Church Lodge Car Park – Your Gateway to Ashton Court & The Festival Way

? Type: Public Pay & Display (Bristol City Council)

? Open: 8:00 AM – Dusk (Charges apply from 10:00 AM)

? Rating: 4.4/5 (Google Reviews)

? Pricing & Permits

Cost: * Up to 1 hour: £1.00

• Up to 2 hours: £2.00
• Up to 5 hours: £3.00
• Over 5 hours: £1.00 per additional hour

Payment: Pay & Display machines (coins) or via the RingGo app.

Pro Tip: Charges at Church Lodge don’t actually kick in until 10:00 AM, so if you’re an early bird dog walker finishing before then, it’s often free!

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? 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)

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♿ 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).

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? 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.

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? 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!

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? 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)

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? 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.

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?️ 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

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⚠️ 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.

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? 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 patrons—just make sure to register your plate inside!
• Cyclist’s Dream: This is the best starting point for the Festival Way (Route 33). It’s 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.

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? 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.