🚗 Banbury Parking Made Simple: Free, Cheap & Stress‑Free Options

Banbury Parking Made Simple is a practical guide for residents who want clear, up-to-date information on where to park in and around the town. Parking plays an important role in daily life, whether visiting the town centre for shopping, work, or leisure, and understanding the available options can help reduce stress and save time.

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🅿️ Free Parking in Banbury (Best Options)

Banbury Gateway Shopping Park

Address: Acorn Way, Banbury OX16 3ER
Cost: ✅ Free for up to 4 hours
Best for: Shopping, cafés, quick errands

Shops include M&S, Primark, Starbucks and more. Ideal if you don’t mind parking slightly outside the town centre.

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Free Evening Parking (After 6pm)

Most Cherwell District Council car parks and Castle Quay car parks are free after 6pm, making evenings stress‑free for:

• Dining out
• Cinema trips
• Events at Castle Quay

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🏙️ Cheap Town Centre Parking (Daytime)

Castle Quay Shopping Centre Car Parks

Address: Castle Quay, Banbury OX16 5UN
Type: Multi‑storey

Why locals use it:

• Central location
• Easy access to shops, restaurants & cinema
• Regular seasonal parking promotions

👉 Tip: Always check signage for special free‑parking offers.

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North Bar (East) Car Park

Location: Near North Bar Street
Cost:

• Up to 1 hour: £1.40
• Up to 2 hours: £2.60
• Up to 3 hours: £3.60
• ✅ Free after 6pm

Best for: Short shopping trips and town centre access

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Upper Windsor Street Car Park

Address: Upper Windsor Street, Banbury OX16 5AS
Cost:

• 1 hour: £1.40
• 2 hours: £2.60
• 4 hours: £4.60
• Full day (until 6pm): £6.50
• ✅ Free after 6pm

Best for: Longer stays, workdays, appointments

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Market Place Car Park (Short Stay)

Location: Near Banbury Cross

Cost:

• 30 minutes: £1.40
• 1 hour: £2.10
• ✅ Free after 6pm

Best for: Quick errands, post office visits, lunch stops

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Horsefair West Car Park

Location: Horsefair West, Banbury

Cost:

• 1 hour: £1.40
• 2 hours: £2.60
• ✅ Free after 6pm

Good option for cafés and town centre access without busy traffic.

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Bridge Street Drop‑Off & Pick‑Up

Location: Bridge Street

Cost: £0.50 for up to 15 minutes

Best for: Quick drop‑offs, school runs, parcel collection

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♿ Blue Badge Parking

• Blue Badge holders can usually park free of charge in council car parks
• Time limits still apply — always check local signage

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🕒 Best Times to Park in Banbury

✅ After 6pm: Most council and Castle Quay car parks are free
✅ Mid‑week: Easier availability, less stress
⚠️ Market days & events: Arrive early or use outer car parks

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❌ How to Avoid Parking Fines

• Always read the sign — restrictions vary by car park
• Use Pay‑by‑Phone apps where available
• Set a reminder on your phone before your time expires
• Avoid residential permit‑only zones

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✅ Quick Summary

✔️ Best free parking: Banbury Gateway Shopping Park
✔️ Best evening parking: Any council or Castle Quay car park after 6pm
✔️ Best short stay: Market Place or North Bar East
✔️ Best long stay: Upper Windsor Street

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📌 Final Thought

With a bit of local knowledge, parking in Banbury can be easy and affordable. Save this guide and check back — we keep it updated for Banbury residents.

👉 Know a better parking spot? Let us know and we’ll add it.

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More practical local guides coming soon on HelloBanbury.co.uk

Disclaimer
This content is provided for general information only. Parking arrangements in Banbury may change. Always check local signage and official sources before parking.