🚗 Mill Meadows Car Park – The Definitive Bedford Riverside Parking Guide
Scenic 24/7 parking at Mill Meadows, Bedford – 14 riverside bays on the A5140, perfect for riverside walks, events & quick town centre access.
🚗 Type: Council-Operated Off-Street Surface Lot
🕒 Open: 24 hours, 7 days a week
🌟 Rating: 4.0 / 5 (ParkMe user average)
💰 Pricing & Permits
Cost: Pay-and-display; machines accept coins, debit/credit cards & PayByPhone
Tariff: Displayed on-site (no published online rates)
Blue Badge Holders: Free parking with badge clearly displayed
Enforcement: ANPR monitoring; Penalty Charge Notices for non-payment or overstay
📊 Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | 14 white-lined bays |
| Disabled Bays | None designated (Blue Badges valid) |
| Surface | Hard-standing compacted gravel |
| Lighting | Perimeter floodlights |
| Security | ANPR cameras; occasional CCTV patrols |
| Max Height | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) |
| Operator Contact | Bedford Borough Council, 01234 718 060 |
♿ Accessibility
Level, step-free access from riverside promenade
Wide bays suitable for accessible vehicles
Drop-Off Zone: Short single-yellow curbside adjacent to entrance (observe local signage)
🔌 EV Infrastructure
On-Site Charging: None
Nearest Options:
Bedford Town Centre Car Park (5 min walk): 18× chargers (7 kW & rapid)
Delamere Street Car Park (6 min walk): 4× 7 kW chargers
📅 Peak Times & Occupancy (Estimates)
| Timeframe | Occupancy | User Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays 09:00–11:00 | 70 % | Riverside walkers & commuters |
| Weekdays 12:00–14:00 | 50 % | Lunch-time visitors |
| Weekdays 17:00–19:00 | 60 % | Evening promenaders |
| Weekends 10:00–16:00 | 85 % | Leisure & event attendees |
Pro Tip: During Bedford Kite & Motoring Festival (21–22 June), early arrival is essential—spaces fill by 10 AM.
🚶 Walkability Score
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Bedford Suspension Bridge | 3 min | Riverside photo spot & café access |
| The Embankment Gardens | 5 min | Scenic park & bandstand events |
| Bedford Railway Station | 12 min | Trains to London, Birmingham & beyond |
| Riverside Café (The Longholme) | 2 min | Seasonal menu & river views |
🛒 Nearby Amenities
Essentials
Public toilets: The Embankment (5 min)
ATM: Nationwide (Town Centre, 10 min)
Pharmacy: Boots (Town Centre, 10 min)
Food & Drink
Riverside Café (on-site, seasonal)
The Harvester (0.2 mi) – family dining
The Swan Inn (0.3 mi) – traditional pub fare
🅿️ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance | Cost | Max Stay | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas Street Car Park | 0.3 mi | Free after 3 PM | 10 h | Late-day free parking |
| Queens Street Multi-Storey | 0.4 mi | Up to £4.40 (4 h) | 24 h | Covered, EV chargers |
| Greyfriars Surface Car Park | 0.5 mi | Up to £1.80 (2 h) | 24 h | Central town centre location |
⚠️ Important Notices
Event Days: Bedford Kite & Motoring (June), Music in the Meadows (Sundays in August) draw large crowds—arrive early.
Maintenance: Annual surface grading each February (next: Feb 2026).
Overstay Penalties: Penalty Charge Notices issued via ANPR; appeals through Bedford Parking Services.
📌 Expert Tips
Blue Badge Trick: Valid badge grants free access—display prominently.
Payment Ease: Use PayByPhone to extend remotely if event overruns.
Bay Choice: Park near western edge for quickest exit onto A5140.
🔮 Future Developments
2025: Proposal to add 4 EV bays under Bedford’s Low-Emission Strategy.
2027: Possible expansion to 20 bays and improved lighting as part of riverside enhancement.
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