Are you wondering where to park for free in Bath without paying premium city centre rates? Free parking in Bath can be challenging to locate, especially during busy tourist seasons and match days. However, numerous cost-effective solutions exist throughout this UNESCO World Heritage city for smart visitors seeking free parking in Bath opportunities.
Bath attracts over 6 million visitors annually, making free parking in Bath a premium commodity. Nevertheless, smart planning and local knowledge can help you discover free parking in Bath 2025 opportunities that save significant money during your visit to this historic Georgian city.
This comprehensive free parking in Bath guide reveals the best locations, money-saving strategies, and essential tips for navigating parking Bath city centre without breaking the bank.
π Quick Summary: Bath Parking at a Glance
| Parking Type | Cost | Best For | Distance | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted Streets | Free 24/7 | Budget visitors | 1-2 miles | High in residential areas |
| Evening Street Parking | Free 7pm-8am + Sundays | Night visitors | City centre | Limited spaces |
| Park & Ride | Β£3.60 return ticket | Day tourists | 3 locations | Always available |
| Customer Parking | Free 2 hours | Quick shoppers | Retail parks | Moderate |
| Budget Car Parks | Β£3.40/2hrs, Β£1.50 overnight | Convenience seekers | City centre | Good availability |
Perfect for Bath Rugby match days, Christmas Market visits, and weekend shopping trips.
π ΏοΈ Complete Free Parking Locations in Bath
Finding reliable free parking in Bath requires knowing the right streets and timing. Bath’s parking management system operates strict regulations, but numerous opportunities exist for budget-conscious visitors seeking free parking in Bath.
Unrestricted Free Parking Streets (24/7 Access)
The following streets offer completely free parking in Bath without time restrictions or permits required, according to Bath & North East Somerset Council:
| Location | Distance from Centre | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomfield Park | 1.2 miles | Near Roman Baths area |
| Egerton Road | 1.1 miles | Residential area |
| Sion Road | 1.0 miles | Good for city access |
| Millmead Road | 1.3 miles | Quiet residential |
| Lyndhurst Road | 1.2 miles | Safe overnight parking |
| Ringwood Road | 1.4 miles | Family-friendly area |
| Bellotts Road | 1.5 miles | Less crowded option |
Key Tip: Always check for newly installed restriction signs before leaving your vehicle, as free parking in Bath regulations can change frequently.
πΊοΈ Interactive Bath Free Parking Maps
Complete Free Parking Locations Map
This map shows all unrestricted free parking streets throughout Bath, including residential areas in North, East, South, and West Bath.
Bath Park and Ride Locations
Free Parking + Bus Service to City Centre
Featured Locations:
- π‘ Lansdown Park & Ride (North) – 878 spaces, EV charging available
- π‘ Newbridge Park & Ride (West) – 698 spaces, family facilities
- π‘ Odd Down Park & Ride (South) – 1,230 spaces, coach parking
Bus tickets: Β£3.60 adult return | Parking: Completely FREE
City Centre Evening Free Parking Streets
Free 7pm-8am Monday-Saturday + All Day Sunday
Featured Streets:
- π΅ Avon Street – 20 spaces, central location
- π΅ Milk Street – 8 spaces, near shopping area
- π΅ Corn Street – 4 spaces, historic quarter
- π΅ St James’s Parade – 13 spaces, restaurant district
- π΅ Somerset Street – 9 spaces, attraction access
- π΅ Grand Parade – 5 spaces, Georgian architecture area
Daytime rates: Β£3.60/hour (8am-7pm Monday-Saturday)
Mobile Map Navigation Tips:
- Click on map pins for exact addresses and walking directions
- Use “View Larger Map” for full-screen mobile navigation
- Save maps offline before visiting Bath for data-free access
- Share location directly to your sat nav or ride-sharing app
Free Parking Hours: 7pm – 8am (Monday-Saturday) + All day Sunday
Central Streets with Evening Free Parking:
- Milk Street (BA1 1UN) – 0.1 miles from centre
- Westgate Buildings (BA1 1EB) – City centre location
- Monmouth Street (BA1 2AN) – Heart of shopping district
- Somerset Street (BA1 1TS) – Near major attractions
- Grand Parade (BA2 4DF) – Historic area access
- Henry Street (BA1 1JT) – Restaurant quarter
- Julian Road (BA1 2RH) – Residential proximity
Regular daytime charges: Β£3.60 per hour
π Free Parking by Area
North Bath Free Parking Options
Northern areas provide scenic routes into the city centre while offering free parking alternatives:
- Saint Stephens Close (BA1 5PP) – 1 mile walk
- Richmond Hill (BA1 5QT) – 1.1 miles (2-hour maximum stay)
- Mount Beacon (BA1 5QH) – 1.2 miles distance
- Cranwells Park (BA1 2YD) – 1.2 miles from centre
- Purlewent Drive (BA1 4BD) – 1.8 miles but spacious
Walking from north Bath takes you past the Royal Crescent, Assembly Rooms, and Jane Austen Centre.
East Bath Residential Streets
Perfect for visitors arriving from London direction:
- Church Street (BA1 1NL) – Only 0.2 miles
- Bathwick Hill (BA2 6LB) – 0.8 miles walk
- Saint Anns Way (BA2 6BT) – 0.9 miles distance
- Cleveland Walk (BA2 6JW) – 1.1 miles from centre
- Macaulay Buildings (BA2 6AS) – 1.3 miles but reliable
West Bath – Best Free Parking Zone
Western Bath offers the most abundant free parking opportunities:
Short Distance Options:
- Stothert Avenue (BA2 3FH) – 0.6 miles
- Midland Road (BA2 3GJ) – 0.8 miles
- Shaftesbury Road (BA2 3LQ) – 0.9 miles
- Dorset Street (BA2 3RA) – 0.9 miles
- Stuart Place (BA2 3RQ) – 0.9 miles
Medium Distance Options:
- Audley Park Road (BA1 2XJ) – 1 mile
- Herbert Road (BA2 3PR) – 1 mile
- West Avenue (BA2 3QB) – 1.1 miles
- Badminton Gardens (BA1 2XS) – 1.2 miles
π Bath Park and Ride Services – Free Parking Solution
Bath’s official park and ride system provides free parking in Bath combined with convenient bus transport into the city centre. This represents one of the most reliable free parking in Bath options for day visitors.
Three Park and Ride Locations:
| Site | Location | Spaces | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lansdown P&R | North (BA1 9BJ) | 878 spaces | EV charging available |
| Newbridge P&R | West (BA1 3NB) | 698 spaces | Family facilities |
| Odd Down P&R | South (BA2 8PA) | 1,230 spaces | Coach parking |
Bus Ticket Prices from First West of England:
- Adult Return: Β£3.60
- Group Return (2 adults): Β£5.40
- Group Zone (5 adults): Β£11.20
Parking is completely free parking in Bath at all park and ride sites, but bus tickets are required for city centre access.
Special Features:
- Electric vehicle charging available at Lansdown site
- No height restrictions at Lansdown (suitable for large vehicles)
- Overnight parking prohibited at all sites per council regulations
π Free Customer Parking (2 Hours)
Several retail locations offer free parking in Bath for customers, providing excellent value for shopping trips:
- Morrisons (BA1 6AN) – Major supermarket with ample spaces
- Sainsbury’s (BA2 5RF) – Full shopping facilities and cafe
- Lidl (BA2 1ES) – Budget grocery option with quick parking
- Mero Retail Park (BA2 3GL) – Multiple stores including Next, Boots
- Weston Lock Retail Park (BA2 1EP) – Various retailers and dining options
- Larkhall (BA1 6SA) – Local shopping area with community feel
This free parking in Bath option works perfectly when combined with genuine shopping needs.
Pro Tip: Purchase a coffee or small item to legitimately use free parking in Bath customer spaces.
π° Complete Paid Parking Guide
When free options aren’t available, these represent the most affordable paid alternatives with full details:
Budget Car Parks – Detailed Information
Charlotte Street Car Park (BA1 2NE)
- Spaces: 1,056 total, 24 disabled
- Hours: 24/7 operation
- Height: No restrictions (suitable for vans)
- Payment: MiPermit app, card, or coins
- Features: CCTV, full lighting, EV charging
- Rates: Β£1.50-Β£2.40 (2hrs), Β£17.10-Β£21.80 (24hrs), Β£1.50 overnight
Avon Street Car Park (BA1 1UF)
- Spaces: 628 total, 11 disabled
- Hours: 24/7 operation
- Height: 5’11” / 1.8m restriction
- Payment: MiPermit app, card, or coins
- Features: CCTV, lighting, up to 7-day parking
- Rates: Β£3.40 (2hrs), Β£13.60 (8hrs), Β£17.10 (24hrs)
Manvers Street Car Park (BA1 1JZ)
- Spaces: 159 total, 5 disabled
- Hours: 24/7 operation
- Height: 2 metre restriction
- Payment: MiPermit app, card, or coins
- Features: Partially covered lower level
- Rates: Β£3.40-Β£4.70 (2hrs), Β£1.50 overnight
Special Overnight Rate: All city car parks charge only Β£1.50 between 8pm-8am – perfect for evening entertainment and overnight stays.
Holiday Inn Express Car Park
- All-day parking (9am-5pm): Β£10
- Booking: Must be pre-booked online
- Availability: Open to non-guests
- Value: Excellent for full-day Bath exploration
- Location: Central with easy city access
Ideal for Bath Rugby match days when street parking is extremely limited.
π ΏοΈ Special Parking Considerations
Blue Badge Holders
Free parking available at:
- All park and ride sites
- On-street locations without time restrictions
- Single/double yellow lines (3-hour maximum, where no loading ban applies)
Motorcycle Parking
Free motorcycle parking available at designated bays in:
- Bath Sports Centre
- Broad Street Car Park
- Cattle Market Car Park
- Avon Street Car Park
- Charlotte Street Car Park
- Manvers Street Car Park
Electric Vehicle Charging
Multiple EV charging points available:
- Charlotte Street Car Park: 2 x fast (22kW), 6 x rapid (50kW)
- Lansdown Park & Ride: Multiple charging points
- Kingsmead Square: 4 x fast (22kW) bays
- Railway Place: 2 x rapid (50kW) near train station
π― Pro Tips for Free Parking in Bath Success
Mastering free parking in Bath requires strategic planning and local knowledge from experienced Bath visitors.
Timing Strategies for Free Parking in Bath
- Arrive early morning (before 8am) for best street free parking in Bath availability
- Visit on Sundays for extensive free parking in Bath throughout the city centre
- Evening arrivals after 7pm benefit from central free parking in Bath opportunities
- Bank holidays offer extended free parking in Bath on many streets per gov.uk regulations
Planning Recommendations
- Download MiPermit parking app for cashless payments when free parking in Bath isn’t available
- Study official Bath parking guide for current restrictions
- Consider Bath public transport from free parking in Bath areas
- Budget extra time for free parking in Bath searches during peak tourist seasons
Safety Considerations
- Choose well-lit areas for evening free parking in Bath
- Avoid blocking driveways or bus routes when using free parking in Bath spots
- Park close to kerbs in free parking in Bath residential areas
- Remove valuables from visible areas in any free parking in Bath location
ποΈ Free Parking Near Major Bath Attractions
Is There Free Parking Near Roman Baths?
Best free options for Roman Baths visitors:
- Bloomfield Park (BA1 2YD) – 1.2 miles walk through historic streets
- Evening parking on Grand Parade – Free after 7pm, directly adjacent
- Weekend parking on Somerset Street – Free Sundays, 0.3 miles walk
- Avon Street area – Free residential streets within 15-minute walk
Walking route passes Bath Abbey and Pump Room – perfect for sightseeing.
Royal Victoria Park Free Parking
Recommended locations for park visitors:
- Park itself offers 1 hour free during charging hours (9am-6pm)
- Nearby western residential streets – Multiple free options under 1 mile
- Lansdown area streets – Free parking with scenic downhill walk
- Royal Crescent vicinity – Limited free spots on surrounding roads
Free Parking Near Southgate Shopping Centre
Top choices for shopping visits:
- Customer parking at major retailers – Morrisons, Sainsbury’s (2 hours free)
- Evening street parking nearby – Grand Parade, Somerset Street after 7pm
- Charlotte Street Car Park – Β£3.40 for longer shopping sessions
- Weston Lock Retail Park – Alternative free customer parking
Perfect for Christmas Market season and weekend shopping trips.
Bath Spa Train Station Parking
Free options within walking distance:
- Railway Place – Free after 7pm and weekends
- Dorchester Street area – Unrestricted residential parking
- Rossiter Road vicinity – Free streets 0.8 miles from station
- Park and ride alternative – Odd Down site with direct bus service
Ideal for commuters and day trip visitors arriving by train.
π Bath Parking Cost Comparison
| Option Type | Cost | Duration | Distance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted streets | Free | Unlimited | 1-2 miles | Budget visitors |
| Evening street parking | Free | 7pm-8am + Sundays | City centre | Night owls |
| Park & ride | Β£3.60 | All day | Various | Day visitors |
| Customer parking | Free | 2 hours | Various | Quick shopping |
| Budget car parks | Β£3.40 | 2 hours | City centre | Convenience |
β Frequently Asked Questions
Is parking free in Bath on Sundays?
Yes, most on-street parking in Bath city centre becomes free on Sundays. Additionally, many residential streets offer free parking throughout the week. Bank holidays also follow the same free parking rules as Sundays.
What time is free parking in Bath?
Free parking in Bath city centre operates from 7pm to 8am Monday through Saturday, plus all day Sunday. Some residential areas offer 24/7 free parking without any time restrictions.
Where can I park for free in Bath overnight?
Unrestricted residential streets like Bloomfield Park, Egerton Road, and Sion Road allow free overnight parking. City centre streets become free after 7pm. Car parks like Charlotte Street and Avon Street charge only Β£1.50 for overnight parking.
Does Bath have free street parking?
Bath offers numerous free street parking options in residential areas and time-restricted free parking in the city centre during evenings and weekends. Over 20 residential streets provide completely unrestricted free parking.
Is park and ride in Bath free?
Parking at Bath’s three park and ride sites is completely free. However, you must purchase bus tickets (Β£3.60 adult return) to travel into the city centre. This combination often saves money compared to city centre parking fees.
How much does parking cost in Bath city centre?
City centre parking typically costs Β£3.60 per hour during charging times (8am-7pm Monday-Saturday). The cheapest car parks charge Β£3.40 for 2 hours, while overnight parking costs only Β£1.50 in most car parks.
Are there any free car parks in Bath?
Larkhill Square car park offers 2 hours of free parking (18 spaces total, 2 disabled). Additionally, customer parking at supermarkets like Morrisons and Sainsbury’s provides 2 hours free for shoppers. Several retail parks including Mero Retail Park and Weston Lock also offer free customer parking.
What are Bath on-street parking rules?
Bath on-street parking rules vary by location. City centre streets charge Β£3.60/hour (8am-7pm Mon-Sat), become free 7pm-8am and all Sunday. Residential areas may be unrestricted or have permit zones. Always check signage as restrictions change frequently. Blue Badge holders can park free on many streets without time limits.
π Related Parking Guides
Looking for more UK parking solutions? Check our comprehensive guides for:
- Free parking in London – Discover hidden gems in the capital
- Cheapest airport parking UK – Save money on travel parking
- Bath park and ride complete guide – Detailed P&R information
- UK city centre parking tips – Universal strategies for urban parking
- Weekend free parking across the UK – Sunday and evening opportunities
π Key Takeaways
β Multiple free parking zones exist throughout Bath’s residential areas
β Evening parking (after 7pm) becomes free in the city centre
β Park and ride services offer free parking plus affordable transport
β Customer parking provides 2-hour free options at major retailers
β Sunday parking is free on most city centre streets
β Budget car parks cost Β£3.40 for 2 hours when free options unavailable
π Conclusion
Finding free parking in Bath requires strategic planning and local knowledge, but numerous opportunities exist for budget-conscious visitors. From unrestricted residential streets to evening city centre options, free parking in Bath 2025 possibilities can significantly reduce your travel costs when visiting this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Whether you choose completely free parking in Bath residential areas, utilize park and ride services, or take advantage of evening free periods, careful timing and location selection ensure affordable parking Bath city centre experiences. Remember to always verify current restrictions and consider walking distances when selecting your free parking in Bath strategy.
Where to park for free in Bath ultimately depends on your specific needs – day visitors benefit from park and ride free parking in Bath, evening guests can use city centre streets after 7pm, and budget travelers should explore western residential areas for unrestricted 24/7 free parking in Bath options.
Plan ahead, arrive with flexibility, and use this comprehensive free parking in Bath guide to discover the best solutions for your adventure in this beautiful Georgian city. For additional parking resources, visit the official Bath tourism website for latest updates.
Written by a local parking expert with extensive knowledge of Bath’s parking systems and regulations.
