🚗 Downside House Farm Parking – The Complete Bristol Airport Off-Site Guide, Backwell, Bristol BS48 3DQ
Budget Bristol Airport parking with shuttle service. Pre-book for huge savings, but be aware of the mandatory key-keeping policy and mixed customer reviews.
🚗 Type: Private Off-Airport Park & Ride 🕒 Open: 24/7 (Pre-booked access only)
🌟 Rating: 4.5/5 (Based on aggregated booking site reviews)
💰 Pricing & Permits Cost: Dynamic pricing via pre-booking. Significantly cheaper than official airport parking, often cited as a third of the on-site cost.
Payment: Online in advance via third-party platforms like JustPark or YourParkingSpace.
Permits: Not required; booking confirmation acts as permit.
📊 Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
| Total Spaces | ~150 (unmarked) |
| Surface | Sealed gravel |
| Lighting | Solar-powered LED bollards on pedestrian routes (dusk to midnight); customer reviews note the area can be very dark at night. |
| Security | Advertised: Automated PIN-access barrier, CCTV, and gated area. Reality: A de facto valet service with mandatory key-keeping. |
| Height Limit | None specified (van-friendly, unlike the official airport multi-storey). |
♿ Accessibility Disabled Access: The initial report mentioned six accessible bays near the shuttle area. However, the walk to the airport is noted by users as unsafe for pedestrians, with no pavement in sections, making it unsuitable for those with mobility issues.
Nearest Adapted Parking: Official Bristol Airport Short Stay Car Park has dedicated blue badge bays and an on-demand shuttle bus.
Drop-Off Zone: Customers drop vehicles at the entrance for staff to park as part of the valet-style service.
🔌 EV Infrastructure On-Site Charging: None available.
Nearest Options:
- Scotch Horn Leisure Centre (BS48 1BZ): 1 fast device (2 connectors).
- 1 The High Street, Backwell (BS48 1BS): 1 slow device (2 connectors).
- Note: Availability can be checked on apps like Zap-Map.
📅 Peak Times & Occupancy Live demand data is not available. However, as the car park serves Bristol Airport, occupancy is tied to flight schedules and holiday periods. Customer reviews indicate a risk of overbooking, with some arriving to find the car park full. Booking is essential.
🚶 Walkability Score
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Note |
| Bristol Airport Terminal | 10-15 mins | Route involves sections with no pavement on a busy road, described as “incredibly dangerous” by users, especially at night or with children. |
| Backwell Village Centre | ~5 mins | Access to local shops and cafes before a flight. |
🛒 Nearby Amenities Essentials: Public toilets, ATMs, and pharmacies are available inside the Bristol Airport terminal (10-15 min walk). Food Options: A range of cafes and shops are available in Backwell village centre (~5 min walk) and inside the airport terminal.
🅿️ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance | Cost | Max Stay | Advantage |
| Official Silver Zone | 15-min shuttle | Medium (£108/15 days) | 3+ days | Official, secure, airport-branded. |
| Official Multi-Storey | 3-10 min walk | High (£60/day gate price) | 3-8 days | Closest self-park, keep your keys. |
| Old Farm Parking | On-demand shuttle | Low-Medium (from £80/8 days) | Not specified | Manned site, cars not moved off-site. |
| JustPark Private Driveways | Varies (walk or taxi) | Lowest (from ~£4.90/day) | Varies | Cheapest option, often can keep keys. |
⚠️ Important Notices
- MANDATORY KEY-KEEPING: This operates as a valet service. You are required to leave your car keys for staff to move your vehicle. This is not always clearly advertised.
- VEHICLE MISUSE ALLEGATIONS: Multiple customer reviews allege that vehicles have been moved off-site, driven for significant unauthorized mileage, and returned damaged or dirty.
- PEDESTRIAN SAFETY HAZARD: The walk to the airport involves sections on a busy road with no pavement, which is frequently reported as dangerous by users.
- OPERATING HOURS: Some users have reported unadvertised gate locking times (e.g., 7 PM), risking being unable to drop off vehicles.
📌 Expert Tips
- Clarify Key Policy: Before booking, assume you MUST leave your keys. If you are not comfortable with this, choose an alternative car park.
- Document Your Vehicle: Take time-stamped photos of your car’s exterior, interior, and odometer reading upon arrival as a precaution.
- Avoid Walking at Night: If arriving or departing in darkness, do not walk. Pre-book a local taxi, as ride-sharing services can be unreliable.
- Confirm Access Times: If arriving late, contact the operator directly via the booking platform to confirm gate access times to avoid being locked out.
🔮 Future Developments None have been officially announced. The business faces significant strategic challenges regarding its operational model and brand reputation.
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