🚗 Raddle Wharf Car Park – The Complete Ellesmere Port Docklands Parking Guide
Free 24/7 parking at Raddle Wharf – ideal for dockside walks, waterfront dining & easy access to Port Arcades and Cheshire Game & Adventure Park.
🚗 Type: Free Public Surface Car Park (Cheshire West & Chester Council)
🕒 Open: 24 hours/day, 7 days/week
🌟 Rating: N/A (unrated, council-managed facility)
💰 Pricing & Permits
Cost: Free (no permits or payments required)
Maximum Stay: No formal limit; bays are first-come, first-served
Future Changes: None currently planned; Council monitoring usage for potential EV pilot
📊 Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | ~50 marked bays |
| Accessible Bays | 2 Blue Badge bays nearest entrance |
| Surface | Tarmac |
| Lighting | Perimeter security lighting (dusk–dawn) |
| Security | Occasional Council patrols; no CCTV |
| Height Limit | None (van- and minibus-friendly) |
♿ Accessibility
Level Access: Flat tarmac surface; drop curb to pavement
Drop-Off Zone: Lay-by on Lower Mersey Street adjacent to car park gate
🔌 EV Infrastructure
On-Site Charging: None
Nearest Public Chargers:
Cheshire Oaks Shopping Village (Pod Point & InstaVolt): 1.8 mi / 5 min drive
Portside House Marina Drive (JustPark bays): Bookable 7 kW AC – 0.3 mi / 6 min walk
📅 Peak Times & Occupancy
| Timeframe | Occupancy | User Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays 10 AM–2 PM | ~40 % | Dock workers & visitors |
| Weekends 10 AM–1 PM | ~75 % | Families & leisure walkers |
| Events (Port Arcades market days) | ~90 % | Shoppers & day-trippers |
Pro Tip: Arrive before 10 AM on weekends or market days to secure one of the accessible bays.
🚶 Walkability Score
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Port Arcades Shopping Centre | 4 min | Retail & cafés |
| The Blue Planet Aquarium | 8 min | Family attraction |
| Museum of the Great Western Railway | 6 min | Free heritage experience |
| Marina Drive Promenade | 2 min | Riverside strolls & dining options |
🛒 Nearby Amenities
Essentials
Public Toilets: Port Arcade (ground floor) – 4 min walk
ATM: HSBC (Portside House lobby) – immediate
Pharmacy: Boots (Port Arcades) – 4 min walk
Food & Drink
The Deep (Portside Café): Marina-side dining – immediate
Giovanni’s Ristorante: Italian fare – 5 min
The Boardwalk Bar & Kitchen: Riverside pub – 6 min
🅿️ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance | Cost | Max Stay | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marina Drive Car Park | 0.2 mi | Free | 24 h | Larger capacity & evening security |
| Civic Centre Pay-and-Display | 0.3 mi | Free | 4 h | Central location near town amenities |
| Town Centre APCOA Car Park | 0.4 mi | £1.00/hr | 4 h | On-site app payment via APCOA Connect |
⚠️ Important Notices
No Overnight Camping: Vehicles left overnight risk towing.
Surface Drainage: Bays may puddle after heavy rain—choose edge spaces for better drainage.
Event Days: Market and festival days (summer weekends) see high demand—plan alternatives if visiting then.
📌 Expert Tips
Dockside Loop: Park here and combine a visit to the aquarium with a walk along Marina Drive.
Event Parking: For Port Arcades market days, consider Marina Drive Car Park for overflow.
Blue Badge Hack: Use the two designated bays; if they’re full, the adjacent Marina Drive bays also have Blue Badge spaces.
Bike & Park: Secure your bike rack to the fencing and explore the town on two wheels—ample room in the car park.
🔮 Future Developments
2025: Cheshire West & Chester Council evaluating installation of two rapid EV charging bays.
2026: Possible resurfacing and improved directional signage under Docklands regeneration plan.
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