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Windsor Street’s 243-space multi-storey, the closest council car park to Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Henley Street, is going to be demolished. Stratford-on-Avon District Council’s Cabinet approved the plan on 5 October, and the decision takes effect on Wednesday 21 October unless councillors call it in for review. Here are the best places to park instead, and what we know about the timing.
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When will Windsor Street car park close?
The council hasn’t announced a closing date yet. Its report calls the timetable “indicative”: approvals and procurement during 2026, with a demolition contractor appointed towards the end of 2026 and into early 2027. The Stratford Herald reports that the work is planned for January and February. Once the buildings are down, a temporary surface car park of about 90 spaces is planned on the site. Our news story has the full background.
The nearest car parks to Windsor Street
| Car park | Spaces | Walk from Windsor Street | Walk to the Birthplace | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arden Street (council) | 240 | About 2 min | About 5 min | £1.40 for an hour, £2.70 up to 2 hours |
| NCP Rother Street (private, covered) | 240 | About 4 min | About 3 min | £3 an hour, £15 for 4–24 hours |
| Rother Street Civic (private) | Not published | About 4 min | About 5 min | About £1 an hour (check the signs) |
| Station car park (Saba) | 146 | About 6 min | About 9 min | Pay with the Saba app or website |
| Bridgeway Multi-Storey (council) | 650 | About 9 min | About 6 min | First hour free, then £2.70 up to 2 hours |
| Riverside (council) | 497 | About 10 min | About 8 min | £1.40 for an hour |
Walking times are approximate. All council car parks are card only, and evenings cost £3.50 (4pm to 8am).
Which one should I use?
- For Henley Street and the Birthplace: Arden Street is the nearest council car park with a similar number of spaces, and it has 8 EV charging bays. NCP Rother Street is closer to the Birthplace but costs more for long stays.
- For a quick visit: Bridgeway Multi-Storey’s first hour is free, and it’s the biggest car park in town.
- For a whole day: the Park & Ride at Bishopton costs £1 to park plus £2.50 for an adult bus return, and drops you on Wood Street, a short walk from Henley Street. See the next buses.
- Blue Badge holders: Guild Street has three Blue Badge bays about a minute’s walk from the Birthplace.
Compare every car park on our Stratford parking map, or work out the cheapest option for your stay with the parking calculator. We’ll update this page as soon as the council confirms a closing date.
Alex Harrington
Alex Harrington grew up in Stratford-upon-Avon and runs What's up, Stratford? as an independent guide to the town.
