Free parking in Chelmsford can be difficult, but thanks for Free Parking Spots, we show you exactly where to park without restrictions when visiting Chelmsford.
4 places to park for free in Chelmsford (2026)
The following streets offer un-restricted FREE parking spots in Chelmsford:
You should always check for any newly installed restriction signs before leaving your car.
What to know about parking free in Chelmsford
When parking, please be considerate of others:
- Ensure you don’t block any driveways
- Tuck your car as close to the kerb as possible.
- Don’t double park as you may be parked on a bus route
Cheapest all-day parking in Chelmsford
We found the cheapest car park in Chelmsford to be The Granary Car Park, which you can book even if you are not a customer – but it must be pre-booked.
You book this car park all day (9am – 5pm) for just £5, so it’s a great option for commuters or those visiting Chelmsford for the full day.
Cheapest monthly parking in Chelmsford
We found the cheapest car park for monthly parking in Chelmsford to be The Granary Car Park, which costs £85 per month, making it ideal for commuters.
You can use this car park 7 days a week, including overnight, and leave and re-enter the car park as many times as you need to, although you must pre-book.
Free car parks in Chelmsford
You can park for free in Chelmsford at both Great Baddow Parish car park, CM2 7DW and Little Waltham Parish car park, CM3 3NY.
| Car Park | Address | Free Parking |
|---|---|---|
| Great Baddow Parish Car Park | CM2 7DW | All day |
| Little Waltham Parish Car Park | CM3 3NY | All day |
Free on-street parking in Chelmsford
If you prefer to park in on-street parking bays close to the centre of Chelmsford, you can park for free at the following locations between 6pm and 8am:
| Car Park | Address | Free Parking |
|---|---|---|
| Broomfield Road | CM1 1SW | 6pm – 8am |
| Broomfield Road Rear Service | CM1 1SY | 6pm – 8am |
| Cedar Avenue | CM1 2QH | 6pm – 8am |
| Coval Lane | CM1 1TG | 6pm – 8am |
| Railway Street | CM1 1QS | 6pm – 8am |
| Rainsford Road | CM1 2PZ | 6pm – 8am |
| Victoria Road | CM1 1NY | 6pm – 8am |
Chelmsford Park & Ride Sites
There are three park and ride sites that offer free parking and the bus takes you directly into the centre of Chelmsford.
If you want to use the Park and Pedal option, you can pay £3.00 – £3.60 to park your car (depending on the location) and then simply continue your journey by bicycle.
| Park and Ride Site | Address | Spaces |
|---|---|---|
| Chelmer Valley Park and Ride | CM3 3PR | 957 |
| Sandon Park and Ride | CM2 7RU | 1,377 |
| Colchester Park and Ride | CO4 5JA | 970 |
Chelmsford Park & Ride Bus Ticket Prices
| Ticket Type | Price |
| Adult Day Return | £3.60 |
| Child Day Return | £1.00 |
| Adult Weekly | £18.00 |
| Adult (Saturday) | £1.50 |
Overnight parking in Chelmsford
For free overnight parking in Chelmsford, we recommend using one of our free parking spots. Alternatively, you can use any of these council car parks that are free of charge:
- Great Baddow Parish car park, CM2 7DW
- Little Waltham parish car park, CM3 3NY
The following car parks have a charge of £1 between 6pm and 6am:
- Baddow Road, CM2 7PJ
- Coval Lane Car Park, CM1 1TG
- Moulsham Street Car Park, CM2 0LF
- Parkway Car Park, CM2 0DG
Residential parking in Chelmsford
If you are a resident in Chelmsford where permits are required, you can apply for a residents parking permit.
In order to apply, you will need to prove you are a resident, so will be required to provide proof of address and proof of vehicle. The cost is around £26 for an annual permit.
Visitor parking permits can be purchased as yearly permits.
About Chelmsford, UK
Chelmsford is steeped in history, with the town itself being nicknamed as ‘Market place of Caesar’. Chelmsford Cathedral is a truly stunning building in the heart of the town and a free day out for all.
If you’re looking for green spaces, there is a wide range of parks and gardens to explore, including Admiral’s Park, Boleyn Gardens and Central Park to name just a few.
If it’s shopping you’re looking for, there’s a wide range to choose from in Chelmsford, from high street names to independent boutiques.
Other towns and cities nearby
If you’re visiting the area for a short trip or just looking for things to do nearby, you can explore these towns and cities that are near to Chelmsford:
About the Author
Hi, my name is Amber and I’m here to help find you suitable free parking in towns and cities across the UK.
When I visit new towns and cities, I always take note of where you can (legally) park for free, whether this be on-street parking bays or council run car parks, which offer free parking during certain hours of the day.
Although I take every effort to ensure this information is up to date and correct, if you notice an issue, please get in touch so I can rectify it for everyone.
Amber
Information was last updated on January 8th, 2024