🚗 Penrose National Trust Car Park – The Complete Porthleven TR13 0RB Parking Guide
Easy National Trust parking at Penrose Estate – £4/day or free for members, 24/7 access, Blue Badge bays & steps from riverside walks & Poldhu Cove.
🚗 Type: Surface Pay-&-Display Car Park (Managed by National Trust)
🕒 Open: 24 hours/day, 7 days/week (barrier-free)
🌟 Rating: 4.6/5 (TripAdvisor & NT member reviews)
💰 Pricing & Permits
| Category | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| National Trust Members | Free | Display valid membership card on dashboard |
| Non-Members (Pay & Display) | £4.00 per vehicle, all day | Purchase ticket from pay station; no return limit |
| Blue Badge Holders | Free up to 3 h | Display badge + time clock; notify NT kiosk if longer stay needed |
📊 Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | Approx. 120 marked bays |
| Surface | Tarmac with clear bay markings |
| Lighting | Solar-powered LED bollards near entrance |
| Security | Occasional ranger patrols; no CCTV |
| Height Limit | None |
♿ Accessibility
Blue Badge Bays: 6 bays closest to gate; free up to 3 h (badge + clock displayed)
Drop-off Zone: Informal pull-in adjacent to ticket machines for 5-minute drop-off
Level Access: Wide, gently graded paths from bays to riverbank trailhead
🔌 EV Infrastructure
On-Site Charging: None
Nearest Options:
Porthleven Car Park (4×7 kW Pod Point) – 5-min drive
Helston Station (2×22 kW chargers) – 10 min drive
📅 Peak Times & Occupancy
| Timeframe | Approx. Occupancy | User Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays 09:00–11:00 | 70 % | NT members & local walkers |
| Weekdays 11:00–14:00 | 50 % | Riverside picnickers & families |
| Evenings & Early Morn | 10 % | Dog walkers & anglers |
| Weekends & Holidays | 95 % | Tourists & day-trippers |
Pro Tip: Members can arrive anytime; non-members should book weekday visits to avoid weekend peaks.
🚶 Walkability Score
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| River Loe Trailhead | <1 min | Scenic riverside path towards Loe Bar |
| Poldhu Cove | 8 min | Sandy beach & shoreline walks |
| Loe Pool & Fishing Spots | 5 min | Wildlife & birdwatching |
| National Trust Kiosk & Café | 2 min | Trail maps, refreshments & gift shop |
🛒 Nearby Amenities
ATM: NatWest in Porthleven town centre (10 min walk)
Pharmacy: Porthleven Pharmacy (9 min walk)
Food & Drink:
The Boathouse Café (NT estate)
The Driftwood Spars (seafood restaurant, 5 min walk)
Public Toilets: At NT kiosk and town harbour
🅿️ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance | Cost | Max Stay | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Porthleven Public Car Park | 0.3 mi | £3.00/day | 24 h | EV charging bays |
| Helston Station Car Park | 2.5 mi | £2.50/day | 24 h | Rail links & larger capacity |
| Loe Bar National Trust Bays | 1.2 mi | Same NT rates | 24 h | Direct beach & lagoon access |
⚠️ Important Notices
No Overnight Camping: Parking closes to overnight stays (vehicles left at owner’s risk)
Pay & Display Limits: Non-members may return multiple times with new ticket; no enforced gap
Trail Conditions: Paths can be muddy after rain—wear suitable footwear
📌 Expert Tips
Member Hack: Use NT app for digital ticket and gate code to speed entry/exit
Picnic Prep: Collect a take-away lunch from kiosk to enjoy by the riverbank
Dog Walkers: Use badge bays for quick access to leash-free trails
🔮 Future Developments
2025: NT exploring installation of 4 EV charging bays and upgrade to solar canopy over pay stations
2026: Proposal to add covered cycle parking adjacent to main entrance
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