Was looking at parkopedia and it says it's free to park at car park A1 for 3 and half hours is it true?

There is a free car park to the left but good luck getting a space in visiting hours !

it is true, and other than visiting hours, it's actually quite easy to find a space. usually far left or far right have spaces.

Park on the main road and walk up. There is a time limit - 2 hours I think, and the wardens do check occasionally.