🚗 Pilton Causeway (Portland Buildings) Car Park – The Complete Barnstaple Town-Centre Parking Guide
Central Barnstaple parking on Pilton Causeway (EX32) — council-run, pay-and-display 8am–6pm, minutes from Green Lanes, Pilton Park and the High Street. Everything you need for a smooth visit.
Address: 4 Pilton Causeway, Barnstaple EX32 7AA
Also known as: Portland Buildings Car Park (the council’s operational name for this site)
Coordinates: Latitude 51.083899 • Longitude −4.0607914
At-a-Glance Overview
🚗 Type: Council pay-and-display (surface, open-air)
🕒 Opening hours: Open 24/7 for entry/exit; charging period 08:00–18:00 daily (including weekends and bank holidays)
🌟 Public rating: Not individually listed as a separate venue; feedback generally follows town-centre standards for council car parks
This guide provides a complete, client-ready profile for the car park located immediately off Pilton Causeway at the Portland Buildings turning circle. It is a practical choice for quick access to Barnstaple’s central retail core, Green Lanes Shopping Centre, the High Street, and Pilton Park. With straightforward pay-and-display arrangements and a RingGo cashless option, it suits short and medium stays during shopping hours and remains accessible free of charge outside the daytime tariff.
💰 Pricing & Permits
Current Tariff (charging period 08:00–18:00):
- Up to 1 hour — £1.40
- Up to 2 hours — £2.80
- Up to 3 hours — £4.20
- Up to 4 hours — £5.60
- Up to 5 hours — £7.00
- Up to 6 hours — £8.40
- Up to 7 hours — £9.80
- Up to 8 hours — £11.20
- Up to 9 hours — £12.60
- Up to 10 hours — £14.00
Payment options:
- On-site pay-and-display machine(s) — cards and coins typically accepted; display your ticket clearly on the dashboard
- Cashless payment via RingGo (Location Code: 3615)
Operational notes:
- Charging applies 08:00–18:00; outside these hours parking is generally free, subject to posted regulations
- Tickets are time-banded; overstay or failure to display generally risks a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)
- Always check on-site signage for the latest tariff and any special conditions (e.g., seasonal updates or bay suspensions)
Permits and long-stay:
- Council rover/season tickets are typically valid at designated long-stay sites across Barnstaple, with reserved bays at this location for permit holders
- Reserved bays must not be used by pay-and-display customers at any time; these are marked and enforced
- Availability for reserved bays may be limited and managed via a waiting list; businesses near Pilton Causeway and professionals with regular town-centre commitments often apply for these allocations
📊 Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Approx. capacity | ~62 total bays (c. 51 public pay-and-display + c. 11 reserved/permit) |
| Layout | Single-level surface lot, open-air |
| Surface | Tarmac/asphalt |
| Lighting | Standard council car-park lighting columns |
| Security | Routine civil enforcement patrols; no manned security |
| CCTV | Basic coverage may be present, but not 24/7 staffed |
| Height limit | 2.4 metres (check signage at the entrance) |
| Vehicle types | Cars and typical light vans; high-roof vans may be affected by the height restriction |
| Motorcycles | Use marked bays; follow posted rules regarding charges |
| Bicycles | No dedicated cycle hub on site; nearby public stands available around the town centre |
| Drainage | Standard surface drainage; avoid low-lying edges after heavy rain if possible |
Entrance and circulation:
The car park is accessed from Pilton Causeway via the Portland Buildings spur. Circulation is straightforward, with a single internal loop feeding marked bays and reserved allocations. Turning room is adequate for saloon cars and standard vans. The egress returns to Pilton Causeway, placing drivers either toward the A361/Long Bridge corridor or into Pilton/Forches areas.
Signage and bay markings:
Standard white bay markings and upright signs indicate payment periods and any local restrictions. Reserved bays are clearly marked. Always verify the bay you select is not marked “Reserved” or “Permit Only.”
♿ Accessibility
- Disabled bays on site: Not listed/marked as designated Blue Badge spaces at this car park.
- Nearest adapted parking: Barnstaple Central Car Park (Queen Street) offers multiple disabled-designated bays and step-free access to the town centre retail and civic amenities.
- Kerbs and surfaces: The surface at Pilton Causeway is level to gently sloped in places. There are no lifts or stairways since this is a ground-level lot. A companion or support may be helpful for any user who needs assistance traversing the short distance to nearby pedestrian crossings on Pilton Causeway.
- Drop-off and pick-up: There is no formal drop-off zone within the car park. Kerbside set-down on the adjoining spur is sometimes feasible outside of peak times, but drivers must check for any loading or waiting restrictions on the day.
- Blue Badge policy (general): Policies vary by operator and car park. Where no designated disabled bays exist, Blue Badge holders typically use standard bays and follow the posted tariff or concessions if any. Always verify the notice boards for current rules that apply to badge holders at this specific site.
🔌 EV Infrastructure
- On-site charging: None at Pilton Causeway (Portland Buildings).
- Nearest rapid/fast charging: The largest nearby hub for reliable charging is at Barnstaple Central Car Park (Queen Street), which hosts multiple rapid bays. This is typically an 8–10 minute walk, allowing a convenient town-centre charge while shopping or dining. Other supermarket-based charge points are available within a short drive; however, those may be subject to customer-only limits or time caps.
- Practical EV tip: If you need to charge immediately on arrival, navigate first to Barnstaple Central, plug in, and then decide whether to leave the car on charge or move to Pilton Causeway for a shorter walk to Pilton Park. When visiting with children, Barnstaple Central can be preferable thanks to the ease of moving between the car and the High Street, toilets, and food outlets while the car charges.
📅 Peak Times & Occupancy (Indicative)
- Weekday mornings (08:00–10:00): Moderate demand as town-centre workers arrive; reserved bays will be occupied early. Public bays may remain reasonably available outside school-run peaks.
- Weekday lunch (12:00–14:00): Busy with shoppers and appointments. If you plan to leave the car for more than two hours, consider arriving before noon.
- Weekday late afternoon (15:00–17:00): Variable; quick-turnover shoppers and school traffic can cause a short surge.
- Saturdays (10:00–16:00): Consistently busy. Consider alternatives if you arrive after mid-morning.
- Evenings (after 18:00): Generally easy, and outside the charging period.
- Event days: Large community or seasonal events in central Barnstaple can push occupancy to very high levels across all central car parks. Aim for early arrival or use the larger Barnstaple Central site.
Overflow suggestions when full:
- North Walk (similar walking time to the High Street)
- Barnstaple Central (Queen Street) (largest capacity in town)
- Lower Pilton (very small, but offers a competitive all-day rate if you can secure a space)
🚶 Walkability Score
Pilton Causeway (Portland Buildings) is exceptionally well positioned for a short, safe walk to major town-centre attractions. Expect the following approximate times on foot:
| Destination | Typical Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Green Lanes Shopping Centre | ~6–7 minutes | Direct access to national retailers and services |
| High Street / Pannier Market | ~7–10 minutes | Independent shops, cafes, and Barnstaple’s historic market |
| Pilton Park | ~2–3 minutes | Immediate green space and play area for families |
| Museum of Barnstaple & North Devon | ~8–10 minutes | Local culture stop with family-friendly exhibits |
| Barnstaple Bus Station | ~10–12 minutes | Regional connections across North Devon |
| Rock Park (via Long Bridge) | ~12–15 minutes | Riverside walks and open lawns |
Pedestrian crossings and safety:
The crossing points near Pilton Causeway are well marked. Peak road traffic near Long Bridge and the A361 feeder can lengthen journey times slightly; allow extra minutes during school pick-up and the Saturday retail rush.
🛒 Nearby Amenities
Essentials within a ~10-minute walk:
- Supermarkets and convenience stores: Several options in and around the High Street and Green Lanes for quick top-ups, meal deals, and cash-back.
- Public toilets: Facilities are available within the town-centre footprint, including at larger shopping centres and public convenience points operated by the council.
- Cashpoints/ATMs: Distributed along the High Street and within/around Green Lanes.
- Pharmacies: Multiple branches in the central shopping area.
- Medical/dental/optical appointments: Numerous practices operate within walking distance; check your appointment confirmation for the exact address and plan your route from the car park accordingly.
Food & drink highlights:
- Cafés and bakeries: Ideal for take-away breakfasts and light lunches en route to meetings
- Pubs and casual dining: Spread across the High Street and adjacent streets, from family-friendly chains to independent spots
- Parks for picnics: Pilton Park is the nearest option for open-air eating with children, especially on dry days
🅿️ Alternative Parking Comparison
For flexibility and risk management (e.g., if Pilton Causeway is full), the following options offer complementary advantages:
| Site | Distance on Foot | Spaces | Typical Tariff Headline | Why choose it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Pilton Car Park (EX31 1PH) | ~6–8 minutes | Very small (c. 7 bays) | From around £0.70 per hour; c. £3.50 all day | Exceptional value for all-day shoppers or commuters if a space is available |
| North Walk | ~6–8 minutes | Medium (c. 60+ bays) | Aligns with town short-stay ladder up to 10h | Good balance of supply and proximity; often a useful spill-over |
| Barnstaple Central (Queen Street) | ~8–10 minutes | Large (200+ bays) | Town short-stay ladder up to 10h | Highest probability of finding a space; EV charging and multiple disabled bays |
How to choose quickly:
- Need certainty during busy times? Go straight to Barnstaple Central.
- Need the cheapest full-day option within walking distance? Try Lower Pilton first (very limited capacity).
- Want similar proximity when Pilton Causeway is full? North Walk tends to be a reliable middle ground.
⚠️ Important Notices
- Height restriction: Approximately 2.4 m. Larger vans, minibuses, or motorhomes may be restricted.
- Reserved bays: Do not park in bays marked “Reserved” or “Permit Only.” These are enforced at all times.
- Charging period: 08:00–18:00 daily. Ensure you either purchase a valid ticket for your stay or use RingGo and confirm your session before leaving the vehicle.
- Ticket display: Place the P&D ticket clearly on the dashboard, face-up. Obscured tickets can result in a PCN.
- Cashless payment backup: If the machine is temporarily unavailable, use RingGo (Location Code 3615). Keep a note of your registration and session start/end times.
- Overnight parking: Usually permitted, but always check signage for any exceptions or bay suspensions. No sleeping in vehicles or camping is allowed.
- Loading/unloading: Only in marked/loading areas or where indicated by local traffic orders. Avoid obstructing circulation lanes.
- Idling & emissions: Please switch off your engine when stationary. This is courteous to pedestrians and reduces noise/air pollution near residential frontages.
- Events & bay suspensions: Temporary signage may appear before maintenance, surfacing, or community events. Respect suspension notices to avoid tow or PCN.
📌 Expert Tips
- Arrive early on Saturdays: Aim for before 10:00 to improve your chances of securing a space at Pilton Causeway itself.
- Two-car households: If travelling in convoy, allocate one driver to drop passengers near Pilton Park for a head start while the other parks—this keeps children entertained and shortens the walking window.
- Day-long shopping or meetings: If your visit exceeds four hours, compare the total against the Lower Pilton all-day rate. The walk back is short and level.
- EV strategy: If you must charge, head for Barnstaple Central first. Once plugged in, decide whether to remain there (for the duration) or relocate to Pilton Causeway for a slightly closer position to Pilton Park.
- Bad weather plan: In heavy rain, choose bays away from any visibly low-lying sections. Keep a brolly in the glove compartment—most of the walk to Green Lanes is along well-paved paths with frequent shop awnings.
- Business calls on the move: The route from the car park to the High Street has multiple quiet side streets—use these for short client calls rather than stopping at the main crossing points.
- Family day out: Park here, enjoy Pilton Park for an hour, then continue to the Museum and Green Lanes; this sequence breaks up the walking for young children.
- Meetings starting on the hour: Add five minutes for pedestrian crossings at Pilton Causeway and Long Bridge approaches during peak traffic.
- Ticket management: Set a phone reminder 10 minutes before expiry if you’re using pay-and-display. If using RingGo, extend remotely if permitted for your tariff band.
- Travel light: If you plan to carry shopping bags back, consider a two-stage trip—drop heavier bags at the car after your main shop, then return for a café stop or last-minute purchases.
🔮 Future Notes & Change Management
- Tariff review cycle: Local authority tariffs are commonly reviewed annually at the start of the financial year. Expect incremental changes to the price ladder from time to time.
- EV infrastructure growth: Town-centre EV coverage has improved in recent years, with Barnstaple Central offering rapid bays. While Pilton Causeway currently has no chargers, future expansion of charging across council sites is possible.
- Surface and lighting upgrades: Council car parks undergo periodic maintenance. You may see resurfacing, repainting of bay lines, or replacement of payment machines. Bay suspensions will be signed in advance.
- Digital enforcement enhancement: Many authorities are progressively improving enforcement tooling and back-office systems. That can mean faster response to out-of-order machines (with clear instructions to use cashless apps) and improved dispute timelines.
Location, Access & Traffic Patterns
Approach roads:
Pilton Causeway connects the Pilton area to Barnstaple’s centre and links toward Long Bridge and the A361 corridor. Approaching from the east or south (A361), plan for standard town-centre slowdowns near the bridge. From the north, traffic ebbs and flows with school times and deliveries.
Turning into the car park:
Look for the Portland Buildings spur on the south side of Pilton Causeway. The entrance is suitably wide for saloon cars and smaller vans; reduce speed as pedestrians sometimes filter across the mouth of the spur.
Exiting and onward travel:
On exit, turning left or right depends on your onward route. If re-joining toward the A361/Long Bridge at peak times, anticipate a short wait at the junction, particularly on Saturdays and weekday school-run windows.
Public transport synergy:
If you are using a combination of car and bus, Pilton Causeway works well. Park, walk to Barnstaple Bus Station in around 10–12 minutes, and continue by bus to out-of-town retail parks or coastal day trips. This mixed-mode approach reduces parking cost for multi-stop days and keeps you flexible.
Enforcement & Compliance Essentials
- Read the board before you pay: Each council car park may differ in small but important ways (e.g., minimum payment period, whether Sundays are charged, or if special evening rates exist). Pilton Causeway follows the 08:00–18:00 charging pattern, but always check the board.
- Accurate registration: If paying by app, double-check your vehicle registration and location code (3615). Mismatches are a common cause of PCNs.
- Timeband discipline: Choose a band that covers the whole of your planned stay. If you think you might overrun, either select the next band up or use an app that allows remote top-up.
- Retain evidence: Keep the pay-and-display ticket or app confirmation until at least a day after your visit. If you need to appeal a PCN, contemporary proof is invaluable.
- Reserved bays vigilance: Even off-peak, enforcement in reserved/permit bays is strict. Do not assume free use outside business hours unless explicitly signed.
- Blue Badge clarity: Some drivers believe a Blue Badge always exempts payment. That is not universally true. At sites without marked disabled bays or explicit concessions, pay the tariff unless the signage states otherwise.
Visitor Profiles & Use Cases
Shoppers and leisure visitors:
Pilton Causeway is an excellent choice for 1–4-hour shopping trips, hair and beauty appointments, gym sessions, or a museum visit. The walk to Green Lanes and the High Street is short and uncomplicated. Families can punctuate the day with time at Pilton Park.
Professionals and appointments:
For quicker in-and-out daytime meetings with clients, this car park is close enough to town offices to minimise walking time, but far enough from the absolute centre to avoid the immediate High Street congestion. If you’re juggling multiple appointments, consider RingGo for flexible extensions.
Evening dining and culture:
Charges cease after 18:00, making Pilton Causeway convenient for early evening meals and cinema or theatre outings in the central area. Lighting is adequate; still, park under a column where possible for added visibility.
Commuters:
If you need all-day parking regularly, compare the upper tariff bands here with permit options or the Lower Pilton all-day rate. Over a month, small differences can add up. Where availability allows, a reserved bay can offer predictability for routine 9–5 schedules.
Delivery drivers and trades:
Height restriction is the main consideration. Standard-roof vans are typically fine, but high-roof and Luton-style vehicles may be restricted. If you are servicing a nearby property, check for any short-stay loading allowances more appropriate to your task.
Safety, Lighting & Personal Security
- Lighting: Standard column lighting provides general illumination across the site.
- Sightlines: The open layout provides fair visibility from the entrance spur; avoid parking in corners bordered by tall vehicles if you prefer clearer sightlines.
- Valuables: As with any town-centre car park, keep valuables out of sight, glove boxes closed, and sat-nav marks wiped off the windscreen.
- After-dark walking: The route to Green Lanes and the High Street is well trodden. Stick to main pavements and crossings, especially when traffic is heavier.
- Weather awareness: In wet conditions, select bays in the mid-section rather than along any visibly low kerb edges to reduce splashback.
Sustainability & Practicality
- Reduce engine idling: Improve local air quality and save fuel by switching off while stationary.
- Pair with public transport: For multi-stop days, consider a park-and-ride-style approach using the bus station.
- EV adoption: Even if Pilton Causeway lacks chargers right now, Barnstaple Central’s rapid bays make an EV itinerary viable. Plan to charge while you shop rather than making a special stop later.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Do I pay on Sundays and bank holidays?
Yes, the charging period at this site typically applies every day from 08:00–18:00, including weekends and bank holidays. Always confirm on the tariff board.
Q2. Can I pay without cash?
Yes. Use the on-site machine(s) if card payment is available or the RingGo app with location code 3615. Keep your confirmation.
Q3. Are there disabled bays here?
Designated disabled bays are not marked at this site. Blue Badge holders can usually use standard bays but must follow the posted payment rules unless a concession is explicitly stated. Consider Barnstaple Central for marked disabled bays.
Q4. Is overnight parking allowed?
Parking is generally permitted overnight. Charges do not apply outside 08:00–18:00, but return by 08:00 to avoid morning tariffs. No overnight camping or sleeping in vehicles.
Q5. What if I’m driving a high-roof van?
There is a 2.4 m height limit. If your vehicle exceeds this, consider open sites without barriers or consult alternative facilities.
Q6. Where can I charge my EV?
Use Barnstaple Central (Queen Street) for multiple rapid chargers. It’s roughly an 8–10 minute walk to the High Street.
Q7. What’s the best fallback if it’s full?
Try North Walk for similar proximity or Barnstaple Central for the most reliable supply. For value, check Lower Pilton if you can find a space.
Q8. Can I extend my stay remotely?
If you paid via RingGo and extensions are allowed for your selected band, you can usually top up in-app without returning to the car. If you used a paper ticket, you’ll need to buy an additional ticket before expiry.
Q9. Is there motorcycle parking?
No specific motorcycle bay provision is listed. Motorcycles can use marked bays; follow the posted tariff rules.
Q10. Is it safe to leave shopping in the car?
As with any town-centre site, keep valuables and shopping out of sight, lock the vehicle, and park under lighting if possible.
Example Itineraries
Half-day shopping (family):
- Park at Pilton Causeway by 10:00 and purchase a 4-hour ticket.
- Walk to Green Lanes for shopping (6–7 min).
- Break for lunch near the High Street.
- Return via Pilton Park to let the children play before heading home.
- If you’re running late, extend via RingGo if your band allows, or purchase an extra hour on return.
Business meeting and quick lunch:
- Arrive 20 minutes early to secure a central bay.
- Buy a 2-hour ticket for the meeting and ten minutes’ cushion.
- Use a café on the return route for a short client debrief.
- If the meeting overruns, top up in RingGo.
Evening dining and stroll:
- Arrive after 18:00; no charge period.
- Dine in the town centre, then stroll via Pilton Park.
- Return to a well-lit bay for a safe exit onto Pilton Causeway.
Summary: Why Choose Pilton Causeway (Portland Buildings)
- Location: A short, simple walk to the key retail and leisure anchors in Barnstaple
- Simplicity: Clear pay-and-display with cashless backup via RingGo (3615)
- Flexibility: Open 24/7 with charges limited to 08:00–18:00
- Balanced value: Competitive laddered tariff up to 10 hours
- Practical alternatives: North Walk and Barnstaple Central within easy reach; Lower Pilton for best-value all-day when a space is available
Quick Reference
- Address: 4 Pilton Causeway, Barnstaple EX32 7AA
- What it’s called locally: Portland Buildings Car Park
- Type: Council pay-and-display (surface)
- Open: 24/7; charges 08:00–18:00
- Tariff bands: 1h £1.40 • 2h £2.80 • 3h £4.20 • 4h £5.60 • 5h £7.00 • 6h £8.40 • 7h £9.80 • 8h £11.20 • 9h £12.60 • 10h £14.00
- Cashless: RingGo 3615
- Capacity: ~62 total bays (c. 51 public + c. 11 reserved)
- Height limit: 2.4 m
- Disabled bays: Not marked at this site; use standard bays and follow signage, or consider Barnstaple Central for designated spaces
- EV charging: None on site; use Barnstaple Central for rapid bays
- Alternatives: Lower Pilton (value), North Walk (proximity), Barnstaple Central (capacity/EV/disabled)
Final Note
Details such as tariffs and operational policies can change. Always check the on-site signage on arrival. For client-facing use (e.g., hotels, clinics, attractions), consider including this guide with booking confirmations and event packs. If required, this profile can be adapted into a branded PDF or integrated into your venue’s visitor email template, with the title and tagline optimised for search visibility in queries like “Barnstaple parking,” “Pilton Causeway parking,” and “EX32 town centre parking.”
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