Free 24/7 parking on Alameda Road – ideal for walks in the historic Alameda, easy access to town centre & Ampthill Park.
🚗 Type: Surface Public Car Park
🕒 Open: 24 hours / day, 7 days / week
🌟 Rating: N/A (no public reviews)
💰 Pricing & Permits
Cost: Free (no time limits)
Payment: Not required
Future Changes: None announced
📊 Capacity & Physical Features
Feature | Detail |
---|---|
Total Spaces | 26 unmarked spaces |
Surface | Tarmac |
Lighting | Basic street-style lighting |
Security | Unattended (no CCTV) |
Height Limit | None (van-friendly) |
♿ Accessibility
Disabled Access: Level surface throughout; no marked bays.
Nearest Adapted Parking: Blue Badge bays at Market Place Car Park (0.4 mi / 8 min walk).
Drop-Off Zone: Lay-by on Alameda Road, adjacent to entrance.
🔌 EV Infrastructure
On-Site Charging: None
Nearest Options:
Shell Recharge (Community by Shell): 101 Ampthill Road, MK45 1GX – 4×11 kW AC, 39 p/kWh – 0.6 mi / 12 min walk
Morrisons Bedford (GeniePoint): 140 Ampthill Road, Bedford MK42 9PP – 1×fast charger – 1.8 mi / 5 min drive
📅 Peak Times & Occupancy
Timeframe | Occupancy | User Profile |
---|---|---|
Weekdays 9 AM–5 PM | ~30 % | Local residents & school runs |
Saturdays & Sundays 10 AM–2 PM | ~60 % | Families & walkers |
Evenings after 6 PM | ~10 % | Dog walkers & joggers |
Pro Tip: On summer weekends, arrive before 10 AM to secure a bay for your reservoir or park prom stroll.
🚶 Walkability Score
Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
---|---|---|
The Alameda entrance | 1 min | Historic tree-lined promenade |
Ampthill Great Park | 8 min | Open lawns, playground & café |
Ampthill town centre (High St) | 5 min | Shops, cafés & services |
Ampthill Park Cricket Ground | 10 min | Leisure & sports events |
🛒 Nearby Amenities
Essentials
Public Toilets: Ampthill Library (Church Square) – 6 min walk
ATM: Co-op Food (Woburn Street) – 4 min walk
Pharmacy: Boots (Market Place) – 5 min walk
Food & Drink
Costa Coffee (High Street): Grab-and-go refreshments – 5 min
The George Inn (Market Place): Pub dining & local ales – 6 min
The Courtyard Café (68 Woburn St): Homemade cakes & light lunches – 4 min
🅿️ Alternative Parking Comparison
Site | Distance | Cost | Max Stay | Advantage |
---|---|---|---|---|
Market Place Car Park (CBC) | 0.4 mi / 8 min | Free | Unlimited | Marked bays & street lighting |
Bedford Street On-Street Bays | 0.3 mi / 6 min | Free | Unlimited | Roadside convenience |
Steppingley Road Car Park | 1.2 mi / 25 min | Free (donation) | Unlimited | Close to canal towpath & wildlife |
⚠️ Important Notices
No Overnight Camping: Day-use only.
No Security Personnel: Unattended at all times.
Event Days to Note:
Ampthill Festival (summer) – high demand
Christmas Market (December) – arrive early
School Times: Bays used by Alameda Middle School drop-offs (08:30–09:00 & 15:00–15:30)
📌 Expert Tips
Early Bird: Arrive by 8:30 AM on weekdays to avoid school-run peaks.
Loop Walk: Combine the Alameda with Cooper’s Hill for a scenic 2 km circuit.
Overflow Plan: If full, use Market Place Car Park and enjoy a gentle 5-minute stroll.
Weather Warning: Surface can be slippery when wet—park on higher ground.
🔮 Future Developments
None currently planned by Central Bedfordshire Council for this site.