Let’s first talk about Canterbury and then, we will explore the best parking spots there, both free and paid.
Canterbury is a walled cathedral city in Kent and a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the River Stour. Occupied since the Palaeolithic era, the city has a long and illustrious history that includes Viking sieges, William the Conqueror’s 1066 invasion, the plague, and the Peasants’ Revolt.
Canterbury has produced many saints. This, along with Thomas Becket’s martyrdom and Canterbury’s status as the home of the titular Archbishop, make Canterbury an important Christian city. Many Christians make pilgrimages to Becket’s shrine, and it was this pilgrimage that inspired Chaucer’s famous Canterbury Tales.
Canterbury has a long history of trading in silk, hops, and wheat. The Canterbury & Whitstable Passenger Railway was the world’s first, and the city is also home to the world’s oldest still-operating school (King’s School, which has been in operation since AD 597).
Heavy bombing during WWII leveled much of the city, but there are still many historical buildings to see today. Several half-timbered houses from the 16th and 17th centuries still stand, including the famous Crooked House on Palace Street. Other notable structures include the Gothic-style Canterbury Cathedral and Canterbury Castle, a stone structure dating back to the 1200s that replaced William the Conqueror’s original wooden motte-and-bailey castle. There are also the ruins of St Augustine’s Abbey and the 14th-century reconstruction of the Roman city wall.
Canterbury’s history is well documented in its many museums, including the Roman museum and the Westgate Jail museum, and can be seen throughout the city.
Canterbury now has a population of slightly more than 55,000 people. However, it is one of the most visited cities in the UK, with approximately 7.8 million visitors per year. A large student population from the city’s four universities – the University of Kent, Canterbury Christ Church University, the University for the Creative Arts, and the Girne American University Canterbury campus – adds to the city’s population.
Canterbury is also well-represented in the arts. Canterbury’s main theatre is named after the playwright Christopher Marlowe, who was born there. The annual Canterbury Festival is an international arts festival that features music, dance, theater, comedy, and other performances. Many orchestras and choirs are based in the city, and the Canterbury Sound music genre was born there.
It’s no surprise that Canterbury is a popular tourist destination, given its rich history and thriving arts scene. This can make parking difficult, especially when you consider the ancient city walls and narrow streets of the city center. On this page, we’ve compiled a list of all of the free and low-cost parking options for your visit to this wonderful city.
Please scroll down to find the perfect parking spot for you.
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.
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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 Canterbury
Free Car Parks in Canterbury
- Sainsbury’s, Kingsmead Road CT1 1BW – customers only, maximum 2 hours
- Victoria Recreation Ground CT2 8PZ – maximum 2 hours
- Dunelm, Wincheap Road CT1 3TT – customers only, maximum 2 hours
- Morrisons, Ten Perch Road CT1 3TQ – customers only, maximum 2 hours
- B&Q Sturry Road CT1 1FX – customers only, maximum 2 hours
Residential Streets
Finding unrestricted residential streets is one of the best parking options in any city. It is fine to leave your car on the street as long as you follow the usual on-street parking rules (though you do so at your own risk). Keep noise to a minimum, avoid blocking entrances or driveways, and remember to check for parking restriction signs before leaving. In the list below, we’ve organized the available residential streets by cardinal direction from the city center, including postcodes and walking distances.
North
Parking north of Canterbury brings you closer to the University of Kent and the Blean Woods National Nature Reserve. The walk to the city center passes through Canterbury West train station and the Westgate. This route will also take you across the Great Stour River.
- St Stephens Road CT2 7HU – 0.5 miles
- Forty Acres Road CT2 7HJ – 0.6 miles
- Pine Tree Avenue CT2 7TD – 0.8 miles
- Dextor Close CT2 7JB – 0.8 miles
- Market Way CT2 7JG – 0.8 miles
- Foxdown Close CT2 7RR – 0.9 miles
- Willow Close CT2 7PS – 1 mile
- Cadnam Close CT2 7SD – 1 mile
- The Terrace CT2 7AJ – 1.1 miles
- Manwood Avenue CT2 7AE – 1.1 miles
- Moorfield CT2 7AN – 1.2 miles
- The Crescent CT2 7AQ – 1.2 miles
- Ulcombe Gardens CT2 7QY – 1.3 miles
- South Street CT1 1EB – 1.3 miles
- Tenterden Drive CT2 7BH – 1.3 miles
- Downs Road CT2 7AY – 1.3 miles
- Headcorn Drive CT2 7TR – 1.4 miles
- Uplands CT2 7BL – 1.4 miles
- The Close CT2 7NS – 1.4 miles
- Highfield Close CT2 9DX – 1.6 miles
- Rough Common Road CT2 9DL – 1.7 miles
- Oaks Park CT2 9DP – 1.8 miles
East
Canterbury Golf Club and St Martin’s Hospital are easily accessible from the streets to the east of Canterbury. Several educational institutions, including Canterbury Christ Church University, are visible on the walk into town. Before arriving in the city center, you will also pass by St Augustine’s Abbey.
- Spring Lane CT1 1SP – 1 mile
- Russett Road CT1 1FL – 1.1 miles
- Forrester Close CT1 1DZ – 1.1 miles
- Sturmer Close CT1 1FB – 1.1 miles
- Warwick Road CT1 1RQ – 1.1 miles
- Fiesta Walk CT1 1FP – 1.2 miles
- Laxton Way CT1 1FT – 1.2 miles
- Sussex Avenue CT1 1RT – 1.2 miles
- Kent Avenue CT1 1RR – 1.3 miles
- Devon Road CT1 1RP – 1.3 miles
- Surrey Road CT1 1SS – 1.3 miles
- Cumberland Avenue CT1 1SL – 1.3 miles
- Hampshire Road CT1 1SJ – 1.4 miles
- Pilgrims Way CT1 1YA – 1.4 miles
- Dorset Road CT1 1SF – 1.5 miles
South
Coming into the city from the south, you will pass the Canterbury East train station as well as Canterbury Castle before arriving at the central shopping area. You’ll also pass by Dane John Gardens. The Kent and Canterbury Hospital is easily accessible from the streets further from the center.
- Old Dover Road CT1 3JB – 0.5 miles
- Gordon Road CT1 3PL – 0.6 miles
- Tudor Road CT1 3SY – 0.6 miles
- York Road CT1 3TA – 0.6 miles
- Martyrs Field Road CT1 3PU – 0.7 miles
- St Mildreds Place CT1 3SR – 0.7 miles
- Victoria Road CT1 3SG – 0.7 miles
- Simmonds Road CT1 3RA – 0.7 miles
- Oxford Road CT1 3QP – 0.8 miles
- Bristol Road CT1 3QN – 0.9 miles
- Durham Close CT1 3QL – 0.9 miles
- Zealand Road CT1 3QB – 0.9 miles
- Cromwell Road CT1 3LB – 1 mile
- George Roche Road CT1 3FF – 1 mile
- Winchester Gardens CT1 3NA – 1.1 miles
- Mount Road CT1 1YE – 1.4 miles
- Barton Road CT1 1YQ – 1.4 miles
West
Parking to the west of Canterbury city center puts you near several large parks and green spaces, such as Victoria Recreation Ground, Greyfriars Gardens, and Bingley Island. You can enter the city through the Westgate, which leads to the Marlowe Theatre and the shops and museums that follow.
- Miller Avenue CT2 8PA – 1.1 miles
- Shipman Avenue CT2 8PD – 1.2 miles
- Squire Avenue CT2 8PF – 1.2 miles
- Franklyn Road CT2 8PR – 1.2 miles
- City View CT2 8PT – 1.3 miles
- Priest Avenue CT2 8PJ – 1.3 miles
- Wife of Bath Hill CT2 8PQ – 1.3 miles
- Merchants Way CT2 8PN – 1.4 miles
- Pardoner Close CT2 8QB – 1.4 miles
Although parking on residential streets is free, some people may find it inconvenient due to the amount of walking required to reach the city center. It may be difficult for elderly and disabled people, as well as younger children, to walk from the car, making it impractical for these groups. In Canterbury, there are other parking options.
Free Overnight & Weekend Parking in Canterbury
- Council Offices car park CT1 1YW – free after 6pm Monday-Friday, all day Saturday & Sunday
- Victoria Recreation Park CT2 8PZ – 9pm-7am all week
- All University of Kent car parks – free from 5pm-7am Monday-Friday, all day Saturday & Sunday
Park & Ride Services in Canterbury
Using the Park & Ride services is another option for getting into the city center. Parking for up to 6 people per vehicle is only £4 for the entire day. The buses have heating, free WiFi, and individual charging stations for phones/laptops. The buses run every 8 minutes from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Mondays through Saturdays, and every 20 minutes from 9:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays.
There are two Park & Ride sites to the south of Canterbury, as follows:
- Wincheap Park & Ride CT1 3TQ – southwest of city – 726 spaces, 10 disabled bays and electric car charging available
- New Dover Road Park & Ride CT1 3EJ – southeast of city – 590 spaces, 20 disabled bays, no height restrictions, motorhome parking, and coach parking are available
Cheapest Paid Parking Options in Canterbury
If you prefer the security and convenience of a centrally located paid parking garage, the list below includes the cheapest options we could find in or near the city center.
- Castle Street CT1 2QD – £3.60 for 2 hours
- Toddlers Cove CT2 8BG – £3.20 for 2 hours (free for up to 30 minutes)
- Station Road West CT2 8AN – £3.60 for 2 hours
- Maynard Road CT1 3RH – £2.40 for 2 hours
- Cow Lane CT1 3RT – £2.40 for 2 hours
Canterbury is a fascinating, lovely, and exciting place to visit. We hope the information on this page will assist you in making the most of your time there by making parking easier (and cheaper!).