Free Parking in Stratford-upon-Avon in 2025 with Google Map Marking

Let’s first talk about Stratford-upon-Avon and then, we will explore the best parking spots there, both free and paid.

The merry old market town of Stratford-upon-Avon, also known as Stratford, is located on the edge of the Cotswolds in Warwickshire county. When you hear that name, what comes to mind first? Of course, it will almost certainly be William Shakespeare’s home or the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Stratford is a small town with a population of only 30,000, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. Stratford is home to many notable people, including Shakespeare, actor Simon Peg from Hot Fuzz, and actor David Bradley, who played Argus Filch in the Harry Potter films. You may even catch a glimpse of world-renowned celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, who also lives there.

If you visit Stratford, you must visit Shakespeare’s birthplace and school, as well as see a play at one of the town’s five theatres. To avoid disappointment, book your tickets in advance.

In addition to its importance in the performing arts, Stratford is home to the UK’s largest tropical butterfly farm, which has several large greenhouses heated to 27 degrees Celsius. Its tropical humidity creates an ideal environment for butterflies. It’s ideal for families and nature lovers. There’s also a great kids playground next to the butterfly farm, a mini golf course, and the tranquil river Avon, which occasionally sees a narrow boat glide down it.

Across the river stands the magnificent 14th-century Holy Trinity Church. It was where Shakespeare was baptized, married, and buried, and it has some truly stunning stained glass windows. It’s definitely worth checking out.

Don’t worry if you’re not into churches, butterflies, or Shakespeare plays. You can skip all of that and instead visit the truly bizarre Mad Museum, which features ‘kinetic art.’ It’s an unusual blend of science, technology, and creativity, and it’s the only permanent venue of its kind in the UK. There are plenty of lovely restaurants, boat trips, cafes, and bars to keep you entertained in Stratford.

Stratford welcomes 2.7 million tourists each year, but the parking situation isn’t as bad as you might think. To save you time searching for free or paid parking, we have compiled a comprehensive list of all available options. You can save yourself up to £10 per day, as well as the stress.

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.

Free Parking in Stratford-upon-Avon

Free, unrestricted residential street parking

You can pay for parking in Stratford, but there are several very convenient free options listed below. These addresses contain postcodes and distances from Shakespeare’s birthplace. You will not receive any parking tickets and will save some money on parking meters. We’ve covered the city’s three key areas.

Parking on residential streets necessitates adhering to any specific street parking rules governing entrances, gateways, and not blocking anyone’s car by parking too close to it. Of course, you shouldn’t blast music from your car stereo while parking or engage in loud conversations at night. Make sure there are no double yellow lines, and remember that parking on a residential street is at your own risk.

North

If you are heading south from Coventry or Birmingham, you will come across some very convenient residential parking lots that are only a 5 or 10-minute walk from the centre. From the north, you will pass the Maybird Shopping Park and the Hospittle. Why not stop by The Old Thatch Tavern for a quick bite to eat? Stratford has a lovely old feel to it, and the walk to the centre is quite pleasant.

• Blue Cap Road CV37 6TQ – 0.8 miles
• Justins Avenue CV37 0DE – 0.8 miles
• Blackthorn Road CV37 6TD – 0.8 miles
• Jolyffe Park Rd CV37 6SX – 0.6 miles
• Wharf Road CV37 0AD (light commercial street) – 0.4 miles
• Maybrook Road CV37 0BT – (light commercial street) – 0.4 miles

East

If you are coming from the east, perhaps from Northampton or London from the south, these addresses will take you very close to the Recreation Ground. If you want to cross the river to see the Holy Trinity Church up close, there is a small pedestrian bridge next to the road bridge called Lucy Mill’s Bridge that provides a great photo opportunity.

• Beech Close CV37 7EA – 0.6 miles
• Keats Road CV37 3JL – 0.8 miles
• Bridgetown Road CV37 7JH– 0.8 miles
• Shelley Road CV37 7JR– 0.8 miles

West

If you are driving in from Worcester in the west, you will have plenty of time to see the New Palace Gardens and Holy Trinity Church. We strongly advise taking a shortcut through the Shottery Fields Play Area on your way to the River. You will see many old Tudor-style houses and get a sense of the town’s history.

• Hathaway Green Lane CV37 9HX – 1.5 miles
• East Green Drive CV37 9HT – 1.5 miles
• Saint Andrew’s Crescent CV37 9QL – 0.4 miles
• Drayton Avenue CV37 9PB – 1 mile
• Willows Drive North V37 9NH (light commercial street) – 0.4 miles

Free short-term parking (2h or less)

Are you planning a quick trip to take a selfie outside one of Shakespeare’s old haunts? Why not try one of these commercial options? Keep in mind that you can only park for two hours to avoid getting a ticket.

• Maybird Shopping Park CV37 0HZ
• Tesco Superstore CV37 0UA
• Morrisons Car Park CV37 9BU

Overnight/Weekend/Sunday Parking

If you want to park for free overnight or on Sundays, these curb-side spaces are available. To avoid parking tickets, make sure to pay and display if you park there outside of the free parking times.

• High Street CV37 8EA – 0.1 miles
• Sheep Street CV37 6EE – 0.2 miles
• Ely Street CV37 6LN – 0.1 miles    
• Church Street CV37 6HP– 0.3 miles
• Rother Street CV37 6ND – 0.1 miles

Cheapest Paid Car Parks

Not everyone is trying to save money, and some people may prefer an extra layer of security for their vehicle. Paid parking in Stratford costs between £4 and £9 per day on average. Here’s a brief summary of all of your options:

• Free Car Park Stratford CV37 7BD – Free, 1-mile walk to city centre
• Rosebird Centre CV37 7LR – £1.00 for 2 hours
• Stratford Marina Car Park CV37 6YR – £1.50 for 2 hours
• Grove House CV37 6LA – £2.00 for 2 hours
• Rother Street Arthouse Carpark CV37 6PF – £2.00 for 2 hours
• Stratford Market Car Park CV37 6LT – £2.00 for 2 hours
• Bridgeway Multi Storey Car Park 6YX– £2.40 for 2 hours
• Swans Nest Lane Car Park CV37 7LS – £2.40 for 2 hours
• Arden Street Car Park 6NW – £2.40 for 2 hours

Free and Paid Parking Near Popular Stratford-upon-Avon Locations

Free & paid parking near Shakespeare’s Birthplace

Free & paid parking near Stratford Butterfly Farm

Free & paid parking near Holy Trinity Church