If you’re anything like me, you’ll know the charm of a good, honest park-up. Not every overnight spot needs to be a picturesque clifftop or a woodland retreat. Sometimes, you just need a place that’s safe, convenient, and lets you crash after a day of exploring. That’s exactly what Frankwell Main Car Park in Shrewsbury offers – and I’ve got to say, I was pleasantly surprised.
First Impressions
Let’s be real – Frankwell Main Car Park is just that: a car park. No fancy facilities, no grassy pitches, no sea views. But what it does offer is location, location, location. You’re right in the heart of Shrewsbury, just a short stroll across the footbridge and you’re surrounded by everything this lovely medieval town has to offer.
We pulled in late afternoon after a scenic drive through Shropshire and were lucky to find a few larger bays free. There are no designated campervan spaces, but some of the spots along the edges are plenty roomy for longer vans. We parked up, paid the fee, and headed into town with no fuss at all.
Parking and Costs
The car park operates on a pay-and-display system. It’s pretty reasonable by town centre standards – £0.80 an hour from 8 am to 6 pm, with a max charge of £6.40 for the day. The real bonus? It’s free overnight from 6 pm to 8 am, and all day Sunday and on bank holidays. If you’re staying the night and heading off early the next day, you might not even need to pay much at all.
Just remember, if you’re in a larger vehicle taking up two bays, make sure to pay for both – no one wants a parking fine ruining their trip.
What’s It Like Overnight?
Despite being in the centre of town, I was genuinely surprised at how quiet it was overnight. Sure, there were plenty of cars parked up during the day, but come nightfall, the place really settles down. We had a peaceful night’s sleep with no noise or disturbances – just the hum of the town winding down for the evening.
We weren’t the only van there either. A couple of other campers had parked up too, which always gives you that extra bit of peace of mind. There’s a sense of community, even if you don’t actually chat to your neighbours.
Amenities (or Lack Thereof)
This is where you need to manage expectations. There are no toilets, no water, no electric hook-up. It’s very much a self-contained kind of stop. But that said, you’re within a five-minute walk of public toilets (if you’re in town during the day), takeaways, cafes, a Wetherspoons pub, and even a 24/7 launderette if you need it.
If you’re set up with your own facilities or just need a place to kip for the night after a long day, it ticks the box nicely.
A Handy Base for Exploring Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury is an absolute gem. Winding medieval streets, quirky independent shops, timber-framed buildings, and the beautiful riverside Quarry Park are all within easy reach from Frankwell. We had a great wander around in the evening, grabbed some food from a local chippy, and even popped into Wetherspoons for a pint. It’s all walkable, and you don’t need to move the van once you’ve parked.
There’s also the Severn Theatre right nearby, and loads of cultural and historic sights if you’re staying a bit longer.
A Word of Caution: Flooding
One important thing to be aware of – the car park is right by the River Severn, and it is known to flood during heavy rainfall or when river levels are high. There are signs up warning about this, and access is sometimes restricted for safety reasons.
To stay safe, it’s a good idea to check the latest flood alerts before you arrive. You can do that via the UK Government’s Flood Information Service.
Final Thoughts
Frankwell Main Car Park isn’t going to win any awards for style or facilities, but as a stopover for vanlifers passing through Shrewsbury, it’s spot on. It’s safe, central, quiet at night, and cheap – all the key ingredients for a solid night’s rest in the van.
I’d happily stay here again, especially for those nights when you’ve spent the day exploring and just want somewhere easy and hassle-free to park up. Sometimes, simple is best – and Frankwell delivers exactly that.