🚗 Northcott Mouth Car Park – Complete Bude EX23 9ED Guide
Coastal parking at Northcott Mouth – scenic, Pay & Display, sea views.
🚗 Type: Surface Pay & Display Car Park (Operated by National Trust)
🕒 Open: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (March–October), 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (November–February)
🌟 Rating: 4.7 / 5 (visitor feedback)
💰 Pricing & Permits
Tariff (Mar–Oct):
Up to 1 h: £1.50
Up to 2 h: £2.50
Up to 4 h: £4.00
All day: £6.00
Tariff (Nov–Feb): Flat £3.00 all day
National Trust Members: Free (display membership card)
Payment Methods: Pay & Display machine (cash/card) or via the National Trust Parking app
Season Ticket: National Trust Explorer Pass accepted
📊 Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | Approximately 80 marked bays |
| Surface | Firm gravel with defined bay markers |
| Lighting | None (daylight access only) |
| Security | Occasional ranger patrols; no CCTV |
| Height Restriction | None |
| Entry/Exit | Open access; Pay & Display car park |
♿ Accessibility
Accessible Bays: 4 bays nearest the path to the beach
Step-Free Access: Level gravel path to National Trust visitor area and steps to beach
Drop-Off Zone: Lay-by immediately outside car park entrance
🔌 EV Infrastructure
On-Site Chargers: None
Nearest Public Chargers:
Pod Point 7 kW at Co-op Bude (5 min drive)
Cornwall Council 50 kW rapid at Castle Lane West (6 min drive)
📅 Peak Times & Occupancy
| Timeframe | Occupancy | Typical Users |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays 11 AM–3 PM | 80 % | Walkers & wildlife enthusiasts |
| Weekends 10 AM–4 PM | 100 % | Families & surfers |
| Summer Evenings | 60 % | Sunset photographers |
Pro Tip: Arrive before 10 AM during school holidays for best bays near the beach access path.
🚶 Walkability Score
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| South West Coast Path | 1 min | Direct coastal trail access |
| Northcott Mouth Beach | 2 min | Surf, rock pools & coastal scenery |
| Bude Canal Towpath | 12 min | Flat, family-friendly riverside walk |
| Summerleaze Beach (via car) | 5 min | Sandy beach with full facilities |
🛒 Nearby Amenities
Essentials
Public toilets: On-site (open seasonally)
First Aid: National Trust ranger station hours only
Food & Drink
Beach Hut Café: Seasonal kiosk at car park exit
The Plough Inn: Traditional pub meals (5 min drive)
Co-op Food Bude: Supplies & coffee (5 min drive)
🅿️ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance | Cost | Max Stay | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summerleaze Beach Car Park | 4 min | £3.00 – £8.00 | All day | Full facilities & beach café |
| Breakwater Beach Car Park | 6 min | £4.00 all day | All day | Direct beach access |
| Jubilee Gardens Lot | 8 min | Free (2 h limit) | 4 h | Canal towpath start point |
⚠️ Important Notices
Seasonal Hours: Observe changing opening times outside peak season
Tide Warning: Beach access paths may flood at high tide—check tide times
Enforcement: Staff patrol daily; display valid ticket or NT membership card
📌 Expert Tips
NT Membership: Saves up to 100 % on parking fees and supports conservation
Surf Pack: Park early and carry gear via the footpath for quickest beach access
Wildlife Watch: Early mornings offer best chance to spot coastal birds
🔮 Future Developments
2026: Plans for additional disabled bays and improved signage under NT coastal access scheme
2027: Proposal for digital pay station upgrade to app-only payment
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