🚗 Parish Wharf Car Park – Complete Portishead Parking Guide
Free 4-hour parking at Parish Wharf Leisure Centre – ideal for gym-goers, swimming, café visits & harbourside walks in Portishead.
🚗 Type: Free Public Surface Car Park (Leisure Centre-operated)
🏛️ Jurisdiction: Parish Wharf Leisure Centre (EveryBODY Active)
🕒 Open: 06:00 – 22:00 daily (gates locked outside these hours)
🌟 Rating: 4.2/5 (average of Google user reviews)
💰 Pricing & Permits
Free Parking: First 4 hours free for all users
Overstay Tariff: £1 per hour thereafter (capped at £5 per day)
Payment: Pay & Display machines accept card/contactless; cash not accepted
Permits: Season passes for regular visitors available via leisure centre reception
Future Changes: Management reviewing extended free-park promotions in 2025
📊 Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | ~120 marked bays |
| Surface | Smooth tarmac |
| Lighting | LED floodlights covering entire site |
| Security | 24/7 CCTV monitoring & leisure centre evening patrols |
| Height Limit | None (suitable for coaches by prior arrangement) |
♿ Accessibility
Designated Bays: 8 Blue Badge bays adjacent to main entrance
Accessible Routes: Drop-kerb crossings and tactile paving to reception
Drop-Off Zone: Short-stay layby immediately outside leisure centre doors
🔌 EV Infrastructure
On-Site Charging: 2×7 kW Pod Point units (free while on site; club booking via app)
Nearest Rapid Chargers:
BP Pulse at Portishead Marina (4×50 kW CCS/CHAdeMO; 5 min walk)
InstaVolt at Wickes, Bristol Rd (1×62 kW; 3 min drive)
📅 Peak Times & Occupancy
| Timeframe | Typical Occupancy | User Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday Mornings (06–09) | ~60 % | Gym classes & swim lessons |
| Weekday Lunchtimes | ~30 % | Café patrons & casual visitors |
| Weekday Evenings (17–20) | ~90 % | Peak gym & family swim sessions |
| Weekends (10–14) | ~80 % | Families & leisure visitors |
Pro Tip: Arrive before 17:00 on weekdays to secure a free bay for evening workouts.
🚶 Walkability Score
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Parish Wharf Leisure Centre | On-site | Gym, pool, café & soft-play |
| Portishead Marina | 5 min | Waterfront dining & boat tours |
| The Sailing Club Café | 7 min | Harbourside coffee & snacks |
| Lake Grounds & Play Area | 10 min | Lakeside walks & children’s playground |
🛒 Nearby Amenities
Public Toilets: Leisure Centre foyer (wheelchair-accessible)
ATM: Co-op Supermarket (3 min walk)
Pharmacy: Boots (Portishead High St, 8 min walk)
Food & Drink:
Harbourside Kitchen – all-day dining
The Watershed Café – light bites & tea
🅿️ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance | Cost | Max Stay | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portishead P&R (Shinway Rd) | 0.7 mi (14 min) | £1/day | 24 h | Bus link to Bristol & free all day |
| Pier Road Car Park | 0.5 mi (10 min) | Free (2 h max) | 2 h; no return 1 h | Closer to town centre shops |
| Queens Square Car Park | 0.9 mi (18 min) | £0.50/hr; £3/day | 24 h | EV chargers on-site |
⚠️ Important Notices
Enforcement: Overstay charges apply automatically; please display your ticket clearly.
Overnight Parking: Prohibited—site locked at 22:00 and monitored.
Weather Alert: Stormwater drains may flood low bays—park in higher rows after heavy rain.
📌 Expert Tips
Club Pass Hack: Sign up for a season pass at reception to bypass Pay & Display altogether.
Marina Visit: Combine a leisure centre session with a stroll to the marina café—bay remains free for 4 h.
Evening Swim: Park in bays nearest the side entrance for fastest pool access after work.
🔮 Future Developments
2025: Introduction of a mobile “ticketless” entry system to streamline parking.
2026+: Feasibility study for solar-canopy EV charging bays in upper car park.
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