🚗 Smeaton’s Pier Car Park – Complete St Ives Coastal Parking Guide
Scenic seafront parking at Smeaton’s Pier – perfect for beach days, harbour strolls & Tate St Ives visits in TR26 1LP.
🚗 Type: Pay & Display Seafront Surface Car Park
🏛️ Jurisdiction: Cornwall Council
🕒 Open: 08:00 – 18:00 Apr–Sept; 09:00 – 17:00 Oct–Mar (gates locked outside these hours)
🌟 Rating: 4.4/5 (visitor feedback)
💰 Pricing & Permits
Tariff:
Up to 2 h: £2.00
2–4 h: £4.00
4–8 h: £6.00
All-day (8+ h): £10.00
Payment: Pay & Display machines (card/contactless) or PayByPhone app (Zone ID: 4410)
Permits: Cornwall Council season tickets valid here
Blue Badge Holders: Free up to 3 h in designated bays (display badge)
📊 Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | ~120 marked bays |
| Disabled Bays | 8 marked bays close to pay machines |
| Surface | Tarmac with painted bay markings |
| Lighting | None—daylight use only |
| Security | Occasional Coastguard patrols; no CCTV |
| Height Limit | None |
♿ Accessibility
Designated Bays: 8 Blue Badge bays adjacent to pay station
Accessible Routes: Level, tarmac ramp from car park to promenade; tactile paving to harbour side
Drop-Off Zone: Short-stay layby beside pay machines for quick loading/unloading
🔌 EV Infrastructure
On-Site Charging: None
Nearest Options:
Sainsbury’s St Ives (TR26 1JL) – 2×7 kW Pod Point units (4 min walk)
Park & Ride Car Park (TR26 3UD) – 4×7 kW chargers (3 min drive)
📅 Peak Times & Occupancy
| Timeframe | Occupancy | Typical Users |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday Mornings | ~60 % | Harbour walkers & café visitors |
| Weekday Afternoons | ~50 % | Beachgoers & museum guests |
| Weekends (10–16 h) | ~90 % | Families & day-trippers |
| Evenings (pre-close) | ~20 % | Sunset photographers |
Pro Tip: Arrive before 09:30 on summer Saturdays to secure a prime bays by the view.
🚶 Walkability Score
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Tate St Ives | 2 min | Modern art in a converted chapel |
| Harbour Beach | On-site | Sandy beach & rock-pool exploration |
| Island Cross at St Ives Pier | 1 min | Iconic landmark & café |
| St Ives Museum | 4 min | Local history & public restrooms |
⚠️ Important Notices
Enforcement: PCNs issued for non-payment or overstay; appeals via Cornwall Council
Overnight Parking: Prohibited—gates locked at closing time
Surface Warning: Bay markings can be slippery when wet; park with care
📌 Expert Tips
Coastal Walks: Combine parking here with a cliff-top walk to Porthmeor and Porthgwidden beaches.
Badge Convenience: Blue Badge holders enjoy level access—no need for special bays beyond the designated eight.
Season Tickets: If you visit frequently, Cornwall Council season permits offer best value.
🔮 Future Developments
2025: Cornwall Council planning solar-powered pay machines to streamline payment.
2026+: Feasibility study for seasonal EV charge post at nearby Park & Ride.
Own or work here?
Claim Now!
Claim Now!
