🚗 Fairycroft Road Car Park – The Complete Saffron Walden CB10 1FJ Guide
Convenient short-stay parking on Fairycroft Road – free 2 h, pay-to-stay thereafter, Blue Badge bays & steps from the town’s shops, museum & bus links.
🚗 Overview
Type: Surface Pay-&-Display / Free Short-Stay Car Park (Managed by Uttlesford District Council)
Open: 08:00 – 18:00 Mon–Sat; free outside these hours and all day Sunday & bank holidays
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.0/5 (local user feedback)
💰 Tariffs & Permits
| Duration | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First 2 hours | Free | No ticket required |
| 2–4 hours | £1.00 per hour | Pay-&-Display at machine or via RingGo app |
| Over 4 hours | £5.00 daily cap | Flat rate covers 08:00–18:00 period |
| Blue Badge Holders | Free up to 3 h | Display badge + time clock; no fee |
| Return Restriction | No return within 1 h of exit during chargeable hours |
-
Payment Methods: Coins, card/contactless at machine, RingGo (location code displayed)
-
Overstay Penalty: Penalty Charge Notice issued for time beyond paid or free period
📊 Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Bays | Approx. 60 marked bays |
| Disabled Bays | 4 bays nearest Elm Grove entrance |
| Surface | Tarmac with painted bay markings |
| Lighting | Low-level LED bollards along perimeter |
| Security | Occasional council patrols; no permanent CCTV |
| Height Limit | None (suitable for cars and small vans) |
♿ Accessibility
-
Blue Badge Bays: 4 designated bays; free up to 3 h
-
Drop-off Zone: 10-minute pull-in beside ticket machine
-
Pedestrian Access: Flush kerbs to pavement; level route to town centre
🔌 EV Infrastructure
-
On-Site Charging: None
-
Nearest Options:
-
Saffron Walden Station Car Park (2×7 kW Pod Point) – 8 min walk
-
Tesco Saffron Walden (4×7 kW Pod Point) – 5 min drive
-
📅 Peak Times & Occupancy
| Timeframe | Approx. Occupancy | Typical Users |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays 09:00–11:00 | 90 % | Commuters & morning shoppers |
| Weekdays 12:00–14:00 | 70 % | Lunchtime visitors & café goers |
| Weekdays 16:00–18:00 | 80 % | Evening errands & museum visits |
| Saturdays 10:00–14:00 | 95 % | Market & town-centre shoppers |
Pro Tip: Use the free 2 h for quick errands; if you need longer, switch to a Day Permit at machine to cap at £5.
🚶 Walkability & Connections
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Saffron Walden Market Square | 4 min | Shops, cafés, weekly market |
| Fry Art Gallery | 3 min | Free contemporary art exhibitions |
| Saffron Walden Museum | 6 min | Local history & heritage |
| Bus Stop (Elm Grove) | 1 min | Frequent routes to Cambridge & surrounding villages |
🛒 Nearby Amenities
-
ATM: HSBC & Barclays on High Street (5 min walk)
-
Pharmacy: Boots (Market Street, 4 min)
-
Food & Drink:
-
Wild Lime Café (2 min)
-
The Sun Inn (4 min)
-
-
Public Toilets: Market Square facilities (fee applies)
🅿️ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance | Cost | Max Stay | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saffron Walden Station Car Park | 0.4 mi | £3.00/day | 24 h | Pod Point EV charging & rail access |
| Tesco Superstore Car Park | 0.8 mi | Free (3 h max) | 3 h | Free short-stay + EV chargers |
| On-Street Bays (Audley Rd Zone) | Adjacent | £1.00/hr (2 h max) | 2 h | Cheaper for quick visits |
⚠️ Important Notices
-
Enforcement: Civil enforcement officers patrol 08:00–18:00 Mon–Sat; PCNs for overstays.
-
Machine Hours: Car park unmonitored outside 08:00–18:00 but bays remain marked.
-
Return Rule: No return within 1 h to discourage bay-hopping.
📌 Expert Tips
-
Market Days: For Wednesday/Saturday markets, arrive before 09:00 for best bay selection.
-
Blue Badge Hack: Display badge + time clock and use RingGo’s “Blue Badge” option to streamline exit.
-
EV Drivers: Top up at Station Car Park while you catch a train or explore the town.
🔮 Future Developments
-
2025: Uttlesford Council exploring installation of 4 EV chargers and solar-powered lighting.
-
2026: Proposal under consultation to add CCTV coverage and expand bay count by 10%.
Own or work here?
Claim Now!
Claim Now!
