Planning a day out in Winchester? Parking can be straightforward if you know where to aim for. Whether you are visiting Winchester Cathedral, shopping in the city centre or spending the whole day exploring, here are five of the best places to park in Winchester.
1. Use Winchester Park & Ride for an easy full-day visit
For a full day in Winchester, Park & Ride is probably the simplest option.
There are several Park & Ride sites around the city, including St Catherine’s, Barfield, South Winchester and Pitt.
Buses run regularly into central Winchester, making this a good option if you do not want to drive around the narrow city-centre streets looking for a space.
It is particularly useful at busy times, including weekends, school holidays and the run-up to Christmas.
2. Colebrook Street is one of the best car parks for Winchester Cathedral
Colebrook Street Car Park is one of the most convenient places to park if you are visiting Winchester Cathedral.
It is also close to the Guildhall, restaurants, cafés and the lower end of Winchester High Street.
The main advantage is location. You can park and be in the historic centre within minutes.
Because it is so central, however, spaces can be harder to find at busy times.
3. Tower Street is a good choice if you want a larger car park
Tower Street Car Park is one of the biggest parking options close to Winchester city centre.
It is within walking distance of Winchester High Street, Theatre Royal Winchester, shops, restaurants and cafés.
If you would rather head for a larger car park than drive around trying several smaller ones, Tower Street is a sensible option.
It is also useful if you are spending several hours exploring the city.
4. Try Winchester’s Park and Walk car parks
If you do not mind a short walk, Winchester’s Park and Walk car parks can be a good alternative to the most central parking.
Options include Cattle Market, Worthy Lane and Chesil Street Multi-Storey.
These are generally around a 5 to 10-minute walk from the main city-centre attractions.
Chesil Street is particularly convenient if you are approaching Winchester from the eastern side of the city.
Choosing a Park and Walk option can also make arriving and leaving Winchester easier when the centre is busy.
5. The Brooks is handy for shopping in Winchester
The Brooks Car Park is particularly convenient if your main reason for visiting Winchester is shopping.
It is next to The Brooks Shopping Centre and just a short walk from Winchester High Street.
From here you can easily reach the city’s shops, cafés, restaurants and historic attractions on foot.
It is worth checking the latest opening hours before parking if you plan to stay in Winchester into the evening.
Where is the best place to park in Winchester?
For a full day, Winchester Park & Ride is probably the easiest choice.
For Winchester Cathedral, try Colebrook Street.
For shopping and the High Street, The Brooks or Tower Street are useful options.
If you want to avoid the busiest central streets, one of Winchester’s Park and Walk car parks can be a good compromise.
Parking prices, opening times and restrictions can change, so always check the latest information before travelling.
Winchester City Council parking information:
https://www.winchester.gov.uk/parking/parking-and-car-parks
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