Norfolk County Council have parking details/links for the county on their web site. The information includes details of the 6 Park & Ride sites conveniently situated around Norwich.
On 22nd May 2009, a request was sent to the Council asking if it was possible to park a motorhome at the P&R sites it provides. On 4th June 2009, the council replied:
1) We recommend that mobile homes avoid the Airport park & ride site as this is the smallest site in terms of the number of spaces provided and can reach capacity. Larger mobile homes should head towards the Sprowston, Harford or Costessey sites where we can accommodate the longer vehicles more easily, as they tend to require two spaces in length.
2) We have no height barriers at our sites and the sites are staffed at all times during hours of operation. No overnight parking or camping is permitted at any of our sites. Our traffic regulation orders also prevent any form of cooking or eating on the sites. We do not allow any form of trailers for boats, caravans or trailer tents on vehicles.
Breckland
On 19th September 2006 Breckland Council provided the following information:
Breckland Council Car parks are provided “free of charge” to support economic vitality of our town centres, i.e., only to encourage shopping visits. In the main, our sites are quite small and constrictive as you might expect in traditional rural market towns. Therefore the vast majority of our provision is for short stay (2 or 3 hours depending on location) so we do not provide any attached facilities beyond parking for any specific user. Bay layouts are designed for “motor car”; “motor cycle” & “invalid carriage”. The majority of our sites already have car park orders that prohibit sleeping/eating/cooking/overnight parking and this will be extended next year to all sites. I don’t believe that any of our restrictions were consciously made specifically against motorhomes, but that may appear to be the consequence of maximising the objectives of car use and shopping turnover.
On 29th May 2008, in response to a follow-up request, the council confirmed that the information above was still accurate:.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Swaffham
Station Street lorry park is good for an overnight stay - well made up, and secluded just enough. (Thanks to WC for this information, received on 16 October 2008).
Thetford
Tesco - room for van + small trailer. Sainsburys - I have parked tractor on trailer. Both have fuel & cafe. (Thanks to MK for this information, received on 28 October 2007).
Broadland
On 23rd August 2006 Broadland District Council provided the following information:
Car parks are located at:
Great Yarmouth
On 29th August 2006 Great Yarmouth Borough Council provided the following information:
Great Yarmouth Borough Council do not have any parking areas specifically for motorhomes, but they are permitted to park on our Car Parks as long as they are able to park within the confines of a bay. We have only two Car Parks that are height restricted, these are both on the seafront and are named North Drive and St. Nicholas. Most of our Car Parks are within a reasonable walking distance to a public toilet but I believe they do not have waste disposal facilities. I am also afraid our Parking Places Order also states that "No person shall use our Car Parks for sleeping or camping purposes or for eating or cooking purposes".
On 6th February, in response to a follow-up request, the Council said "We have size and weight restrictions on all of our main car parks, but generally we say 'if the motor home fits in the space and does not overhang the white lines, if will be allowed to park there'. If it does not fit these requirements, the only place that we will allow it to park will be Sandown Road Car Park (formerly Beach Coach Station). If, as we have in the summer months only, we have an inspector on duty, we will direct the drivers where to park. At other times, especially if it is the very large type of camper van, they will be able to park in the lorry park, costing £6 per day. At no time, in any of these parks, are they allowed to park overnight. This area has many camping sites nearby that will take the motor homes overnight and offer the facilities that they will require, i.e. washing and toilet contents disposal." The Council also provided a map showing car park locations. This can be download in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format from Here.
Great Yarmouth Borough Council have further details on their web site Here.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Caister
Tried to visit Caister - on - sea, Great Yarmouth NR30, small village/town, car park next to beach with beach cafe and lifeboat station. Main street nearby with some nice shops and excellent cafe's. Again found a height barrier. Have just received the below reply stating barrier now removed (locals stated been there from some time but not getting back about the fact the council say it was a 'temp' barrier just happy they say it has gone).
E-mail from Great Yarmouth Council, 25 October 2010:
Please accept my apologies for any inconvenience that you may have encountered on our Beach Road, Caister pay & display car park. The reason for the height barriers at the afore mentioned car park was in direct response to information received regarding a potential traveller incursion relating to, “The Feast of The Assumption”. The height barrier was in fact removed 12th October 2010 and is not a permanent fixture. Regarding the clamping and removal of vehicles found to be in contravention of the terms and conditions of use, it is not the policy of this authority to clamp or remove a vehicle from a car park for any reason. The provision of facilities for motorhomes and campervans is provided at the race course which can be found on Jellicoe Road. Not all of Great Yarmouth Borough Council’s pay and display car parks have height barriers and if a campervan or motorhome is able to fit within a parking bay we are happy for them to park.
(Thanks to CP for this information, received on 26 October 2010).
Kings Lynn & West Norfolk
On 25th August 2006 Kings Lynn & West Norfolk Borough Council provided the following information:
King's Lynn Car parks (without height restriction barriers): Common Staithe Quay, Austin Street West. Austin Street East (2 designated motor home bays), Saturday Market Place, St James Court (narrow road), Tuesday Market Place, Baker Lane, Blackfriars Street, Juniper, Albert Street, Chapel Street (gravel car park so only 1 ticket would need purchasing), Surrey Street
King's Lynn Car parks (with height barriers 2.2m): Boal Quay (gravel car park), Old Cattle Market outside ground floor accessible but upper lever not as 2.1 height restriction on ramps.
If a motor home is parked on ASE car park in one of the designated bays then only 1 ticket needs to be purchased.
If a motor home is parked on a car park (subject to it being under 3010kgs), depending on how bays are utilised then a ticket should be purchased for each bay that the motor home is encroaching on/using.
We have toilets sited on Baker Lane and Tuesday Market Place/Common Staithe Quay car parks. The Old Cattle Market is next to Vancouver Bus Station where there are some toilets.
Waste disposal facilities are not available on any of our car parks including Hunstanton.
Overnight parking is not permitted if persons are intending on sleeping in their vehicles including Hunstanton.
Hunstanton Car Parks (without height restriction barriers): Central, North Prom, Heacham North (sand/gravel car park so only 1 parking ticket would need purchasing), Heacham South (sand/gravel car park so only 1 parking ticket would need purchasing)
Hunstanton Car Parks (with height restriction barriers): Seagate 2.20m, Southend 2.20m, Cliff 2.20m, South Prom 2.20m
Coach Park: Designated bays for motor homes, barriers are opened in the morning at 8.00am and closed at night at 6.00pm.
Toilets sited at Cliff car park, Central car park, Seagate and Heacham North and South.
Overnight stays not permitted if staying in the motor home.
On 12th December 2007 Kings Lynn & West Norfolk Borough Council confirmed that nothing has changed since August 2006 with the exception that there is now also a multi storey car park called St James which has a 2.20 m height restriction.
Kings Lynn & West Norfolk Borough Council has further parking details on its web site Here.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Hunstanton
1) Received 17 December 2006. There's a fantastic car park in Hunstanton, just between the town centre and Tesco. Dedicated motorhome spaces and closer to the town than the main car park! (Thanks to JC for this information).
2a) Recently visited Hunstanton again as we knew there were motorhome bays available as there had been on our previous trips. On arrival at the Car Park mentioned by JC (above), we found a barrier across it closing the car park. There was a sign saying you could phone a number to get attendance but we didn't have a phone with us. Luckily we managed to park along Cliff Parade as we were out of season. We have parked here 3-4 times previously all out of season so there seems to be some sort of change in the opening times, so users beware. (Thanks to AV for this information, received on 27 November 2008).
2b) Further to my previous email regarding the parking in Hunstanton, please see enclosed a reply from West Norfolk council I have received regarding this - I have spoken to the gentleman in charge of that area in Hunstanton and he has informed me that the car park was not closed on the 15th November. The barrier was however locked shut with an A board beside it saying ‘Access to this coach park is controlled. For access please telephone 01485 534227.’ Reason for this is due to unauthorised encampments on this car park during the season, the decision was made to control access to prevent further problems. For info, this will continue to be the case for next season. (Thanks to AV for this information, received on 27 November 2008).
3) Brilliant, dedicated Motor Home parking very close to Tesco (coming from Kings Lynn), also if you are there early enough, continue along the coast road which avoids the actual town centre and there is unmarked parking on the road side as you approach the cliff top car parks. (Thanks to DM for this information, received on 3 June 2009).
Kings Lynn
Tesco - room for van + trailer (near Pizza Hut). Has fuel & cafe. (Thanks to MK for this information, received on 28 October 2007).
Sandringham
Loads of open parking making a visit to Sandringham House with a Motor Home very easy. (If you should be celiac the lady in the restaurant understands and was most helpful). (Thanks to DM for this information, received on 3 June 2009).
North Norfolk District
On 6th September 2006 North Norfolk District Council provided the following information:
1) Height restrictions - we do not operate with height restrictions as a general rule, albeit we do have one or two isolated ones. Also we have utilized a temporary restriction on 1car park for a fixed short term period in high summer.
2) Parking in bays - where a vehicle straddles more than one space there is an expectancy that 2 tickets should be purchased.
3) There are waste disposal facilities at, on or near all our car parks. Public Conveniences are also available at/on/or near to all car parks and also distributed at intervals throughout the communities.
4) Caravans are not permitted on our car parks. No specific provision for motorhomes, although our Runton Road Cliff car park is very well suited to motorhomes for 95% of the year.
5) There is free parking after 6pm daily on most car parks. We do not encourage overnight parking although it is not specifically excluded.
6) By their very nature, many remote rural locations afford narrow access roadways. These are all adopted highways and as such are accessible by most if not all vehicles albeit some would perhaps find it difficult to pass through if their drivers are not too confident.
North Norfolk District Council Council have further details on their web site Here.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
North Norfolk generally.
Thanks to CA for this information, received 13 August 2011. CA sent an enquiry to the council asking about parking for motorhomes and received the following reply:
Thank you for your enquiry in regard to motor homes, we do have different times/tariffs for different areas and this is shown in the leaflet. In regard to motor homes, they can park on all our car parks apart from The Limes at Fakenham, which has a height restriction due to access is through an brick archway. Blue Badge holders are not exempt from charges, but some car parks have no marked bays and they are Runton Rd Cromer, (grassed area) Cart Gap Happisburgh, Pauls Lane, Overstrand, Beach Rd East Runton and Beach rd Weybourne, at which you can purchase a (one) ticket for your stay. All the other car parks have marked individual bays, and if your motor home covers 2 bays then 2 tickets are required for the stay. Some do have Coach bays, but they are only for coaches and not Motor homes. Runton Rd Cromer is a favourite for Motor Home owners, as this is close to the cliff top with some lovely views, but in saying that, all areas of Norfolk have there own unique parts. Hope you enjoy your stay and if we can be of any help please do not hesitate to contact us.
Cromer
1)You used to be able to get into the big grass car park (Runton Road) on top of the cliffs but this July now has a height barrier - this may be the one that the council refers to as temporary for the high summer. If you are early you may squeeze into the tarmac section at the top end. If you follow the signs for the coach park there are a few spaces you can squeeze into. Alternatively follow the signs back out of Cromer towards Holt, and there is a Rainbow Coop Supermarket on an industrial estate which you could use, or park on the industrial estate at weekends. (Thanks to AV for this information, received 3 August 2007).
I contacted the Council to ask whether this was the temporary restriction referred to and received the following reply on 3 September 2007: "This is indeed correct – the Runton Road Barriers were only a temporary restriction to accommodate the safe setting up and dismantling of the preparations and aftermath of our Cromer Carnival. These barriers were once more removed last week. For the last several years now, we have adopted this strategy, covering a period of circa 4 weeks around the time of the Carnival."
2) Re 'temporary' height barrier on Runton Road, Cromer, we've just returned from a few days down there and the 2.1 metre height barrier is still there. (Thanks to PU for this information, received 7 April 2008).
3) Just been to Cromer again and the 2.1m barrier is still up at the Runton Road car park, however we did spot a motorhome in the car park as we were driving home so couldn't find out how it got in unless you have to ask at the cafe for access. (Thanks to AV for this information, received 6 May 2008).
4) Re the Runton Road car park in Cromer. I have been told by a council officer that the height barrier is there because of the problems the council suffers with travellers. The other week someone living opposite the car park called the police and council just as some travellers were trying to dismantle the barrier. Shortly the council is going to build a temporary travellers site in Cromer by the council offices and once that is built hopefully the barrier will be removed. (Thanks to S for this information, received 17 August 2008).
5) Cromer Runton rd height barriers. Visited 03/09/08. Now permanent. John Mumphy is the attendant-- Council approved, but unpaid.! Will unlock barrier for day use by motorhomes. If not there in his reflective jacket go to house number 59 opposite and he will pop over and let you in/out. Reasonable hours, please. Tell him how public spirited he is. We could do with more helpful people like him. (Thanks to MP for this information, received 4 September 2008).
Cromer & Sheringham
Neither are large motorhome friendly as the main car park in Sheringham and the cliff car park in Cromer (no height barrier incidentally) allow vehicles over 3500kg. In Cromer coaches are directed to just off the seafront but there are no large bays for motorhomes and the coach bays are strictly for coaches. There is a Morrisons quite close to the coast but it was very busy so there were no double in-line bays to park in. We gave both venues a miss (early May 2011) (Thanks to MB for this information, received 11 May 2011).
Holkham
Ample parking at Holkham Beach - see Here - N 52.960095 E0.814787. Exercise your horses, the Cavalry does in summer! Park all day, walk to Wells Next Sea or chill out after a walk in the pine walks near the parking. Lady Anne Drive, Holkham Bay, used as background for beach shots in 'Kingdom'. No height barriers, firm ground and tarmac roadway on and off area. (Thanks to M for this information, received 31 December 2009).
Holt
On the main A148 there is a large lay-by / pull in about 200m outside the town going back towards King Lynn where you can park and easily walk into the town. 52"54'23.51"N 1"04'52.16"E (Thanks to AV for this information, received 6 May 2008).
Sheringham
Head for the cliff top car park, Cromer end and if you are early there are about 4 end bays that you would get away with, if around 6m long. (Thanks to AV for this information, received 3 August 2007).
Wells-next-the-Sea
1) Follow the signs to the Beach and Beach Car Park, this car park is a 15 minute walk from Wells centre down by the Beach and Pine Woods/Sand Dunes, will easily take a 6m van, longer in the end bays as they are only marked out with thin logs no white lines. (Thanks to AV for this information, received 30 August 2007).
2) Do not park in the "Coach & Lorry Park - FREE" on the eastern approaches to Wells-next-the-Sea. Motorhomes may receive a Fixed Penalty Notice for being a "vehicle not of specified class". (Thanks to PK for this information, received 14 April 2009).
West Runton
MH Parking West Runton Norfolk with sea view (200M). N52.94006, E 1.24604, Water Lane, North Norfolk DC parking, pay & Display. NCC School coaches use same during summer months on excursions so can cater for all size MH`s. Checkable, but out of season NNDC car parks are usually free. (Thanks to M for this information, received 31 October 2009).
Norwich
On 22nd September 2006 Norwich City Council provided a spreadsheet containing car park information. An updated version was provided in June 2009 (see below).
1. Height restrictions. Please refer to the attached spreadsheet. Please also note that there is a weight limit of 35cwt on the Pay & Displays.
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). The parking orders in place for the off-street car parks specifically say that vehicle must be parked wholly within marked spaces. There are no large spaces to allocated to accommodate these vehicles so they would be contravening the parking order should they over-hang marked spaces, they would also almost certainly exceed the weight limit for the car parks.
3. Any provision of toilet and waste disposal facilities. Please refer to the attached spreadsheet.
4. Any provision of spaces specifically aimed at motorhomes and/or caravans. No.
5. Any provision for (or ban on) overnight parking. Overnight parking is allowed in Norwich Car Parks but the parking order prohibits people from sleeping, eating, camping or cooking in vehicles.
6. Restricted access caused by narrow roads/entrances. Please refer to the attached spreadsheet.
Norwich City Council have further details on their web site Here.
Update 2 July 2007:
Some time after the initial reply from Norwich City Council above it came to my notice that many other vehicles (e.g. large 4x4s) weigh in excess of 35 cwt (some of the largest 4x4s even being heavier than many motorhomes). A further request for information was sent to the council asking for clarification. The council responded as follows:
Thank you for your email dated 16 June 2007, requesting a copy of any information distributed to Norwich City Council car parking attendants to enable them to judge whether or not a particular vehicle should be issued with a PCN for exceeding the weight limit.
Norwich City Council Parking Attendants under-go training which includes classroom instructions. A vehicle's weight is often displayed on the plate of the vehicle, however, this plate is not required on private cars. The attendants are instructed on how to identify and deal with vehicles over the 35cwt weight limit.
We are fully aware of the weight of some of the modern cars. Norwich City Council are looking into its weight restrictions, to include 4x4. If the weight restrictions are changed, this will be advertised and the signs amended before parking enforcement recommences on this infringement.
With regards to the information provided in our earlier response to you (dated 22 September 2006), we have checked the parking order and note that Motorhomes are not permitted on any City Council Car Park and that the only car park in Norwich that could take a motorhome is the Clarence Road Regional CP site.
Please note the following extracts from the order below. A copy of the order and articles can be provided if required.
The parking is regulated by Article 9 and it says:-
'Where in column 2 of the schedule to the Order a parking place or part thereof is described as available for vehicles of a specific class or if a parking space is designated by surface or other markings as available for vehicles of a specific class then the driver of a vehicle shall not allow the vehicle to wait in that parking place unless that vehicle is of the specific class.'
The Schedule states as follows:
'Classes of vehicles: - a) Motor Cars as defined in section 136 of the Act of 1984 other than motor vehicles intended for use for living accommodation, or vehicles not having an unlade weight of 30cwt except for a public service vehicle with approval of an authorised officer of the Council.'
Please note that there are also other independent car parks within the city, which Norwich City Council does not hold the information.
On 17th June 2009, in response to a follow-up request, the Council provided an updated copy of the spreadsheet provided in September 2006. This can be download in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format from here.
The council also provided the following information:
The updated spreadsheet gives details of car parks in Norwich under the control of Norwich City Council and the provisions (if applicable) for motor homes which also includes details of any restrictions. It is also still forbidden to eat or sleep in a parked motor home in a Norwich City Council car park.
We are not able to provide a full list of each street in the Norwich City Council area and it's individual provision for motor homes. However, we can confirm that the following bays would be available for parking a motor home between the hours of 18:30 and 08:00:-
- Permit bays (unless otherwise stated as a 24 hour permit area)
- Loading bays (unless otherwise stated)
- Limited waiting bays (unless otherwise stated)
- On-street pay and display bays (these are located in the City centre and are free to park in between 18:30 and 08:00 and on Sundays-unless otherwise stated)
- Single yellow lines (unless otherwise stated - as certain areas, particularly in the City centre commence at 21:00)
Please note that with all of the above, that the vehicle should not cause an obstruction as this could result in the driver being asked to move the vehicle by a Norwich City Council Enforcement Officer or by the Police. Also, the driver should check the signs for the traffic regulations carefully in the surrounding area.
We can also confirm that there is currently no bye-law to state that you would not be permitted to eat or sleep in a motor home in an on-street parking area.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Received 15 December 2006. Around Norwich there are 6 Park `n Ride sites (none have height barriers, up to 5 adults on parking ticket, after 12:30 very cheap!) and all are accessable and welcome motorhomes. Also in the link Here are the figures that are seen on the *V*ariable *M*essage *S*igns on the approaches leading into Norwich giving spaces remaining on the various parks. (Thanks to M for this information).
Received 13 April 2007. Suggest Postwick "Park and Ride"-signed just off A47 towards Yarmouth on East side of Norwich. No special bays,but parking on the most distant bays allows overhang-thus hopefully conforming to bay limits. Toilets,waste bins for small items-no liquid. No height barrier,good access. Good frequent bus service to Norwich-centre in 10 mins. Current charge £3.20 per day,reduced to £1.60 post 12.30pm. MUST REPORT TO OFFICE ON ARRIVAL TO BE DIRECTED TO BAY!!!. Normal bays not suitable and high vans block security cameras. Very helpful reception today - but already some have abused the rubbish disposal facilities - there's always one (or two). (Thanks to Len for this information).
See details on Norfolk CC web site (link at top of page) for details of current charges (which have changed since April 2007).
South Norfolk District
On 4th September 2006 South Norfolk Council provided a table of car park details which can be downloaded in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format from Here.
The Council also provided the following information:
There is no restriction on overnight stays.
The only height access restriction to our car parks is to the front entrance at Market Street Wymondham, however there is an unrestricted rear entrance. Generally the roads around Wymondham Town Centre are all relatively narrow.
We do allow a single vehicle to take up 2 parking bays if 2 tickets are purchased (where payment needed), however there are no large bays.
With all the car parks there is a weight limit of 3.24 tonnes.
There are public toilets at Wymondham Market Street, Loddon Staithe, Harleston Bullock Fair Close, and Long Stratton Swan Lane, and close to Diss Park Road, but all car parks are near town-centre public toilets. There are no waste disposal facilities.
Note - no charges after 6 or Sundays.
On 1st February 2008, in response to a follow-up request, the council confirmed that the information was still valid.
South Norfolk Council have further parking details on their web site.
Return to Motorhome Friendly and Unfriendly Parking home page.
Last updated: 13 August 2011