Porthleven Parking: Everything You Need to Know

Longing for a day trip or a holiday in Britain’s southernmost working port? Before you pack your bags and hit the motorway, make sure you read first what Porthleven parking is like. That way, you can enjoy the charming harbour and colourful fishing boats instead of worrying about your car.

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houses near body of water during daytime

Parking in Porthleven

Porthleven parking is easy to find and inexpensive, with most car parks charging less than a fiver for a day. However, parking in Porthleven gets quite busy during peak months, so finding a spot might be difficult if you don’t know where to look. Thankfully, we can help with that.

Don’t forget, blue badge holders registered with Cornwall Council can park for free at any council-owned Porthleven car park.


Porthleven Postcode

Here’s how you can find Porthleven with your Sat Nav:

  • Postcode: TR13
  • Grid Reference: SW 62957 25959 or SW629259

Porthleven Parking

Here’s a look at where you can park during your stay, including some free ones.


Kittos Field, TR13 9JA

Kittos Field car park is one of the more well-known pay and display Porthleven parking. It’s only a few minute’s walk away from the harbour and leads you to a selection of shops and restaurants.

Managed by Cornwall Council, this car park has different rates depending on the time of the year and your vehicle size.

  • Rates for cars and motorcycles only
    • 1 April to 31 October
      • 9 am to 4 pm
        • Cars and motorcycles: £1.60 per hour or £5.50 for the day
        • Coaches: 9 am to 4 pm: £1.60 per hour or £10.40 for the day
      • 4 pm to 9 am (next day): free for all vehicles
  • 1 November to 31 March
    • 9 am to 4 pm
      • Cars and motorcycles: £1.20 for the entire day
      • Coaches: 9 am to 4 pm: £1.60 per hour or £10.40 for the entire day
    • 4 pm to 9 am (next day): free

You can pay through the machine or with your phone using code 8384 for cars or 8385 for coaches.


Withy Field Car Park, TR13 9LQ

You can find this 73-space car park on Mill Lane, just north of the harbour and opposite Porthleven Association Football Club. They even have three spaces dedicated to coaches and motorhomes. Porthleven Community Interest Company manages this car park.

Hourly rates:

  • First 2 hours: £1.40
  • Over 2 hours: £3.50

A pay and display system is in place, and you must pay within 10 minutes of entering. You can pay through the machine, your phone by ringing them, or the Phone and Pay app.


Shrubberies Hill, TE13 9EA

Porthleven car parking is now free at this location since Cornwall Council stopped managing this car park in 2019. And because it’s free, getting a parking space can get tricky if you don’t arrive early. If you do get a spot, you’re immediately treated to excellent views from the bay and a lovely walk down to the harbour.


Highburrow, TR13 9EU

Another free Porthleven parking lot, but this time it’s managed by the Council. It’s smaller than Shrubberies Hill, with only 12 spots. Only cars and motorcycles are allowed.


Parking Near Porthleven

Can’t find a spot at one of the Porthleven car parking spots? Nearby Helston also has a few places to park.


First Downs Car Park, Helston, TR13 9ES

A small but free car park just outside of Porthleven. There are only about 15 spots available, but you get stunning coastal views as you make your way down to the harbour.


Penrose National Trust Car Park, Helston, TR13 0RE

Walking from here to the harbour can take up to 20 minutes, depending on your route, but parking here is free. If you want a change of scenery, why not ramble around the plantation?


Holiday Cottages with Parking in Porthleven

porthleven cornwall, holiday cottages in porthleven

Instead of competing for parking spaces with other visitors, consider booking a holiday cottage in Porthleven. Most cottages offer off-road Porthleven parking for their guests, such as the Pen Chy cottage. Not only do you get a cosy place to stay, but you’re also guaranteed a parking spot with your booking.
Interested? Check out the listings at Cornwall Hideaways, Holidaycottages.co.uk, or Sykes Holiday Cottages to browse all the Porthleven holiday cottages with parking.


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