🚗 Tatton Parking (Knutsford Lodge) – Complete WA16 6HS Guide
Convenient lodge parking – free Tatton Estate access, short-stay & season permits.
🚗 Type: Surface Estate Visitor & Permit Car Park (Operated by Cheshire East Council in partnership with The National Trust)
🕒 Open: 8 am – 6 pm daily (aligned with Tatton Park visitor hours; closed overnight)
🌟 Rating: 4.7 / 5 (visitor feedback)
💰 Pricing & Permits
Estate Visitors:
Free for first 1 h (ticket required)
£2.00 for 1–2 h
£3.50 for 2–4 h
£5.00 for 4–6 h (max stay)
Season Permits: Annual Tatton Park Permit (£40) valid across all estate car parks
Blue Badge Holders: Free at any time (badge displayed)
Payment Methods: Pay & Display machine (card only) or National Trust app
📊 Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | ~120 marked bays |
| Disabled Bays | 8 bays near pedestrian exit to Knutsford Lodge |
| Surface | Level gravel with painted bay markers |
| Lighting | Solar-powered bollards at entrance & footpaths |
| Security | Occasional estate ranger patrols; no CCTV |
| Height Restriction | None |
| Entry/Exit | Single unbarriered entrance off Mereheath Lane |
♿ Accessibility
Accessible Bays: 8 bays closest to the lodge & ticket office
Step-Free Routes: Firm gravel paths to the lodge, toilets, and café
Drop-Off Zone: Lay-by directly outside lodge for brief unloading
🔌 EV Infrastructure
On-Site Chargers: None
Nearest Public Chargers:
2 × 7 kW Pod Point at Knutsford Leisure Centre (1.5 mi, 5 min drive)
4 × 22 kW Ubitricity lamppost chargers on King Street (1.3 mi, 6 min drive)
📅 Peak Times & Occupancy
| Timeframe | Occupancy | Typical Users |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays 10–12 pm | 60 % | Local walkers & photographers |
| Weekdays 12–2 pm | 80 % | Café visitors & sightseers |
| Weekends 10–4 pm | 100 % | Families & event attendees |
| Evenings (Apr–Sep) | 50 % | Sunset walkers |
Pro Tip: Arrive before 10 am at weekends to secure a bay near the lodge and avoid a long walk.
🚶 Walkability Score
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Knutsford Lodge Visitor Hub | 1 min | Ticket office, toilets & gift shop |
| Tatton Park Gardens | 3 min | Formal gardens & café |
| Old Hall Gardens | 5 min | Historic walled garden |
| Tatton Park Deer Park Trail | 8 min | Deer viewing & woodland loop |
🛒 Nearby Amenities
Public Toilets: Inside lodge visitor hub
Café & Shop: At lodge (light lunches, NT gifts)
Picnic Areas: Tables & benches adjacent to car park
🅿️ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance | Cost | Max Stay | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tatton Hall Car Park | 5 min | Same estate rates | 6 h | Closer to historic mansion |
| Mereheath Lane On-Street Bays | 2 min | Pay & Display (£1/h) | 4 h | Street-side bays near lodge entrance |
| Knutsford Town Centre MSCP | 4 mi | £1.20/h; £6/day | 24 h | Covered, EV charging & toilets |
⚠️ Important Notices
Gate Closure: Car park closes promptly at 6 pm—no overnight stays.
Event Days: Large events (e.g. Flower Show) may redirect visitors to overflow at Mereheath Lane.
Maintenance: Gravel regrading in January; expect limited bay availability.
📌 Expert Tips
Season Pass Benefit: Annual permit holders enjoy unlimited visits and skip the ticket queue.
Photography Tip: Early morning light in formal gardens – park close and walk straight in.
EV Hack: Charge in town on arrival, then drive to the lodge for a full day’s visit.
🔮 Future Developments
2025: NT exploring installation of 4 × 7 kW solar-powered chargers at lodge car park.
2026: Pilot ANPR entry/exit for permit holders to streamline access.
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