🚗 Acorns Pay & Display – The Complete Okehampton Town Centre Parking Guide
Affordable 24/7 parking in Okehampton’s centre — steps from Waitrose, the Museum of Dartmoor Life, and New Carlton Cinema. Clear tariffs, nearby EV options, and expert local tips for a smooth, stress-free visit.
🚗 Type: Pay & Display (Private, patrol-enforced; ANPR and/or routine checks)
🕒 Open: 24/7 (bays are first-come, first-served)
🌟 Rating: Not publicly aggregated (no single consolidated review score currently available)
Address: 6 The Mart, Okehampton EX20 1AF
Coordinates: 50.7400814, -4.0024161
💰 Pricing & Permits
Current Tariffs (as displayed on site):
- £0.90 — up to 1 hour
- £2.90 — up to 5 hours
- £5.00 — up to 10 hours
Payment Methods:
- Pay & Display machine on site (card and/or coins; always carry a backup payment method in case one option is temporarily unavailable).
- Partner platform support via a well-known pay-by-phone provider associated with Total Car Parks (e.g., Parkonomy). This is useful when you want to top up without returning to the vehicle or if you arrive without change.
Validation & Tickets:
- Your ticket or digital session should cover your entire stay. If you extend your stay digitally, ensure the extension has been successfully processed before the original session expires.
- Always display the printed ticket face-up on the dashboard if you use the machine. Ensure it’s visible and not obscured by sunshades or reflective windscreens, especially in bright weather.
Enforcement & Rules of Use:
- The site is privately operated and patrolled; terms and conditions are set by the landowner/operator and are detailed on signs at the entrance and around the car park.
- ANPR and/or patrols support compliance. Overstays, parking outside marked bays, failure to pay for the duration, or misuse of any restricted areas may lead to a Parking Charge Notice.
- Blue Badge holders should still follow the on-site instructions (private land rules apply; discounts or exemptions common in council car parks do not necessarily apply on private land unless explicitly stated on the signage).
Permits:
- No long-term public permit scheme is advertised for this site. If regular parking is needed for work or frequent visits, consider a council long-stay alternative nearby (see comparisons below) or enquire directly with the operator about any business-use arrangements that may occasionally be offered.
Future Changes:
- Operators occasionally update tariffs and payment providers. Always check the main tariff board upon arrival for the definitive terms.
📊 Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | Small town-centre car park; capacity not officially published. Practical field estimate: ~20–30 vehicles. |
| Surface | Tarmac, open-air. |
| Bay Markings | Standard car bays; please park within the lines. |
| Lighting | Typical town-centre lighting; adequate for evening use, but always secure valuables. |
| Security | ANPR and/or periodic patrols; no staffed gatehouse. |
| Height Limit | None — open-air, generally van-friendly (standard panel vans). |
| Vehicle Suitability | No lorries, motorhomes, or coaches permitted. |
| Operator | Managed commercially (Total Car Parks). |
Practical Notes:
- Because this is a compact site, turnover is a key factor. Mid-morning through mid-afternoon often sees the most demand.
- If you drive a long-wheelbase van, check overhangs and bay lengths before committing to a space. Keep walkways clear.
♿ Accessibility
- Approach & Surfaces: The site is flat and open-air with tarmac surfacing typical of town-centre assets, which should be manageable for many wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility.
- Marked Disabled Bays: Not explicitly documented. If present, they will be signed on the ground and/or on adjacent posts. Where disabled bays are not marked, select a standard bay that affords adequate door opening space and safe transfer.
- Dropped Kerbs & Crossings: Approaches around The Mart and adjacent streets include typical town-centre pedestrian infrastructure. Watch for camber and occasional uneven surfaces near thresholds or where historic streets meet modern pavements.
- Toilets & Changing: Public conveniences are available in Okehampton (see “Nearby Amenities”). Individual facilities vary; plan ahead if you require specific accessible features.
Tip: If you require guaranteed disabled bays and clearly documented concessions, consider one of the council-run car parks nearby (e.g., Market Street or Mill Road) and consult their signage/policy on Blue Badge use.
🔌 EV Infrastructure
- On-Site at Acorns: No EV charging is installed within this car park at present.
- Nearest EV Options:
- Mill Road Car Park (EX20 1PR) — Approximately a 6–8 minute walk from Acorns. Public long-stay car park with Type-2 (22 kW) AC posts that typically require an app or RFID from a mainstream UK network.
- Meldon Reservoir Car Park (EX20 4LU) — A short drive west towards Dartmoor; slower destination charging (commonly around 3 kW) suited to long walks or leisure visits rather than quick top-ups.
EV Driver Advice:
- If you need a reliable top-up while you shop, Mill Road is the most convenient close-in option. Bring your Type-2 cable; most 22 kW posts are untethered.
- Where possible, start the session before leaving your vehicle and confirm in-app that current is flowing.
- If you are planning a full workday or leisure day in town, you might prefer long-stay parking with charging at Mill Road and walk in, rather than moving the car mid-day.
📅 Peak Times & Occupancy (Indicative Patterns)
While there is no public live-occupancy feed for Acorns, the following typical patterns reflect the location and user mix for central Okehampton:
| Timeframe | Expected Occupancy | Typical Users |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays 10:00–14:00 | High | Shoppers, daytime appointments, café/restaurant trade. |
| Saturdays 10:00–16:00 | Very High | Weekend visitors, families, errands, cinema matinees. |
| Evenings after 18:00 | Low–Moderate | Dining, cinema, local events. |
How to Use This:
- Aim to arrive before 10:00 on busy weekdays, and before 10:30–11:00 on Saturdays for the best choice of spaces.
- If Acorns is full, consider the Market Street short-stay (for quick errands) or Mill Road long-stay (for half-day or day-long visits). Both are within easy walking distance.
🚶 Walkability Score
From Acorns Pay & Display, you are placed in the heart of Okehampton, making many attractions and essentials reachable on foot within minutes.
| Destination | Approx. Walk Time | Why Park Here |
|---|---|---|
| Museum of Dartmoor Life (EX20 1HQ) | ~3–4 min | Excellent orientation to the area; local history, geology, and Dartmoor heritage. |
| Waitrose (School Way, EX20 1WL) | ~4–5 min | Groceries, café, and practical amenities; handy for quick provisions before heading onto Dartmoor. |
| New Carlton Cinema (EX20 1HN) | ~5–6 min | Independent cinema with regular screenings — ideal for evening parking. |
| Okehampton Station (EX20 1EJ) | ~15–20 min | Connection to the Dartmoor Line; straightforward option if you prefer to park in town and walk to the train. |
| Simmons Park & Okehampton Leisure Centre | ~10–12 min | Riverside green space, play areas, and leisure facilities. |
| Okehampton Castle (English Heritage) | ~12–15 min | Atmospheric medieval ruins along the West Okement — a must for first-time visitors. |
Street-Level Tips:
- Okehampton’s centre has short blocks and multiple crossings. Even at busy times, foot movement is intuitive.
- Some streets have a gentle gradient. Suitable shoes are advised if you are visiting the castle or riverside parks, where paths may be steeper or unpaved.
- In wet weather, allow an extra few minutes for careful footing on historic stone or leaf-littered sections near the park.
🛒 Nearby Amenities
Public Toilets (typical options):
- Facilities are available around the Market Street area, Fairplace Garden, the Leisure Centre, and often within Waitrose for customers. Opening hours can vary; the town-centre facilities usually align with retail hours, with reduced provision late evening.
Cash & Essentials:
- Multiple ATMs operate in the core retail zone (Fore Street/Market Street vicinity).
- Pharmacies: You will commonly find Boots on or near Fore Street and at least one independent pharmacy in the vicinity.
- Groceries: Waitrose is the closest full-service supermarket to Acorns; there are convenience stores and bakeries across central streets for quick snacks.
- Food & Drink: Independent cafés, pubs, and takeaways cluster throughout the centre. Early mornings and lunchtime see the greatest choice; kitchens may close earlier on Sundays.
Family & Accessibility-adjacent Amenities:
- Leisure Centre (for showers, changing, and family activities).
- Simmons Park (open green space, play areas).
- Tourist Information is often signposted via the Museum of Dartmoor Life — a good first stop for maps and walking ideas.
🅿️ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance from Acorns | Cost | Max Stay | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Market Street (Council, Short-Stay) | ~2–4 min walk | £0.50 / 30 min · £1.00 / 1 hr · £2.20 / 3 hrs | 3 hours | Perfect for errands and quick shopping; highly central. |
| Mill Road (Council, Long-Stay) | ~6–8 min walk | £2.00 / 2 hrs · £2.90 / 4 hrs · £3.80 all-day | 10 hours | Best value for full days; 22 kW EV charging available. |
| Okehampton Station (APCOA) | ~15–20 min walk / short drive | £2.00 / day | 24 hours | Cheapest day parking for rail users; ideal for Dartmoor Line trips. |
Choosing the Right Option:
- Short visits (banking, click-and-collect, prescriptions): Market Street is usually the most cost-effective if you will be under the 3-hour limit.
- Half-day to full-day town visits: Mill Road will almost always beat Acorns on price once you cross the 4-hour mark, and it includes EV charging.
- Rail day-trips: Park at Okehampton Station for simplicity and value, especially if carrying luggage or travelling with children.
⚠️ Important Notices
- Private Land Rules: Acorns is privately operated. On-site signage is the definitive source for tariffs, grace periods, and exemptions. Private land rules can differ from council car parks; always read the signs when you arrive.
- Vehicle Types: The site does not permit lorries, motorhomes, or coaches. If your vehicle is larger than a standard car or panel van, consider public long-stay facilities or designated coach parking elsewhere in the town’s network.
- Overnight Parking: The car park is open 24/7. Overnight stays in vehicles are not the intended use; if you plan to leave a vehicle overnight, ensure your paid session covers the full period and that your insurer is satisfied with the arrangement.
- Blue Badge Use: On private land, a Blue Badge does not automatically grant concessions unless explicitly stated. Where disabled bays are provided, time limits and payment rules are determined by the operator.
- Events & Busy Days: Town-centre events, school holidays, and good weather can compress availability. On such days, Mill Road often offers a steadier turnover for long-stay needs.
- Weather & Drainage: In heavy rain, open-air sites can develop puddling near thresholds. Choose a bay mid-car park if you want to avoid splash-back from passing traffic.
📌 Expert Tips
1) Match Your Stay to the Right Tariff
- If you know you’ll stay under an hour, Acorns’ £0.90 bracket is competitive for a central private site and saves you the walk from longer-stay car parks.
- If your agenda leans beyond 4–5 hours, compare the Acorns total against Mill Road’s all-day price. For many day-trip scenarios, Mill Road is the smarter value — especially if you also need to charge an EV.
2) Pay Smart, Avoid Overstays
- Use a pay-by-phone/app route when possible — it logs your session, helps with extensions, and provides receipts for expense claims.
- If using the machine, take a quick photo of the ticket on the dashboard and note your expiry time in your phone calendar with an alert.
3) Think Multi-Stop
- For a morning in town and an afternoon at Okehampton Castle or Simmons Park, you could park once at Acorns, complete central errands, and then relocate to Mill Road (or vice versa) to balance cost, proximity, and EV charging.
4) Evening & Cinema Strategy
- For the New Carlton Cinema, evening availability at Acorns is usually reasonable. Arrive 15–20 minutes before showtime to find a good bay, buy your ticket, and stroll without rush.
5) Visiting Dartmoor by Bus or Train
- If you’re pairing town time with a Dartmoor Line rail hop, evaluate whether to park directly at the station for £2/day or enjoy a town breakfast and walk to the station from Acorns — both are workable depending on luggage and weather.
6) Accessibility Conscious Planning
- If you need guaranteed wider bays and clearly documented concessions, default to the council-run car parks and refer to their signage/policies. Acorns’ private status means rules may not mirror council norms.
🔮 Future Developments
- A new Okehampton Interchange (an additional station east of the town) has been publicly trailed and is planned to improve rail connectivity. Timelines reported locally have indicated a target around spring 2026; as the scheme progresses, parking patterns may shift, with potential redistribution between station parking and town-centre sites. Keep an eye on local announcements for any updates that could affect long-stay demand or new transport links into the centre.
🧭 Arrival, Signage & Navigation
Approach Roads:
- Okehampton’s centre is a compact grid. Approaches to The Mart are straightforward from Fore Street, Market Street, and School Way. Traffic is calm but can queue briefly at peak retail hours and school run times.
- Sat-Nav Tip: Enter the postcode EX20 1AF or the latitude/longitude above. Because some devices route via pedestrianised segments, watch for last-metre rerouting; follow the local traffic management signs.
Entrance & Internal Flow:
- Acorns has a single primary entrance/exit typical of small private sites. Circulation is clockwise or bidirectional depending on the layout; proceed slowly and check mirrors carefully when reversing.
- Give pedestrians priority near ticket machines and footpaths; these crossing points are where visibility is often lowest.
Signage:
- The main tariff board at the entrance (and/or near the machine) sets the terms, including hours of operation, tariffs, accepted payment methods, and enforcement details.
- Secondary boards and bay-level signs (if present) clarify restrictions such as staff bays, loading zones, or disabled bays.
🧾 Receipts, Expenses & Business Use
- Digital receipts via the app are the simplest route for expense claims and VAT reconciliation (if applicable).
- If you use the machine, store the printed ticket securely for your records; ink can fade, so a photo or scan is a smart backup.
- For regular business parking in Okehampton, compare Acorns with Mill Road. While Acorns wins on immediate proximity, many businesses prefer long-stay council stock for predictable day-rates, particularly for staff who move between appointments.
🧰 What To Do If…
…the Machine Is Out of Service
- Look for app-based payment instructions on the board. Most private operators provide an alternative cashless pathway.
- If all payment routes fail, it is safest not to leave the vehicle unattended without a valid session. Consider relocating to Market Street or Mill Road.
…You Receive a Parking Charge Notice (PCN)
- Read the notice and the on-site terms in detail. PCNs on private land are not criminal fines; they are an alleged breach of contract with the operator.
- If you believe the notice was issued in error (e.g., payment matched your stay, or a Blue Badge/mitigating circumstance is recognised in the terms), follow the operator’s appeal process within the stated time.
- Keep evidence: photos of the bay, the ticket, screenshots of the app session, and any correspondence.
…You Drive a Van or Larger Vehicle
- There is no height barrier, but space is limited. If you can’t fit comfortably within bay lines or your tail overhangs a walkway, relocate to a more suitable car park.
…You Need to Charge an EV
- Head to Mill Road and bring your Type-2 cable. Check the charging app for live availability before you commit.
🌦️ Seasonal & Weather Advice
Winter & Early Spring:
- Expect occasional ice or frost on tarmac in early mornings. Walk carefully and allow extra braking distance inside the car park.
- Retail hours are shorter; confirm closing times if you rely on specific amenities like pharmacies or cafés.
Summer & School Holidays:
- Okehampton is a gateway to Dartmoor, so summer Saturdays can be lively. Arrive earlier for best availability.
- Heat can cause in-car ticket curling; place the ticket flat and away from vents so it remains readable.
Autumn & Wet Weather:
- Leaves and rain can make surfaces slick. Choose bays with good drainage and avoid puddle edges where road grime splashes.
- Visibility drops earlier in the evening. Check your headlamps and take a slow, methodical approach in and out.
🧑⚖️ Blue Badge & Equality Considerations (Private Land Context)
- On private car parks, Blue Badge rules differ from council policy. A Blue Badge does not automatically equal free or extended parking unless explicitly stated on the operator’s signs.
- If you need longer transfer time or additional space, consider council long-stay where policies are often clearer and more accommodating, or arrive at quieter times to choose a more comfortable bay.
- Where the operator provides a helpline, it may assist with machine faults or queries about rules; keep a note of the number from the tariff board.
🧳 Use-Case Playbooks
A) One-Hour Errand Loop
- Park at Acorns, pay £0.90 for up to 1 hour.
- Walk to Market Street for banking or quick retail.
- Collect groceries at Waitrose.
- Return with a few minutes in hand — no need for a costlier long-stay option.
B) Half-Day Culture & Coffee
- If staying more than 3–4 hours, consider Mill Road for the all-day rate.
- Visit the Museum of Dartmoor Life first, stroll the town, break for coffee.
- Afternoon walk to Okehampton Castle and riverside paths.
- Finish near the centre for supper; return to Mill Road before your session ends.
C) Cinema & Supper (Evening)
- Park at Acorns after 18:00 for proximity and availability.
- Dine within a 5-minute radius.
- Stroll to the New Carlton Cinema.
- Exit with easy access back to the A30 via the usual routes.
D) Rail Day-Trip via Dartmoor Line
- Park at Okehampton Station for the simple £2/day structure, particularly if carrying bags.
- If you prefer a town breakfast, park at Acorns or Mill Road, eat, then walk to the station (allow 15–20 minutes).
🧮 Cost Optimisation: Worked Examples
Example 1: Two hours of shopping and lunch
- Acorns: You’ll need the £2.90 5-hour bracket if you prefer buffer time beyond 1 hour — this is over-buying for 2 hours but may be chosen for convenience if you don’t want to re-ticket.
- Market Street: £2.20 covers up to 3 hours; cheaper if your stay fits the window and you don’t mind a 2–4 minute extra walk.
Example 2: Full-day visit (6–8 hours)
- Acorns: £5.00 (10-hour bracket).
- Mill Road: £3.80 all-day — better value plus potential EV charging.
Example 3: Evening film (3 hours total including dinner)
- Acorns: The £2.90 tier gives ample cover and the shortest walk.
- Market Street: £2.20 for up to 3 hours if you find a bay and don’t mind the short walk; availability can vary around peak dining times.
🧯 Safety, Security & Good Practice
- Lock your vehicle and remove valuables from sight. Even in calm market towns, opportunistic theft can occur.
- Park well within bay lines to maintain door clearance and avoid disputes.
- Keep the walkways and machine approaches clear; these must remain accessible to all users.
- If you arrive late at night, choose a bay with good sightlines to exits and lighting.
🗺️ Area Orientation for First-Time Visitors
- Okehampton sits just north of the A30, making it a practical stop en route to Cornwall or north Dartmoor.
- The town centre clusters around Fore Street, Market Street, East Street, and School Way, with short connecting lanes and passages.
- Touring Dartmoor: Okehampton is an excellent provisioning base — fill up on groceries, pick up OS maps or guidebooks, then head out to Meldon Reservoir, Yes Tor approaches, or Belstone (short drive).
📚 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is Acorns cheaper than council car parks?
A: For very short visits under an hour, Acorns at £0.90 can be competitive given its centrality. Beyond a couple of hours, compare with Market Street (up to 3 hours at £2.20) and Mill Road (£3.80 all-day). For 6+ hours, Mill Road almost always wins on price.
Q2: Do I need to display a ticket if I paid by app?
A: Generally no, but keep your digital confirmation handy. If the machine produces a ticket, display it. Always follow the site’s specific instructions.
Q3: Can I park overnight?
A: The site is open 24/7, but it is not intended as a sleeping area. If leaving a vehicle overnight, ensure payment covers the entire period and that you’re comfortable with private-land rules and your insurance conditions.
Q4: Are there dedicated motorcycle bays?
A: Not advertised. Motorcycles should park within a standard bay and comply with posted terms. If in doubt, use council stock where motorcycle policies are clearly indicated.
Q5: What if I am delayed returning to the car?
A: If you used an app, attempt an extension before your session expires. If you used the machine, return to re-ticket where allowed. Failing that, relocate to Mill Road for flexible day-rate cover.
Q6: Is there a height barrier?
A: No. The car park is open-air, suitable for standard cars and many vans. Extra-long vehicles should ensure they fit within marked bays without obstructing circulation.
Q7: Do Blue Badges grant free parking here?
A: Not automatically on private land. Any concessions must be explicitly stated on the operator’s signage. When in doubt, assume normal payment is required.
🧭 Summary & Recommendation
Acorns Pay & Display at 6 The Mart, Okehampton EX20 1AF is a compact, no-nonsense, 24/7 town-centre car park that excels on immediacy and convenience. For quick errands, the £0.90 one-hour option is straightforward. For half-days or longer, particularly if you want EV charging or the lowest all-day price, Mill Road is the better value, while Market Street is a solid choice for sub-3-hour tasks. If you are riding the Dartmoor Line, the £2/day at Okehampton Station is very hard to beat.
The walkability from Acorns is excellent: the Museum of Dartmoor Life, Waitrose, New Carlton Cinema, and a broad mix of cafés and shops are all within a few minutes. For leisure, Simmons Park and Okehampton Castle add green space and heritage within a quarter-hour’s stroll. The private-land context means you should read the tariff board on arrival, pay for the full duration, and park within bay lines to avoid issues.
If your priority is centrality and speed, Acorns is ideal. If your priority is price over a longer stay, Mill Road wins. If your priority is rail convenience, choose the station car park. With a little planning, you can pick the option that perfectly fits your itinerary — and enjoy Okehampton without parking stress.
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