🚗 Kennack Sands Car Park – Complete Lizard Peninsula Parking Guide
Free parking at Kennack Sands – perfect for beach days, coastal walking & exploring the Lizard’s rugged shoreline in TR12 7LT.
🚗 Type: Public Surface Car Park (National Trust-managed)
🏛️ Jurisdiction: National Trust (Lizard Peninsula)
🕒 Open: 08:00–19:00 (summer); 09:00–17:00 (winter) — gates locked outside these hours
🌟 Rating: 4.8/5 (visitor reviews)
💰 Pricing & Permits
Cost: Free for National Trust members; £5 per vehicle for non-members (pay-station)
Permits: Display parking ticket or NT membership pass
📊 Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | ~120 marked bays |
| Surface | Level compacted gravel |
| Lighting | None—daylight use only |
| Security | Ranger patrols; seasonal warden presence |
| Toilets | Seasonal portable toilets near car park entrance |
| Height Limit | None—suitable for cars, vans; no overnight parking |
♿ Accessibility
Accessible Bays: 4 designated bays near pay-station (level surface)
Accessible Routes: Firm path from car park to beach access ramp
Drop-Off Zone: Layby beside pay-station for quick unloading
🔌 EV Infrastructure
On-Site Charging: None
Nearest Options:
National Trust Mullion Cove – 2×7 kW units (3 mi / 8 min drive)
Tesco Helston – 4×7 kW Pod Point (7 mi / 15 min drive)
📅 Peak Times & Occupancy
| Timeframe | Occupancy | Typical Users |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday Mornings | ~30 % | Early beach walkers & photographers |
| Weekday Afternoons | ~40 % | Coastal hikers & paddlers |
| Weekends (10–16 h) | ~95 % | Families & day-trippers |
| Evenings (pre-close) | ~20 % | Sunset watchers & anglers |
Pro Tip: Arrive by 09:00 in summer weekends to secure a prime spot.
🚶 Walkability Score
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Kennack Sands Beach | 3 min | Sandy bay with rock-pools |
| Kennack Cove Café | 5 min | Hot drinks, snacks & seaside views |
| Lizard Coastal Path | On-site | Stunning clifftop walking route |
| Mullion Cove | 1.5 mi | Picturesque harbour & NT café |
⚠️ Important Notices
Closure: Car park closes at dusk—late-stay vehicles locked in
Surface Warning: After rain, gravel may become slippery—drive slowly
Mobile Signal: Limited; download offline maps before arrival
📌 Expert Tips
Beach Hack: Park here and walk south to dreamy Kennack Sands inlet—avoid scramble over rocks.
Membership Perk: NT members park free and support coastal conservation.
Picnic Prep: Bring a blanket—few picnic tables on site, benches at headland viewpoint.
🔮 Future Developments
2025: NT exploring installation of solar-powered pay stations to streamline ticketing.
2026+: Feasibility study for seasonal electric-shuttle service from Helston town centre.
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