Devon County Council have parking details/links for the county on their web site.
East Devon
On 15th September 2006, East Devon 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.
Height Restrictions. The Council has height restriction barriers (2.4 metres) in just 5 of its 53 car parks. These are: Church Street, Sidford, Temple Street, Sidmouth, Imperial Road, Exmouth, Imperial Recreation Ground, Exmouth and Camperdown Terrace, Exmouth. In the main these are located to prevent entry by so called "New Age Travellers" etc and not simply to restrict the size of vehicle using the car park.
Requirements for parking within parking bays. The Council has a requirement within its Parking Places Order that a vehicle must be able to fit wholly within a marked parking space. However, if it is possible for a vehicle to reasonably achieve this with a slight overhang and without loss of use of adjoining spaces no action will be taken if a valid ticket/permit is displayed. There is no firm policy on permitting purchase of two tickets in instances where two spaces are required to accommodate the vehicle. This sometimes happens but is not encouraged as it only occurs where the vehicle is so large that it would be deemed of unsuitable length for a car park and thus in contravention of the requirement of the PPO.
Toilet and Waste disposal facilities. These are not provided as the Council only permits use of the car park for the parking of the vehicle. Matters associated with "living" in the vehicle are irrelevant as the Council specifically forbids such usage even on a temporary basis.
Provision of Spaces for Motor Homes or Caravans. The Council does not permit usage of its car parks by towing caravans as it believes that the appropriate place for these to be catered for is in designated caravan parks. There is no classification in law of a "Motor Home" the vehicle is either LGV or HGV and therefore is subject to the requirement of the PPO, in so much that it must be able to fit wholly within a marked parking space.
Provision of overnight parking. The Council does not permit overnight sleeping, food preparation, washing, or other matters relative to "living accommodation" in any of its car parks even on a temporary basis. Again it believes that the appropriate place for such actions is in designated caravan/camping sites.
Restricted access. The Council's car parks in the main are designed to cater for Cars & LGV's. The only exceptions are where a provision for parking of HGV's or PSV's is existent. Save for height barriers, which has been dealt with above there are no deliberate restrictions in widths of entrances/exits to dissuade usage by so called motor homes. If the "motor home" and it's driver are capable of satisfying the requirements of the PPO as is the case with any vehicle or driver that wishes to use the Council's car parks, then they are welcome to do so.
East Devon District Council have details of car parks on their web site Here and a link to parking in Sidmouth (Sidmouth Town Council web site) Here.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Seaton
Has large car park (no height restrictions) near the railway, you can park motorhomes, however large motorhomes have to display two tickets if they overhang into the space behind. You can park around the edge and overhang onto the verge if you are lucky. (Thanks to JH for providing this information on 21 July 2006).
Beer/Seaton
October 2006. We had a very unhelpful response to our complaints about lack of parking at Beer, among other places, from an official who thinks motorhomes should stay on caravan parks (as you note). He assured us that wardens would check our tax disc (which says PHGV) and take great delight in issuing a ticket because most of their car parks do not permit HGV’s. However, the warden at Seaton was most helpful and we parked there with overhang onto a verge and no problem. I often find that a respectful chat with the attendant or parking warden if available can provide a solution. (Thanks to JW for this information, received on 2 March 2007).
Beer
Just had a quick look on your web page, most interesting but one thing we found wrong with motorhome parking in Beer, Devon..... We have parked in the carpark down in the village for the past two years to visit, far side by the wall, and we have never had any bother from anyone. Admittedly we can (just) fit into a space but we do overhang slightly over the line but make sure we park opposite a lane rather than another car. Last year we realised we were 20 mins over our time, returned to our motorhome and the warden was there!! He took one look at us with our shopping grinned and said that as he hadn't started writing the ticket we could get away with it as long as we went there and then!!!! We ended up having a chat with him and he was quite happy with motorhomes as long as we parked sensibily. Perhaps the people who said they had encountered problems were there in high season, we tend to go in April,May, June, September times. We have a Burstner A530 Active which is approx 19' so we do have an advantage over the larger campers. (Thanks to SR & GD for this information, received on 16 March 2007).
Exmouth
Exmouth in Devon has excellent parking facilities for motorhomes overlooking the beach at very reasonable prices and these prices can include time spans up to a full 24 hours. Just head for the seafront and then head AWAY from the town along the seafront , you will then come to an area where you can reverse or drive into genorous marked bays looking directly over the beach and sea , the immediate area is ideal for walking or just relaxing looking out to sea, at low tide there is a lovely walk around the cliffs. (Many thanks to P&MK for this information, received 14 November 2007).
Sidmouth
I am making notes of car parks that are suitable for a motorhome or have spaces that you can squeeze into if the extra length is an overhang as our Hymer (6m) has. In Sidmouth, follow the car park signs towards Exeter side, around 10 spaces suitable. (Many thanks to AV for this information, received 22 June 2007).
Exeter
On 23rd October 2006, Exeter City Council provided a schedule detailing the facilities currently offered to motorhome drivers in car parks run by the council. This can be download in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format from here.
The Council also provided the following information:
The schedule has been based on the criteria you specifically requested and is, I hope, fairly self-explanatory.
Although a number of City centre car parks can accommodate small to medium sized motor-homes, our suggestion would be that larger vehicles instead head for either Matford Park & Ride or Haven Road car parks.
Matford offers ten free parking bays just outside the main site dedicated to vehicles over 6' 7" (2m) tall. There is a public toilet nearby and the area benefits from good CCTV coverage.
Haven Road currently has parking provision for coaches and the site is due to be enhanced during 2007, improving existing facilities and adding security measures such as CCTV and a help point.
Exeter City Council have details of car parking on their web site Here.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
(1) Haven Road car park; Last known to be OK in 1998. (Thanks to SL for providing this information on 19 July 2006).
(2) Cathedral & quay car park (reported that most city centre car parks have barriers). Haven Road car park on the opposite side of the river from the Cathedral and Quay car park has no barrier; This information obtained September 1998. (Anon)
(3) Received 15 December 2006. There are two park & ride parks situated just off the M5 junction 29 here in Exeter. One has 500 spaces the other 660. If travelling down the A30, as you travel under the motorway flyover the park & ride is on the road just 2 light stops (Thanks to DJ for this information).
(4) October 2006. We were recommended to the Triangle car park, near Heavitree Road. However, we had to occupy and pay for two places and a friendly warden said this was OK. There were other places where verge overhang may have been possible, but as usual occupied by white vans and Ford Kas. Matford Park and Ride has been a waste of time, as it is the nearest to the big camp site at the race course, and the very few spaces available have been full on our several visits there. I often find that a respectful chat with the attendant or parking warden if available can provide a solution. (Thanks to JW for this information, received on 2 March 2007).
(5) Visited Exeter at Easter with medium sized [20ft.] motorhome. Stopped at first park and ride off motorway, sorry can't remember the name, which has a height barrier. The only person to ask about availability for larger vehicles at P & R was the driver of the standing bus! He told us that there were NO parking facilities for motorhomes at any of the P & R sites. We telephoned the TIC who directed us to the Triangle car park which proved very suitable and handy for the City Centre. (Thanks to RH for this information).
Mid Devon
On 12th October 2006, Mid Devon District Council provided the following information:
1. Height restrictions? The only car park that has a physical height restriction is the Multi Storey Car Park in Phoenix Lane, Tiverton (at 1.9m, or 6ft 2ins)
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)? Any vehicle parked in any car park must be parked within a marked parking bay. If a motor home were to take up 2 parking spaces, it would be expected that the driver would purchase 2 pay & display tickets.
3. Any provision of toilet and waste disposal facilities? None of our Pay & Display car parks have public conveniences within the car parks, but can be located nearby. The only exception is the Market Place Car Park, Tiverton, which does have toilets to the eastern side of the car park.
4. Any provision of spaces specifically aimed at motor homes and/or caravans? There are no dedicated parking spaces for caravans or motor homes at any of our car parks.
5. Any provision for (or ban on) overnight parking? Overnight parking, Sunday’s and Bank Holiday’s is free of charge. The charging period is from 8am to 6pm Monday to Saturday.
6. Restricted access caused by narrow roads/entrances? All car parks have the standard width carriageway for entry & departure.
Mid Devon District Council have details of car parking on their web site Here.
North Devon
On 31st August 2006, North Devon District Council provided details of their car parks which can be seen Here (opens a new window).
On 10th January 2008, in response, to a follow-up request, the council provided a hard copy of its updated Off Street Parking Places Order. This shows that the only car parks which may be used by vehicles exceeding 45 cwt unladen weight are: Seven Brethren Bank lorry park in Barnstaple (Tarka now restricted to vehicles under 45 cwt); Kiln car park in Combe Martin; Brookdale lorry & coach park in Ilfracombe; Hillsborough lorry park in Ilfracombe and Central car park in South Molton.
North Devon District Council have details of car parking on their web site Here.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Lynton & Lynmouth
Parking is limited and tight in Lynmouth so you are advised to park in Lynton and travel down to Lynmouth using the water powered Cliff Railway. Use the car park on Castle Hill from where you can turn left and walk the short distance into Lynton and then follow signs to the Cliff Railway if you wish to visit Lynmouth. (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!").
South Molton
Mid-February 2007 - Central car park had motorhomes parked in it when I was there. (Received from Rob, 17th February 2007).
Umberleigh
A great place to park overnight in North Devon - The Portsmouth Arms Hotel, Burrington, Umberleigh - an old coaching inn situated on the A377 between Exeter and Barnstaple. Overnight parking available for a small fee (free if you eat & drink). Nice big car park with access to toilets. Really good food, real ales, nice wines etc. Kids & dogs welcome. People are really friendly. Handy for Woolacombe Bay & North Devon surfing beaches. Ideal stop over point if you are journeying to/from Cornwall. Lovely garden with views over open countryside. Phone 01769 561117. (Many thanks to DA for this information, received 3 October 2007).
Woolacombe
I am making notes of car parks that are suitable for a motorhome or have spaces that you can squeeze into if the extra length is an overhang as our Hymer (6m) has. In Woolacombe the two car parks in the centre can handle 6m, or possibly more in the one towards Marine Drive on your left. (Many thanks to AV for this information, received 22 June 2007).
Plymouth
On 18th October 2006, Plymouth City Council provided the following information:
1. Height Restrictions. Plymouth City Centre Multi Storey car parks have a height restriction of 2 mtrs; open surface car parks do not have any height restriction at the entry points.
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. Where a vehicle through its length or width overhangs into a second bay it is acceptable for the driver of that vehicle to purchase and display two tickets from the nearest ‘Pay & Display’ machine (These are considered to run concurrently).
3. Provision of toilet and waste facilities. There are not any facilities for the disposal of waste or toilet waste in any of the car parks; although a “ toilet dump” facility is available at Plymouth Citybus, Milehouse, Plymouth.
4. Provision of spaces specifically aimed at motorhomes and/or caravans. There are not parking spaces within “Pay & Display” car parks that are specifically aimed at motorhomes/ caravans although as in “2” above it is possible for the driver to use two bays to park the vehicle.
5. Provision for (or ban on) overnight parking. To the best of our knowledge the only place that motorhomes / caravans may be parked & slept in overnight in Bretonside Bus Station where toilet, shower facilities are available.
6. Restricted width access. Car parks within Plymouth City Centre have free and unrestricted access.
Plymouth City Council have details of car parking on their web site Here.
Details of Bretonside bus station are on their web site Here.
See the Park & Ride page for details of the three Plymouth P&R sites.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Plymouth
1) The council states that there is overnight parking at Bretonside bus station, but this is not so. Private vehicles are not allowed inside the bus station area at all. The best places for someone to park overnight in Plymouth would be superstores such as Sainsburys, just off the A38 at Marsh Mills roundabout, or in my neighbourhood in the small Coop carpark north of the Milehouse traffic lights, across the roundabout, and left at the first set of lights in Wolseley Road. The nearest official overnight parking to Plymouth is at Lee Mill to the east of Plymouth off the A38, where a carpark for that express purpose is hidden [but well signposted] behind a petrol station. Many people use this carpark before catching the Brittany Ferries ships to Roscoff or Santander. (Many thanks to AC for this information, received 25 February 2007).
A query was sent to the council, on 25th February, asking for clarification about Bretonside bus station and the following reply was received on 25th April 2007: Thank you for enquiry relating to the over night parking of motor homes in Bretonside Bus Station. I can confirm that it would be in order for the driver of any motor home to park over night in this area. I would add that it's primary use is to facilitate overnight parking for heavier goods vehicles rather than lighter vehicles. The signage brought to your attention relating to private vehicles entering the bus station refers during the daytime operation of the bus station when we would not wish members to walk or park thus coming into conflict with heavier vehicles.
Update from AC, received 4 May 2007: I went and looked at the sign at Bretonside this morning, and talked to the gate-keepers. They said ignore the sign, but times when we can park overnight in motorhomes [for one night only] vary from about 4pm - 10am at a cost of £7. It all depends on whether the tourist coaches have finished with the parking.
2) We've just returned from a week in & around Plymouth with our Pioneer Tasman (6.14m long) motorhome. We found the Plymouth Park & Ride at Coypool (near Marsh Mills rdbt) useful for access to Plymouth City with no parking restrictions & a very helpful attendant, although it can get quite busy & we also found it didn't run on Good Friday.We always try to use the P & R schemes when visiting any larger town or city & generally find them extremely useful.
We also parked the van at the Car Park close to Phoenix Wharf (handy for the Harbour Cruise boats & Barbican), this is a Pay & Display car park & the board does say "caravans not allowed" but nothing about motorvans. (Thanks to KS for providing this information on 12 April 2007).
3) Please note the Coypool Park and Ride closes on Sundays as well. (Thanks to AR for providing this information on 6 August 2007). A check on the P&R web page noted above confirms that all three sites operate only Monday to Saturday with further restrictions on bank holidays and when Plymouth Argyle are playing at home.
4) There are three Park and Ride sites in Plymouth as follows: 1. COYPOOL. 2. THE GEORGE JUNCTION. 3. CENTRAL PARK.
COYPOOL is a stand alone site approximately three miles to the east of the City Centre and close to the A38. Park and Ride buses only run from the site direct to the City Centre.
THE GEORGE JUNCTION and CENTRAL PARK sites are linked, in as much that buses run from THE GEORGE JUNCTION ( every ten minutes from 0630-1900) via the CENTRAL PARK site into the City Centre and vice versa. However, THE GEORGE JUNCTION site, which is situated approximately four miles to the north of the City Centre ( before you hit the traffic!!) has distinct advantages over CENTRAL PARK, not least because it is unaffected by Plymouth Argyle Football Club fixtures or any other events which take place at the stadium. It is not just a Park and Ride site, it is a purpose built Travel Exchange where a significant number of bus services, to and from other destinations within the city, pass through.There is a "state of the art" enclosed, reception/waiting area complete with information desk, vending machines, toilets and a shower for public use. For those who want to leave their motorhomes on site and "get on their bikes" before they get on the bus, there are secure lockers in which to stow their machines. Finally, if after a hard days sightseeing you do not feel like flashing up your cooker, then adjacent to this site is a Toby carvery at the George Hotel which also has ample parking.
(Thanks to FB for providing this information on 5 January 2008).
South Hams
On 27th September 2006, South Hams District Council provided the following information:
1. The is only one height restriction which is in Victoria Street car park, Totnes, and is 7.6ft or 2.3metres.
2. It is a requirement in all SHDC car parks that all vehicles park within marked bays. We have a maximum length limit in our car parks of 5 metres however we have recently identified certain car parks in towns where we can allow mobile home owners to park provided they purchase enough tickets to cover the amount of parking bays they use and that they do not obstruct other users. Further information on this is listed in (4) below.
3. Toilets are available in the following car parks: Steamer Quay, Totnes; Slapton Memorial; Torcross Tank; Park and Ride, Dartmouth; Bigbury-on-Sea; Leonards Road, Ivybridge. No waste disposal facilities are available in any car parks.
4. There are no specific spaces for motorhomes or caravans, however as mentioned in (2) above we have identified certain car parks where we can allow motorhomes to breach the 5 metre length limit provided pay and display tickets are purchased to cover the spaces utilised. These car parks are: Longmarsh, Totnes; Cattle Market, Kingsbridge; Leonards Road, Ivybridge; Slapton Memorial; Park and Ride, Dartmouth; Bigbury-on-Sea; Poundwell Meadow Overflow, Modbury.
5. Parking is free in most of our car parks currently from 6pm onwards however we do not allow any overnight camping whatsoever in any of our car parks.
6. There should be no restricted access in the car parks mentioned in point (4) as these car parks have been chosen as the most suitable for motor homes.
On 25th March 2008, in response to a follow-up request, the council provided the following information:
Most of our information for this year remains as above. The only change is that we have now introduced overnight charges during the high season (April to October) of £1 from 6pm to 8am in certain car parks including some of those mentioned and we would advise users to check the tariff cards displayed on the pay and display machines when they arrive.
South Hams District Council have details of car parking on their web site Here.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Dartmouth
1) Received from JS on 25 January 2007. Some info from South Hams District Council (I emailed them). Dartmouth (Devon) Park and Ride on the A3122. Motor Homes are permitted to use the Park & Ride site. If you park within two bays, two tickets must be purchased. There are no height restrictions at this site.
Modbury
A notice displayed in Poundwell Meadow car park reads "Mobile homes are permitted to park in this car park provided pay and display tickets are purchased to cover car parking bays used". Access is at the bottom of the hill in the centre of the town coming from Plymouth. It is opposite Brownstone Street at the side of the White Hart pub. Access is narrow past the pub but plenty of room past the health centre in the overflow area. There's a public footpath from the car park across fields, ideal for dogs. (Thanks to GM for this information, received 27 November 2007).
Torcross
(Thanks to WJM for this information, received 30 November 2007). E-mail to South Hams Council: "I have to bring my 21-foot long/10-foot high Motorhome from Cheltenham to Slapton Sands for a beach-fishing competition on Friday 25 January 2008. Will I be able to park it in the Slapton Beach (or Strete Gate) Car park all day, please, or are there height or length restrictions?". Reply from South Hams Council "Thank you for your enquiry. Due to the size of your vehicle it is best for you to park in the Torcross Tank car park in the Coach Bays. Please purchase a coach ticket from the machine. I will inform our Inspectors to ensure you are not issued with a ticket as we normally do not allow motorhomes of your size within our car park. I am happy for you to place a note in your vehicle stating you have permission to park from myself."
Totnes
Totnes (South Hams District Council) have a VERY unhelpful attitude. There is only one car park which accepts motorhomes. However this is not signposted anywhere in the town or its approaches. Following the normal 'P' signs is misleading, because the ban on motorhomes is only displayed at the payment point. We spent ages getting into a car park and finding a space. It was only when we went to pay did we find that we were not allowed, despite our Symbol fitting between the white lines. So the effect is that motohomes are cruising round the congested roads of Totnes, instead of heading directly to the designated motorhome car park. We spoke to staff in the Tourist Office who were not prepared to take this up with the Council, as 'it will make no difference'. (Thanks to TG for this information, received 17 August 2007).
Note - There is a PoI for the Longmarsh car park in the PoI set available from the Downloads page.
Teignbridge
On 17th October 2006, Teignbridge District Council provided the following information:
We have height restrictions in Newton Abbot- Multi Storey and Venture Court. Motor homes can park at the racecourse car park free of charge where there are overnight toilets provided primarily for lorry parking.
There are also height restrictions at Dawlish Warren seaward side car park. Network rail mainline runs through site so road tunnel creates restricted access. However landward side parking available. A feasibility study is being carried out to see if there could be a provision for toilet and waste disposal units to be installed in landward side, for overnight parking for motor homes. This is included in the Parking Strategy.
Height restrictions at Station Road Bovey Tracey to rear of car park.
Current policy requires vehicle to be under 1500kgs or to be able to fit into one bay. Require special arrangements to park in town sites.
No overnight sleeping in most sites.
All ancient settlements within District in rural locations are accessible by roads but also have restricted access in some narrow streets. Ashburton, Buckfastleigh, Teignmouth.
Teignbridge District Council have details of car parking on their web site Here.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
The Point car park in Teignmouth usually has a couple of motorhomers on it during weekends. They don’t get any hassle and seem to enjoy the fantastic views as they are virtually on the beach. We sometimes drop our Hymer on there and spend the night with the gulls and fisherman. (Many thanks to Drew for this information, received 4th February 2007).
Torbay
On 27th September 2006, Torbay Council provided the following information:
Height Restrictions. Details are on the council's web site (see below).
If any motorhome occupies more than one parking bay, an additional Pay & Display ticket must be purchased.
Car parks with toilets are: Lymington Road, Torquay; St. Marychurch, Torquay; Breakwater, Brixham; Shoalstone, Brixham.
None of our car parks have spaces specifically for motorhomes.
Sleeping in vehicles overnight is prohibited in all of our car parks.
None of our car parks have restricted access routes.
On 25th March 2008, in response to a follow-up request, the council provided the following information:
Motor Homes are allowed to park in any Torbay Council Car Park (height restrictions permitting). A full list of Torbay Council Car Parks, any height restrictions applicable and their locations, is available on the councils web site (see below). If a motor home occupies more than one parking bay, an additional pay and display ticket must be purchased for each bay. Overnight parking is allowed but sleeping and cooking in vehicles is strictly prohibited in all of our Car Parks. Please visit our website for opening and closing times.
Torbay Council have details of car parking on their web site Here, with locations Here.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Paignton
I am making notes of car parks that are suitable for a motorhome or have spaces that you can squeeze into if the extra length is an overhang as our Hymer (6m) has. Torbay Leisure Centre car park nr. Goodrington Sands has quite a few spaces suitable. (Many thanks to AV for this information, received 22 June 2007).
Torridge
Torridge District Council (new window) have provided details of their car parks.
West Devon
On 8th September 2006, West Devon Borough Council provided information which can be download in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format from here.
On 3rd April 2008, in response to a follow-up request, the council provided the following information:
We have two pay and display car parks in West Devon where the parking of motorhomes is possible. Bedford Car Park, Tavistock and Market Street Car Park, Okehampton. However parking is limited and there are no designated parking spaces for motorhomes.
Our other pay and display car parks across West Devon that we are responsible for do not have sufficient sized spaces or are not large enough for motorhomes to park.
Vehicles can park overnight in our car parks at their own risk but we would not encourage people to eat or sleep in our car parks as they are for the public to park not to board overnight.
West Devon Borough Council have further details on their web site Here.
Return to Motorhome Friendly and Unfriendly Parking home page.
Last updated: 3 April 2008