Parking near Temple Meads and Old Market

Temple Meads and Old Market sit at the heart of Bristol, combining one of the city’s busiest transport hubs with a lively mix of independent businesses, restaurants, café, and historic streets. With Bristol Temple Meads station providing excellent connections across the UK and the city centre just a short walk away, the area is particularly popular with visitors looking for a convenient base in Bristol.

This guide will help you navigate the best parking options in the area, whether you're staying overnight or planning a longer trip. With a little preparation, you can spend less time searching for a space and more time making the most of your stay in Bristol.

Temple Meads and Old Market are located within some of Bristol’s busiest central parking areas, so it’s important to check local restrictions before leaving your vehicle. Much of the surrounding area is covered by Bristol City Council’s Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs), where parking is managed through a combination of resident permit bays, pay-and-display spaces, loading bays, and areas where parking is restricted altogether.

Restrictions and operating hours can vary considerably from one street to another, particularly around Temple Meads station, Old Market, Redcliffe, and the routes leading into Bristol city centre. Some bays allow short-stay visitor parking, while others are reserved for permit holders during specified hours.

Pay-and-display and paid on-street parking can be found throughout parts of the Temple Meads and Old Market area, providing a useful option for shorter visits to this part of Bristol. Spaces are available on selected streets around Old Market, Redcliffe, Temple Meads, and the wider city centre, although availability can be limited during busy weekday periods.

Parking charges, maximum stay periods, and operating hours vary depending on the street and parking zone, so always check the signs alongside the bay before leaving your vehicle. Bristol has increasingly moved towards cashless parking, meaning drivers may need to pay using the payment method or parking app specified on the local signage.

1. Gardiner Haskins Car Park

Address: Unity Street, Broad Plain, Bristol, BS2 0HZ
Distance: Approximately 0.2 miles from Arabica House, around a 4–5 minute walk.
Facilities: Large city-centre car park, ANPR entry and on-site payment machines.
Cost: From approximately £3 for 1 hour, £7 for 4 hours and up to £20 for 24 hours. Longer-term season tickets are also available.
Access: The public car park operates with number-plate recognition. Payment can be made at the pay stations before leaving.
Booking: Generally pay on arrival; contract and season parking is also available.
Note: Be aware that Gardiner Haskins also has customer-only parking associated with its showroom, so guests should make sure they are using the public paid car park rather than a customer-only area.

2. Cabot Circus Car Park

Address: Newfoundland Way, Bristol, BS2 9AB
Distance: Approximately 0.5 miles from Arabica House, around a 10-minute walk.
Facilities: 2,500 spaces, 75 accessible bays, 74 family spaces, 12 EV charging points, Shopmobility and on-site security.
Cost: £3.50 for up to 1 hour, £8 for up to 4 hours, £11 for up to 6 hours and £20 for 8–24 hours.
Access: Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Maximum vehicle height is 2.15m.
Booking: Uses a number-plate recognition system, with automatic payment, QR/tap-to-pay options and card payment available at the exit.
Note: A good option for overnight stays, particularly if the closest spaces around Old Market are full. It is also the strongest option of these three for guests requiring accessible parking.

3. Bristol Temple Meads Station Car Park

Address: Station Approach / Temple Gate, Bristol, BS1 6QF
Distance: Approximately 0.7 miles from Arabica House, around a 15-minute walk.
Facilities: 24-hour parking, CCTV, Blue Badge bays, card payments and Pay by Phone. The APCOA indoor facility lists a 3.5m height restriction and designated accessible spaces.
Cost: Network Rail currently lists station parking at £14.30 per day, while APCOA's separately listed pre-bookable indoor parking is £22 for a day, so guests should check which Temple Meads facility they are booking.
Access: Open 24 hours, seven days a week.
Booking: APCOA offers advance booking for its indoor car park, with online bookings required at least 24 hours before arrival.
Note: Useful for longer stays and particularly convenient for guests combining their stay with rail travel from Temple Meads.

• Cabot Circus Car Park has are 75 accessible parking bays, located on the Ground Floor and Level 3. Cabot Circus also offers Shopmobility.
• Bristol Temple Meads Station Car Park has 25 accessible parking spaces across the station parking facilities. Accessible/Blue Badge bays are available close to the station, although parking charges still apply.

Bristol City Council's Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ): Temple Meads and Old Market are within Bristol’s central controlled parking areas, where many on-street spaces are restricted to permit holders or paid parking during specified hours. Restrictions vary by street, so always check nearby signs for operating times, maximum stays, and payment requirements before leaving your vehicle.

Advance Booking: Parking around Temple Meads, Old Market, and Bristol city centre can become particularly busy during weekday commuting hours and weekends. Where possible, booking your parking in advance can help guarantee a space, secure a better rate, and make arriving in the area much easier.

Height Restrictions: If you're travelling in a larger vehicle, check height restrictions before choosing a multi-storey or covered car park. Cabot Circus Car Park, for example, has a maximum vehicle height of 2.15 metres. Restrictions vary between car parks, so vans and taller vehicles should always check before travelling.

By planning ahead and considering these parking options, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to the Temple Meads and Old Market area.

Give one of our team a call on +44 (0)117 3018 444 or email reservations@yourapartment.com.