Chesil Beach, a stunning shingle bank stretching for 18 miles along the Dorset coast, offers a unique and wild beach experience. However, for beach touring enthusiasts, the question of overnight parking can be a concern. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the details you need to navigate the parking options at Chesil Beach, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable overnight stay.
Parking Locations and Regulations
The main car park for Chesil Beach is the Chesil Beach Car Park, Portland, managed by Dorset Council. This car park boasts 616 spaces, including 8 disabled bays, and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Overnight parking is allowed, but motorhome parking is restricted from 10 pm to 8 am.
Another option is the Abbotsbury Car Park, located at the western end of the lagoon. This car park is part of the Abbotsbury Swannery attraction and may have restrictions on overnight parking.
Parking Charges and Disabled Parking
The parking charges at the Chesil Beach Car Park, Portland, vary depending on the time of year and the type of vehicle. Here’s a breakdown of the charges:
Winter Charges (November 1 to March 31):
– Cars: £0.80 for up to 30 minutes, £1.50 for up to 1 hour, £2.30 for up to 2 hours, £3.30 for up to 3 hours, £5.30 for up to 4 hours, and £9 for up to 10 hours.
– Motorhomes and vans less than 6m: £2.30 for up to 1 hour, £3 for up to 2 hours, £4.50 for up to 3 hours, £6 for up to 4 hours, and £10.50 for up to 10 hours.
Summer Charges (April 1 to October 31):
– Cars: £1.50 for up to 30 minutes, £3 for up to 1 hour, £4.50 for up to 2 hours, £6 for up to 3 hours, £7.50 for up to 4 hours, and £15 for up to 10 hours.
– Motorhomes and vans less than 6m: £3.80 for up to 1 hour, £5.30 for up to 2 hours, £6.80 for up to 3 hours, £8.30 for up to 4 hours, and £19.50 for up to 10 hours.
It’s important to note that no motorhome parking is allowed from 10 pm to 8 am.
Charges for disabled parking apply to all Blue Badge holders, with a minimum tariff required. However, one extra hour of free parking is granted on top of the paid tariff.
Additional Facilities and Attractions
The Chesil Beach Visitor Centre, run by the Dorset Wildlife Trust, is a valuable resource for understanding the local wildlife and environment. The centre is open seven days a week, all year round, from 10 am to 4 pm, and features a large car park, toilets, and a shop.
Abbotsbury, located at the western end of the lagoon, is home to the only colony of nesting mute swans that can be visited worldwide. The Abbotsbury Swannery is a popular attraction, particularly from mid-May to the end of June, when visitors can witness baby cygnets hatching.
Conclusion
Chesil Beach offers a unique and captivating beach experience, and with the right information, you can navigate the parking options with ease. Whether you’re planning an overnight stay or a day trip, this comprehensive guide to Chesil Beach Overnight Parking will help you make the most of your beach touring adventure.
References:
– Parking for Chesil Beach
– Chesil Beach Car Park
– Dorset Guide – Chesil Beach
– Dorset Council – Find a Car Park
– Search for Sites – Chesil Beach Car Park