🚗 Seahouses Station Yard Car Park – The Complete Guide to Harbour & Farne Islands Parking
✨ Your definitive 2024/2025 guide to coach, car & motorhome parking in Seahouses. Find up-to-date prices, EV charging info, accessibility details, and expert tips for stress-free visits to the harbour and Farne Islands
At-a-Glance Overview
The primary public parking facility in Seahouses, officially known as the Station Yard Car Park, is a large, council-operated site that serves as the main hub for visitors to the village, the harbour, and the Farne Islands. While often referred to by its various functions—including the “Seahouses Coach Park” or “Seafield Road Car Park”—it is a single, integrated complex managed by Northumberland County Council. The site is strategically located on Seafield Road and is comprised of a main tarmac area, a dedicated section for coaches and minibuses, and a large, recently upgraded overflow car park.
This facility is essential to the local tourism economy, providing critical infrastructure for the thousands of national and international visitors who flock to this part of the Northumberland coast annually. Its location on the former site of the Seahouses railway station yard gives it a unique historical context and a prime position within easy walking distance of all major attractions. The car park is open 24/7, though parking charges are enforced daily during specified hours.
| Feature | Detail |
| Official Name | Station Yard Car Park (including Coach Park & Overflow) |
| Type | Public Pay & Display Car Park (Mixed-Use) |
| Operator | Northumberland County Council |
| Address | Seafield Road, Seahouses, Northumberland, NE68 7SJ / NE68 7RQ |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day, 7 days a week |
| Charging Hours | 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Sunday (including Bank Holidays) |
| Vehicle Types | Coaches, Minibuses, Cars, Motorhomes, Motorcycles |
| User Rating | No consolidated Google rating available; user feedback indicates high demand and functionality are key characteristics. |
💰 Pricing, Permits & Payment
The pricing structure at Station Yard Car Park is determined by Northumberland County Council and is subject to periodic review as part of its coastal parking strategy. This strategy aims to manage high visitor demand and generate revenue for the maintenance and improvement of parking facilities across the county. It is critical for visitors to note that tariffs are set to increase in 2025, and different vehicle types are subject to different pricing tiers and payment codes.
Tariffs by Vehicle Type
The council applies distinct charges for cars/motorhomes and coaches. The following table details the current tariffs and the approved price increases that will take effect from 14th May 2025. This forward-looking information is vital for both private visitors and commercial tour operators planning future trips.
Source Data:
Payment Methods & Technology
Payment for parking is managed through on-site machines and a mobile application. To avoid a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), users must ensure they have a valid ticket or an active digital parking session during the chargeable hours of 8 am to 6 pm.
- Pay & Display Machines: The car park is equipped with traditional pay and display machines. These machines accept coins, and at least one machine, typically near the main entrance or Tourist Information Centre, is equipped to handle contactless card payments.
- PayByPhone App: Cashless parking is available via the PayByPhone service. Users can download the app to pay for and extend their parking sessions remotely. It is crucial to use the correct location code, as different codes apply to different vehicle types within the same car park complex. Using an incorrect code may result in a PCN.
- Cars & Motorhomes Location Code: 804141
- Coaches Location Code: 804256
Given that mobile signal can be intermittent in coastal areas, it is highly advisable to download and register on the PayByPhone app before arriving in Seahouses to ensure a smooth transaction.
Permits & Concessions
Certain users are eligible for parking concessions under schemes operated by Northumberland County Council.
- Blue Badge Holders: In line with council-wide policy, holders of a valid Blue Badge can park free of charge in any bay within the car park, not just those marked for disabled use. The Blue Badge and a parking clock set to the time of arrival must be clearly displayed on the dashboard. This policy is particularly important at Station Yard, where there are no formally designated disabled bays.
- Northumberland Pay & Display Permits: The council offers county-wide parking permits valid in most of its pay and display car parks, including Station Yard. These are beneficial for frequent visitors, local residents, or employees in the area. The costs for these permits are as follows :
- 3-month permit: £108
- 6-month permit: £184.50
- 12-month permit: £337.50
📊 Capacity & Physical Features
The Station Yard Car Park is a large, open-air surface lot that has undergone significant investment to cope with the immense visitor pressure in Seahouses. Historically, the site was the goods yard for the North Sunderland Railway, which closed in the 1950s, and its expansive, level nature is a legacy of this industrial past.
The facility is effectively split into two main sections. The original car park area features a tarmac surface and marked bays for cars and motorhomes. The second area is the dedicated coach park and the adjacent overflow section. In 2019, the council completed a £305,000 transformation of the overflow area. This project converted what was previously an unmarked, grassed area prone to waterlogging and damage into a formal, hard-wearing surface with 160 clearly marked bays. This upgrade significantly improved the car park’s capacity and usability, especially during wet weather.
| Feature | Detail |
| Total Capacity | Approximately 298 spaces (108 main car park, 30 coach bays, 160 overflow) |
| Designated Coach Bays | Approximately 30 marked bays for coaches and minibuses [User Query] |
| Car/Motorhome Bays | Approximately 108 spaces in the main lot, plus shared use of the overflow |
| Overflow Capacity | 160 marked spaces on a regraded, all-weather surface |
| Surface | Tarmac in the main car park; regraded hard surface in the overflow section. |
| Lighting | The coach park area is equipped with LED floodlighting for enhanced security and visibility. The main car park has more basic lighting, primarily at the entrance. |
| Security | Basic CCTV surveillance is in place, though it is not actively monitored 24/7. |
| Height Limit | None. The open-air design makes it suitable for all vehicles, including high-sided vans, motorhomes, and double-decker coaches. |
| Site History | The car park occupies the former site of the Seahouses railway station and goods yard of the North Sunderland Railway. |
♿ Accessibility
Accessibility for visitors with disabilities is a key consideration for a major tourist hub like Seahouses. While the Station Yard Car Park itself lacks some conventional accessibility features, the wider provisions made by the council in the immediate vicinity are significant.
Parking for Blue Badge Holders
A critical point for disabled visitors is the absence of specifically marked and sized disabled parking bays within the Station Yard complex. However, this does not mean provisions are not made. Under Northumberland County Council’s policy, vehicles displaying a valid Blue Badge and parking clock are permitted to park in any standard bay, free of charge and for the maximum duration permitted by the car park. This flexibility compensates for the lack of dedicated bays, allowing badge holders to choose the most convenient available space.
On-Site and Nearby Facilities
The council has invested in high-quality accessible facilities adjacent to the car park to support visitors with mobility needs.
- Drop-Off/Pick-Up Zone: The main entrance on Seafield Road is level and provides a suitable point for passengers with mobility issues to be dropped off or picked up close to the village centre and harbour access path.
- Accessible Toilets: A standout feature is the council-maintained public toilet block located on Seafield Road (NE68 7SN), directly next to the car park. This facility underwent a £131,000 refurbishment to bring it up to modern standards. Crucially, it includes a
Changing Places toilet, a high-specification facility designed for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, as well as other disabilities that severely limit mobility. These toilets provide more space and the right equipment, including a height-adjustable changing bench and a hoist.
- Surface and Terrain: The car park surface is predominantly tarmac and level, providing a stable base for wheelchairs and mobility aids. The pedestrian route from the car park to the harbour and village centre is paved and generally accessible. However, visitors wishing to walk the coastal path towards Bamburgh should be aware that the route involves traversing sand dunes and beaches, which can be challenging and may require an off-road mobility device.
The provision of a top-tier Changing Places facility demonstrates a strategic commitment to accessibility, catering to the needs of all visitors even if the car park’s internal markings do not reflect this.
🔌 EV & Motorhome Infrastructure
The car park caters to the specific needs of modern vehicle types, including electric vehicles (EVs) and motorhomes, though users should be aware of important limitations and regulations for each.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging
The Station Yard Car Park is the primary public charging location in Seahouses, but user feedback suggests reliability can be a concern.
- On-Site Provision: There are three charging devices located within the car park (postcode NE68 7RQ). These are part of the Fuuse network. The chargers include a mix of rapid (CHAdeMO, Type 2) and fast connectors to accommodate various vehicle models.
- Cost: The charging cost is set by the network operator and was last reported at 65p/kWh. This is in addition to any standard parking fees that may apply during chargeable hours.
- User Experience & Reliability: Reports from EV drivers on platforms like PlugShare indicate a mixed history of reliability. Documented issues include payment failures where money is taken but charging does not initiate, chargers showing as available in the app when they are not in use, and intermittent hardware faults. Drivers are strongly advised to have a backup charging plan.
- Nearest Alternatives: Other charging points are available in the Seahouses area, including at Seafield Road (NE68 7SP) and Village Farm (NE68 7TE), providing alternative options should the Station Yard chargers be occupied or out of service.
Motorhome Regulations & Overnight Stays
This is an area of significant confusion and financial risk for visitors. The car park’s general regulations clash with specific bylaws regarding overnight stays, creating a potential trap for uninformed drivers.
- The Core Contradiction:
- Parking Duration Rule: Signage and official council information state that vehicles can park for a maximum of 72 hours.
- Overnight Camping Bylaw: A separate and overriding council regulation explicitly prohibits sleeping, cooking, or camping in any vehicle in any council car park, unless it is part of the official, pre-bookable motorhome overnight stay pilot scheme.
- Clarification: The Station Yard Car Park is NOT part of the official overnight pilot scheme. The designated pilot sites are in Amble, Bamburgh, and Beadnell. Therefore, despite the 72-hour maximum stay allowance, it is illegal to sleep in a motorhome or any other vehicle at this location.
- Enforcement and Consequences: This rule is actively enforced. User reports confirm that motorhome owners who have paid for a 24-hour ticket and stayed overnight have received a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) for “parking for a purpose other than intended”. Fines of £25 or more have been issued in addition to the original parking fee paid.
Motorhome users must understand that the “no sleeping” bylaw supersedes the general 72-hour parking limit. To stay overnight legally in the area in a council car park, a bay must be pre-booked through the official Northumberland County Council motorhome pilot website for one of the designated locations.
📅 Peak Times & Occupancy
Demand for parking at Station Yard is intensely seasonal and directly correlated with the popularity of Seahouses as a major tourist destination, particularly as the “Gateway to the Farne Islands”. The village’s recent surge in popularity, making it one of the UK’s fastest-growing domestic travel destinations and most profitable holiday-let locations, has placed enormous pressure on its parking infrastructure.
Occupancy levels fluctuate dramatically based on the time of year, school holidays, and weather conditions. The primary driver of peak demand is the schedule for boat trips to the Farne Islands, which run from March to October and are especially popular during the puffin nesting season from May to July.
Pro Tip: For visitors with pre-booked boat trips during the peak season (May to August), arriving and parking before 10:00 AM is not just recommended, it is essential to avoid the risk of missing your departure due to a full car park.
🚶 Walkability Score
The single greatest asset of the Station Yard Car Park is its strategic location. It offers unparalleled pedestrian access to all of Seahouses’ key attractions, making it the default choice for the majority of visitors who wish to park once and explore the village on foot.
| Walking Times to Key Attractions | ||
| Destination | Estimated Walk Time | Key Benefit |
| Seahouses Harbour (Boat Trip Kiosks) | 2-3 minutes | Essential for passengers on Farne Islands tours. The booking offices for operators like Billy Shiel’s and Golden Gate are located here. |
| Village Centre (Main Street) | 4-5 minutes | Direct access to the main commercial street with its shops, bakeries, and arcades. |
| The Olde Ship Inn / The Bamburgh Castle Inn | 5-7 minutes | Easy access to the village’s most prominent historic pubs and restaurants, both overlooking the harbour. |
| Nearest Beach Access (St Aidan’s Dunes) | ~5 minutes | A short walk over the dunes leads directly to the expansive sandy beach north of the harbour. |
| Bamburgh Castle (via Coastal Path) | 60-80 minutes | The car park is an excellent starting point for the popular 3-mile coastal walk to Bamburgh, offering spectacular views. |
🛒 Nearby Amenities
The car park’s central location places visitors within a few minutes’ walk of all essential services and a wide variety of hospitality venues.
Essentials
- Public Toilets: A fully refurbished public toilet block is located on Seafield Road (NE68 7SN), immediately adjacent to the car park. This includes standard facilities as well as a high-specification Changing Places accessible toilet.
- ATM / Cash Machines: Banking facilities in Seahouses are limited, which is an important consideration for visitors.
- Barclays Bank (1 Seafield Road) has an external ATM but the branch itself has highly restricted opening hours (closed Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday).
- Co-Op Supermarket (41 Main Street) has an ATM and is a reliable alternative.
- Seahouses Post Office (26 Main Street) offers cash withdrawal and other banking services over the counter during its opening hours.
- Pharmacy: Seahouses Chemist, which operates as a Boots pharmacy, is located at 30-32 Main Street (NE68 7RQ). It provides prescription services, over-the-counter medicines, and clinical services like travel health consultations.
Food & Drink Options
Seahouses offers a dense concentration of eateries, from classic seaside takeaways to quality gastropubs.
- Fish & Chips: The village is famous for its fish and chips. Neptune Fish Restaurant on Main Street is frequently cited as one of the best and most established options, offering both takeaway and a sit-in restaurant.
- Pubs & Restaurants:
- The Olde Ship Inn: A historic, nautically-themed pub right on the harbour, known for its characterful bars, open fire, and beer garden with stunning views.
- The Bamburgh Castle Inn: A large, modern inn also situated on the harbour front, offering an extensive family-friendly menu and panoramic views from its restaurant and terrace.
- The Black Swan Inn: A recently renovated gastropub on Union Street, offering a more refined, up-market dining experience with a focus on local ingredients and cocktails.
- Indian Cuisine: The Spice House on Main Street is the primary destination for Indian food, with both a restaurant and takeaway service.
🅿️ Alternative Parking Comparison
During peak season, the Station Yard Car Park frequently reaches full capacity. Visitors, especially those arriving later in the day, must have a backup plan. The following table compares the most viable alternatives.
| Alternative Parking Analysis | ||||
| Site | Distance from Harbour | Cost | Max Stay | Advantage / Disadvantage |
| Links Road Car Park, Bamburgh | 3.5 miles (10-min drive) | Pay & Display (similar rates to Seahouses) | All Day | Advantage: Good starting point for a walk to Seahouses. Disadvantage: Requires a long walk or bus journey to access Farne Islands boat trips. |
| Harbour Wall, Seahouses | <1 min walk | Pay & Display (historically £4/day) | All Day | Advantage: Closest possible parking to the boats. Disadvantage: Extremely limited number of spaces; these are the first to fill up in the morning. |
| On-Street Parking (e.g., Main St) | <5 min walk | Free outside restricted hours | Time-limited (No waiting 8:30 am – 6 pm) | Advantage: Convenient for short evening visits. Disadvantage: Almost impossible to find a space during the day; high risk of PCN if rules are violated. |
| Private Driveways (JustPark, etc.) | Varies | From ~£4.60/day | As booked | Advantage: Can be pre-booked for a guaranteed space. Disadvantage: Very few spaces available; often located further from the harbour. |
⚠️ Important Notices
Visitors should be aware of several key regulations and potential issues to ensure a trouble-free visit.
- Overnight Camping Strictly Prohibited: This is the most critical warning. Despite a 72-hour maximum stay rule, it is illegal to sleep, cook, or camp in any vehicle in this car park. The council actively enforces this bylaw, and users have reported receiving fines. Do not risk an overnight stay here.
- Extreme Peak Season Congestion: On sunny summer weekends and during school holidays, the popularity of Seahouses can lead to severe traffic congestion and gridlock, particularly on the approach roads and around the harbour. The strain on parking is so acute that it has become a key factor in local planning decisions, with the parish council objecting to developments that could add even one extra car to the area.
- Event Day Disruption: Local events can impact parking and traffic. For example, the annual Craster Harbour Day involves the Seahouses RNLI lifeboat, which can affect activity around the harbour. Check for local events before travelling during peak season.
- Payment System Reliability: While multiple payment options exist, technology can be fallible. Mobile phone signal for the PayByPhone app may be weak, and user reports on EV charging platforms mention payment processing errors. It is prudent to carry backup payment methods, such as coins for the machines, to avoid being unable to pay.
📌 Expert Tips
Leveraging a comprehensive understanding of the car park’s dynamics and the local area can significantly improve the visitor experience.
- The 10 AM Rule: This is the single most important strategy for a peak-season visit. If you are travelling to Seahouses for a pre-booked boat trip or simply want to guarantee a parking space between May and August, plan to arrive and be parked no later than 10:00 AM. After this time, the car park is often full.
- The Bamburgh Back-Up Plan: If your primary activity is the scenic coastal walk and you find Seahouses congested, drive to Bamburgh instead. Park at the Links Road Car Park (NE69 7DF) and walk the 3 miles to Seahouses. You can enjoy the village and then walk back, effectively reversing the main flow of foot and vehicle traffic.
- Payment Preparedness: Do not wait until you arrive to deal with payment. Download the PayByPhone app and create an account before you leave home. This circumvents potential issues with poor mobile signal at the payment location. Also, carry a small supply of coins as a reliable fallback.
- Motorhome User Advisory: Do not be tempted by the 72-hour maximum stay signage. If you require an overnight stop for your motorhome, you must use the official council booking system for the designated pilot sites at Amble, Bamburgh, or Beadnell. Alternatively, book a pitch at one of the many excellent local commercial campsites, such as Seafield Caravan Park or Springhill Farm.
🔮 Future Developments & Local Context
The management and operation of the Station Yard Car Park are intrinsically linked to the wider economic and social pressures facing Seahouses. Understanding this context provides a glimpse into the future of parking in this popular coastal village.
Confirmed Changes
The most immediate and certain change is the planned increase in parking tariffs. As per the official Traffic Regulation Order notice issued by Northumberland County Council, a new schedule of higher charges for all vehicle types will come into force on 14th May 2025. This reflects a county-wide strategy to increase revenue from coastal car parks to fund their maintenance and manage demand.
The Broader Context: Tourism vs. Infrastructure
The Station Yard Car Park is a microcosm of the central challenge facing Seahouses: managing a phenomenal tourism boom with infrastructure that is struggling to cope. Recent studies have identified Seahouses as one of the most profitable locations in the entire UK for holiday lets, with rental incomes surging dramatically. This economic success has brought with it an overwhelming number of visitors, leading to what local officials describe as a “demonstrable increase” in traffic and a severe strain on parking.
This pressure is now a dominant factor in local governance. The North Sunderland and Seahouses Parish Council regularly objects to new property developments and even small extensions to holiday lets, citing the lack of parking capacity as a primary concern. In some cases, planning applications have been refused by the council specifically because the addition of even one more bedroom—and therefore potentially one more car—is deemed unsustainable for the village’s road network.
The council’s strategy for the car park must be viewed through this lens. The significant capital investments—such as the £305,000 overflow refurbishment and the £131,000 toilet block upgrade—are attempts to increase the capacity and quality of the existing infrastructure. Simultaneously, the consistent and planned price increases are a tool to manage the relentless demand. For visitors, this means that parking in Seahouses is likely to become increasingly structured, more expensive, and more heavily regulated in the years to come as the authorities continue to grapple with the consequences of the village’s immense popularity.
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