If parking charges are the new tourist tax, Andover is the friendly exception. It’s one of the few places where popping in for a bakery treat or quick errand won’t hammer your wallet with a steep fee just for stopping.
We often hear car parking is expensive in Andover – but is it really? Compare £1 for two hours in Andover with rates that nearly double – or worse – just down the road, and you start to see why this town still feels like a welcome spot.
Local businesses, theatre-goers and visiting families all benefit from free parking after 4pm, and free Sundays – a gesture that’s getting rarer across the country. While places like Newbury and Basingstoke have edged prices higher, and Winchester tops the table for wallet-shaking all-day rates, both Andover and Romsey still do their bit for the community and passing trade.
So whether you’re local or just venturing in for lunch or a show, you can keep your change for a coffee. Check the tariffs, grab a space, and enjoy the high street at your leisure. Just don’t expect a deal like Andover’s if you stray too far afield.
| Town | 2 hours | 4 hours | All day | Free Sundays | Free evenings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andover | £1.00 | £3.00 | £5.90 | Yes | After 4pm |
| Newbury | £3.00 | £5.50 | £13.00 | No | £2.50 (6pm–8am) |
| Winchester | £3.30 | £6.60 | £17.00 | No | No |
| Salisbury | £2.80 | £4.90 | £9.50 | £2.00 | No |
| Basingstoke | £3.00 | £4.40 | £13.80 | Free overnight | 7pm–8am |
| Romsey | £1.00 | £3.00 | £5.90 | Yes | After 4pm |
So, if you want your money to last in the meter – stick with Andover or Romsey. Everywhere else, bring plenty of change.