๐ Discovery Den Car Park โ Complete Peterborough PE2 5UU Guide
Free on-site parking at Discovery Den โ play, party, explore.
๐ Type: Surface Free Customer Car Park (Managed by Discovery Den Family Entertainment)
๐ Open: 8 AM โ 6 PM daily (aligned with facility hours)
๐ Rating: 4.6 / 5 (visitor feedback)
๐ฐ Pricing & Permits
Cost: Free for all Discovery Den visitors (validated by gate arm sensor)
Overstay: No enforcement outside opening hours; please vacate by 6 PM
Permits: Not required
Enforcement: Automated barrier exit control; entry recorded by ANPR
๐ Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | ~50 marked bays |
| Surface | Level tarmac with clear white bay lines |
| Lighting | LED bollard lights at entrance and along aisles |
| Security | ANPR cameras at entrance/exit; routine patrols |
| Height Restriction | None (suitable for standard vans) |
| Entry/Exit | Automatic gate arm with vehicle sensor |
โฟ Accessibility
Disabled Bays: 4 bays immediately adjacent to main entrance
Step-Free Access: Smooth tarmac to entrance ramp and automatic doors
Drop-Off Zone: Covered lay-by at front doors for quick loading/unloading
๐ EV Infrastructure
On-Site Chargers: None currently installed
Nearest Public Chargers:
2ร7 kW Pod Point at Hampton Vale Retail Park (5 min drive)
4ร22 kW Ubitricity lamppost chargers on Ham Lane (3 min walk)
๐ Peak Times & Occupancy
| Timeframe | Occupancy | Typical Users |
|---|---|---|
| School Holidays 10 AMโ2 PM | 90 % | Families & birthday parties |
| Weekdays 9โ11 AM | 50 % | Toddler groups & playdates |
| Saturdays 11 AMโ4 PM | 100 % | Weekend family visitors |
| Evenings after 4 PM | 30 % | Mini-club & after-school |
Pro Tip: Arrive before 10 AM on Saturdays to get bays closest to the entrance.
๐ถ Walkability Score
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Discovery Den Entrance | 1 min | Direct access to play area |
| Ham Lane Retail Park | 5 min | Shops, cafรฉs & toilets |
| Ferry Meadows Country Park | 10 min | Lakeside trails & picnic spots |
| Peterborough Arena (events) | 8 min | Concerts & exhibitions |
๐ Nearby Amenities
Essentials
Public toilets: Inside Discovery Den (during opening hours)
ATM: Tesco Express, Ham Lane Retail Park (5 min walk)
Pharmacy: LloydsPharmacy, Retail Park (5 min walk)
Food & Drink
Cafรฉ Den (on-site): Snacks & light meals
Costa Coffee (Retail Park): Coffee & pastries
The Bridge Inn (7 min walk): Pub meals & family dining
๐ ฟ๏ธ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance | Cost | Max Stay | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ham Lane Retail Park Lot | 5 min | Free 2 h (ticket) | 4 h | Larger capacity, EV charging pods |
| Ferry Meadows Main Car Park | 10 min | ยฃ3.00 flat fee | All day | Lakeside access & toilet facilities |
| Hampton Vale GP Surgery Lot | 4 min | Free (restricted) | 1 h | Close to cafรฉ & pharmacy |
โ ๏ธ Important Notices
Closing Time: Gates lock at 6 PM sharp; vehicles left on-site after hours may incur a release fee.
Height Clearance: While open-topped vans are fine, trailers over 2 m may not clear barriers.
Event Days: Special events may temporarily increase demandโarrive early or use alternative lots.
๐ Expert Tips
School-Holiday Hack: Book party packages mid-week for easier parking.
Retail Pit-Stop: Combine play-time with quick retail run at nearby shops before returning.
EV Option: Charge at retail park chargers, then stroll back to play.
๐ฎ Future Developments
2025: Facility plans to install 2 ร 7 kW EV chargers in 4Q 2025.
2026: Introduction of real-time occupancy display via Discovery Den app.
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