
Free parking at Millennium Wood & School Lane – perfect for woodland walks, village events & school visits in SG18 9JA.
🚗 Type: Free Public Surface Car Park
🏛️ Jurisdiction: Central Bedfordshire Council
🕒 Open: Dawn–Dusk daily (approx. 06:00–20:00 in summer; 07:00–17:00 in winter)
🌟 Rating: 4.3/5 (visitor feedback)
💰 Pricing & Permits
Cost: Free for all users
Permits: None required
📊 Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Bays | ~20 marked bays |
| Surface | Compacted gravel & tarmac bays |
| Lighting | None—daylight use only |
| Security | Occasional ranger patrols; no CCTV |
| Height Limit | None |
♿ Accessibility
Level Access: Bays nearest School Lane entrance are level, firm surface for pushchairs & wheelchairs
Blue Badge: Holders may park free—no designated bays but choose the flattest spaces
Drop-Off Zone: Informal layby at car park entrance for quick unloading
🔌 EV Infrastructure
On-Site Charging: None
Nearest Options:
Biggleswade Station NCP – 4×7 kW Pod Point units (2.5 mi / 7 min drive)
Sainsbury’s Biggleswade – 2×22 kW chargers (1.8 mi / 5 min drive)
📅 Peak Times & Occupancy
| Timeframe | Occupancy | Typical Users |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday Mornings | ~25 % | Dog walkers & school drop-offs |
| Weekday Afternoons | ~20 % | School pick-ups & local errands |
| Weekends (10–14 h) | ~60 % | Woodland walkers & families |
| Evenings (pre-close) | ~10 % | Sunset photographers |
Pro Tip: Arrive before 10 AM on weekends to secure a bay near the wood entrance.
🚶 Walkability Score
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Millennium Wood Trailhead | On-site | Waymarked woodland circuits |
| Southill Village Green | 2 min | Playground & picnic benches |
| Village Hall & Café | 3 min | Refreshments & public toilets |
| Southill Church of St Mary | 5 min | Historic church & community events |
⚠️ Important Notices
Overnight Parking: Not permitted—site closes at dusk
Surface Warning: Gravel may rut after rain; park centrally to avoid puddles
Event Days: Village fêtes may use overflow field parking—follow signage
📌 Expert Tips
Picnic Hack: Park here and follow the short trail to a secluded glade for a peaceful picnic.
Badge Ease: Blue Badge holders enjoy level bays—no need for marked spaces.
Cycle & Explore: Secure bikes at the rack by the trailhead before your woodland ride.
🔮 Future Developments
2025: Council exploring installation of wayfinding signage and trail information boards.
2026+: Feasibility study for a solar-powered EV charging pod at the nearby Village Hall car park.