Oxford is a beautiful city, but parking a campervan there is expensive and restrictive. Here's how to park cheaply and explore the city.
Park and Ride
Oxford has five park-and-ride sites. They're the cheapest way to visit the city.
Locations
- Pear Tree: North of Oxford. £4/day.
- Water Eaton: North of Oxford. £4/day.
- Seacourt: West of Oxford. £4/day.
- Redbridge: South of Oxford. £4/day.
- Thornhill: East of Oxford. £4/day.
How It Works
- Park at the park-and-ride site
- Take the bus into the city centre
- Return to your van at the end of the day
Tips
- Check height restrictions: Some park-and-ride sites have height limits
- Buy a day ticket: It's cheaper than return tickets
- Buses run every 10-15 minutes: Quick and frequent
Free Parking
Summertown
Residential streets in Summertown have free parking. But spaces are limited and it's a 20-minute walk to the city centre.
Jericho
Residential streets in Jericho have free parking. But spaces are limited and it's a 15-minute walk to the city centre.
Headington
Residential streets in Headington have free parking. But spaces are limited and it's a 25-minute walk to the city centre.
Paid Parking
Broad Street Car Park
Central, but expensive. £3-4/hour.
St Giles Car Park
Central, but expensive. £3-4/hour.
Gloucester Green Car Park
Multi-storey. Height restrictions — most campervans won't fit.
Tips
- Use park and ride: It's the cheapest and easiest option
- Avoid the city centre: Narrow streets, expensive parking
- Check height restrictions: Multi-storey car parks have height limits
- Don't park overnight: Oxford has strict overnight parking rules
Conclusion
Oxford is best explored by park-and-ride. Park at one of the five sites, take the bus in, and enjoy the city. Don't try to park a campervan in the city centre — it's not worth the hassle.
