Shoppers visiting Barrow and South Lakes are being given access to free parking in the run up to Christmas.

Westmorland and Furness Council has launched the initiative to make it easier to support local businesses and enjoy the festivities right across the area without worrying about parking costs.

On Saturdays in Barrow and Eden, and Sundays in South Lakeland, free parking will be offered at participating council-owned car parks on the run up to Christmas. 

Councillor Peter Thornton, Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet Member for Highways and ICT said: “As we approach the festive season, we understand how important it is for residents and visitors to have easy access to our towns and villages.

“Local businesses are at the heart of our communities, and this time of year is crucial for their success."

The council-funded scheme aligns with their ongoing commitment to 'supporting communities, strengthening the local economy, and making the area an attractive destination for residents and visitors'.

Councillor Thornton added: "By offering free weekend parking at council-owned car parks throughout December, we’re making it simpler for people to shop locally, enjoy festive events, and support the brilliant range of businesses we have across Westmorland and Furness.

“We’re proud to provide this opportunity and encourage everyone to take advantage of it by exploring all that our towns and villages have to offer during this special time of year.”

Before parking up, people are encouraged to check the following list of participating car parks and the select dates free parking will be offered.

Saturday 7, 14 and 21 December in Eden:

  • Bluebell Lane

  • Drover's Lane

  • Sandgate

  • Princes Street

  • Mansion House

  • Town Hall

Saturday 7, 14 and 21 December in Barrow:

  • Market Street

  • Hall Street

Sunday 8, 15 and 22 December in South Lakeland:

  • Quarry Mount, Bowness

  • Glebe Road, Bowness

  • Braithwaite Fold, Bowness

  • Ferry Nab, Bowness

  • Rayrigg Road, Bowness

  • Rayrigg Meadow, Windermere

  • Broad Street, Windermere

  • Low Fold, Ambleside

  • Miller Bridge, Ambleside

  • King Street, Ambleside

  • Lake Road, Ambleside

  • Rydal Road, Ambleside

  • Red Bank Road, Grasmere

  • Kendal Parish Church, Kendal

  • Peppercorn Lane, Kendal

  • Highgate Bowman, Kendal

  • Dowker Lane, Kendal

  • Booths, Kendal

  • Library Road, Kendal

  • South Lakeland House, Kendal

  • Blackhall Road, Kendal

  • Sandes Avenue, Kendal

  • New Road Number 1, Kirkby Lonsdale

  • New Road Number 2, Kirkby Lonsdale

  • Market Square, Kirkby Lonsdale

  • Windermere Road, Grange-Over-Sands

  • Main Street, Grange-Over-Sands

  • Hampsfell Road, Grange-Over-Sands

  • Kents Bank Road, Grange-Over-Sands

  • Berners Close, Grange-Over-Sands

  • Brewery Street, Ulverston

  • Buxton Place, Ulverston

  • The Gill, Ulverston

  • Daltongate, Ulverston

  • Stockbridge Lane, Ulverston

  • Theatre Street, Ulverston

  • Beetham Road, Milnthorpe

  • Park Road, Milnthorpe.

The list of participating car parks and their locations can also be found here.