🚗 Treyarnon Bay Car Park – St Merryn, Padstow PL28 8JR
National Trust Pay & Display at Treyarnon Bay – free for members & blue-badge holders, seasonal dawn-to-dusk charges, doorstep access to sandy coves and coastal paths.
🚗 Type: Pay & Display Surface Car Park (National Trust/Cornwall Council)
🕒 Open: Dawn to Dusk (year-round gate hours; charges apply April–October 09:00–18:00)
🌟 Rating: 4.7 / 5 (visitor feedback praises scenery and ease of payment)
💰 Pricing & Permits
| Duration | Charge |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 hour | £2.00 |
| Up to 4 hours | £4.00 |
| All day (dawn–dusk) | £6.00 |
| Overstay / No ticket | £70 PCN |
Payment Methods: Pay & Display machine (coins; exact change) or PayByPhone app (location code on machine)
Free Parking: National Trust members (display membership card) & Blue-Badge holders (display badge in bay)
📊 Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | ~45 gravel bays (including 2 disabled bays) |
| Surface | Compacted gravel with occasional ruts |
| Lighting | None (daylight hours only) |
| Security | Occasional ranger patrols; no CCTV |
| Barrier System | None |
♿ Accessibility
Disabled Access: Two marked bays nearest the pay machine; level gravel route to viewpoint
Drop-Off Zone: Informal layby at entrance gate for quick unloading
Pedestrian Routes: Firm path to upper cliff car park and coastal footpaths
🔌 EV Infrastructure
On-Site Charging: None
Nearest Public Chargers:
Polzeath NT Car Park (0.8 mi; pay & display, no chargers)
Wadebridge Tesco (7 mi; 6×7 kW) – 10 min drive
📅 Peak Times & Occupancy
| Timeframe | Occupancy | Typical Visitors |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays 10:00–14:00 | ~60 % | Beach walkers & families |
| Weekends 11:00–16:00 | ~90 % | Sun-seekers & surfers |
| Early Mornings | ~20 % | Sunrise photographers |
| Late Afternoons | ~50 % | Coastal hikers |
Pro Tip: Arrive before 10 AM in summer weekends to secure a bay closest to the cliff top.
🚶 Walkability Score
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Treyarnon Beach | 2 min | Sandy cove & rock-pool exploration |
| South West Coast Path | Immediate | Cliff-top walking towards Constantine Bay |
| Treyarnon Viewpoint | 3 min | Panoramic sea views & picnic bench |
| Padstow Camel Trail Start | 5 min | Cycle & walk route to Padstow (6 mi) |
| Constantine Bay NT Car Park | 1.2 mi | Additional bays & café at the NT farm shop |
🛒 Nearby Amenities
On-Site:
NT information panels & dog-waste bin at entrance
Nearby (St Merryn):
Padstow Inn (pub): 1 mi – traditional fare
Beach Café: Constantine Bay – light bites & drinks
St Merryn Village Stores: 2 mi – essentials & post box
⚠️ Important Notices
Gate Closure: Vehicles locked in after dusk; exit before closing times
Weather Impact: Gravel surface may become slippery after rain; park centrally
Seasonal Charges: No enforcement November–March, but pay & display machine still on site
📌 Expert Tips
Membership Perk: National Trust members park free all year—scan card at machine
Tide Check: Rock-pooling best at low tide; check times before arrival
Footwear: Wear sturdy shoes for uneven cliff-top paths
Surf Prep: For surf lessons at Treyarnon Surf School, park early for best access
🔮 Future Developments
2025 Q3: NT planning improved signage and seating near pay machine
2026: Proposal to install 4 solar-powered EV charging bays at upper car park
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