I. Introduction
Nestled atop a hill overlooking the River Thames, Windsor Castle is a majestic symbol of British history and royalty. Visitors from around the globe flock to this iconic landmark to immerse themselves in its rich heritage and architectural splendour. However, planning for parking arrangements is essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit, especially during peak seasons.
This comprehensive guide will delve into all aspects of Windsor Castle parking, providing the necessary information to make informed decisions and plan your visit seamlessly.
II. Windsor Castle Parking Options
Here are some on-street parking options around Windsor Castle:
- Windsor Castle Parking Lots: This parking lot is located at River St, Windsor SL4 1QT, United Kingdom. Check other details on Google Maps.
- River St Car Park: This parking lot is at 2 River St, Windsor SL4 1QT, UK. Check other details on Google Maps.
- Alma Road Car Park: This parking lot is located at Alma Rd, Windsor SL4 3HY, United Kingdom. Check other details on Google Maps.
- Victoria Street Car Park: This parking lot is at Victoria St, Windsor SL4 1EG, United Kingdom. Check other details on Google Maps.
- Romney Lock: Park & Ride: This parking lot is at Romney Lock Rd, Eton, Windsor SL4 6HX, United Kingdom. Check other details on Google Maps.
- King Edward VII Car Park Windsor: This parking lot is at Windsor SL4 2JQ, United Kingdom. Check other details on Google Maps.
- Windsor & Eton Riverside Station Queens Car Park: This parking lot is at Datchet Rd, Windsor SL4 1QG, United Kingdom. Check other details on Google Maps.
A. On-Street Parking
While limited, on-street parking can be found around Windsor Castle, particularly in the early mornings or late evenings. Pay-and-display machines operate, and parking zones and restrictions must be carefully observed. Be prepared for potential congestion and the need to search for available spaces.
1. Availability:
- On-street parking spaces are limited, especially during peak seasons (summer holidays, weekends, and special events) and on weekends. Finding a spot during these times can be challenging and time-consuming.
- Early mornings and late evenings offer better chances of finding on-street parking, but be mindful of parking restrictions and time limits.
- Consider using parking apps like Parkopedia or JustPark to locate available on-street parking spots and check real-time parking availability.
2. Payment:
On-street parking is pay-and-display, requiring you to purchase a ticket from a nearby machine and display it prominently on your vehicle’s dashboard.
- Pay close attention to the parking zone and restrictions indicated on signage. These can vary from street to street, including time limits, permit requirements, or specific vehicle restrictions.
- Parking charges vary by location and time of day. Generally, expect to pay around £1-£2 per hour.
- Consider using parking apps like RingGo or PayByPhone to pay for on-street parking conveniently and avoid returning to the meter.
3. Tips:
- Arrive early, especially during peak seasons, to increase your chances of finding on-street parking.
- Allow extra time for parking, especially if you’re visiting during peak seasons.
- Pay close attention to parking signs and restrictions to avoid fines.
B. Public Car Parks
Numerous public car parks are within walking distance of Windsor Castle, offering convenient and secure parking options. These car parks typically charge hourly or daily rates, and payment can be made via machines or mobile apps. Some car parks provide disabled parking spaces, accessible facilities, and electric vehicle charging stations.
1. Availability:
- Public car parks offer more reliable and secure parking than on-street parking. These car parks are usually within walking distance of Windsor Castle.
- While public car parks don’t offer a guaranteed parking spot, they provide a higher likelihood of finding a space than on-street parking, especially during peak seasons.
2. Cost:
- Public car parks typically charge hourly or daily rates. Hourly rates are suitable for shorter stays, while daily rates are more economical for extended visits.
- Daily rates typically start around £10-£15, while hourly rates range from £1-£2 per hour.
- Some car parks offer special rates for weekends, evenings, or extended stays.
To confirm real-time availability and current rates, it’s recommended to check the car park’s website or signage before your visit.
C. Pre-Booking Parking
Pre-booking is highly recommended to guarantee a parking spot, especially during peak seasons. Online platforms and apps like JustPark and Parkopedia allow you to reserve parking spaces in advance, often at discounted rates. Choose from various car parks based on location, price, and amenities.
1. Benefits:
- Pre-booking parking ensures a guaranteed spot, eliminating the stress of searching for available parking upon arrival.
- Pre-booking often offers discounted rates compared to paying on the spot.
- Pre-booking saves time and allows you to plan your parking expenses.
| Feature | On-Street Parking | Public Car Parks | Pre-Booking Parking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | Limited | More reliable | “Not always guaranteed, check car park website for details“. |
| Payment | Pay-and-display | Cash, credit cards, mobile payments | Credit cards, mobile payments |
| Cost | £1-£2 per hour | Hourly or daily rates | Discounted rates |
| Tips | Arrive early, allow extra time, pay attention to signs, use parking apps | Compare rates and facilities, pre-book during peak seasons, allow extra time | Compare rates and facilities, pre-book during peak seasons, and allow extra time |
D. Disabled Parking
Disabled parking spaces are available in public and on-street parking parks. These spaces are designated with the international blue badge symbol. They are intended for use by individuals with disabilities who hold a valid Blue Badge or equivalent permit.
1. Availability:
Designated disabled parking spaces are typically available in most public car parks and on-street parking areas in Windsor. However, these spaces may fill up quickly during peak seasons or special events.
2. Pricing:
Disabled badge holders are generally entitled to park in designated disabled parking spaces for free. However, some car parks may charge a standard parking fee, even for disabled badge holders.
3. Tips:
- If you require disabled parking, arriving early to secure space is advisable, especially during peak seasons or events.
- Ensure your Blue Badge or equivalent permit is displayed on your vehicle’s dashboard.
- Be mindful of other disabled parking users and respect their need for these spaces.
- Check the car park website or signage for any specific rules or restrictions regarding disabled parking.
E. Coach and Bus Parking
Windsor is a popular destination for coach tours, and designated coach parking areas are available to accommodate these larger vehicles. However, due to limited space, coach tour operators must arrange parking in advance.
1. Availability:
Designated coach parking areas are available at Windsor Coach Park and the Alma Road Car Park locations.
2. Pricing:
Coach parking fees vary depending on the duration of the stay and the specific parking area. However, expect to pay around £10-£20 for short-term parking and £20-£30 for long-term parking.
3. Tips:
- Coach tour operators should contact Windsor Coach Park or other relevant parking providers well in advance to secure a parking space.
- Provide accurate information about the coach’s size arrival and departure times to facilitate efficient parking arrangements.
- Be aware of any parking restrictions or regulations specific to coach parking areas.
F. Park and Ride
For those travelling to Windsor from outside the town, the Park and Ride service offers a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative to driving into the town centre.
1. Availability:
Park and Ride facilities are at Home Park and King Edward VII Car Park.
2. Pricing:
Park and Ride fares vary depending on the distance travelled and the number of passengers. However, expect to pay around £2-£5 for a single journey.
3. Tips:
- Plan your journey and consider using the Park and Ride trip planner to find your destination’s most convenient Park and Ride site.
- Allow extra time for parking and catching the shuttle bus, especially during peak seasons.
- Purchase your Park and Ride tickets in advance, either online or from the Park and Ride facility.
| Feature | Disabled Parking | Coach and Bus Parking | Park and Ride |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | Limited | Limited, pre-booking recommended | Wide availability |
| Pricing | Free for Blue Badge holders, standard rates for non-badge holders | £10-£30 | £2-£5 |
| Tips | Arrive early, display Blue Badge, be mindful of others | Pre-book, provide accurate information, be aware of restrictions | Plan your journey, allow extra time, purchase tickets in advance |
III. Important Notes on the Most Frequent Queries
A. Windsor Castle Parking Free
There is very limited free parking available at Windsor Castle. The only free parking is in resident-only bays unavailable to visitors. However, there are a few pay-and-display car parks near the castle where parking is free after 6 p.m. and overnight.
The following pay and display car parks offer free parking after 6 p.m. and overnight:
- Alma Road Car Park
- Arthur Road Car Park
- Castle Hill Car Park
- Clewer Memorial Recreation Park
- Goswell Road Car Park
- King Edward VII Avenue Car Park
- Peascod Street Car Park
- Riverside Car Park
- Victoria Street Car Park
Please note that the maximum time you can park in Windsor town centre near Windsor Castle varies depending on the car park. However, most car parks have a maximum parking time of 24 hours.
There are several parking restrictions in Windsor town centre near Windsor Castle. For example, you cannot park in any of the following areas:
- On double yellow lines
- In bus lanes
- In taxi ranks
- In loading bays
- In reserved parking spaces, such as disabled parking spaces or staff parking spaces
- Within 10 metres of a junction
- Within 10 metres of a pedestrian crossing
It’s important to note that free parking after 6 pm has limited availability, especially during peak seasons.
B. Windsor Castle Parkings Postcode
The postcode for Windsor Castle parking is SL4 1NJ. This is the Castle Car Park postcode, the nearest car park to Windsor Castle. The other car parks at Windsor Castle are:
- Alma Road Car Park: SL4 3HY
- Arthur Road Car Park: SL4 1RT
- Castle Hill Car Park: SL4 1EF
- Clewer Memorial Recreation Park: SL4 5BD
- Goswell Road Car Park: SL4 1QT
- King Edward VII Avenue Car Park: SL3 9BS
- Peascod Street Car Park: SL4 1EG
- Riverside Car Park: SL4 1QT
- Victoria Street Car Park: SL4 1EG
The Long Walk car park postcode at Windsor Castle is SL4 1PL. It is on the Long Walk, a scenic avenue leading to Windsor Castle.
To get to Windsor Castle car park by postcode, enter the postcode into your satnav. You can also find directions to the car parks on the Windsor Castle website.
C. Windsor Castle Parking Parkopedia
You can park at Windsor Castle through Parkopedia. Parkopedia is a parking booking platform that allows you to book parking spaces in advance at car parks worldwide.
There are several Parkopedia car parks near Windsor Castle, including:
- Alma Road Car Park
- Arthur Road Car Park
- Castle Hill Car Park
- King Edward VII Avenue Car Park
- Riverside Car Park
- Victoria Street Car Park
The cost of parking at Windsor Castle through Parkopedia varies depending on the car park you choose and the length of time you park. However, booking in advance through Parkopedia usually results in good discounts. Parkopedia might not always be the cheapest option. Compare the prices with the car park website or signage.
D. Benefits to Parking at Windsor Castle through Parkopedia:
- You can book a parking space in advance, guaranteeing a spot.
- You can usually find good discounts on parking by booking in advance.
- You can save time and hassle by avoiding finding a parking space when you arrive at Windsor Castle.
To book a parking space at Windsor Castle through Parkopedia, visit the Parkopedia website or app and enter your travel dates and the number of vehicles you need to park. Parkopedia will then show you a list of all the available car parks near Windsor Castle, along with the prices and amenities of each park. Once you have chosen a park, you can book your parking space in a few simple steps.
IV. Windsor Castle Hotel Parking
Many hotels in Windsor offer parking for visitors to Windsor Castle. The cost of parking varies depending on the hotel, but it is typically around £20 per day. Some hotels offer free parking for guests, while others charge a fee.
Here are some of the hotels in Windsor that offer the best parking for visitors to Windsor Castle:
- The Castle Hotel Windsor has a dedicated car park for guests located directly behind the hotel. The car park is secure, gated, and free for guests.
- The MacDonald Windsor Hotel also has a dedicated car park for guests located opposite the hotel. The car park is secure, gated, and free for guests.
- The Delta Hotels by Marriott Heathrow Windsor has a large car park open to guests and the public. The car park is secure and gated, and it is charged at a daily rate.
- The Holiday Inn Express Windsor has a small car park available to guests on a first-come, first-served basis. The car park is secure and gated, and it is charged at a daily rate.
- The Sir Christopher Wren Hotel has a limited number of parking spaces that are available to guests on a first-come, first-served basis. The car park is secure and gated, and it is charged at a daily rate.
V. Conclusion
Planning for parking is essential to a successful visit to Windsor Castle. By understanding the available parking options, considering special parking needs, and adhering to parking regulations, you can ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable experience. Embrace the grandeur of Windsor Castle, immerse yourself in its rich history, and create lasting memories without the stress of parking concerns.
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