
Central short-stay parking at Pannier Market โ budget bays from 50p, steps from historical market stalls, shops & cafรฉs.
๐ Type: Pay-and-Display Surface Car Park (Cornwall Council, Zone C)
๐ Open: 09:00โ18:00 daily (AprโOct); 09:00โ16:00 daily (NovโMar)
๐ Rating: 4.3 / 5 (visitor feedback average)
๐ฐ Pricing & Permits (Zone C)
| Duration | Summer (AprโOct) | Winter (NovโMar) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 30 minutes | ยฃ0.50 | ยฃ0.50 |
| Up to 1 hour | ยฃ0.90 | ยฃ0.90 |
| Up to 2 hours | ยฃ1.50 | ยฃ1.50 |
| Up to 3 hours | ยฃ2.00 | ยฃ2.00 |
| Up to 4 hours | ยฃ2.50 | ยฃ2.50 |
| All day (max stay)** | ยฃ5.50 (9 amโ6 pm) | ยฃ5.50 (9 amโ4 pm) |
No return within 3 hours of a 3โ4 hour stay.
Payment: Pay-and-display machines (coins, Chip & PIN, contactless) or mobile via JustPark (code 8236).
Blue Badge Holders: Pay normal tariff unless registered for Cornwall Councilโs exemption scheme.
๐ Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | ~35 marked bays |
| Surface | Tarmac |
| Lighting | Perimeter streetlighting (duskโdawn) |
| Security | Occasional patrols; no CCTV |
| Accessible Bays | 2 Blue Badge bays close to market entrance |
| Height Limit | None (van-friendly) |
โฟ Accessibility
Level Access: Flat walk from bays to the market hall and Southgate Street.
Drop-Off Zone: Short lay-by on Southgate Street immediately outside the car park entrance.
๐ EV Infrastructure
On-Site Charging: None
Nearest Options:
Walkhouse Car Park: 0.2 mi (4 min walk), mixed AC/rapid bays
Cattle Market Car Park: 0.1 mi (2 min walk), no chargers but short-stay
๐ Peak Times & Occupancy
| Timeframe | Occupancy | User Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays 09:00โ11:00 | ~80 % | Market traders & shoppers |
| Weekdays 12:00โ14:00 | ~65 % | Lunchtime visitors |
| Saturdays 08:00โ10:00 | ~95 % | Market opening crowds |
| Saturdays 10:00โ13:00 | ~85 % | Weekend families |
Pro Tip: Arrive before 08:30 on Saturdays to secure a bay for the marketโs busiest stall hours.
๐ถ Walkability Score
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Launceston Pannier Market Hall | < 1 min | Direct access to historic market stalls |
| Southgate Street High St | 2 min | Cafรฉs, boutiques & public toilets |
| Castle Street Car Park | 3 min | Alternative short-stay location |
| Launceston Castle & Grounds | 5 min | Scenic views & heritage site |
๐ Nearby Amenities
Essentials
Public Toilets: Market hall (open during market hours)
ATM: Santander (Southgate Street) โ 2 min walk
Pharmacy: Lloyds (Southgate Street) โ 3 min walk
Food & Drink
The Gallery Cafรฉ: All-day breakfasts โ 1 min
Pannier Market Kitchen: Fresh local fare โ immediate
The Foxโs Lair Bistro: Gastropub dining โ 4 min
๐ ฟ๏ธ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance | Cost | Max Stay | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walkhouse Car Park | 0.2 mi | ยฃ6.90/day (24 h) | 24 h | All-day parking, permit options |
| Castle Street Car Park | 0.1 mi | Zone C rates (as above) | 4 h | Closer to castle entrance |
| Cattle Market Car Park | 0.1 mi | Zone B (slightly higher) | 4 h | Longer stay option (24 h ยฃ3.70) |
โ ๏ธ Important Notices
Max Stay Enforcement: Strictly adhere to 3โ4 hour limits; overstays incur PCNs.
Payment Display: Ticket must be visibly displayed on dashboard.
No Overnight Parking: Car park closes outside operating hours; vehicles left overnight may be towed.
๐ Expert Tips
Market & Lunch Combo: Park for 3 hours, enjoy the market and nearby cafรฉsโfits peak lunch window perfectly.
Blue Badge Hack: Register for Cornwall Councilโs scheme to stay free in any bay, then walk to explore the town.
Historic Walk: Combine parking here with a stroll up to Launceston Castle for panoramic town views.
Quiet Evenings: After 16:00 in winter and 18:00 in summer, bays are easier to find as town centre footfall drops.
๐ฎ Future Developments
2026: Cornwall Council reviewing trial of ANPR payment and dynamic pricing in central Launceston car parks.
Beyond: Potential installation of dedicated EV bays pending community and council review.