
24/7 pay-and-display parking in Bridlingtonโs town center โ steps from the beach, shops, and bus station. All you need to know for a stress-free visit.
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24/7 pay-and-display parking in Bridlingtonโs town center โ steps from the beach, shops, and bus station. All you need to know for a stress-free visit.
๐ Type: Public Pay & Display (Private Operator)
๐ Open: 24/7 access
๐ Rating: 2.9/5 (Google Reviews)
Cost: Approximately ยฃ1.50 per hour (around ยฃ6 for the typical maximum stay). All users must pay from first minute โ no free period. Rates are subject to seasonal change, so check the on-site tariff board.
Payment: Pay-and-display machine (accepts cash; card usually available). Important: Enter your full vehicle registration when paying and keep the ticket as proof. No mobile app payment is currently provided.
Blue Badges: No special exemptions โ Blue Badge holders pay standard fees and must observe time limits. Disabled drivers should note there are no free concessions here unlike some council car parks.
Max Stay: Typically 2โ4 hours max. The operator strictly enforces the posted maximum parking time. For longer stays, youโll need to move your car or choose an alternative car park (see below).
Future Changes: None officially announced. However, there are local rumors of upgraded payment systems (including phone app payments) coming by 2025 to improve the user experience.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | ~40 bays (estimated) |
| Surface | Asphalt (tarmac) surface; some uneven patches |
| Lighting | Limited lighting at night (a few streetlamps on the perimeter) |
| Security | ANPR camera enforcement at entrance; no on-site attendants |
| Height Limit | None (open-air lot, suitable for vans/RVs) |
Disabled Access: The car park surface is level with no steps, making it generally wheelchair-friendly from car to sidewalk. However, there are no marked disabled bays reserved here. All bays are standard size, which may be tight for wheelchair users unloading.
Nearest Adapted Parking: For dedicated accessible parking, the North Street Car Park (a 5-minute walk) has 2 disabled bays and level access. The East Riding Leisure Centre lot (3 minutes away) also offers a few Blue Badge spaces (3-hour limit) for those using the facility.
Drop-Off Zone: There is no official drop-off area. If needed, drivers can briefly pull over at the car park entrance on Promenade to let passengers out, but be cautious โ Promenade is a busy road. An alternative is using the nearby bus station forecourt (2 minutes away) for quick drop-offs without blocking traffic.
On-Site Charging: None. This car park does not have any electric vehicle charging points.
Nearest Options:
Palace (Harbour) Car Park โ ~0.5 miles: Equipped with 2ร 7kW chargers (Mer network) near Bridlington Spa. About an 8-minute walk; parking fees apply but charging is pay-as-you-go.
Lidl Bridlington โ ~1 mile: 1ร 50kW rapid charger (DC) at the supermarket car park (free to use while shopping). ~5-minute drive inland on Bessingby Road.
Tesco Superstore โ ~1.1 miles: Multiple 7kW PodPoint units (free for customers) on Hilderthorpe Rd (about a 5-minute drive).
For high-speed charging, a North Marine Drive public car park (0.6 miles north) has 50kW rapid chargers (Mer network) right by the seafront.
| Timeframe | Occupancy ๐ ฟ๏ธ | Typical Users |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays 9โ11 AM | ~60% | Local workers and morning errands |
| Weekdays 12โ2 PM | ~90% | Shoppers on lunch breaks |
| Saturday 11 AMโ3 PM | ~100% | Tourists, day-trippers (peak capacity) |
| Evenings after 6 PM | ~20% | Nearby diners and pub-goers (many park on-street free) |
Pro Tip: On sunny summer weekends, arrive before 10:00 AM to snag a spot here. By late morning, this small lot fills up completely with beach visitors. If you find it full, head to the larger North Street Car Park (50 spaces, 2 minutesโ walk) or the Harbourโs Palace Car Park which have more availability during peak times.
This car park is centrally located, making it easy to reach key Bridlington attractions on foot:
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Bridlington North Beach | 5 min | Sandy beach & promenade without the hassle of seafront parking. |
| Bridlington Harbour & Pier | 5 min | Scenic harbor views, boat tours, and fresh seafood stalls nearby. |
| Promenades Shopping Centre | 3 min | Indoor mall with 30+ shops (no on-site parking, so this lot is handy). |
| Bridlington Spa (Theatre) | 15 min | Avoid event parking crush โ a pleasant stroll to concerts and shows. |
| Bus Station (Transit Hub) | 2 min | Convenient for catching local buses or coach connections. |
Everything in Bridlingtonโs town centre is within a short walk. You can park here and comfortably explore the promenade, high street, and even reach the south beach entertainment area on foot.
Essentials:
Public Toilets: The nearest facilities are at the Bridlington Leisure Centre (about a 3-minute walk north on Promenade) โ open to the public during the day. Additionally, seasonal public toilets are available along the seafront (Beaconsfield toilets, ~5 minutes walk).
ATM: HSBC Bank ATM on Chapel Street (2-minute walk) or a cashpoint inside Tesco (10 minutes walk). Thereโs also an ATM at the Post Office on Prospect Street (~4 minutes).
Pharmacy: Boots Pharmacy inside the Promenades Shopping Centre (3-minute walk). Lloyds Pharmacy on Quay Road is another option (~6 minutes).
Food Options:
Busy Bees Fish & Chips (7 min): Famous local chippy near the harbour โ perfect for lunch by the sea. Generous portions and award-winning taste.
Prior John Pub (5 min): A Wetherspoon pub on Quay Road offering affordable pub grub and drinks. Family-friendly with outdoor seating.
Greggs Bakery (1 min): On the Promenade itself โ grab a quick pastry, sandwich, or coffee on your way to the beach.
Coffee Coast (2 min): Cozy cafรฉ on Promenade for breakfast rolls, ice cream, and refreshments with a sea view.
There are also numerous arcades, candy floss stalls, and cafรฉs along Promenade and the seafront โ you wonโt go hungry in this area!
If 47โ53 Promenade Car Park is full or doesnโt suit your needs, hereโs how it stacks up against other local parking options:
| Site | Distance | Cost | Max Stay | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Street Car Park (Council) | 0.1 mile (2-min walk) | ~ยฃ1.40/hour (approx ยฃ4 for 4h) | 4 hours | Cheaper short-stay; no ANPR cameras (pay & display). |
| Palace (Harbour) Car Park (Council) | 0.4 mile (8-min walk) | ~ยฃ6.00/day | 24 hours | 200+ spaces by harbour; CCTV monitored; ideal for long stays. |
| Bridlington Park & Ride (South Cliff) | 2 miles (10-min drive) | ยฃ5.00/day (includes shuttle bus) | All day | 900 spaces & free shuttle to town; great for summer holidays. |
Note: On-street parking in central Bridlington is heavily restricted (mostly 1-hour limits or residents-only). The above car parks are your best alternatives for half-day or full-day parking. Morrisons supermarket (0.8 mile away) offers ยฃ2 for up to 12 hours via pre-booking, but itโs farther from the seafront and intended for shoppers.
Overnight Parking: This car park is open 24/7 and overnight parking is generally allowed. However, there is no dedicated security or lighting at night. If leaving your car overnight, park under a light if possible and note that the operator may not permit multi-day stays (check signage for any 24-hour limit). No camping or overnight sleeping in vehicles is permitted.
Private Enforcement: The lot is monitored by automatic cameras. Even a few minutes beyond your paid time or an incorrect license plate entry can result in a ยฃ100 Parking Charge Notice. There have been reports of visitors receiving fines despite paying โ often due to inputting the wrong reg number or machine errors. Always double-check your ticket details and keep it as evidence. If you encounter a machine fault, report it immediately (the operatorโs phone number is on the sign).
Bank Holidays & Sundays: **Charges **do apply on weekends and bank holidays here (unlike some council car parks that may offer free Sunday parking). Donโt assume itโs free โ many unwary visitors have been fined on holidays.
Event Crowds: During major events (e.g. summer festivals, bank holiday funfairs, or big shows at Bridlington Spa), this car park fills up very early. Traffic can also get congested on Promenade. Plan ahead on event days โ the Park & Ride or out-of-town car parks might save you a headache.
Weather Hazards: After heavy rain, large puddles can form at the lower end of the lot (near the southeast corner). Those bays tend to flood โ avoid them in bad weather to keep your feet dry when you return. In winter, be cautious of ice as gritting is not guaranteed on this private lot.
Early Arrival: In peak summer, aim to arrive by 9โ9:30 AM. Not only will you secure a space, but youโll also avoid the midday influx of beachgoers and day-trippers. By 11 AM, nearby streets get busy โ early birds get the best spots here.
Keep Your Ticket: Treat your pay-and-display ticket like gold. If you face an unjust fine later, having a timestamped ticket or receipt is your best defense in an appeal. Take a photo of the ticket on your dashboard as backup proof of purchase.
Max Stay Workaround: Need to park longer than the allowed limit here? Instead of risking a penalty by topping up, relocate to a long-stay car park. For example, move to the Park & Ride or Palace Car Park for the remainder of the day. Itโs better to take a short walk or bus ride than a ยฃ100 fine.
Have Coins Ready: The payment machine can be temperamental with cards, especially on busy days. Having some ยฃ1 coins on hand will ensure youโre not stuck if contactless payment fails. (The nearest shop for making change is a convenience store on Chapel St, 2 minutes away.)
Mind the Clock: Set an alarm on your phone 10 minutes before your ticket expires. The strict enforcement here means even a slight overstay could result in a ticket. Give yourself a buffer to return to your car or extend your parking elsewhere.
2024 โ Upgraded Meters: The car park operator is reportedly evaluating new pay machines with improved touchscreen interfaces and better reliability. If approved, installation could happen in late 2024, reducing the payment glitches that have plagued the current system.
2025 โ EV Charging Proposal: By 2025, Bridlington aims to expand EV infrastructure. There is talk of adding a couple of electric vehicle charging bays in this car park (subject to planning and electrical supply). EV drivers should watch for developments as this would be one of the first private lots in town to offer charging.
2025 โ Unified Parking App: The local council is encouraging private operators to join a unified pay-by-phone app. If this car park opts in, you might soon be able to pay or top-up via a smartphone, making the experience more seamless for tech-savvy users.
2026 and Beyond: Bridlingtonโs town centre redevelopment plans may impact this site. There are long-term discussions about possibly integrating this car park into a new retail complex or multi-story facility to increase capacity. Nothing concrete yet, but any redevelopment would likely include improved parking facilities for visitors. Rest assured, we will update this guide with any significant changes to the car parkโs status or operation.