
Free scenic parking at Bodinnick โ park beside the ferry slip for instant crossings to Fowey, with riverside walks and cafรฉs moments away.
๐ Type: Free Public Surface Car Park (Cornwall Council)
๐ Open: 24/7 (no barriers; informal use)
๐ Rating: 4.5โ/โ5 (visitor feedback praises riverside setting and ferry convenience)
๐ฐ Pricing & Permits
Cost: Free (no pay-and-display or permits required)
Restrictions: Informal parking; please be considerate during busy summer months
Blue-Badge Holders: Standard free bays; display your badge clearly
๐ Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | Approximately 20 unmarked bays |
| Surface | Hardened gravel with occasional puddles |
| Lighting | None (daylight hours only) |
| Security | No CCTV; occasional Cornwall Council patrols |
| Height Limit | None (standard cars and small camper-vans) |
| Barrier System | None |
โฟ Accessibility
Disabled Access: Ramp from bays down to the ferry slip; level paths along the waterfront
Drop-Off Zone: Informal layby directly at the slipway for quick passenger transfers
Pedestrian Routes: Firm riverside path leading to the ferry and Fowey quay
๐ EV Infrastructure
On-Site Charging: None
Nearest Public Chargers:
Pont Pill Car Park (2 mi; 2ร7 kW) โ 6 min drive
Fowey Town Car Park (river crossing required; rapid units) โ 4 min walk after ferry
๐ Peak Times & Occupancy
| Timeframe | Occupancy | Typical Users |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays 10 AMโ4 PM | ~60 % | Ferry passengers & walkers |
| Weekends 11 AMโ3 PM | ~85 % | Tourists & day-trippers |
| Early Mornings | ~30 % | Sunrise photographers |
| Late Afternoons | ~50 % | Cafรฉ patrons & riverside strollers |
Pro Tip: Arrive before 11 AM in summer to secure a waterfront bay and catch quieter ferry crossings.
๐ถ Walkability Score
(All walk times from car park entrance)
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| BodinnickโFowey Ferry Slip | 1 min | Quick river crossing to Fowey |
| Kingโs Arms Hotel (Fowey) | 4 min | Historic pub & riverside dining |
| Fowey Town Quay | 6 min | Shops, galleries & boat trips |
| Hall Walk (Fowey) | 15 min | Elevated river views and gardens |
| Lankrin Cafรฉ & Workshop | 3 min | Local art & artisan coffee |
๐ Nearby Amenities
Essentials
Public Toilets: At Fowey quay (after crossing)
ATM & Shop: Spar (Fowey High Street, 6 min walk)
Ferry Tickets: Purchase at slip kiosk or via mobile app
Food & Drink
Duchy of Cornwall Cafรฉ: Adjacent to slip (river views)
Albert Quay Boat Yard Cafรฉ: Fowey side (fresh seafood)
Vannโs Bakery: Artisan pasties & bread (Fowey town)
๐ ฟ๏ธ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance | Cost | Max Stay | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bodinnick Village Hall Car Park | 0.2 mi | Free | Informal | Additional bays above village |
| Fowey Town West Car Park | 0.6 mi | ยฃ2.50/day | 24 h | EV charging & level access |
| Par & St Blazey Station Car Park | 5 mi | ยฃ1/day | 24 h | Park-and-ride with rail links |
| Polruan Ferry Car Park | 1.5 mi | Free | Informal | Alternative crossing to Polruan |
โ ๏ธ Important Notices
Tide & Weather: Slipway can flood at high tideโuse upper bays when water levels rise
No Lighting: Visit during daylight hours; bring torch if staying late by the river
Ferry Schedule: Check seasonal ferry times in advance to avoid long waits
Wildlife: Respect nesting birds on adjacent mudflatsโkeep noise to a minimum
๐ Expert Tips
Ferry Hack: Buy a round-trip ticket to hop back and forth for riverside walks on both banks
Picnic Prep: Pack food before arrivalโthere are no on-site shops at Bodinnick
Photography: The river bend at sunset offers stunning reflectionsโideal for golden-hour shots
Blue-Badge Holders: Park in the bay closest to the slip for minimal gradient
๐ฎ Future Developments
2025: Cornwall Council reviewing installation of a small shelter at the slip for ticketing and rain cover
2026: Proposal to formalise an extra 10 bays on adjacent farmland, subject to planning approval