Thousands of shoppers are flocking to south Essex town centres in the lead up to Christmas.

And as residents and visitors head to our high streets for gift-buying, they'll be looking for the cheapest places to park.

So we've decided to round-up everywhere you can park for free in south Essex ahead of the holidays.

Southend

Eastern Esplanade East Car Park is free, in an ideal location on the seafront and has an estimated 73 available spaces.

In Leigh, Hadleigh Road has 9 available spaces, Pargat Drive has 19 and Uttons Avenue has 11.

Rayleigh Road and Sutherland Boulevard car parks in Leigh are both free and near a shopping area. Rayleigh Road has 55 spaces and Sutherland Boulevard has 13.

Leigh Hill Car Park is also free.

Basildon

According to the council website, at all times other than those shown listed here, its car parks are free of charge and available for use by the public. 

Radford Crescent is not accessible after 6pm.

Free blue badge parking is available in all council car parks for up to 3 hours, with no return within 2 hours. Vehicles must display a valid blue badge and clock.

Rochford

In Rayleigh, Mill Hall Car Park, Bellingham Lane Car Park, Castle Road Car Park, The Market Car Park and Websters Way Car Park are free all day Sunday and public holidays

In Rochford, Back Lane Car Park, Freight House Car Park and Old Ship Lane Car Park are all free on Sunday and public holidays.

Southend Road Car Park in Hockley is also free on Sundays.

The Approach Car Park in Rayleigh, Hockley Woods Car Park and Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park Car Park are free on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.

Castle Point

Richmond Hall Car Park in Benfleet and Rectory Road Car Park in Hadleigh are both free on Saturdays.

Richmond Hall has 90 spaces and Rectory Road has 115, according to Parkopedia.

  • All information in this article is correct according to council websites