Parking – Padstow

UPDATED 13/06/2025

Despite being a vibrant town with top-notch restaurants, parking is not too difficult in picturesque Padstow – although you should be prepared for a short walk into the town centre.

Padstow Town Council operates two car parks. One is at The Railway (Station Road), offering level access to the Camel Trail and harbour. The other is The Lawns, next to the library, with a 10-minute downhill stroll into town (and, yes, uphill on the return!).

The Railway has 203 spaces and costs £1.80 for 1 hour, £3.50 for 2 hours, £5.20 for 3 hours, and £6.90 for 4 hours. For longer stays, it’s £9.20 for 12 hours and £10.50 for 24 hours. No overnight parking is allowed between 10pm and 8am. The Lawns (99 spaces) is slightly cheaper: £1.00 for 1 hour, £2.50 for 2 hours, and up to £8.90 for 24 hours. Both car parks accept payment via Pay & Display or RingGo.

Cornwall Council runs two long-stay options nearby. Link Road Car Park (312 spaces) is just by the fire station and costs £2.20 for an hour and £10.00 for 24 hours. A little further out, Porthcothan Bay Car Park (174 spaces) has similar pricing: £2.30 for 1 hour, £10.50 for 24 hours, with free overnight parking between midnight and 9am.

You might strike it lucky with some on-street parking near the quay or close to the National Lobster Hatchery – but in peak season, don’t count on it.

Previously, Padstow had a Park & Ride, but this no longer runs. In its place is Padstow Main Road Car Park (postcode PL28 8EX) on the same site just off the A389. Open daily (weather permitting) from 4 April to 31 October, 8am–10pm, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the harbour and often more cost-effective: £1.30 for 1 hour, £5 for up to 4 hours, and £6.20 for 12 hours.

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