๐ Church Lodge Car Park โ Your Gateway to Ashton Court & The Festival Way
Affordable parking at Church Lodge (BS41 9LX) for Ashton Court Estate. Perfect for mountain bikers, deer park walkers, and commuters using the Festival Way cycle path. Access Bristol's best green space from just ยฃ1.
๐ Type: Public Pay & Display (Bristol City Council)
๐ Open: 8:00 AM โ Dusk (Charges apply from 10:00 AM)
๐ Rating: 4.4/5 (Google Reviews)
๐ฐ Pricing & Permits
Cost: * Up to 1 hour: ยฃ1.00
- Up to 2 hours: ยฃ2.00
- Up to 5 hours: ยฃ3.00
- Over 5 hours: ยฃ1.00 per additional hour
Payment: Pay & Display machines (coins) or via the RingGo app.
Pro Tip: Charges at Church Lodge donโt actually kick in until 10:00 AM, so if you’re an early bird dog walker finishing before then, itโs often free!
๐ Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
| Total Spaces | ~80 bays (Often busy on weekends) |
| Surface | Mostly tarmac with some gravel overflow |
| Lighting | Very limited; best used during daylight |
| Security | Open access; safe but remote (don’t leave valuables on display) |
| Height Limit | No height barrier (Great for high-top vans) |
โฟ Accessibility
Disabled Access: Generally level tarmac surface, though the park trails beyond can be hilly and unpaved.
Designated Bays: 10 dedicated disabled bays located right by the estate entrance.
Blue Badge Policy: Free parking for Blue Badge holders (no time limit).
๐ EV Infrastructure
On-Site Charging: None in the council lot itself.
Nearest Options:
- The Ashton Pub (next door): 50kW Rapid Chargers (CCS/CHAdeMO).
- Long Ashton Park & Ride (0.7 mi): Multiple 7kW and 22kW Revive chargers.
๐ Peak Times & Occupancy
Live Demand Patterns
| Timeframe | Occupancy | User Profile |
| Weekdays 8-10 AM | 40% | Early walkers & Cyclists |
| Weekdays 12-2 PM | 60% | Lunch breakers |
| Saturdays 10 AM-3 PM | 100% | Families & MTB riders |
| Sundays (All Day) | 100% | High demand; arrive early! |
๐ถ Walkability Score
| Destination | Walk/Cycle Time | Key Benefit |
| The Ashton Pub | 1-min | Post-walk roast or pint |
| Deer Park Viewpoint | 8-min walk | See the estate’s famous Red Deer |
| Ashton Court Mansion | 15-min walk | Cafe, toilets, and history |
| Bristol City Centre | 15-min cycle | Via the flat “Festival Way” (Route 33) |
๐ Nearby Amenities
Essentials
- Public Toilets: Located at the Mansion House / Courtyard Cafe (15-min walk/5-min cycle).
- ATM: Post Office in Long Ashton village (12-min walk).
- Refreshments: The Ashton pub is literally next door for a sit-down meal.
Outdoor Extras
- MTB Trails: Direct access to the Nova and Super Nova mountain bike loops.
- Picnic Area: Plenty of benches and grass space immediately inside the gate.
๐ ฟ๏ธ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance | Cost | Max Stay | Advantage |
| Mansion House Lot | 1.2 mi | Same | Dusk | Closer to the Cafe/Toilets |
| Clifton Lodge | 1.8 mi | Slightly more | Dusk | Best for the Golf Course |
| Long Ashton P&R | 0.7 mi | Free* | 24h | *Free if using the bus/cycle |
โ ๏ธ Important Notices
Balloon Fiesta: Avoid this car park entirely during the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta (August). It is often closed to the public or reserved for permit holders.
Clean Air Zone (CAZ): Church Lodge is outside the Bristol CAZ, making it a brilliant “park and cycle” spot for those with non-compliant cars heading into the city.
๐ Expert Tips
- The Pub Shortcut: If you’re planning on eating at The Ashton, they have their own private car park which is free for patronsโjust make sure to register your plate inside!
- Cyclist’s Dream: This is the best starting point for the Festival Way (Route 33). Itโs a completely flat, paved path all the way to the Harbourside.
- Winter Warning: The gravel overflow area can get a bit “soupy” after heavy rain. Stick to the tarmac bays if you’re in a smaller car.
๐ฎ Future Developments
- 2026: Proposed expansion of the mountain bike skills area nearby may increase weekend demand.
- 2027: Consultation on installing solar-powered LED lighting for the main bays.
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