
Free 2-hour parking at Co-op Bude – shop, dine, explore.
🚗 Type: Free Customer Surface Car Park (Managed by The Co-operative Food)
🕒 Open: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily (aligned with store hours)
🌟 Rating: 4.4 / 5 (local shopper feedback)
💰 Pricing & Permits
Cost: Free for up to 2 hours (valid store purchase required)
Overstay Fee: £1 per additional hour (capped at £5 per day)
Enforcement: Automated barrier exit control; ticket issued by machine on entry
Permit Options: Customer loyalty permit for extended stay (apply in-store)
📊 Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | Approximately 30 marked bays |
| Surface | Level tarmac with painted bay lines |
| Lighting | LED bollard lights around perimeter |
| Security | Occasional store-security patrols; no CCTV |
| Height Restriction | None |
| Entry/Exit | Automated barrier with ticket/token on entry |
♿ Accessibility
Disabled Bays: 4 bays directly adjacent to store entrance
Level Access: Smooth pathways from bays to store door
Drop-Off Zone: Short-stay bay beside entrance for quick unloading
🔌 EV Infrastructure
On-Site Chargers: None (no Co-op EV bays installed)
Nearest Public Chargers:
Cornwall Council charger (50 kW rapid) at Castle Lane West, Bude (5 min drive)
Pod Point at Aldi, Kilkhampton Road (7 min drive)
📅 Peak Times & Occupancy
| Timeframe | Occupancy | Typical Users |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays 9–11 AM | 75 % | Convenience shoppers |
| Weekdays 12–2 PM | 85 % | Lunchtime buyers |
| Saturdays 10 AM–1 PM | 95 % | Weekend groceries |
| Evenings after 6 PM | 60 % | Local residents |
Pro Tip: Arrive before 9 AM on Saturdays for prime bays nearest entrance.
🚶 Walkability Score
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Bude Town Centre | 5 min | Shops, cafés & coastal views |
| Bude Canal Towpath | 8 min | Scenic stroll to the estuary |
| Bude Castle Beach | 12 min | Surf, sand & family amenities |
| Widemouth Bay (via car) | 10 min | Larger public car park & beach |
🛒 Nearby Amenities
Essentials
Public toilets: Jubilee Gardens (6 min walk)
ATM: NatWest, The Strand (5 min)
Pharmacy: Boots, Tintagel Plaza (4 min)
Food & Drink
The Cornish Shop Café (3 min): Light lunches & coffee
The Beach House Bistro (10 min walk): Seafood & sunset views
St. Catherine’s Rock Inn (8 min): Traditional pub fare
🅿️ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance | Cost | Max Stay | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jubilee Gardens Lot | 6 min | Free (2 h limit) | 4 h | Scenic canal access |
| Bude Rugby Club Park | 7 min | £1 flat all day | 24 h | Ample spaces off-peak |
| Summerleaze Beach Car Park | 10 min | £3 flat all day | 24 h | Beachfront view |
⚠️ Important Notices
Store-Linked Parking: Remove ticket at pay-station and validate in store to avoid penalty.
Overstay Charges: Enforced strictly during store hours; barrier remains closed until payment.
Maintenance: Annual line-repainting scheduled September 2025 (may reduce capacity temporarily).
📌 Expert Tips
Quick Shop: Use loyalty permit to extend free stay for additional 30 minutes.
Season Pass: Local residents can purchase extended permit at customer desk.
Off-Peak Visit: Late afternoon visits (3–5 PM) see lowest occupancy.
🔮 Future Developments
2026: Co-op evaluating installation of two 7 kW EV charging bays in partnership with Pod Point.
2027: Potential upgrade to ANPR-based entry/exit for seamless parking experience.