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Visitor parking

Parking during peak hours

During peak hours, visitors requiring parking on campus will need a parking space pre-booked for them by a member of staff. Bookings should be made in advance via the Visitor Parking Portal.

Alternative nearby public car parking areas may also be available, however parking in the city and at our campuses is very restricted so we strongly advise individuals not to travel by car unless absolutely necessary.

We encourage the use of the local bus network which links all  of the University's Oxford sites, as well as calling at Oxford city, the train station and Thornhill and Seacourt Park and Rides.

Accessible car parking spaces cannot be booked but are offered on a first come, first served basis. Council Blue Badge permits will need to be clearly displayed at all times.

See the campus maps, directions and public transport information.

How to book visitor parking

Visitor parking is only bookable for peak hours (defined as 7.00am - 5.00pm, Monday to Friday). Spaces are limited and should be pre-booked at the earliest opportunity. University staff must not book visitor parking to facilitate personal staff travel to campus.

Bookings will need to be arranged by the member of staff or department the visitor is meeting. Staff can check availability via the Visitor Parking Portal and will require the visitor's email address and vehicle registration mark (VRM). Amendments and cancellations can be made via the booking portal if required.

Once booked, a confirmation email will be sent to the visitor which will need to be clearly displayed in the vehicle windscreen for the duration of stay (Headington and Swindon sites).

Marston Road site visitors are asked to bring a copy of their visitor booking email confirmation and booking number, but do not need to display this in their vehicle. If the visitor’s VRM is unknown at the time of booking, the visitor should email hstfacilities@brookes.ac.uk with a copy of their booking confirmation email and confirm the VRM before arriving on site. 

If staff experience any issues with the booking portal, please log the issue on the University IT Service Portal.

Events Parking

Requests for 10 or more visitor parking spaces will be classified as an event. 

Events parking requests should be submitted to facilities-headington@brookes.ac.uk at least two weeks in advance for consideration. Term‑time weekday events will be accommodated in Gipsy Lane visitor car park where capacity allows; otherwise, event organisers must direct visitors to Thornhill Park & Ride.

Guests attending weekend off‑peak events on campus will need to utilise non-permit holder off-peak parking arrangements and pay for their parking, except for major strategic University events (e.g. Open Days, Offer Holder Days, etc.).

Visitor Parking Portal

Parking outside of peak hours

Outside of peak hours, the University car parks are available for public use, however there are time restrictions and tariff charges depending on the duration of stay. Peak hours are defined as between 7.00am and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.

Further information is available on the off-peak parking page.

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