🚗 Wellfields Car Park – Complete Penzance Parking Guide
Convenient on-site parking at the Penlee Centre – perfect for art visits, library trips & harbour strolls. Free for 2 hours, affordable all-day rates thereafter.
🚗 Type: Public Surface Car Park (Council-operated)
🏛️ Jurisdiction: Cornwall Council
🕒 Open: 08:00 – 20:00 daily (outside these hours locked)
🌟 Rating: 4.3 / 5 (average Google reviews)
💰 Pricing & Permits
Free Stay: First 2 hours free
Tariff (08:00–20:00):
2–4 h: £1.50
4–8 h: £3.00
All-day (8+ h): £5.00
Payment: Pay & Display machines (card/contactless) or PayByPhone app
Permits: Season tickets available via Cornwall Council portal
Blue Badge Holders: Free up to 3 hours (display badge & register)
📊 Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | ~60 marked bays |
| Surface | Tarmac with clear bay markings |
| Lighting | LED columns covering all rows |
| Security | CCTV monitoring |
| Height Limit | None (suitable for vans; no overnight stay) |
♿ Accessibility
Designated Bays: 6 Blue Badge bays nearest Penlee Centre entrance
Accessible Routes: Drop-kerb crossings and tactile paving to centre doors
Drop-Off Zone: Layby immediately outside main entrance
🔌 EV Infrastructure
On-Site Charging: None
Nearest Options:
InstaVolt Rapid (Harbour Car Park, TR18 4HE) – 2×50 kW CCS/CHAdeMO (2 min walk)
Pod Point (Tesco Express, TR18 4BW) – 2×7 kW Type 2 (5 min walk)
📅 Peak Times & Occupancy
| Timeframe | Occupancy | Typical Users |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday Mornings | ~60% | Library visits & art workshops |
| Weekday Lunchtimes | ~45% | Café guests & casual shoppers |
| Weekday Afternoons | ~50% | Harbour walkers & gallery visitors |
| Weekends (10:00–14:00) | ~80% | Families & leisure visitors |
Pro Tip: Arrive by 09:00 on Saturdays for a free 2-hour slot before the lunch-time rush.
🚶 Walkability Score
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Penlee House Gallery & Museum | On-site | Local art, history & café |
| Penzance Harbour | 3 min | Boat tours & waterfront dining |
| Morrab Gardens | 5 min | Subtropical public gardens |
| Egyptian House (Library) | On-site | Art Deco architecture & reading rooms |
🛒 Nearby Amenities
Public Toilets: Inside Penlee Centre foyer (accessible)
ATM: NatWest (Market Place, 7 min walk)
Pharmacy: Boots (Market Place, 7 min walk)
Food & Drink:
Gallery Café (on-site) – light bites & barista drinks
The Shore (Harbour) – seafood & local ales
🅿️ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance | Cost | Max Stay | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harbour Car Park (Tower Car Park) | 0.1 mi (2 min) | £1.50/hr; £6/day | 24 h | Rapid EV chargers, central |
| Chywoone Hill (Council) | 0.3 mi (6 min) | Free (1 h max) | 1 h; return after 2 h | Quick errands |
| Tesco Express Car Park | 0.2 mi (5 min) | Free (2 h) | 2 h | Pod Point charging on-site |
⚠️ Important Notices
Enforcement: Regular patrols; PCN £70 for overstay or non-payment
Overnight Parking: Not permitted; barriers lock at 20:00
Weather Alert: Surface may pond after heavy rain; drive and walk with care
📌 Expert Tips
Art Lover Hack: Park free for 2 hours to explore gallery and museum before paying tariff.
Harbour Loop: Combine free stay with a harbour walk—return within 2 h to avoid charges.
Badge Ease: Blue Badge holders register online for free 3 h parking without using machines.
🔮 Future Developments
2025: Cornwall Council piloting contactless kiosks to streamline PayByPhone integration.
2026+: Feasibility study of EV charger installation powered by local renewables.
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