Plan Your Loughborough University Parking Before You Arrive
Loughborough University has a large campus. Therefore, choosing the right car park before your journey can save time. First, check how long you plan to stay. Then, decide whether visitor, student, Blue Badge, or event parking applies to you. In addition, keep a backup option ready.
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Quick Answer: Where Should You Park?
Most visitors should head toward the west side of campus. In particular, the University recommends Car Park 1 or Holywell Car Park during busy weekday hours. Therefore, these are useful first choices for a normal campus visit.
Visitor parking costs £3.50 for up to four hours. Alternatively, a full day costs £7. In addition, evening parking from 6pm to 8am costs £2.
Weekend parking is cheaper. For example, Saturday parking costs £2 for up to 24 hours. Likewise, Sunday parking costs £2 for up to 24 hours.
Blue Badge holders can park free of charge. However, the vehicle and badge need to be registered correctly. Therefore, first-time visitors should follow the University’s Blue Badge process.
Loughborough University Parking Prices 2026
The visitor tariff is simple. However, the best value depends on when you arrive and how long you stay. Therefore, compare the options below before buying a parking session.
Up to 4 Hours
The current visitor tariff is £3.50 for up to four hours. Therefore, it may suit a meeting, campus tour, or shorter appointment.
Full-Day Parking
A full visitor day currently costs £7. As a result, it can be easier than repeatedly extending a shorter stay.
6pm to 8am
Evening parking costs £2. Therefore, this tariff can be useful for evening events or late campus visits.
Saturday Parking
Saturday parking costs £2 for up to 24 hours. Consequently, weekend visitors pay less than normal weekday full-day visitors.
Sunday Parking
Sunday parking also costs £2 for up to 24 hours. However, always check the current car park signs before leaving your vehicle.
Registered Blue Badge Parking
Blue Badge parking is free. However, holders must register their badge and vehicle correctly before relying on the exemption.
How to Pay for Visitor Parking
Loughborough University offers several payment methods. Therefore, you do not need to rely on one machine or one app.
Pre-Book Before You Arrive
First, you can book through the APCOA pre-book system. Then, choose Loughborough University and enter your visit details.
In addition, enter the correct vehicle registration. Finally, keep your confirmation in case you need it later.
Pay After You Park
Alternatively, use ScanPay, APCOA Connect, the APCOA Connect app, or a cashless payment machine. However, check the location code and vehicle registration before paying.
APCOA Connect and ScanPay currently add a 20p surcharge to each payment. Therefore, include that small fee when comparing payment methods.
Use the Correct Location Code
The current APCOA location code for Loughborough University is 2862. For this reason, check that code before you complete an app or online payment.
Is There Free Short-Stay Parking?
The University provides a 30-minute grace period. Therefore, drivers can use that short period for drop-offs, collections, or time needed to park and register.
However, the grace period is not general free visitor parking. If your vehicle remains on campus after 30 minutes, you must register the parking session.
Free Loughborough University Parking Options
Normal visitor parking is not free. However, several situations can reduce the cost to zero. Therefore, check whether one applies to your visit before paying the standard tariff.
Free Parking Radar
MIN Drop-Off and Collection Grace Period A 30-minute grace period applies. However, a vehicle staying longer must register for parking.
BADGE Registered Blue Badge Holders Campus parking is free for Blue Badge holders. Nevertheless, the badge and vehicle must be registered correctly.
DAY Selected University Visit Days Some official visit days include free parking when guests register through the event-specific system. Therefore, use the link and promo code supplied for your event.
CODE Selected Events Some conferences and University events provide free parking with registration or a promo code. However, the benefit applies only when the event organiser confirms it.
Visitor Parking: Car Park 1 or Holywell?
During core hours, the east side of campus can be very busy. Therefore, the University recommends the west side for visitors.
In particular, Car Park 1 and Holywell Car Park are the two main options to consider. In addition, both connect with the free campus shuttle.
What About the East Side?
East-side parking is more difficult during the working day. For this reason, visitors should not spend unnecessary time searching there.
Instead, head toward the recommended west-side facilities. Then, walk or use the free campus shuttle.
Parking on Campus: Simple Visitor Steps
Blue Badge Parking at Loughborough University
Blue Badge parking is free on campus. However, drivers need to register their badge and vehicle.
Accessible bays are available across campus. In addition, a Blue Badge holder may use a standard parking bay when needed.
First Visit to Campus
First-time Blue Badge visitors can ask Campus Security for a one-day exemption. Therefore, you can still park while arranging the longer-term registration.
Security then provides information about the Blue Badge permit process. Afterwards, future visits can use the registered arrangement.
Register for Future Visits
The permit process uses APCOA’s Blue Badge portal. Therefore, upload the required badge information and keep your vehicle details current.
Student Parking for 2026/27
The University encourages students to walk, cycle, or use its free shuttle where possible. However, eligible students can apply for a standard parking permit.
For the 2026/27 academic year, the standard student permit costs £40 per month. Nevertheless, buying a permit does not guarantee that a parking space will be available.
Who Can Apply?
Students living off campus within the LE11 postcode area can apply. However, the number of permits in this group is limited. Therefore, they are issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
Students commuting from outside LE11 are also eligible. In contrast, those permits are not currently limited in the same way.
Where Can Standard Permit Holders Park?
Standard permit holders may use Car Park 1, Car Park 7, and Holywell Car Park. Therefore, the permit does not give access to every campus parking area.
Use the Free Campus Shuttle
Loughborough has a large campus. Therefore, you do not always need to park beside the building you are visiting.
The free campus shuttle connects major parts of the campus. In addition, it links the recommended west-side visitor parking with locations toward the centre and east.
As a result, parking at Car Park 1 or Holywell can be easier than searching for a space near a busy academic building.
Parking on Busy Wednesdays
Parking can be especially difficult on Wednesdays. Therefore, University visit-day guidance recommends heading directly to Car Park 1 or Holywell.
From there, central campus venues may be around a 10 to 15-minute walk away. Alternatively, use the free campus shuttle.
Consequently, arriving with the west-side car parks already set in your navigation can save time.
Electric Vehicle Charging
EV charging is available at several campus locations. However, charging bays still form part of the University’s parking system.
Therefore, make sure your parking session or permit is valid as well as following the charger instructions.
Parking Charges for Breaking the Rules
Vehicles must use designated marked bays. Therefore, parking on grass, verges, footpaths, or restricted areas can lead to enforcement.
The current Parking Charge is £70. However, the amount is reduced to £35 when paid within 14 days.
Common Problems to Avoid
For example, an expired parking session can lead to a charge. Likewise, using the wrong bay can create a problem.
In addition, unregistered vehicles may face enforcement. Therefore, always confirm the registration before walking away.
Creative Arts Parking Has Extra Restrictions
Creative Arts Estate parking is restricted to permit holders from Monday to Friday between 6am and 6pm.
Therefore, normal visitors should not use those spaces during the restricted period. Instead, use an approved visitor car park.
Which Loughborough University Parking Option Fits Your Visit?
How to Arrive Without Wasting Time
The Loughborough campus is large. Therefore, entering the correct side of campus can make your visit easier.
The University’s west entrance is accessible from Ashby Road. In addition, University visit guidance uses postcode LE11 3GR for the west-side approach.
Is There Free Street Parking Near Loughborough University?
Roads around a large university campus can have local parking controls. Therefore, nearby street space should not be treated as guaranteed free all-day parking.
For example, residential restrictions may apply in some areas. Meanwhile, waiting limits or other local controls can apply elsewhere.
Check the Exact Street
First, read the nearest roadside sign. Then, check the hours and any permit requirement.
In addition, avoid blocking driveways or access routes. Therefore, use official campus parking when you are unsure.
Loughborough University Parking Checklist
Before You Travel
After You Arrive
Loughborough University Parking Price Comparison
| Option | Price | When | Key Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor Short Stay | £3.50 | Up to 4 hours | Therefore, useful for shorter visits. |
| Visitor Full Day | £7 | Full day | Instead, use this for a longer weekday visit. |
| Evening | £2 | 6pm–8am | In comparison, evening parking costs less. |
| Saturday | £2 | Up to 24 hours | Likewise, weekend parking is lower priced. |
| Sunday | £2 | Up to 24 hours | However, current signs still apply. |
| Blue Badge | Free | Registered permit | Therefore, complete the registration process. |
Loughborough University Parking Map
Use the map below for general campus orientation. However, follow the current University parking signs for your final approach.
In particular, visitors should consider Car Park 1 and Holywell during busy hours. Therefore, save your chosen car park before starting the journey.
Epinal Way, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU Open Google Maps
Official Loughborough University Parking Information
Use this guide to plan your visit. However, rates, event arrangements, and parking access can change. Therefore, check the official University pages before you travel.