Comprehensive Guide to Car Parking in Salisbury, UK: Locations, Pricing, and Times

Parking in Salisbury is managed mainly by Wiltshire Council and Salisbury City Council and includes short-stay and long-stay car parks, on-street parking, and a reliable Park and Ride service.

Salisbury, a historic cathedral city in Wiltshire, England, offers a variety of parking options for residents and visitors.

Managed primarily by Wiltshire Council and Salisbury City Council, the parking infrastructure includes short-stay and long-stay car parks, on-street parking, and a robust Park and Ride system.

This guide provides a detailed overview of the available facilities, their locations, operating hours, and current pricing structures.

1. Council-Managed Car Parks

Salisbury's off-street car parks are categorized by their maximum stay duration. Charges generally apply from Monday to Saturday (8:00 AM – 6:00 PM) and Sunday (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM), including Bank Holidays. Blue Badge holders can park for free in all council-managed car parks.

Short-Stay Car Parks (Maximum Stay: 3 Hours)

These car parks are ideal for quick visits to the city center, shopping, or dining.

Long-Stay Car Parks (Maximum Stay: All Day)

For visitors planning to spend the entire day exploring the Cathedral or the city's historic sites, long-stay car parks offer better value for extended durations.

Note: Culver Street is often the most economical choice for long-stay parking within the city center, with lower hourly rates compared to other central locations.

2. On-Street Parking (Maximum Stay: 1 Hour)

On-street parking is available throughout the city center for very short visits. Charges apply Monday to Saturday (8:00 AM – 6:00 PM).
•Tariff: £0.60 for up to 30 minutes; £1.80 for up to 1 hour.
•Locations: Brown Street, Castle Street, Catherine Street, Chipper Lane, Cranebridge Road, Endless Street, Ivy Street, Milford Street, Salt Lane, Scots Lane, and Winchester Street.
•Blue Badge Holders: Free parking with no time limit in these bays.

3. Salisbury Park and Ride

The Park and Ride system is the most convenient and environmentally friendly way to visit Salisbury. There are five sites located on the main radial routes into the city. Parking at these sites is free, and users only pay for the bus fare into the city center.

•Bus Fares: A group return ticket (up to 4 people) typically costs around £4.00.
•Operating Hours: Generally Monday to Saturday, from approximately 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM. Most sites are closed on Sundays.

4. Coach and Large Vehicle Parking

Salisbury provides dedicated facilities for coaches and larger vehicles to ensure smooth traffic flow within the city.
•Central Coach Park (SP1 3UE): Located at Mill Stream Approach. Charges apply 24/7. Rates range from £1.80 for 1 hour to £10.80 for all-day parking.
•Britford Coach Park: Located on Downton Road. Primarily for long-term coach storage with rates of £8.00 for all-day parking.

5. Payment Methods and Technology

Wiltshire Council utilizes the MiPermit system, allowing drivers to pay for parking via a smartphone app, online, or by text. This eliminates the need for physical coins and allows for remote stay extensions.
•Location Codes: Each car park has a unique 6-digit MiPermit code (e.g., Central Car Park is 710180).
•Cash Payment: Most pay-and-display machines still accept coins, though they do not provide change.

Summary of Recommendations

For the best experience, visitors are encouraged to use the Park and Ride services to avoid city center congestion. For those needing to park within the city, Culver Street offers the most competitive rates for long stays, while The Maltings provides the largest capacity for short-stay shoppers.

Sources: Wiltshire Council Parking, Salisbury Reds Park & Ride, Connecting Wiltshire.