City of Winchester’s Parking and Access Strategy, the Park and Ride scheme has been successful in reducing traffic volumes in the city centre. The strategy also highlights the importance of improving communication to encourage the use of Park and Ride, outer ring car parks, walking, cycling, and bus services.
Supporting Local Infrastructure
The Park and Ride scheme also supports local infrastructure by providing an efficient and sustainable way to access the city centre. The scheme currently has five car parks: South Winchester, Pitt, and the East Winchester car parks – Barfield, Barfield Phase II, and St Catherine’s. These car parks provide a total of 2137 parking spaces, which are all covered by CCTV.
The City of Winchester’s Parking and Access Strategy also highlights the importance of improving Park and Ride infrastructure. The strategy aims to change to alternative fuel and/or hybrid Park and Ride buses by 2024 to further reduce the environmental impact of the scheme.
Overall, the strategic importance of Winchester Park and Ride cannot be overstated. The scheme plays a vital role in reducing traffic volumes, improving air quality, and creating a more pleasant environment for residents and visitors alike. By supporting local infrastructure and encouraging the use of alternative methods of accessing the city centre, the scheme helps to ensure that Winchester remains a vibrant and sustainable city for years to come.
Additional Services and Nearby Attractions
If you have some extra time before or after your visit to Winchester, there are plenty of additional services and nearby attractions to explore. Here are some of the best options:
Shopping and Dining Destinations
Winchester offers a variety of shopping and dining destinations for visitors. If you’re looking for high-end boutiques and designer shops, head to the Winchester High Street. There, you’ll find everything from luxury clothing stores to artisanal food shops. Alternatively, you can explore the Westgate Shopping Centre, which has a wide range of high street shops, restaurants, and cafes.
If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, head to the Winchester Art Market. This vibrant market features local artists and craftspeople selling everything from jewellery to pottery. You can also find a range of street food vendors and live music performances here.
Cultural and Historical Sites
Winchester is steeped in history and culture, and there are plenty of sites to explore. The Winchester Cathedral is a must-see attraction, with its stunning architecture and rich history. You can also visit the Winchester City Mill, a working water mill that dates back to the 18th century.
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Winchester, head to the Winchester City Museum. Here, you’ll find exhibits that explore the city’s past, from its Roman origins to the present day.
Medical and Educational Institutions
Winchester is home to a number of medical and educational institutions. If you’re visiting the city for medical reasons, you may be interested in the Royal Hampshire County Hospital. This modern hospital offers a range of services, from emergency care to specialist treatments.
Alternatively, if you’re interested in education, you can visit the University of Winchester. This prestigious university offers a range of courses, from undergraduate degrees to postgraduate research programmes.
Whether you’re looking for shopping and dining destinations, cultural and historical sites, or medical and educational institutions, Winchester has something to offer. So why not explore everything this vibrant city has to offer on your next visit?
Navigation and Accessibility
Signage and Wayfinding
Navigating to and from Winchester’s park and ride facilities is made easy with clear signage and wayfinding. As you approach the park and ride facilities, you will see signs that will guide you to the entrance. Once you enter the site, there are clear signs that will direct you to the available parking spaces. The signage is designed to be clear and easy to understand, making it easy to navigate even if you are not familiar with the area.
Integration with Local Transport
The park and ride facilities are integrated with local transport to make it easy to get around Winchester. The park and ride locations are conveniently located near bus stops, making it easy to connect to the local bus network. The buses that operate from the park and ride locations are frequent, making it easy to get to your destination quickly.
Accessibility for Disabled Users
Winchester’s park and ride facilities are designed to be accessible for disabled users. There are designated disabled parking bays available at each of the park and ride sites. In addition, there are accessible toilets available at each site. If you require additional assistance, there are help points located throughout the park and ride facilities that you can use to request assistance.
Overall, Winchester’s park and ride facilities are designed to be easy to navigate and accessible for all users. Whether you are driving into the city centre or using public transport, the park and ride facilities are a convenient and cost-effective way to get around Winchester.
Map, Signage, City Road, Guildhall, The Broadway
Practical Information
Ticketing and Fare Information
Winchester park and ride allows you to park your car and take a bus into the city centre. You can buy your ticket at the ticket machine located at each car park. The ticket machine accepts coins and notes, and you can also pay by card. The ticket price depends on the number of people travelling and the length of stay. Children under the age of 16 travel for free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Park and Ride Site Maps
There are five park and ride car parks in Winchester: South Winchester, Pitt, and the East Winchester car parks -Barfield, Barfield Phase II and St Catherine’s. You can find the location of each car park on the Winchester City Council website. Each car park has its own bus stop, so make sure to check which bus stop you need to use to get to your destination.
Rules and Regulations
When using the park and ride service, please make sure to follow the rules and regulations. The car parks are covered by CCTV, so please ensure that you park your car in the designated parking spaces only. You need to display your ticket on your car’s dashboard at all times. The car parks are open from 6:30 am to 8:45 pm on weekdays and from 7:00 am to 6:30 pm on Saturdays. There is no service on Sundays or public holidays.
Please note that the park and ride service is not suitable for overnight parking. If you need to park overnight, please use one of the other parking options available in Winchester.
When using the park and ride service, please make sure to check the destinations that each car park serves. The Westgate stops are located near the city centre and provide easy access to the Law Courts and the prison.
Charges
The charges for using the park and ride service vary depending on the length of stay and the number of people travelling. You can find the parking and charges information on the Winchester City Council website. The charges are Pay and Display, and you can pay using cash or card.
Map
The Winchester City Council website provides a map of the park and ride car parks. The map shows the location of each car park and the bus stops. Please make sure to check the map before travelling to ensure that you choose the correct car park for your destination.
Future Developments
Planned Expansions and Upgrades
The Winchester City Council and Hampshire County Council have been working on plans to expand and upgrade the park and ride service in the city. The proposed new park and ride off Andover Road will improve connections in the north of the city, making it easier for commuters to access the city centre. The service will have a new bus service and a bus-only route along Andover Road. This will help to reduce traffic volumes and the impact of traffic in the city centre.
The city council has also recently agreed on a contract with bus operator Stagecoach to switch all Park & Ride buses from diesel fuel to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) from spring 2024. This will reduce the buses’ greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality and reducing emissions in the city.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
The City Council and County Council have been engaging with the community and stakeholders to ensure that the proposed expansions and upgrades to the park and ride service meet the needs of the city and its residents. The councils have been working closely with local businesses and community groups to understand their needs and concerns.
Detailed information about the proposed expansions and upgrades to the park and ride service can be found on the Winchester City Council website. The website provides information on the proposed new park and ride off Andover Road, as well as information on the existing park and ride car parks at South Winchester, Pitt, Barfield, Barfield Phase II, and St Catherine’s. The website also provides information on the switch to low-carbon fuel for the Park & Ride buses.
Overall, the proposed expansions and upgrades to the park and ride service in Winchester are set to improve the city’s transport links and reduce traffic volumes in the city centre. The City Council and County Council’s engagement with the community and stakeholders ensures that the proposed changes meet the needs of the city and its residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the operating hours for the Winchester Park and Ride service?
The Winchester Park and Ride service operates from Monday to Saturday. The first bus leaves the car park at 7:00 am and the last bus leaves the city centre at 8:00 pm. Please note that the operating hours may vary during bank holidays and special events.
How can I find the timetable for the Winchester Park and Ride?
You can find the timetable for the Winchester Park and Ride on the official website of Winchester City Council. Alternatively, you can download the Stagecoach Bus App to view the timetable on your smartphone.
What are the charges for using the Winchester Park and Ride?
The charges for using the Winchester Park and Ride vary depending on the car park you use. The current charges are £3.50 for parking and bus fare for up to seven passengers. Please note that these charges are subject to change.
Which Park and Ride route should I take to get to the hospital in Winchester?
If you want to get to the hospital in Winchester, you should use the South Winchester Park and Ride service. This service operates from the M3 Junction 11 and stops at the hospital. Please note that you may need to change buses at the city centre.
Can I use the Park and Ride services on Sundays in Winchester?
No, the Park and Ride services do not operate on Sundays or bank holidays.
What is the postcode for the Winchester Park and Ride?
The postcode for the Winchester Park and Ride car parks are as follows:
- Barfield: SO23 9SQ
- St Catherine’s: SO23 9NP
- South Winchester: SO22 5RR
We hope this FAQ section has helped answer your questions about the Winchester Park and Ride service. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Winchester City Council or Stagecoach Bus.
