Let’s first talk about Worcester and then, we will explore the best parking spots there, both free and paid.
Worcester, on the banks of the River Severn, is a city steeped in history as well as its own legendary “Worcestershire Sauce.” The cathedral from the ninth century gives it full city status, and it has a population of 101,000 people on average. It’s only 35 miles south-west of Birmingham Airport and 27 miles straight north of Gloucester.
The battle of Worcester, fought on September 3, 1651, determined the outcome of the English Civil War. It was here that the vastly outnumbered royalist forces, mostly of Scottish origin, met their demise at the hands of Oliver Cromwell’s 28,000-strong ‘New Model Army.’
Worcester Cathedral is a popular tourist destination, and its crypt dates from the 10th century. Its construction began in 1084, making it nearly 1,000 years old. You can also visit King John’s tomb, which was buried in 1216, and see some truly breathtaking architecture, as with all cathedrals from that time period. It is possible to listen to organ recitals and attend sermons for free, and admission is always free. Why not stop in their cafe for a scone and a cream tea, and please feel free to donate to the cathedral’s maintenance fund?
Only a few minutes’ walk from the cathedral, there are many lovely places to eat along the river, such as the Diglis House Hotel or Gheluvelt Park, which has a beautiful lake, bridges, and bandstand right in the heart of Worcester.
Worcester also has the £60,000,000 Hive Library and History Centre, which was inaugurated in 2012 by Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh. It has some truly unique modern architecture and is open to the public for free. There is free internet access, 250 public computers, a café, numerous study areas, and a large children’s library. Students at the University of Worcester are extremely fortunate to have such a wonderful facility so close to the cathedral. If you’re a history student or even remotely interested in British history, this informative, well-designed interactive space should be at the top of your list. Visiting the Hive is more of an adventure than a tourist attraction.
The Malvern Hills are only a 20-minute drive west towards Wales, and there are some really lovely walks to be had there. There are also the ruins of an iron age fort and a beautiful lake. If you are in Worcester, you should definitely consider going there. The views from the top are breathtaking.
Worcester is underrated and well worth visiting, but it is not particularly popular with tourists, attracting only 213,000 visitors per year. Parking is not difficult, but there are not many free residential options. Fortunately for you, we have discovered and listed all of them, as well as all paid and free overnight options, so keep reading to save time and money.
Important Note:
While UKFreeParking.com takes every step to ensure that the parking information provided is accurate at the time of writing, local ordinances, parking availability, parking prices, and parking regulations change with time.
UKFreeParking.com accepts no responsibility for any fines or tickets received as a result of using our website.
Please ensure that you park your vehicle safely and responsibly every time, making sure to adhere to local parking rules, signs, and regulations.
Parking in Worcester
Free, unrestricted residential street parking
Be wise, save money, and take advantage of free residential street parking. There is nothing wrong with it, and if you know where to look, you can find the quickest parking spot in relation to your destination. The distances from the following addresses are to the High Street Market, which is only a short distance from Worcester Cathedral. We’ve covered the city’s east, south, and west sides, as well as some recommendations for interesting things to see and do along the way.
Using free unrestricted residential street parking obviously requires you to act like a local resident, i.e. no loud noises, park respectfully, and keep an eye out for any warning signs from the locals, or any new parking restriction signs that may have been enforced. If you are concerned about break-ins, general parking or road safety, paying for parking will provide you with security guarantees. It is entirely up to you whether or not to park on a residential street.
Free Overnight Streetside Parking
On Sundays, there is no free parking anywhere, and the time limits for streetside options and car parks aren’t great – between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. Make sure you leave before the traffic wardens arrive, or buy a parking ticket at the meter. The following are a few street parking options in the town center.
- College Precincts WR1 2LG – 0.2 miles
- Silver Street Car Park WR1 2PL – 0.3 miles
- Severn Street WR1 2NE – 0.4 miles
East
If you’re coming from the north-east, such as Coventry or Birmingham, there are a few parking options listed below. Take a short detour to the Perry Wood Nature Reserve before continuing west, crossing the train tracks on your way to the river. You’ll pass the canal, where you can stop for some upscale fish and chips at Mother Hubbard’s Fish & Chips.
- Carden Street WR1 2AT – 0.2 miles
- Hamilton Road WR5 1AG – 0.2 miles
- Stanley Road WR5 1BB – 0.6 miles
- Wyld’s Lane WR5 1DX – 0.7 miles
- Medway Road WR5 1 SB – 1 mile
- Mersey Road WR5 1LP – 1.1 miles
South
Driving up from Gloucester or Cheltenham will take you right past Cheeky Monkey’s play centre, where your children can burn off some energy. You can find peace and quiet by strolling through Battenhall Park or Fort Royal Park, which has a spectacular view of the cathedral. We recommend avoiding the roads entirely and instead taking a leisurely stroll down the canal towpath towards the city center.
- Woolhope Road WR5 2AS – 0.7 miles
- The Hill Avenue WR5 2AN – 0.7 miles
- Athelstan Road WR5 2BW – 0.7 miles
- Timberdine Avenue WR5 2BD – 1 mile
- Battenhall Road WR5 2DB – 1 mile
West
If you’re driving in from the west on the A44, from Hereford, or from Wales, consider stopping at the Laugherne Brook nature reserve. Only two residential streets had free parking, but they are only a 30-minute walk from the cathedral. You could also walk through Cripplegate Park on your way to the main river bridge. Parking in the south or east is preferable to parking in the west because it is more scenic and closer to the center.
- Knight Street WR2 5DF – 1 mile
- Laugherne Road WR2 5LY – 1.3 miles
Cheapest Paid Car Parks
Here is a full list of the best and cheapest car parks, run by Worcester city council. They are free from 9pm until 7am.
- Croft Road Car Park WR1 3NZ – £1.20 for 2 hours
- Tallow Hill Car Park WR5 1BL – £1.20 for 2 hours
- Pitchcroft Car Park WR2 2WD – £1.20 for 2 hours
- Clare Street Car Park WR1 2AT – £1.80 for 2 hours
- St Martins Gate Car Park WR1 2BS – £1.80 for 2 hours
- Newport Street Car Park WR1 3NG – £1.80 for 2 hours
- King Street (Sidbury) Car Park WR1 2NX – £1.80 for 2 hours
- Cattle Market Car Park WR1 3NZ – £1.80 for 2 hours
- Commandery Road Car Park WR1 2HY – £1.20 for 2 hours
Free short-term parking (2h or less)
If you only need a few hours or less, you can use these commercial parking lots, but make sure you leave before your time runs out to avoid penalties.
- Hylton Road Retail Park Parking WR2 5JW
- Sainsbury’s Swanpool Walk WR2 4BF
- Tesco St Peters Parking WR5 3SQ
- Sainsbury’s Windermere Drive WR4 9JN
- Tesco Warndon Car Park WR4 0PA
- Blackpole Retail Park WR3 8PQ