🚗 Nelson Wharf Car Park – The Complete Weymouth Harbour Parking Guide
Harbour-front parking by Weymouth Pavilion – quick access to beach, town centre & attractions. All the details to park smart for a seamless harbour visit.
- Type: Public Pay & Display Car Park
- 🕒 Open: 7 am–6 pm (daily) — closed overnight (no access after 6 pm)
- 🌟 Rating: N/A
💰 Pricing & Permits
- Cost: Paid parking (daytime). Exact tariff is displayed on the on-site board.
- Indicative Range: In line with nearby harbour car parks (approx. £0.70 for 30 min up to ~£6–£7 for a full day).
- Payment: Pay machine (coins/cards) and mobile app (location code shown on signage).
- Permits: Not required for casual stays.
- Future Changes: No confirmed tariff changes announced.
📊 Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | ~30–40 (open-air, unmarked layout) |
| Surface | Asphalt/tarmac (some wear; occasional minor potholes) |
| Lighting | Limited (entrance/adjacent street lighting; darker after dusk) |
| Security | Unattended; informal passive surveillance from surrounding area |
| Height Limit | None (suitable for vans/campervans during opening hours) |
♿ Accessibility
- Level, step-free surface from street to bays.
- Marked Blue Badge bays not observed at this site.
- Nearest adapted parking: Pavilion Forecourt (approx. 8-minute walk; designated disabled bays).
- Drop-off: Kerbside drop-off immediately outside the lot entrance.
🔌 EV Infrastructure
- On-site charging: Not available.
- Nearest options (summary):
- InstaVolt – Jubilee Close (KFC): ~1.4 mi; rapid DC (high-power CCS).
- Governors Lane Car Park (East St): ~0.6 mi; ~50 kW rapid.
- Additional supermarket/retail chargers across town (various speeds).
📅 Peak Times & Occupancy
| Timeframe | Typical Occupancy | User Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays 8–10 AM | ~70% | Local staff/contractors |
| Weekdays 12–3 PM | ~90% | Shoppers & harbour visitors |
| Weekends 10 AM–5 PM | ~100% (summer) | Day-trippers & holidaymakers |
| Evenings after 6 PM | Very low | Lot closed/locked |
Pro Tip: In peak season and on sunny weekends, arrive before 10 AM. If full, head to Nothe Car Park (larger, ~12-minute walk).
🚶 Walkability Score
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Weymouth Beach & Promenade | ~5 min (0.2 mi) | Quick access to sands and seafront cafés |
| Weymouth Pavilion | ~8 min (0.4 mi) | Theatre & events |
| Brewers Quay / Harbour Museum | ~8 min (0.4 mi) | Shopping & maritime exhibits |
| Town Centre (King’s Statue) | ~6 min (0.3 mi) | High Street shops & services |
| Nothe Fort & Gardens | ~12 min (0.5 mi) | Historic fort, coastal views |
🛒 Nearby Amenities
Essentials
- Public toilets: Pavilion / town centre (short walk).
- ATM: Post Office on/near Hope Street (≈3 min).
- Pharmacy: Boots / central high street area (≈6 min).
Food & Drink
- The Sailor’s Return (≈0.1 mi): Traditional pub meals.
- Red Lion (≈0.2 mi): Classic harbour pub fare.
- Seafront cafés (≈0.2–0.4 mi): Coffee, ice cream, fish & chips.
- Local restaurants (within 5–10 min): Seafood & international options.
🅿️ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance | Cost | Max Stay | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nothe Car Park | 0.2 mi | Approx. £0.70–£6.30 (daytime); free evenings | 24 h | 190+ spaces, cheaper day rate, free evenings/overnight |
| Harbourside Car Park | 0.3 mi | Similar council banding | 24 h | Close to harbour bars & eateries; covered sections |
| Weymouth Park & Ride | ~1.8 mi | Free parking | Unlimited | 1,000+ spaces; frequent shuttle to town (daytimes) |
⚠️ Important Notices
- Overnight parking: Not permitted here (site closes at 6 pm; vehicles may be locked in).
- Event days: Seafood festivals, sailing regattas, Nothe Fort events and holiday markets can saturate demand—arrive early or use Park & Ride.
- Maintenance: Harbour wall/wharf works occur periodically; brief access changes may be signposted.
📌 Expert Tips
- Early-bird strategy: Arrive before 9:30 AM on weekends/holidays.
- Nothe value hack: If staying late, consider Nothe Car Park (larger capacity and free evenings) and stroll the scenic route.
- App ready: Install a pay-by-phone app in advance to extend stays without returning to the meter.
- Wet-weather note: Choose higher-lying bays near the entrance after heavy rain.
🔮 Future Developments
- Potential EV rollout: Local authorities continue to expand public EV charging; harbour car parks are under review for future installs.
- Harbour resilience projects: Ongoing structural works to prolong harbour infrastructure life; minor temporary diversions may occur.
- Capacity: No public plans to expand Nelson Wharf’s footprint.
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