๐ Tatton Parking (Knutsford Lodge) โ Complete WA16 6HS Guide
Convenient lodge parking โ free Tatton Estate access, short-stay & season permits.
๐ Type: Surface Estate Visitor & Permit Car Park (Operated by Cheshire East Council in partnership with The National Trust)
๐ Open: 8 am โ 6 pm daily (aligned with Tatton Park visitor hours; closed overnight)
๐ Rating: 4.7 / 5 (visitor feedback)
๐ฐ Pricing & Permits
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Estate Visitors:
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Free for first 1 h (ticket required)
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ยฃ2.00 for 1โ2 h
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ยฃ3.50 for 2โ4 h
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ยฃ5.00 for 4โ6 h (max stay)
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Season Permits: Annual Tatton Park Permit (ยฃ40) valid across all estate car parks
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Blue Badge Holders: Free at any time (badge displayed)
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Payment Methods: Pay & Display machine (card only) or National Trust app
๐ Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | ~120 marked bays |
| Disabled Bays | 8 bays near pedestrian exit to Knutsford Lodge |
| Surface | Level gravel with painted bay markers |
| Lighting | Solar-powered bollards at entrance & footpaths |
| Security | Occasional estate ranger patrols; no CCTV |
| Height Restriction | None |
| Entry/Exit | Single unbarriered entrance off Mereheath Lane |
โฟ Accessibility
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Accessible Bays: 8 bays closest to the lodge & ticket office
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Step-Free Routes: Firm gravel paths to the lodge, toilets, and cafรฉ
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Drop-Off Zone: Lay-by directly outside lodge for brief unloading
๐ EV Infrastructure
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On-Site Chargers: None
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Nearest Public Chargers:
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2 ร 7 kW Pod Point at Knutsford Leisure Centre (1.5 mi, 5 min drive)
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4 ร 22 kW Ubitricity lamppost chargers on King Street (1.3 mi, 6 min drive)
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๐ Peak Times & Occupancy
| Timeframe | Occupancy | Typical Users |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays 10โ12 pm | 60 % | Local walkers & photographers |
| Weekdays 12โ2 pm | 80 % | Cafรฉ visitors & sightseers |
| Weekends 10โ4 pm | 100 % | Families & event attendees |
| Evenings (AprโSep) | 50 % | Sunset walkers |
Pro Tip: Arrive before 10 am at weekends to secure a bay near the lodge and avoid a long walk.
๐ถ Walkability Score
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Knutsford Lodge Visitor Hub | 1 min | Ticket office, toilets & gift shop |
| Tatton Park Gardens | 3 min | Formal gardens & cafรฉ |
| Old Hall Gardens | 5 min | Historic walled garden |
| Tatton Park Deer Park Trail | 8 min | Deer viewing & woodland loop |
๐ Nearby Amenities
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Public Toilets: Inside lodge visitor hub
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Cafรฉ & Shop: At lodge (light lunches, NT gifts)
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Picnic Areas: Tables & benches adjacent to car park
๐ ฟ๏ธ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance | Cost | Max Stay | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tatton Hall Car Park | 5 min | Same estate rates | 6 h | Closer to historic mansion |
| Mereheath Lane On-Street Bays | 2 min | Pay & Display (ยฃ1/h) | 4 h | Street-side bays near lodge entrance |
| Knutsford Town Centre MSCP | 4 mi | ยฃ1.20/h; ยฃ6/day | 24 h | Covered, EV charging & toilets |
โ ๏ธ Important Notices
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Gate Closure: Car park closes promptly at 6 pmโno overnight stays.
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Event Days: Large events (e.g. Flower Show) may redirect visitors to overflow at Mereheath Lane.
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Maintenance: Gravel regrading in January; expect limited bay availability.
๐ Expert Tips
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Season Pass Benefit: Annual permit holders enjoy unlimited visits and skip the ticket queue.
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Photography Tip: Early morning light in formal gardens โ park close and walk straight in.
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EV Hack: Charge in town on arrival, then drive to the lodge for a full dayโs visit.
๐ฎ Future Developments
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2025: NT exploring installation of 4 ร 7 kW solar-powered chargers at lodge car park.
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2026: Pilot ANPR entry/exit for permit holders to streamline access.
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