Cornwall County Council have parking details on their web site Here.
Caradon District
On 13th September 2006 Caradon District Council provided the information below.
On 11th March 2008, in response to a follow-up request, the council confirmed that the information is still current.
1. Height restrictions - the Council only have height restrictors at 3 of its car parks, these being Belle Vue East, Saltash, Freathy Car Park, Whitsand and Millbrook Car Park, Nr Torpoint.
2. Requirements for parking within bay confines - vehicles must fit within the standard space, however at the Millpool Car Park, Looe where caravans/camper vans are a common occurance tickets can be purchased per space occupied, i.e, 2 spaces occupied, purchase 2 pay and display tickets.
3. Any provision of toilet/waste disposal facilities - toilets can be found in most towns, however, I have no details of waste disposal facilities
4. Any provision of spaces specifically aimed at motorhomes and/or caravans - we have no specific spaces for this type of vehicle
5. Any provision for (or ban on) overnight parking - overnight parking is permitted in all car parks apart from Millpool Car Park, Looe, where motorhomes, caravans and caravanettes are not permitted between the hours of 12.00 midnight and 8am. Overnight camping and sleeping is not permitted in any of the Councils car parks.
6. Restricted access - I have no details of any restricted access leading to the Councils car parks.
Caradon District Council have further details on their web site Here.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
We have a motorhome about 24ft long with the addition of a lift for my husbands mobility scooter on the back. This adds another three feet. Before going away we always email the County Council and all the district councils to enquire about parking and have always had a good response. We are shortly travelling to Cornwall so sent out the usual emails and received various answers back but Caradon District Council deserves a gold medal. Not only did they email us with parking details but they rang us up to discuss it with my husband. I attach the email (copied below). If only all council employees were so helpful.
As specified to yourself because your vehicle is over 5 metres (7.9 metres), it is classified as a heavy goods vehicle and should be parked within a coach/lorry space.
We have 3 car parks in the Caradon area with the above provision:-
Rapsons Car Park (Liskeard) - special tariff for commercial vehicles - per day for cars and commercial vehicles - £1.00
Alexandra Square Car Park (Saltash) - Area for HGV or commercial vehicles - no specified tariff - per day for car is £2.20 (smaller tariffs available)
Millpool Car Park (Looe) - no designated spaces for HGV or coaches but if you were to notify us prior to your visit a concession could be made for your to park at the top of the Car Park - Tariff - Per day for cars, towed caravans/trailers - £4.50 (smaller tariffs available)
Please note that overnight sleeping in the Car Parks is not permitted for security reasons.
If you were intending to use the Millpool Car Park at Looe, it would be appreciated if you could notify us in advance so we could advise the Car Park Attendant that you would be parking in the Car Park to avoid any penalties/additional costs being incurred for parking within an incorrect area and also any assistance in parking if required.
If you would like to access the Caradon District Council website and view any other queries that you may have re Car Parks, follow these instructions:- Caradon District Council, Services, Car Parks, Car Park Locations or various other links.
(Thanks to PB for providing this information on 22 June 2007).
Carrick District
On 6th September 2006 Carrick District Council provided detailed information. The information was updated, in response to a follow-up request, on 8th January 2007 and is now as follows:
Carrick Car Parks - Information for Camper Vans
No overnight camping is permitted in any Carrick District Council Car Park. Motor homes are permitted in the following car parks but must not obstruct road ways or pedestrian access. If they occupy more than one space a separate pay & display ticket must be purchased for each space taken up and displayed side by side.
Truro:
Garras Wharf. Suitable for all Campers but fills very early in the morning.
Moorfield Multi-Storey. Main Multi –Storey Height limited. Access is now available to taller vehicles in the outside section. Busy car park likely only to find one or more suitable spaces early in morning.
Pydar Street. No weight limits but small and fills early in morning with commuters.
Viaduct multi-Storey. Accessed through Pydar Street, now height limit on upper decks and a weight limit of 2500kgs. All other decks height limited. Less busy than other car parks in Truro.
Moresk and Edward St. Both small long stay car parks that fill early with commuters
Bridge Street. The busiest car park in Truro, OK for smaller campers as it is very unlikely to find two adjacent spaces vacant at any time. Limited to 3 hours stay.
Lemon Quay. Operated by Excel Parking height limited multi-storey
Park & Ride. Park & Ride will be in operation from the new site at Three Milestone from July (If all goes to plan, check before leaving) This would be the ideal parking spot for campers for Truro.
Falmouth:
Town Quarry. One of the best sites for campers in Falmouth. No weight limit, no height restriction. Long or short stay with a week ticket available (no overnight camping permitted).
The Dell. At the opposite end of town the Dell is one of the quietest car parks in Falmouth. No weight or height or weight restrictions. Long or short stay with a week ticket available (no overnight camping permitted).
Church Street. Exit via tunnel though buildings unsuitable for all campers
Grove Place. Busy during the summer but no weight limits or height limits. Maximum three hour stay.
Well Lane. Small car park possibly too tight for all but the most modest campers. No weight limit, no height limit, max three hour stay.
Gyllyngvase. No weight limit, no height limit.
Park & Ride?Float. A Park and Ride system operates for the Summer from Ponsharden. This is the perfect place to park a camper and catch a boat or bus into the town centre.
Penryn:
Commercial Road. No height limit, no weight limit. Most suitable car park in Penryn
Saracen. Too small for most campers.
Seasonal Car Parks:
Porthtowan Beach Road. Height limited
Perranporth Wheal leisure. No height limit, no weight limit.
Reppers Coombe St. Agnes. No height limit, no weight limit.
Rural Car Parks:
All small village car parks. Unsuitable for the largest vehicles
Gerrans. No height limit no weight limit
St Just Cross & Church. No height limit no weight limit
Portloe. No height limit no weight limit
Carrick District Council have further details on their web site Here.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Portscatho
From the A3078 take the first left and park in the car park on the left. There are no marked spaces and it’s a good spot for a picnic with great views and walks. It’s just a short walk into the village by road or by the coastal footpath. (Thanks to TW for providing this information on 7 February 2007 - "Personally 'tested' within the last 3 years. Like anything else, changes may have taken place since my visit and charges WILL have risen!").
Truro
1) In season the main car parks get full very quickly and spaces are quite small. The Council does tend to operate a ‘Park & Ride’ in the highest of the season, and I am not sure yet what is happening for this year (2007) I will try and find out and let you know. Two years ago they ran it ‘on wet days’….! Yes, that was what they really did!!!! So no-one knew whether it would be open or not! However, a possible alternative is the Railway Station Car Park, currently £2.50 for 24hrs. It’s actually at the back of the station, and you have to go over the level crossing to access this (often closed for short periods, as it is literally at the end of the station platform!). I wouldn’t recommend overnight use, other than as a parking area (ie not for camping) and I guess there will be a bylaw to prevent this anyway! The car park usually has plenty of space, and it’s not tarmac or lined, only hard ground, but it’s a good location, about 10min walk down to the city centre, and about 15mins back (uphill!). The best approach is to follow the A390 (the main road around Truro City centre) until Sainsburys roundabout, then follow sign to the Railway Station, and I should guess it’s no more than 300 yards or so from Sainsburys. (Thanks to KT for providing this information on 28 April 2007).
2) Further to my note to you about Truro parking, I've been in touch again with my contact at the District council re the summer season. They have got approval for a new P&R facility, but this will not be until November at the earliest...! However, I am told they are expecting to run a Park & Ride as in previous years from the Football Ground, and also the Old Cattle Market, probably from about 25th July until about 6th September. The Football ground is on the A390, very close to the Sainsburys Roundabout, whilst the Old Cattle Market is on the A39 near to MFI complex, approaching from the A30 via Trispen.
It is recommended that would be visitors either contact Carrick District Council, or look on their website. Which I think is kept quite well updated. (Thanks to KT for providing this information on 30 April 2007).
3) We visited recently and it was difficult to find suitable parking, not clearly sign-posted. Finally ended up at the entrance to the top of the multi-story car-park where there was no height barrier, but would be difficult for vans longer than ours [20']. (Thanks to A&BC for providing this information on 18 June 2007).
Kerrier District
On 14th September 2006 Kerrier District Council provided a spreadsheet of car parking information. On 26th March 2008, in response to a follow-up request, the council provided an updated spreadsheet which can be download in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format from here.
North Cornwall District
On 12th September 2006 North Cornwall District Council provided the following information:
Below are details of parking facilities and restriction of car parks controlled by North Cornwall District Council. It should be remembered that there are other car park operators including town and parish councils within the district.
We do not have any purpose designed spaces for Motorhomes or caravans and all car park users are required to pay for the spaces occupied, therefore a car and caravan will always require to purchase tickets for 2 spaces, large Motorhomes will generally require to pay for 2 spaces or even 4 on the odd occasion.
We do not have any waste disposal facilities other than recycle banks, litter and dog waste bins. We do not have facilities for chemical toilet discharge.
We do not allow any sleeping in vehicles overnight and will evict or issue Excess Charge Notices to those encountered by our contracted security company. We do not have facilities for overnight parking and actively encourage and support local campsite owners who provide first class services to our visitors, by adopting this policy.
Finally, all car parks are accessed via adopted roads, of which some are of a rural nature.
On 21st April 2008, the Council provided an update of a table (originally provided in 2006) which gives detail of their car parks together with spaces available and if public conveniences are at the car park or close-by. This can be download in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format from here. The council pointed out that the only change since 2006 is the Square car park in Launceston. It has now ceased operation because the area has been pedestrianised.
North Cornwall District Council have further details on their web site Here.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Bude
During the latter weeks in September 2007, my wife and I visited Bude in Cornwall in our Fiat Bessacarr E560 which is a touch over 7 metres long. Most of the car parks in Bude have marked bays. Obviously a vehicle of our length needed 2 bays which doubled the cost of parking. No complaints about that really, because at least it allowed us to park in relevant comfort. We did, however, find a car park in Bude at the Parkhouse Centre, opposite the Fire Station that had no markings. It cost us just 50 pence per hour. We used the car park on several occasions. It is just a couple of minutes walk to the main shopping area and just 5 minutes walk along the canal to the beach. Admittedly we went at a quiet time of the year, it would probably be a lot busier in July and August. It is not a particularly big car park but was more than ample for our 7 metre vehicle. We usually parked up a corner so that we did not interfere with other users. We had no problems at all and think it worthy of mention to other motorhomers who prefer early or later season travel. We shall certainly use it again when we are in that area. (Thanks to BB for providing this information on 8 October 2007).
Eden Project
I'm lucky enough to live about a mile from The Eden Project in Cornwall and so am able to visit it frequently. I would confirm that the site is extremely motorhome friendly. On arriving, marshalls will direct you to dedicated parking spaces. In peak times, this might be some way from the actual entrance but a free bus service is provided from the various car-parks. At quieter times, motorhomes are directed to the coach bays which are closer to the entrance. (Thanks to DM for providing this information on 1 May 2008).
Padstow
1) There is a large car park on the A389 above the town but get there early as it would be difficult to manoeuvre a large motorhome when full. There are some spaces with a verge to overhang if necessary but choose a spot opposite a roadway to allow for easy exit. (Thanks to TW for providing this information on 7 February 2007 - "Personally 'tested' within the last 3 years. Like anything else, changes may have taken place since my visit and charges WILL have risen!").
2) Visiting Padstow we parked on the surface car park at the end of the harbour using a Coach space (& paying coach rates). (Thanks to KS for providing this information on 12 April 2007).
Tintagel
1) My wife & I were touring the North Cornwall area last Autumn and in the very heart of Tintagel - opposite the National Trust PO - we came upon a decent size car park with spaces for MH's, and we noticed a sign that said overnight parking was permitted. I had a chat with the car park attendant who confirmed that could be done, but it would be necessary to be self sufficient and take away all waste. Unusual to find anywhere that actually allows/encourages overnighting. (Thanks to MR for this information received 10th January 2007).
2) Just to add to the entry about overnight camping in the car park at Tintagel, I can confirm that this is permitted in the car park opposite the National Trust Old Post Office (as at April 2007) and indeed is stated on the board of parking charges. The overnight fee runs from 4.30 pm to 10 am. This is a privately-operated car park , not a North Cornwall council park, and there are no toilets or other facilities. (Thanks to SB for this information received 26th April 2007).
3) From car park operator. Further to the car park in Tintagel opposite the Nation Trust Old Post office in the centre of the village. MH's are permitted to park overnight if they are self sufficient and take away their own litter as stated. May I also add that the car park can accommodate coach length vehicles in a coach parking area. Payment is made at the pay & display machine, at April 2008 £3pn. Tintagel does have a camp site with facilities for campers and also a Caravan Club site in the nearby hamlet of Trethevy. (Thanks to TG for this information received 25th April 2008).
Penwith District
On 20th September 2006 an officer of Penwith District Council phoned to provide the following information:
1. Height restrictions. None.
2. Requirements for parking within bay confines (including any requirement for purchasing two parking tickets where the length of a vehicle means that it overhangs a second bay at its rear). Generally vehicles are required to park within bay confines (where marked) but there are bays which allow overhang at Trenwith car park in St Ives and at Penzance Harbour. Refer to details displayed on machines.
3. Any provision of toilet and waste disposal facilities. There are toilet facilites near many car parks - see signs in car parks and the link on the web page noted below. There are litter bins but no facilities for disposal of grey or black waste.
4. Any provision for (or ban on) overnight parking. Overnight parking is allowed in car parks but not sleeping/camping.
5. Restricted access caused by narrow roads/entrances. Generally motor homes should have no problems. It was pointed out that many streets in St Ives are narrow with very hard walls and that buses/delivery lorries etc experience difficulty in manoeuvering - so it would be as well to plan carefully to avoid narrow roads.
In addition to day and evening tickets the Council offers discounted prices for 24 hour, 3 day and weekly tickets.
The Car Park Office will be happy to answer any further questions - contact details on the web page noted below.
Penwith District Council have further details on their web site Here.
A message containing similar information was received from the council on 14th November 2006 as follows:
Height Restrictions - There are no height restrictions.
Bay confines - Any vehicle using more than one parking bay must pay the "commercial vehicle" rate.
Provision of Toilet - There are no specific toilet provisions for motorhome/caravans but there are public toilets adjacent to some car parks.
Spaces specific for motorhomes/caravans - There are no specific spaces.
Provision for overnight parking - All long stay car parks in the district offer overnight parking but sleeping in vehicles is prohibited.
Restricted access - The town of St Ives generally has very narrow and some cobbled streets which would cause access problems for motorhomes/caravans so we would suggest these are directed to out of town car park (Trenwith) to avoid these problems.
On 27th March 2008, in response to a follow-up request, the council confirmed that the above information was still current.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Marizion (near Penzance)
I have a 33ft Gulfstream American RV located in Truro, Cornwall. One location I use on a daily basis is the car park located just as you approach Marizion village which caters for all types of motorhomes, big and small. The daily parking charge this year for a motorhome is £3.00 and you can park up against the beach opposite St Michael's Mount. The views are spectacular in one of the finest bays in Cornwall. There is no overnight parking, but there are two large pull-ins on the Helston Rd some two miles away where motor homes often park overnight, next door is a Cantonese restaurant which is OK. (Thanks to MS for providing this information on 7 May 2007).
St Ives
From Hayle on the A3074 follow signs to B3311, turn right and then right again onto the B3306 (the road to take if approaching from Land’s End). Follow signs to the Trenwith Car and Coach Park where there is ample room on the firm grass at the top of the car park. It is a short, though steep, walk into town by a footpath near to the far end of the car park or there is a dedicated bus running between the car park and the town. (Thanks to TW for providing this information on 7 February 2007 - "Personally 'tested' within the last 3 years. Like anything else, changes may have taken place since my visit and charges WILL have risen!").
Restormel
On 24th April 2008, in response to a follow up request, Restormel Borough Council provided the following information (an update of information provided on 7th September 2006):
Please find attached documents which give information on each individual car park in the Borough stating which type of vehicle that can enter the car park, and whether there is a height barrier in place and the actual height of the barrier. It also states whether overnight parking is allowed, but sleeping/camping in any of our car parks is prohibited.Also attached is the schedule of charges for all the car parks.The charge for campervans/motorhomes has been amended this year so that the tariff payable is charged at motor car tariff for each space or partial space taken.
The six documents which the council provided can be accessed on the Council's web site by following links from Here.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Fowey
I've just returned from a visit to Fowey in the borough of Restormel, Cornwall. The council car park signs need careful reading, as some are not clear and you could easily incurr a £60 penalty. After checking several of them, it turns out you are required to pay £10 for the privilege of staying from 6pm to 9pm with no overnight parking allowed. Cars are charged £2, which is also the daytime charge. They have also introduced a £7 per day charge for all of the council owned beach car parks. At the moment I don't know how this applies to motorhomes, but the normal instruction is, if you occupy two bays, you pay two charges. (Thanks to DC for providing this information on 12 April 2007).
Mevagissey
18 June 2007. Seeing a request on a forum for parking in Mevagissey I had a look at Flash Earth and found a private car & coach park on Valley Road - Willow Park Car & Coach Park & Surf Shop, PL26 6RZ, (01726) 843258. I rang them and they confirmed that motorhomes are allowed to park there during the day.
Newquay
1) Information from Restormel Borough Council obtained after the following submissions were received is that Mount Wise car park now has a height barrier.
Mount Wise long stay car park; Last known to be OK in 1999. (Thanks to SL for providing this information on 19 July 2006).
Main central "Manor" carpark has a height barrier. Long stay car park off Mount Wise, which is fairly convenient, has no barrier as it takes coaches. This information obtained January 1999. (Anon)
2) Parking is quite tight in the town for motorhomes so follow the A3058 and enter from the north. There is a sizeable car park on the left with two overflow areas which have no marked out spaces and it’s just a short walk down the hill into town. (Thanks to TW for providing this information on 7 February 2007 - "Personally 'tested' within the last 3 years. Like anything else, changes may have taken place since my visit and charges WILL have risen!").
Various
Over the last two months [April-May] we have visited the following car parks, outside peak periods:
Lost Gardens of Heligan - OK, clear marked bays for motor homes and friendly parking attendants. Sadly no shady facilities for cars with dogs and no dogs allowed in gardens!!
St Austell - Park and ride car park near council offices, 1/4 mile outside town, clearly signposted. Able to 'overhang' therefore car parking tariff applied.
Newquay - Difficult to find suitable parking with no height restrictions but ended up near the mini-golf course at the far end of the town. No barriers, no fee, and plenty of space, but it was evening time!
(Thanks to A&BC for providing this information on 18 June 2007).
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Last updated: 8 May 2008