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30 April 25 Press releases

Auto Trader Crowns the Best Value UK Beach Spots For Parking Ahead of Bank Holiday

 

As the UK prepares for a sunny Bank Holiday weekend, Auto Trader, the UK’s largest automotive marketplace, reveals the best beach spots with the cheapest and stress-free parking.

With temperatures set to soar across the nation, millions are expected to flock to the coast. Popular beaches such as Camber Sands, West Wittering and Newquay will undoubtedly be especially busy this Bank Holiday.

Finding affordable and convenient parking can often be a source of stress, detracting from valuable leisure time. To help tackle this, Auto Trader has compiled a list of the cheapest and most available parking, ensuring a hassle-free start to your seaside escape.

Affordable Seaside Town Parking:

For those planning a coastal getaway, Auto Trader has identified some of the seaside towns with the most budget-friendly and accessible parking, based on the price per hour for the car parks closest to the beach[1]:

  • Lympstone, Devon: Just up the road from Exmouth, and similarly on the estuary of the river Exe, this quaint village is a great place to take a stroll along the coast line, especially if you’re after a quieter spot. With parking available from just £0.40 per hour for parking, it’s the cheapest spot on the list.
  • Hornsea, East Yorkshire: Hornsea is a charming, traditional seaside town on the East Yorkshire coast, boasting a Blue Flag sandy beach perfect for families and relaxation. Its long promenade offers scenic sea views, ideal for leisurely strolls. With parking starting at £1.98 for eight hours, it's a great choice for this Bank Holiday.
  • West Sands. St Andrews, Scotland: The West Sands covers a significant stretch of sandy beach, and its proximity to the St Andrews Links golf courses. Ideal for walking and enjoying the coastal scenery, particularly at Bruce Embankment parking is available at £1.10 for two hours during the weekend.
  • Barry, Wales: Barry beach offers a mix of lively family fun and more tranquil coastal experiences, catering to different preferences. The beach benefits from scenic views and proximity to the town's amenities. At £2.50 for six hours it’s the perfect place to enjoy some much needed family time.
  • Lowestoft, Suffolk: Lowestoft beach is sandy, marking the easternmost point of the UK. Enjoy traditional seaside amusements and expansive views. Parking at the Royal Green car park provides convenient access to the beach, costing £1.00 for 2 hours, with an option for up to 10 hours at £4.00.
  • Burnham-On-Sea, Somerset: Burnham-On-Sea offers a vast expanse of sandy beach, notable for being one of the longest stretches of flat sand in Europe. This makes it ideal for long walks, kite flying, and family games. At approximately £5.33 for eight hours it’s the ideal beach to enjoy some family games.

 

Some of the most popular beach spots in the UK also come with some of the more expensive parking, by nature of their popularity. Auto Trader has also collated a list of some of those most popular beach spots and the price you can expect to pay to park for a day on the beach. 

  • Camber Sands, Sussex: Camber Sands is renowned for its extensive and dramatic sand dunes, a unique feature along the Sussex coast, offering opportunities for exploration, shelter, and stunning views. (£6 up to 1 hour)
  • West Wittering, West Sussex: West Wittering beach is celebrated for its vast expanse of fine, golden sand and its natural, unspoiled beauty. Backed by dunes and offering views of Chichester Harbour and the South Downs, it's a haven for those seeking a picturesque coastal escape. (£15.45 all day after 6.30am).
  • Newquay, Cornwall: Newquay in Cornwall is a vibrant and energetic coastal town renowned as the surfing capital of the UK, attracting wave riders of all levels to its numerous excellent beaches like Fistral and Watergate Bay. (£2.20 per hour)
  • Holkham Beach, Norfolk: Holkham Beach in Norfolk is a UK favourite for its breathtaking natural beauty, making it a popular filming location. At low tide, a shallow lagoon often forms, providing a safe and fun area for children to play. (£3.60 up to 2 hours)

 

For electric car owners, checking which beaches have the best electric car charging facilities is also essential. Whilst some of the smaller seaside locations may have more limited provisions, you can trust that the likes of Brighton, Bournemouth, and Sandbanks will have a high number of EV charging points within close proximity to the beach and parking facilities. By choosing these EV-friendly locations, drivers can relax knowing that charging is readily available, allowing for a seamless and sustainable seaside getaway this sunny Bank Holiday weekend.

 

“Parking can be such a pain point for drivers. This is especially true when it’s a busy bank holiday when you’ve decided to head to the coast but you’re worrying if the parking is going to cost you an arm and a leg or if you’re going to be able to get a spot at all. We want to make it easier for drivers to navigate the roads and take one thing off their mind this bank holiday.”

Key spokesperson

Erin Baker

Auto Trader’s Editorial Director

CONNECT

 

When it comes to any UK road trip, having the right car can also significantly impact the journey. Those looking at their car, wondering if it’s time for a change ahead of their next road trip, can look to the likes of the VW ID.Buzz which offers a cavernous interior, even accommodating a mattress with the seats removed – perfect for impromptu beachside naps! Alternatively, the Audi A6 e-tron Avant boasts a long electric range and a substantial boot, making it an ideal choice for families heading to the coast with all their gear. For those packing up their cars for a day on the beach and contemplating upgrading their car for the next trip, Auto Trader has over 475,000 new and used cars available on its website.

 

[1] Based on prices displayed on local council websites for the car parks closest to the beach

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