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Parking in Bristol can be tricky, particularly around the city centre, Clifton and Temple Meads. However, there are plenty of options, from on-street parking and council car parks to private car parks and pre-bookable spaces.
Whether you’re visiting Bristol for a weekend, staying in one of the city’s serviced apartments or heading into the city for the day, this guide covers where to park and what to look out for.
There are several different ways to park in Bristol, depending on where you’re going and how long you’re staying.
You’ll find:
Parking restrictions vary between areas, so always check the signs before leaving your car.
If you’re heading into central Bristol, there are several large car parks within walking distance of the main shopping areas, restaurants, attractions and Harbourside.
Cabot Circus is one of the most convenient options if you’re visiting the city centre, while Trenchard Street and other central car parks are useful for areas around Park Street, Clifton and the Harbourside.
If you’re staying overnight, check the car park’s opening hours, overnight arrangements and maximum stay before parking, or see our guide for parking around Bristol City Centre.
Bristol Temple Meads is one of the busiest areas for parking, particularly at peak times.
There is parking directly at the station, as well as several car parks within a short distance. Parking around Temple Meads can also be useful if you’re staying in the Old Market area.
For more information, including specific car parks, locations and parking tips, see our guide for parking around Temple Meads.
Clifton is one of Bristol’s most popular areas and parking can be limited, particularly around Clifton Village and at busy times.
There are a mixture of on-street spaces, pay-and-display parking and larger car parks around Clifton. If you’re staying for several hours or overnight, it can be easier to use a car park rather than relying on finding a space on the street.
We have separate guides covering some of the most popular areas:
Where you park will depend on which part of Bristol you’re visiting.
If you’re visiting Clifton Suspension Bridge, parking is available in the surrounding Clifton and Hotwells areas. Spaces can become busy during weekends and holidays, so it’s worth allowing extra time to find somewhere to park.
Cabot Circus has a large multi-storey car park and is a convenient option for shopping, restaurants and the surrounding city centre.
For Bristol Harbourside, there are several car parks within walking distance, including options around the city centre and waterfront.
The Hippodrome is in the heart of Bristol city centre, with several central car parks within walking distance.
If you’re travelling by train or staying close to the station, the car parks around Temple Meads provide convenient access to the station and surrounding areas.
Free parking in Bristol is limited, particularly in the city centre.
Some residential streets may have unrestricted parking outside controlled hours, while other areas have resident parking schemes or time restrictions. Always check the signs before parking, as restrictions can vary from one street to the next.
If you’re looking for free or cheaper parking, it can be worth looking further away from your destination and walking or using public transport for the final part of your journey.
Many areas of Bristol are covered by Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs).
Within these areas, parking may be restricted to permit holders or limited to specific times. There are also pay-and-display areas and streets where parking is restricted altogether.
Before parking on the street, check:
Parking restrictions can change, so the signs at the location should always be treated as the most up-to-date information.
Yes, there are car parks and streets where overnight parking is possible, but the rules depend on the location.
If you’re staying in Bristol overnight, check whether the car park operates 24 hours and whether there are any overnight restrictions or maximum stay limits.
For longer stays, a pre-bookable car park or private parking space can sometimes be more convenient than relying on street parking.
If you’re staying in a serviced apartment, it’s worth checking the parking arrangements before you arrive.
Parking availability varies between properties. Some apartments have parking nearby, while others are located in areas where public car parks or on-street parking are the most convenient options.
If you’re staying with Your Apartment, check your individual property page for information about parking and the best options nearby.
A little planning can make parking in Bristol much easier.
Check restrictions before you park
Parking rules vary considerably between neighbourhoods, so always read the signs carefully.
Consider booking ahead
Pre-booking can be useful during busy periods, particularly if you know roughly how long you’ll be staying.
Check the height restriction
Multi-storey car parks often have height restrictions, so check this if you’re travelling in a larger vehicle or van.
Allow extra time
Popular areas such as Clifton, the city centre and Temple Meads can become busy, especially at weekends.
Consider parking further away
If central parking is expensive or busy, parking slightly further out and walking or using public transport can sometimes be easier.
If you’re struggling to find somewhere to park, you can also look for private parking spaces that are available to book in advance.
YourParkingSpace allows you to search for and book parking spaces across Bristol, including spaces close to popular destinations.
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Bristol Parking FAQs
Parking in Bristol depends on the area and time of day. City centre and popular areas such as Clifton can become busy, but there are plenty of public and private car parks available.
There are several central car parks, including options around Cabot Circus and Trenchard Street. The best option depends on where you’re heading and how long you plan to stay.
Free parking is limited in central Bristol. Some streets may have free parking outside controlled hours, but restrictions vary, so always check the signs before leaving your vehicle.
Yes, some car parks and streets allow overnight parking. Always check the individual car park's opening hours, restrictions and maximum stay before parking.
There are several parking options around Bristol Temple Meads, including station parking and public car parks in the surrounding area.
There are on-street parking spaces and public car parks around Clifton. Clifton Village, Whiteladies Road and the surrounding areas each have different parking options. See our guides to:
There are parking options around Clifton and Hotwells, although spaces can be limited during busy periods. If you’re visiting at the weekend, it’s worth allowing extra time to find a space.
Yes. Bristol has Controlled Parking Zones and other parking restrictions across many residential and central areas. Always check local signs before parking.
Parking arrangements vary by property. Some Your Apartment properties have parking nearby, while others are close to public car parks and on-street parking.
Check your individual apartment page for the most relevant parking information.
Parking near Temple Meads and Old Market
There is plentiful parking for visitors opting to explore the Temple Meads and Old Market Areas for the majority of the year. Discover the details right here...
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