
Affordable coastal parking near Carbis Bay โ 200+ spaces with easy beach access. Your stress-free base to explore St Ives' golden sands.
๐ย Open:ย 24/7 (ungated)
๐ย Rating:ย 4.2/5 (praised for value, noted for summer queues)
| Duration | Apr-Sep | Oct-Mar |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1h | ยฃ2.50 | ยฃ1.80 |
| 1-3h | ยฃ5.00 | ยฃ3.50 |
| 3-5h | ยฃ7.50 | ยฃ5.00 |
| 5-12h | ยฃ10.00 | ยฃ6.50 |
| Weekly | ยฃ45.00 | ยฃ30.00 |
Payment:ย RingGo (Zone 4126) or pay machines (cash/card)
Discounts:ย 10% off for Cornwall residents (proof required)
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | 220 (including 8 disabled bays) |
| Surface | Tarmac with some uneven areas |
| Lighting | Partial (main walkways only) |
| Security | Basic CCTV (no 24/7 monitoring) |
| Height Limit | None (suitable for campervans) |
Blue Badge Bays:ย 8 spaces near exit (closest to beach path)
Drop-Off:ย 20-min free at entrance
Beach Access:ย Moderate slope (1:10 gradient) to Porthrepta Beach
On-Site Charging:ย None (conservation area)
Nearest Options:
Pod Pointย (Tesco St Ives TR26 2SX) โ 4x 7kW (8-min walk)
GeniePointย (Lelant Saltings TR26 3DL) โ 2x 50kW (15-min drive)
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| To Porthrepta Beach | 5-min walk (stepped path) |
| To Carbis Bay | 15-min coastal path |
| Tidal Notes | All-tide access at Porthrepta |
| Time | Summer Capacity | Winter Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 10am-2pm | 100% | 60% |
| Early Mornings | 40% | 20% |
| Evenings | 70% | 30% |
Pro Tip:ย Arrive before 9:30am in July/August or useย St Erth Park & Ride
| Service | Frequency | Destination |
|---|---|---|
| A1 Bus | Every 15min | St Ives Town Centre |
| Coastal Path | N/A | Carbis Bay (20-min walk) |
| Train | 10-min walk | St Ives Branch Line |
| Facility | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Porthrepta Cafรฉ | 3-min walk | Beachfront dining |
| Carbis Bay Stores | 10-min walk | Essentials |
| St Ives Leisure Centre | 12-min walk | Public showers |
| Site | Distance | Cost | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| St Ives Station | 1 mile | ยฃ12/day | Train connections |
| Carbis Bay Hotel | 0.7 miles | ยฃ15/day | Beachfront |
| Trenwith Park & Ride | 2 miles | ยฃ5 all-day | Summer only |
Sea Spray:ย Protect your car in winter storms
Gull Warning:ย Food bans enforced (fines apply)
Maintenance:ย Weekly litter picks (Wed mornings)
Weekly Saver:ย Pays for itself in 4 days during peak season
Sunset Hack:ย Evening rate starts at 6pm (ยฃ4 until midnight)
Surfer Bonus:ย Outdoor shower near beach path
2025:ย Proposed doubling of disabled bays
2026:ย Solar-powered payment machines