Free, all-day parking off Court Lane – perfect for village visits, church services & countryside walks. Easy access to the John Bunyan Trail.
🚗 Type: Free Public Car Park
🏛️ Council Jurisdiction: Bedford Borough Council
🕒 Open: 24/7 (unrestricted access)
🌟 Rating: 4.3/5 (local user feedback)
💰 Pricing & Permits
Cost: Free for all users
Payment: Not required
Permits: None required
Future Changes: No plans for charging; council monitoring village parking usage
📊 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) |
♿ 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
🔌 EV Infrastructure
On-Site Charging: None
Nearest Options:
Sainsbury’s Oakley (3×7 kW Pod Point; 3.5 miles)
Bedford Station (4×50 kW rapid chargers; 5 miles)
📅 Peak Times & Occupancy
Timeframe | Typical Occupancy | User Profile |
---|---|---|
Weekday Mornings | ~20% | Dog walkers, churchgoers |
Weekday Afternoons | ~15% | Village visitors |
Weekends (10–14:00) | ~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.
🚶 Walkability Score
Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
---|---|---|
St Mary’s 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 |
🛒 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) – homemade cakes & tea
Royal George (3 min walk) – pub food & weekend roasts
🅿️ Alternative Parking Comparison
Site | Distance | Cost | Max Stay | Advantage |
---|---|---|---|---|
On-Street Court Lane Bays | Adjacent | Free | 4 h limit | Closer to village amenities |
Oakley Sainsbury’s Car Park | 3.5 miles (7 min) | £1.50/hr; £6/day | 24 h | EV charging & covered bays |
Bedford Station Multi-Storey | 5 miles (12 min) | £10/day | 24 h | Secure, CCTV, rapid EV chargers |
⚠️ 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
📌 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.
🔮 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).