04/12/2024
Finding convenient and affordable car parking is often one of the biggest challenges when planning a visit, whether for business or leisure. Taunton, a bustling town in Somerset, offers a variety of parking solutions, each with its own nuances. This comprehensive guide aims to demystify parking in Taunton, focusing on the popular Taunton Station car park and extending to other key locations, costs, and practical advice to ensure your visit is as smooth as possible.
- Understanding Taunton Station Car Park
- General Parking Costs and Solutions in Taunton
- Where Else Can You Park in Taunton?
- Comparative Overview of Taunton Parking Options
- Frequently Asked Questions About Parking in Taunton
- Is parking free anywhere in Taunton?
- How much does it typically cost to park in Taunton town centre?
- Are there specific car parks for disabled drivers in Taunton?
- What should I do if the Taunton Station car park is full?
- Are the Park & Ride services a good option for visiting Taunton?
- Can I pre-book parking in Taunton?
- Conclusion
Understanding Taunton Station Car Park
The car park at Taunton Station (TA1 1QP) is a primary gateway for many visitors and commuters. It's crucial to understand its operational details to avoid any surprises.
Is Taunton Station Car Park Free?
The simple answer is no, not for everyone. Parking at Taunton Station car park is free exclusively for Blue Badge holders. For all other users, standard charges apply, though it's important to note there is no minimum charge, which can be beneficial for very short stops. It's also vital to remember that this facility IS NOT a Park & Ride car park.
Essential Maintenance and Disruptions
From September to November 2024, the Taunton Station multi-storey car park is undergoing essential maintenance to its electrical circuits and light fittings. This work is being phased to minimise disruption, but it will reduce the number of available spaces. The work schedule is as follows:
- Ground floor: Monday 23 September – Friday 04 October 2024
- First floor: Monday 7 October – Friday 10 October 2024
- Second floor: Monday 14 October – Friday 25 October 2024
- Third floor: Monday 28 October – Friday 1 November 2024
During these periods, around 60 parking spaces per deck will be taken out of service. GWR station manager Adam Hopkins advises customers to allow a little extra time to catch their train, especially from Tuesday to Thursday, which are typically busier days for the car park. Fortunately, vehicles can still circulate through the car park, and the dedicated disabled parking bays, along with drop-off and pick-up areas, remain unaffected throughout the maintenance period.
Alternative Parking if the Station Car Park is Full
Should you arrive at Taunton Station and find the car park at capacity, the nearest alternative public car park is Somerset Council Kilkenny Car Park, located in Clifton Terrace, TA2 7BL. Additionally, GWR car park season ticket holders have the added benefit of being able to park in Tiverton Station Overflow 2 car park at no additional charge, providing a useful contingency plan.
General Parking Costs and Solutions in Taunton
Beyond the station, Taunton offers various parking options with different pricing structures. Utilising services like JustPark can significantly streamline your parking experience.
Parking with JustPark: Convenience and Affordability
JustPark offers a hassle-free and often more affordable way to secure parking in Taunton. By booking in advance, you can ensure a guaranteed space at key locations such as Taunton Crown, County and Family Court, Taunton Magistrates' Court, the Brewhouse Theatre, or elsewhere within the vibrant town centre. This advance booking can be a real game-changer, getting you closer to your destination and eliminating the stress of searching for a spot upon arrival.
One of the key advantages of JustPark is its competitive pricing. You can find rates starting from just £0.70 for quick stops, extending to around £60.30 for extended stays. Daily rates, for instance, typically start from just £4.20. The platform allows you to compare prices and save, offering peace of mind that comes with planning ahead and securing a spot at a great price.
Where Else Can You Park in Taunton?
Taunton's town centre and surrounding areas provide several other parking facilities, catering to different needs and journey types.
Orchard Shopping Centre Parking
The Orchard Shopping Centre, located at the heart of Taunton Town Centre, is easily accessible by car. It is conveniently adjacent to the town centre multi-storey car park at Paul Street. This car park boasts over 300 spaces, including designated spaces for disabled visitors. It also operates a local authority “Compass disability” scheme from level 2 of the multi-storey car park. The Paul Street car park is a ‘pay and display’ facility and is well signposted along routes into Taunton Town Centre. For sat nav users, the postcode TA1 3PF will guide you directly to the location.
Taunton's Park and Ride Facilities
For those looking to minimise town centre traffic and parking costs, Taunton offers two excellent Park & Ride facilities:
- Silk Mills Park and Ride: Situated on the west side of Taunton.
- Taunton Gateway Park and Ride: Located near Junction 25 of the M5, to the east of Taunton.
Both facilities provide free parking all day. The only cost involved is for the bus ticket into Taunton town centre. An adult return bus ticket on the Taunton Park & Ride costs £3.60, while an adult single ticket is £2.40. This can be a highly economical and convenient option, especially during peak times or for longer visits.
Getting to the Town Centre by Other Means (Context for Parking)
While this article focuses on car parking, understanding other transport links can help you decide if driving is the best option for your visit.
- By Bus: First Group operates numerous bus services in the Taunton area. The nearest bus stop to Orchard Shopping Centre is The Market House, Fore Street, TA1 1JD.
- By Train: Taunton has a mainline station. From the station, you can walk to the town centre by turning left, following signs along Station Road, Bridge Street, and North Street until you reach The Burma Memorial and The Market House, adjacent to Orchard Shopping Centre.
- By Taxi: The nearest taxi rank to Orchard Shopping Centre is located outside the Municipal Buildings, Corporation Street, TA1 4AQ.
Comparative Overview of Taunton Parking Options
To help you quickly assess the best parking solution for your needs, here's a comparative table of the options discussed:
| Location | Type of Parking | Typical Cost (Approx.) | Key Features & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taunton Station Car Park | Multi-storey | Paid (Free for Blue Badge holders) | No minimum charge. Subject to maintenance disruptions (Sept-Nov 2024). Disabled bays unaffected. |
| JustPark (Various Locations) | Pre-booked spaces | From £0.70 (quick) to £60.30 (extended). Daily from £4.20. | Guaranteed spaces, comparison tool, often cheapest rates. Covers key town centre spots. |
| Orchard Shopping Centre (Paul Street) | Multi-storey (Pay & Display) | Paid | 300+ spaces. Adjacent to town centre. Designated disabled bays & Compass scheme. TA1 3PF. |
| Silk Mills Park & Ride | Surface (Free parking) | Bus fare only (£3.60 adult return) | Located west of Taunton. Free parking all day. Convenient bus link to town centre. |
| Taunton Gateway Park & Ride | Surface (Free parking) | Bus fare only (£3.60 adult return) | Located east of Taunton (near M5 J25). Free parking all day. Convenient bus link to town centre. |
| Somerset Council Kilkenny Car Park | Surface (Public) | Paid (Alternative to Station) | Recommended alternative if Taunton Station car park is full. TA2 7BL. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Parking in Taunton
Is parking free anywhere in Taunton?
Parking at Taunton Station car park is free only for Blue Badge holders. The Park & Ride facilities (Silk Mills and Taunton Gateway) offer free parking for your vehicle all day, but you will need to pay for a bus ticket to get into the town centre.
How much does it typically cost to park in Taunton town centre?
Costs vary depending on the duration and method of parking. Services like JustPark offer competitive rates, from as low as £0.70 for very short stops to daily rates starting from around £4.20. Traditional pay & display car parks will have their own hourly/daily tariffs.
Are there specific car parks for disabled drivers in Taunton?
Yes. Taunton Station car park offers dedicated disabled parking bays, and Blue Badge holders park for free. The Paul Street multi-storey car park at Orchard Shopping Centre also has designated disabled spaces and operates a local authority “Compass disability” scheme from level 2. It's always advisable to check local signage for specific rules and charges related to disabled parking.
What should I do if the Taunton Station car park is full?
If the Taunton Station car park is full, particularly during the maintenance period (September-November 2024), the nearest alternative public car park is Somerset Council Kilkenny Car Park in Clifton Terrace, TA2 7BL. GWR car park season ticket holders can also use Tiverton Station Overflow 2 car park.
Are the Park & Ride services a good option for visiting Taunton?
Absolutely. The two Park & Ride facilities (Silk Mills and Taunton Gateway) offer a convenient and cost-effective way to visit Taunton town centre. You get free parking for your vehicle all day, and a relatively inexpensive bus fare transports you directly into the heart of the town, avoiding town centre traffic and parking hassles. This is particularly recommended for longer visits or during busy periods.
Can I pre-book parking in Taunton?
Yes, using services like JustPark allows you to pre-book your parking space in various key locations across Taunton, providing guaranteed spots and often better rates than on-the-day payments. This is highly recommended for peace of mind and convenience.
Conclusion
Navigating car parking in Taunton needn't be a source of stress. With a clear understanding of the options available, from the specific rules at Taunton Station car park to the cost-effective Park & Ride facilities and convenient pre-booking via services like JustPark, you can plan your visit with confidence. Always check for current signage and any temporary disruptions, such as the maintenance at the station car park, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience in Taunton. Whether you're a local commuter or a visitor exploring the town, smart parking choices can significantly enhance your trip.
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