🚗 Rowney Warren Car Park – The Complete Shefford Parking Guide
Rowney Warren – scenic country parking, pay & display, free evenings & Sundays, gateway to Warren Hill walks.
🚗 Type: Public Pay & Display Car Park (Central Bedfordshire Council)
🕒 Open: Enforcement 08:00–18:00 Mon–Sat; free evenings (18:00–08:00), all day Sunday & Bank Holidays
🌟 Rating: N/A (council-run facility)
💰 Pricing & Permits
Tariffs (Mon–Sat, 08:00–18:00):
Up to 1 h: £0.70
Up to 2 h: £1.40
Up to 4 h (max stay): £2.50
Payment Methods:
Pay & Display machines (coins, contactless card)
Pay-by-App: RingGo (zone code 65230)
Resident Permits: Not applicable (rural visitor car park)
Season Tickets: Weekly permit £12 (valid any enforcement day)
📊 Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | ~40 bays |
| Disabled Bays | 2 marked bays (free for Blue Badge holders) |
| Surface | Gravel-surfaced bays with grass verges |
| Lighting | None (daylight hours only) |
| Drainage | Surface water run-off to adjacent field drains |
| Signage | Traditional pay & display signage with clear tariff panels |
| Machine Location | Single machine at car park entrance |
| Security | No CCTV; casual patrols by council rangers |
♿ Accessibility & Adapted Facilities
Blue Badge Bays: Two bays nearest path entrance—free with badge displayed
Drop-Off Zone: Short pull-in beside machine for quick set-down
Pathway Ramps: Gentle gravel ramps to footpath toward walking trails
Path Surfaces: Gravel paths; may be uneven—suitable for sturdy footwear
🔌 EV Infrastructure & Nearby Options
On-Site Charging: None currently installed
Nearest Live Chargers:
Shefford Town Centre Car Park – 2×7 kW units, 3 min drive
Shefford Service Station (SG17 5AS) – 4×22 kW rapid, 6 min drive
📅 Peak Times & Seasonal Variations
| Period | Occupancy | User Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays 09:00–12:00 | 60 % | Local dog walkers & hikers |
| Weekdays 14:00–17:00 | 50 % | Afternoon leisure visits |
| Weekends 10:00–14:00 | 90 % | Weekend walkers & families |
| Bank Holiday Mondays | 95 % | Extended countryside trips |
| Evenings (all days) | 10 % | Sunset walkers |
Pro Tip: Arrive before 10 AM on weekends for best bays; evenings after 6 PM are always free.
🚶 Walkability & Trail Access
| Trail/Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Rowney Warren Ridge Path | Adjacent | 5 km ridge walk with panoramic views |
| Shefford Warren Hill | 3 min | Woodland & grassland habitats |
| Sandy Lane Countryside | 1 min | Easy strollers’ loop |
| Shefford Village Centre | 5 min drive | Pubs & shops |
🛒 Nearby Amenities & Services
Essentials
Public Toilets: Village centre (5 min drive)
ATM: Co-op Food (West Road, 5 min drive)
Pharmacy: Shefford Pharmacy (Station Road, 5 min drive)
Food & Drink
The Griffin Inn (6 min drive): Pub meals & real ales
Warren Hill Café (adjacent): Light bites & hot drinks
Shefford Bakery (5 min drive): Fresh pastries & coffee
🅿️ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance | Cost | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shefford Town Centre CP | 3 min dr | £0.50/hr; £3 max | EV charging & toilets nearby |
| Sandy Lane On-Street (Zone SL) | Adjacent | £0.20/20 min; 2 h max | Short-stay flexibility (app only) |
| Shefford Service Station CP | 6 min dr | £0.30/15 min | Rapid EV chargers on site |
⚠️ Important Notices & Byelaws
Enforcement: 08:00–18:00 Mon–Sat by Central Beds officers; compliance officers weekends
Overstay Penalty: £70 PCN (reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days)
Towing Risk: Unauthorized vehicles may be towed at owner’s expense
Maintenance: Annual surface grading & signage refresh (next due Mar 2026)
📌 Expert Tips
Trail Start: Park here for direct access to ridge walks—no extra transit needed.
Family Visits: Weekday afternoons are quieter for picnic and play.
Blue Badge Holders: Use marked bays; gravel can be uneven—consider assistance.
Weather Alert: Gravel may be muddy after rain—choose bays near entrance for firmer ground.
🔮 Future Developments & Planning
2025 Q2: Feasibility for 2×7 kW EV bays under rural grant scheme
2025 Q4: Upgrade pay machine to accept contactless-only payments
2026: Proposed expansion of 20 bays on adjacent field (ref: CBC/PLN/2024/952)
Accessibility Audit: Review scheduled for Jan 2026 under Central Beds countryside standards
Own or work here? Claim Now! Claim Now!
