🚗 Lake Grounds Car Park – Complete Portishead BS20 7JE Guide
Portishead lakeside parking – free, family-friendly, steps from the waterfront.
🚗 Type: Surface Free Public Car Park (Managed by North Somerset Council)
🕒 Open: 24 hours daily
🌟 Rating: 4.5 / 5 (visitor feedback)
💰 Pricing & Permits
Cost: Free for all users (no pay-and-display or permits)
Enforcement: Occasional ranger patrols; please vacate responsibly when full
📊 Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | Approximately 60 marked bays |
| Surface | Level tarmac with painted bay lines |
| Lighting | LED columns covering main aisles (dusk–dawn) |
| Security | No CCTV; periodic council patrols |
| Height Restriction | None |
| Entry/Exit | Unbarriered; clear directional signage |
♿ Accessibility
Disabled Bays: 4 bays adjacent to lakeside promenade
Step-Free Access: Smooth paths from bays to waterfront and picnic areas
Drop-Off Zone: Kerbside lay-by at the southern entrance
🔌 EV Infrastructure
On-Site Chargers: None installed
Nearest Public Chargers:
2×7 kW Pod Point at Portishead High Street (5 min walk)
4×22 kW BP Pulse at Marina Car Park (8 min walk)
📅 Peak Times & Occupancy
| Timeframe | Occupancy | Typical Users |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays 10 AM–2 PM | 60 % | Dog walkers & café patrons |
| Weekdays 4 PM–6 PM | 50 % | Evening strollers & joggers |
| Weekends 10 AM–4 PM | 100 % | Families & holiday visitors |
| Summer Evenings | 75 % | Sunset watchers & photographers |
Pro Tip: Arrive before 10 AM on weekends to secure bays closest to the playground.
🚶 Walkability Score
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Portishead Lake Grounds Café | 2 min | Lakeside refreshments & seating |
| Marina Precinct | 8 min | Shops, restaurants & public toilets |
| Portishead Pier | 5 min | Coastal heritage trail & viewpoints |
| Lake Grounds Playground & Picnic Area | 1 min | Family-friendly greenspace |
🛒 Nearby Amenities
Essentials
Public toilets: Marina Precinct (8 min walk)
ATM: NatWest, Harbour Road (7 min)
Pharmacy: Boots, High Street (6 min)
Food & Drink
The Boathouse Café (1 min): Indoor/outdoor seating
The Mall House (5 min): Gastropub with terrace
Portishead Stores Deli (6 min): Artisan groceries & coffee
🅿️ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance | Cost | Max Stay | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marina Car Park | 8 min | Free (2 h limit) | 4 h | EV charging pods & toilets |
| Portishead Town Hall Lot | 10 min | Free | 24 h | Larger capacity; covered bays |
| Battery Point Road Lay-by | 4 min | Free | 2 h | Quick access to coastal path |
⚠️ Important Notices
Capacity Limits: Site fills rapidly during fine weather and events—overflow to Marina Car Park.
No Lighting in Rear Bays: Exit before dusk; paths can become dim.
Maintenance: Annual line-repainting scheduled September 2025.
📌 Expert Tips
Family Visits: Park near playground entrance for quick access to children’s facilities.
Marina Excursions: Combine with a stroll to the Marina and charge EV before heading home.
Off-Peak Strolls: Weekday mornings offer the most tranquil lakeside walks.
🔮 Future Developments
Late 2025: North Somerset Council exploring installation of 2×7 kW EV chargers.
2026: Proposal to add low-level bollard lighting in rear bays for improved evening safety.
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