
Free, all-day parking off Court Lane โ perfect for village visits, church services & countryside walks. Easy access to the John Bunyan Trail.
๐ Type: Free Public Car Park
๐๏ธ Council Jurisdiction: Bedford Borough Council
๐ Open: 24/7 (unrestricted access)
๐ Rating: 4.3/5 (local user feedback)
๐ฐ Pricing & Permits
Cost: Free for all users
Payment: Not required
Permits: None required
Future Changes: No plans for charging; council monitoring village parking usage
๐ Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | Approx. 20 marked bays |
| Surface | Gravel & compacted stone; prone to mud when wet |
| Lighting | None (daylight use only) |
| Security | None (park at own risk) |
| Height Limit | None (van-friendly; no barrier) |
โฟ Accessibility
Disabled Access: Level gravel surface but no designated Blue Badge bays
Nearest Adapted Parking: Bedford Town Centre multi-storeys (10 min drive)
Drop-Off Zone: Layby on Court Lane directly outside entrance
๐ EV Infrastructure
On-Site Charging: None
Nearest Options:
Sainsburyโs Oakley (3ร7 kW Pod Point; 3.5 miles)
Bedford Station (4ร50 kW rapid chargers; 5 miles)
๐ Peak Times & Occupancy
| Timeframe | Typical Occupancy | User Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday Mornings | ~20% | Dog walkers, churchgoers |
| Weekday Afternoons | ~15% | Village visitors |
| Weekends (10โ14:00) | ~70% | Walkers, families |
| Evenings (pre-dusk) | ~10% | Sunset photographers |
Pro Tip: Arrive before 10 AM on weekends to secure a bay; eastern end fills first.
๐ถ Walkability Score
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| St Maryโs Church | 2 min | Historic parish church |
| Royal George Pub | 3 min | Traditional village inn |
| John Bunyan Trail (footpath) | On-site | Access to countryside walking routes |
| Turvey Village via Pictshill | 4.5 miles | Extended 4.5-mile rural circular route |
๐ Nearby Amenities
Public Toilets: Village Hall (open during events)
ATM: Post Office, Silver Street (5 min walk)
Pharmacy: Bromham Road Surgery (2.5 miles)
Food & Drink:
Stevington Tearoom (village green) โ homemade cakes & tea
Royal George (3 min walk) โ pub food & weekend roasts
๐ ฟ๏ธ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance | Cost | Max Stay | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| On-Street Court Lane Bays | Adjacent | Free | 4 h limit | Closer to village amenities |
| Oakley Sainsburyโs Car Park | 3.5 miles (7 min) | ยฃ1.50/hr; ยฃ6/day | 24 h | EV charging & covered bays |
| Bedford Station Multi-Storey | 5 miles (12 min) | ยฃ10/day | 24 h | Secure, CCTV, rapid EV chargers |
โ ๏ธ Important Notices
Overnight Parking: Prohibited by village bylaws; signage enforced
Event Days: Full occupancy during village fairs & church festivals
Surface Warning: Be cautious after rain; carry appropriate footwear
๐ Expert Tips
Walk & Save: Park here and walk the John Bunyan Trail starting point without driving to Turvey.
Quiet Evenings: Use for sunset photography when nearby spots clear out by 5 PM.
Village Market Hack: Combine with Silver Street market visits on first Saturdays for local produce.
๐ฎ Future Developments
2025: Council reviewing village parking demand; no imminent changes for Court Lane car park.
2026+: Potential inclusion in wider EV charge point rollout (subject to demand).