The summer holidays are coming… Have you planned your next trip to the beach?
With all the excitement of planning the day and seeing who can see the sea first, sometimes the practical aspects of getting there and paying for parking (a not insignificant cost) get a little lost.
We’re here to help. Recent Tempcover research has revealed the best and worst UK beaches for parking based on the following criteria:
We analysed the data to give each location a score out of 10.
Barmouth Beach in Wales topped our list, with an impressive score of 9.69 out of 10 due to its cheap parking costs (under £3.10 for four hours) and high review ratings. Visitors to this vast, sandy beach can enjoy views of Cardigan Bay and there’s plenty of entertainment on offer including a land train, donkey rides and amusement arcades.
Rank | Beach location | Avg. review score | Avg. 4hr parking cost | Total no. of reviews | Parking score (out of 10) |
1 | Barmouth Beach, Wales | 4.53 | £3.07 | 437 | 9.69 |
2 | Nairn Beach, Scotland | 4.5 | £1.50 | 301 | 7.96 |
3 | St Annes Beach, Lancashire | 4.45 | £3.22 | 378 | 7.71 |
4 | Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire | 4.42 | £4 | 650 | 7.7 |
5 | Southwold Beach, Suffolk | 4.3 | £3 | 594 | 7.62 |
6 | Tenby North & South, Wales | 4.16 | £4.40 | 1140 | 7.5 |
7 | Rhossili Bay, Wales | 4.38 | £6.50 | 939 | 7.47 |
8 | Whitby Beach, Yorkshire | 4.25 | £7 | 1407 | 7.44 |
9 | Lowestoft South Beach, Suffolk | 4.14 | £2.94 | 616 | 7.41 |
10 | Llandudno Beach, Wales | 4.04 | £5 | 1444 | 7.4 |
With an average fee of £18 for four hours’ parking and a low average Google rating of 3.8, Camber Sands in East Sussex topped our list of beaches that offer the least value for money.
Rank | Beach location | Avg. review score | Avg. 4hr parking cost | Total no. of reviews | Parking score (out of 10) |
1 | Camber Sands, East Sussex | 3.8 | £18 | 1146 | 5.31 |
2 | Brighton Beach, East Sussex | 3.12 | £17.22 | 4528 | 6.01 |
3 | Bournemouth Beach, Dorset | 3.68 | £9.97 | 11587 | 6.33 |
4 | Saunton Sands, Devon | 3.76 | £4.44 | 518 | 6.63 |
5 | Perranporth Beach, Cornwall | 3.74 | £5.32 | 1052 | 6.74 |
6 | Hunstanton Beach, Norfolk | 4.18 | £9.88 | 1056 | 6.81 |
7 | Filey Beach, North Yorkshire | 4.3 | £6.20 | 232 | 7.05 |
8 | New Quay Beach, Ceredigion, Wales | 4.18 | £4.33 | 192 | 7.09 |
9 | Scarborough (South Bay), Yorkshire | 4.1 | £5.74 | 1071 | 7.22 |
10 | Cromer Beach, Norfolk | 4.22 | £8.06 | 1455 | 7.28 |
Other popular destinations with higher parking charges include Brighton, Bournemouth, Cornwall, Norfolk and Devon.
Before heading to the coast, you should make sure your car is in full working order. The last thing you’ll need is a flat tyre or dead battery ruining your plans, especially if you have kids (of all ages) who are eager to make sandcastles, eat ice cream and conquer the 2p machines.
Other things you can do to make your trip to the seaside a more enjoyable ride:
It’s important to stay protected when you go to the seaside. Keep applying that sunscreen and make sure your car is covered. Temporary car insurance can help you do this.
[1]https://www.statista.com/statistics/629223/number-of-day-visits-seaside-location-great-britain-uk/
To identify the best and worst UK beaches for parking, we conducted a data study combining public review data, desk research, and parking price comparisons.
We began with a seed list of over 40 popular UK beaches, identified through desk research and platforms like Statista.
For each beach, we identified up to 10 nearby car parks. We narrowed the final dataset to 25 beaches that had at least five car parks available. From these, we selected the five most reviewed car parks per location, using review count as a proxy for popularity and rating reliability. A small number of locations included four car parks due to duplicate listings identified later in the process.
For each car park, we calculated:
Pricing data was primarily sourced from Parkopedia, supported by local authority and third-party websites. Prices reflect the lowest available weekend rates during the summer period. Where a 4-hour rate was unavailable, we used the next closest available price above 4 hours.
To enable fair comparison across beaches:
These two scores were then combined with equal weighting to generate the final ranking.
All efforts were made to ensure accuracy using publicly available sources. However, we are not liable for discrepancies, changes in parking prices, or inaccuracies in third-party data. This content is intended for informational and educational use only. Travellers should independently verify parking details before making plans.
This varies depending on the destination. There are many factors that can influence the cost of parking, including popularity, whether parking is run by a council or privately and running costs etc. The above Tempcover research found the average cost of parking for four hours ranging from £1.50 to £18.
Although you’re not allowed to drive or park on the majority of beaches in the UK for health and safety reasons, there are some exceptions. According to thebeachguide.co.uk, you can park on Brean beach in Somerset and Polzeath in Cornwall. You can also legally drive on Southport beach in Lancashire and Black Rock Sands in North Wales.
There are some differences between parking, waiting and stopping.
The Highway Code's Rule 243 outlines UK parking restrictions. It prohibits parking near school entrances, places obstructing emergency services, near bus/tram stops, and taxi ranks. These rules ensure safety and smooth traffic flow. Responsible parking respects other road users and contributes to public safety.
Several UK beaches permit parking, such as Nairn Beach in Scotland, St Annes Beach in Lancashire, Saltburn-by-the-Sea in North Yorkshire, and Southwold Beach in Suffolk. These beaches are praised for their convenience and accessibility. However, it's important to check local restrictions as rules may differ. Parking on the beach can simplify seaside getaways or quick beach trips.
Planning a beach trip by car? Consider Black Rock Sands in North Wales, Benone Strand in Northern Ireland, or Brean Beach in England. Always check for any sand driving restrictions to ensure a smooth, carefree day.
Driving on UK beaches is legal, but not universally permitted due to local laws protecting wildlife and the environment. Always consult the local authority before beach driving. Regular car insurance may not cover this activity, so consider temporary insurance for adequate protection.
Avoid driving your car into shallow seawater for photos due to corrosion risk. It's challenging to rinse the car sufficiently afterwards to prevent damage. Driving on damp sand is acceptable if you thoroughly wash your car afterwards. Prioritise your car's health over a temporary photo opportunity. Ensure your vehicle stays in peak condition for your return journey.
UK law doesn't prohibit driving in socks, but it's worth noting the safety risks and legal implications. Lack of shoes may reduce pedal control, potentially causing accidents and charges of driving without due care. Highway Code Rule 97 advises against clothing and footwear that hinder control use. Therefore, while not illegal, driving in socks isn't recommended due to safety and potential legal issues.
Yes, you can receive a Penalty Charge Notice for illegal parking in both public and private car parks across the UK, even if you're in your vehicle. This includes situations where you've parked without payment or overstayed your permitted duration. Being present in the car does not exempt you from penalties.
'Waiting' in driving terms means keeping your vehicle stationary for more than a brief stop. 'No waiting' signs on UK roads permit only short stops, such as for passenger pick-up or drop-off. Stopping for longer durations, for instance to wait for someone, is not allowed under these rules and may lead to a penalty.
Roads are usually less congested during half term, especially during rush hour, due to decreased school run traffic. This results in noticeably shorter journey times. Therefore, if you're planning a trip, consider travelling during half term.
Gloucester Services on the M5 and Tebay Services on the M6 are top-rated UK service stations, praised for their farm shops and local food. Cobham Services on the M25 and Strensham Services on the M5 also stand out. The 'best' station depends on individual preferences for food quality, cleanliness, outlet variety, or outdoor spaces. Stations operated by the Westmorland Family, including Gloucester and Tebay, consistently rank highly.
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