While most people come to Cornwall by car these days, given the grand old romantic days of steam are long gone, this section helps to take the pain out of parking and suggests the best travel routes.
Within 5 hours (by train or car) you can be in a different world. That’s around how long it takes to reach Cornwall from London.
Cornwall is a rural county, so most people travel here by car, especially if they have family and extensive luggage.
As St Ives is such a popular town with narrow streets, and lots to do, parking can be a challenge in high season unless you have chosen accommodation with parking included.
Beautiful Bude has plenty of parking around the town centre and beaches, including Cornwall Council car parking, Bude-Stratton Town Council parking and private parking.
Fabulous Falmouth is well worth visiting, but not known for its ease of parking. It has 3 short-stay car parks, but they are expensive.
Lovely Looe is a town of two seasons. In mid-low season, finding a parking space is relatively easy with car parks and street parking readily available.
Magical Mousehole is a delight but when at its busiest, the road down to this lovely fishing village can become a bottle-neck, and parking in the village is at a premium, as Mousehole existed centuries before the car.
Newquay has a mixture of council (15 car parks) and private parking so choose judiciously. Use our guide to reduce parking stress.
Cornwall’s only city is small and picturesque, with a very impressive cathedral.
Despite being a vibrant town with top-notch restaurants, parking is not too difficult in picturesque Padstow, but usually involves a walk in to the town centre.
