12/02/2006
Fowey, a jewel nestled on the Cornish coast, offers a captivating experience for visitors. However, like many charming seaside towns, parking can present a challenge, particularly in its historic heart. This guide aims to demystify the parking options available, ensuring your visit is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. From understanding the locations and capacities of various car parks to knowing the payment methods and potential seasonal variations, we've got you covered.
Understanding Fowey's Parking Landscape
The core of Fowey, with its narrow, winding streets, has limited parking. To make the most of your time exploring the town's delights, it is highly recommended to utilise the designated car parks situated around the periphery. This approach not only ensures you can find a space but also allows you to immerse yourself in the town's atmosphere without the immediate concern of parking restrictions.
Key Car Park Locations and Features
Fowey offers several car parks, each with its own characteristics:
| Car Park Name | Address/Postcode | Capacity (Cars) | Suitability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Car Park | Hanson Drive, PL23 1ET | 269 | Cars & Coaches | 5-minute walk downhill to town, longer uphill. Minibus service available. |
| Readymoney Car Park | PL23 1JD | 60 | Cars | Close to beach and coastal path. 10-15 minute walk to town. Free Nov-Mar. |
| Caffa Mill Car Park | PL23 1DF | 104 | Cars | Boat launching facilities. Adjacent to car ferry. 5-10 minute walk to town centre. |
| Albert Quay | Fore Street, PL23 1AQ | 17 | Cars (Short Stay) | Maximum 2-hour stay. Access via narrowest town street (2m wide). |
| Town Quay | PL23 1AT | 15 | Cars (Short Stay) | Winter only (Oct-Apr). Maximum 2-hour stay. Access via narrowest town street (2m wide). |
| Station Yard Car Park | Station Road, PL23 1DF | N/A | Cars | Administered by Fowey Harbour Commissioners. Cornwall Council tickets not valid. 5-10 minute walk to town centre. |
Disabled Parking
Accessible parking is available at key locations:
- Two centrally located spaces outside Barclays Bank, Trafalgar Square, PL23 1BA.
- One space on Town Quay, near the King of Prussia, PL23 1AQ (winter only).
- One space on Albert Quay, PL23 1AJ.
Payment and Ticketing Options
Cornwall Council offers convenient payment solutions:
Weekly Rover Tickets
These tickets provide unlimited parking in all Cornwall Council-owned long-stay car parks, including Fowey's Main, Readymoney, and Caffa Mill car parks. They are available for purchase online only via the Cornwall Council website. This is an excellent option for those planning an extended stay and frequent use of these facilities.
JustPark App
For ultimate flexibility and ease, consider using the JustPark app, website, or phone service. This allows you to pay for parking in most Cornwall Council car parks without the need for coins. You can even extend your parking remotely, subject to maximum stay limits, eliminating the need to return to your vehicle. Simply download the app or visit their website to get started. The Fowey car park codes are: Albert Quay (8350), Caffa Mill (8351), Main Car Park (8352), and Readymoney (8354).
Parking in Nearby Villages
Should your travels take you beyond Fowey itself, here's a brief overview of parking in surrounding areas:
- Golant: Limited parking available, with 29 pay and display spaces at Golant Halt (PL23 1LL). Be mindful of riverside parking as it can be subject to flooding at high tide.
- Polruan: Parking is restricted due to steep, narrow streets. Limited spaces are available on the Quay (PL23 1PA), with tickets obtainable from The Winklepicker. A larger pay and display car park is located at the top of the village, offering weekly passes and an honesty box system for payment with notes.
- Par: Offers more accessible parking with several options, including free unlimited parking at Hamley's Corner Car Park (PL24 2AH) and Par Sports Centre Car Park (PL24 2AJ). Par Beach Car Park (PL24 2AR) has a daily rate from April to October.
- Polkerris: Access is via a steep, single-track lane. Polkerris Car Park (PL24 2TL) is a pay and display facility. An overflow car park at Menabilly (PL24 2TN) is available during busy periods.
- Menabilly: A small field car park (approximately 50 spaces) with a daily rate, located at the end of the Menabilly road. A further half-mile walk is required to reach Polridmouth Beach.
- Lostwithiel: Provides plentiful free parking, including car parks on Quay Street (PL22 0BS) and at the Community Centre (PL22 0HE), as well as street parking.
- Lerryn: A small free car park is situated by the river (PL22 0PT), with additional riverside parking available. Caution is advised due to potential flooding at high tide.
- Tywardreath: Offers plentiful free street parking.
- Bodinnick: Very limited free parking (6 spaces) is available off the Bodinnick Ferry road. The Caffa Mill Car Park in Fowey is the nearest alternative.
Public Transport Information
For those preferring not to drive into Fowey, public transport is a viable option:
- Bus Services: The First Kernow No. 24/25 service connects Fowey, Par, and St Austell. For travel to Mevagissey, this service is also relevant. The nearest National Express stops for Fowey are St Blazey, St Blazey Gate, and St Austell. The Fowey Town Bus offers a local service within the town, with a reduced service during winter.
- Ferry Services: The Fowey to Polruan passenger and cycle ferry, and the Fowey to Bodinnick vehicle ferry, are essential services for navigating the estuary. Timetables vary seasonally and are subject to weather conditions. The Fowey to Mevagissey passenger ferry operates during the summer months.
- Train Services: The nearest train stations to Fowey are Par and St Austell. Local services connect to these stations from Lostwithiel and Par.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Where is the nearest bus stop for the 25 - Fowey - Par - St Austell route?
The first stop on this route is at the Main Car Park in Fowey, and the last stop is at White River Cinema. The service operates daily.
Q2: Are there any free parking options in Fowey?
Readymoney Car Park offers free parking from the beginning of November until mid-March. During the summer months, most central Fowey parking is chargeable.
Q3: Can I park my motorhome or campervan in Fowey?
The Main Car Park at Hanson Drive is suitable for coaches, which generally implies it can accommodate larger vehicles. However, it's always advisable to check specific dimensions and restrictions if you have a particularly large vehicle.
Q4: What are the charges for parking in Fowey?
Parking charges vary depending on the car park and the time of year. Detailed information on charges can usually be found at the car parks themselves or on the Cornwall Council website. The JustPark app also provides real-time pricing.
Q5: Is there overnight parking available?
The Main Car Park and Readymoney Car Park are typically long-stay car parks and may allow overnight parking, though it's essential to check the specific terms and conditions, as overnight charges may apply.
Final Thoughts
While parking in Fowey requires a little planning, understanding the available options makes it a manageable aspect of your visit. By utilising the designated car parks and considering the various payment methods, you can ensure a relaxed and enjoyable exploration of this beautiful Cornish town. Remember to allow ample time for parking, especially during peak season, and enjoy all that Fowey has to offer!
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