If you’re planning a trip to Folkestone, you may be wondering about the parking situation in the town. Fortunately, there are several options for free parking in Folkestone. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, it’s important to know where you can park without having to pay a fee.
Understanding Parking in Folkestone
Before we dive into the free parking options available in Folkestone, it’s worth taking a moment to understand the parking situation in the town. Like many towns and cities in the UK, Folkestone has a mix of paid and free parking facilities. Some car parks are managed by the local council, while others are privately owned. There are also on-street parking spaces available, although these are often subject to time limits and other restrictions.
Free Parking Options
If you’re looking for free parking in Folkestone, there are several options available. For example, motorhomes are permitted to park in any car park in and around Folkestone, so you can park in the following car parks that have no height restrictions: Pavillion Car Park, Playdell Gardens Car Park, and Sandgate Road Car Park. Additionally, there are on-street parking spaces along the streets of Rendezvous Street, Tontine Street, and Sandgate Road that allow visitors to park their cars for up to 1 hour.
Key Takeaways
- Folkestone has a mix of paid and free parking facilities.
- Motorhomes are permitted to park in any car park in and around Folkestone.
- There are on-street parking spaces available that allow visitors to park their cars for up to 1 hour.
Understanding Parking in Folkestone
If you are planning to visit Folkestone, it is important to understand the parking regulations in the town. This will help you avoid any fines or penalties, and make your visit more enjoyable. In this section, we will cover the different types of car parks, street parking regulations, and controlled parking zones in Folkestone.
Types of Car Parks
There are several car parks in Folkestone that offer both short-term and long-term parking. The most common type of car park is the pay and display car park. These car parks require you to purchase a ticket from a machine and display it on your dashboard. The price of parking varies depending on the car park and the length of time you want to park.
Another type of car park in Folkestone is the permit car park. These car parks are reserved for residents who have a parking permit. If you do not have a permit, you will not be able to park in these car parks.
Street Parking Regulations
In Folkestone, street parking is regulated by the council. There are different regulations for different streets, so it is important to check the signs before you park. Some streets have restrictions on parking during certain times of the day, while others have restrictions on parking for certain types of vehicles.
Controlled Parking Zones
Controlled parking zones (CPZs) are areas in Folkestone where parking is restricted to residents who have a parking permit. If you do not have a permit, you will not be able to park in these areas. CPZs are typically located in residential areas where there is a high demand for parking.
In conclusion, understanding the parking regulations in Folkestone is important if you want to avoid fines and penalties. There are several types of car parks in Folkestone, including pay and display car parks and permit car parks. Street parking is regulated by the council, and there are different regulations for different streets. Controlled parking zones are areas where parking is restricted to residents who have a parking permit.
Free Parking Options
If you’re planning to visit Folkestone and don’t want to spend money on parking, you’ll be pleased to know that there are several free parking options available. Here are some of the best locations to park your car without having to pay any fees.
Locations of Free Car Parks
There are several free car parks in Folkestone that you can use without having to pay any fees. The Sandgate Road car park is one of the most popular options, and it’s usually free to park here outside of the hours of 8:00am to 6:00pm. Another great option is the Pavilion car park, which also offers free parking outside of these hours. You can find these car parks easily by using Google Maps, or by asking a local for directions.
Free Street Parking Areas
If you’re looking for free street parking, there are a few areas in Folkestone where you can park your car without having to pay any fees. Rendezvous Street, Tontine Street, and Sandgate Road all offer free on-street parking for up to one hour. This is a great option if you’re only planning to stay in Folkestone for a short period of time.
Free Parking for Residents
If you’re a resident of Folkestone, you may be eligible for free parking in certain areas. You can find out more about this by contacting the Folkestone & Hythe District Council. They will be able to tell you if you’re eligible for free parking, and which areas you can park in without having to pay any fees.
Overall, there are several free parking options available in Folkestone, so you don’t have to worry about spending money on parking fees. Whether you’re visiting for a day or you’re a resident, there are plenty of places where you can park your car without having to pay a penny.
Paid Parking Facilities
If you are looking for a convenient and secure parking spot in Folkestone, you can choose from several paid parking facilities. Below are some of the most popular options:
Short-Term Car Parks
If you need to park for a short period, you can use one of the many short-term car parks in Folkestone. These car parks are ideal for quick stops and visits to local shops, restaurants, and attractions. Some of the popular short-term car parks in Folkestone include:
- Sandgate Road Car Park
- Tram Road Car Park
- Lower Sandgate Road West Car Park
Long-Term Car Parks
If you need to park for a longer period, you can use one of the many long-term car parks in Folkestone. These car parks are ideal for commuters, tourists, and visitors who need to park for several hours or days. Some of the popular long-term car parks in Folkestone include:
- Coastal Park Car Park
- Castle Road Car Park
Pay and Display Areas
If you prefer to park on-street, you can use one of the many pay and display areas in Folkestone. These areas are ideal for short stops and visits to local shops, restaurants, and attractions. Some of the popular pay and display areas in Folkestone include:
- Sandgate Road
- The Old High Street
Most of the paid parking facilities in Folkestone operate between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm daily. The parking fees vary depending on the location, duration, and time of day. You can pay for parking using cash, card, or mobile payment apps.
Overall, Folkestone offers a wide range of paid parking facilities that cater to different needs and budgets. Whether you need to park for a few minutes or a few days, you can find a suitable parking spot in Folkestone.
Special Parking Considerations
Motorhome Parking
Folkestone offers several free parking spots for motorhomes around the city. Motorhomes are permitted to park in any car park in and around Folkestone, so we recommend parking in the following car parks that have no height restrictions:
- Pavillion Car Park
- Playdell Gardens Car Park
- Sandgate Road Car Park
Parking is free in these car parks between 6 pm and 8 am. If you plan to stay longer than three hours, we recommend using the paid parking spots available in the city.
Electric Vehicle Charging
Folkestone has several electric vehicle charging points located around the city. You can find them at:
- Radnor Park West Car Park
- Tontine Street Car Park
- Tram Road Car Park
These charging points are free to use, but parking fees may apply. Please check the signage at the car park for more information.
Seasonal Parking Variations
During peak seasons, such as Christmas shopping, parking in Folkestone can be difficult. However, the council has implemented several measures to ease parking during these times. These include:
- Additional parking attendants to direct you to available parking spots
- Extra parking spaces opened up in some car parks
- Free parking in some council car parks after 3 pm during the festive season
Please note that these measures may vary from year to year, so we recommend checking the council’s website for the latest information.
In summary, Folkestone offers several free parking spots for motorhomes, electric vehicle charging points, and seasonal parking variations during peak times. We hope this information helps you find suitable parking during your visit to Folkestone.
Parking for Visitors and Tourists
If you are visiting Folkestone, you will be pleased to know that there are several parking options available for you. Here are some of the options:
Tourist Attraction Car Parks
If you are planning to visit some of Folkestone’s popular tourist attractions such as Lower Leas Coastal Park or Leas Cliff Hall, you can park your car at their respective car parks. Lower Leas Coastal Park has a large car park, which is free of charge. Leas Cliff Hall also has a car park, but it is a pay and display car park.
Visitor Parking Permits
If you are staying with a friend or relative who lives in Folkestone, you can apply for a visitor parking permit. The permit will allow you to park in resident parking zones without having to pay for parking. You can activate your parking session either online, via the RingGo app, or by calling 0203 046 0005. You will need your visitor’s car registration number. There is no requirement to display any physical parking permit. For more information on how to apply for a visitor parking permit, visit Folkestone & Hythe District Council’s website.
Park and Ride Options
Folkestone now has a pilot park and ride scheme, which is operated by Motis Business Centre. The scheme allows you to park your car at the Business Centre and take a shuttle bus to the town centre. The shuttle bus runs every 15 minutes and the parking is free. For more information, visit Motis Business Centre’s website.
In conclusion, there are several parking options available for visitors and tourists in Folkestone. Whether you are visiting a tourist attraction or staying with a friend or relative, you can find a parking option that suits your needs.
Avoiding Parking Penalties
When parking in Folkestone, it’s important to understand the rules and regulations to avoid receiving a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). Here are some tips to help you avoid parking penalties:
Understanding Penalty Charge Notices
A Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) is a fine issued to drivers who violate parking rules and regulations. The fine amount varies depending on the severity of the violation. To avoid a PCN, make sure you park in designated areas and adhere to the time restrictions.
Adhering to Time Restrictions
Many car parks in Folkestone have time restrictions to encourage turnover of spaces. It’s important to adhere to these restrictions to avoid receiving a PCN. Check the signs in the car park to see how long you are allowed to park. If you need to park for longer than the allowed time, look for alternative parking options.
Complying with Terms and Conditions
When parking in Folkestone, make sure you comply with the terms and conditions of the car park. This includes paying the correct fee, parking in designated areas, and displaying a valid parking ticket or permit. Failure to comply with the terms and conditions may result in a PCN.
To summarise, to avoid parking penalties in Folkestone, it’s important to understand the rules and regulations, adhere to time restrictions, and comply with the terms and conditions of the car park. By following these tips, you can park safely and avoid receiving a PCN.
Additional Parking Resources
If you’re planning a trip to Folkestone and need to park your car for free, there are a few additional parking resources that you can use to help make your trip more enjoyable. Here are some of the best options available:
Folkestone Parking Map
One of the most useful resources for finding free parking in Folkestone is the Folkestone Parking Map. This map shows you all of the free parking spots in the area, as well as paid parking options and council-run car parks. You can use the map to plan your route ahead of time and find the best parking spots for your needs.
Council-Run Car Park Information
The Folkestone & Hythe District Council operates several car parks in the area, including Sandgate Road Car Park and Radnor Park West Car Park. These car parks are pay and display between 8:00am and 6:00pm daily, but parking is usually free outside of these times. Sandgate Road Car Park now operates an automatic number plate recognition system, and you can set up an Autobill account for ticketless parking in this car park.
Season Tickets and Passes
If you’re planning on staying in Folkestone for an extended period of time, you may want to consider purchasing a season ticket or pass for one of the council-run car parks. These passes allow you to park in the car park for a set period of time, usually at a discounted rate. You can purchase season tickets and passes online, or at one of the council’s customer service centres.
Overall, there are plenty of options available for free parking in Folkestone. Whether you’re using the Folkestone Parking Map to find the best spots, or purchasing a season ticket for one of the council-run car parks, you can enjoy your trip without having to worry about the cost of parking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find long stay parking at no cost in Folkestone?
If you are looking for long stay parking in Folkestone, there are several options available for you. You can park for free at Radnor Park West Car Park on Radnor Park Avenue for up to 3 hours. Other free options include parking at Playdell Gardens Car Park, Pavillion Car Park, and Sandgate Road Car Park between 6pm and 8am. However, please note that these car parks have limited spaces and fill up quickly during peak season.
Are there any car parks in Folkestone that offer free parking on Sundays?
Yes, there are several car parks in Folkestone that offer free parking on Sundays. These include Tontine Street Car Park, Tram Road Car Park, and Dover Road Car Park. However, please note that these car parks may not be suitable for long-term parking.
Can you provide a map showing the zones with free parking in Folkestone?
Yes, you can find a map of the free parking zones in Folkestone on the Folkestone & Hythe District Council website. The map shows the locations of car parks and on-street parking areas where you can park for free.
What are the charges for car parks in Folkestone, and are there any with free options?
The charges for car parks in Folkestone vary depending on the location and duration of your stay. Some car parks offer free parking for a limited time, while others charge hourly rates or a fixed fee for the day. You can find more information about the charges for car parks in Folkestone on the Folkestone & Hythe District Council website.
Is there free parking available near Folkestone Harbour?
Yes, there is free parking available near Folkestone Harbour. You can park for free at the Harbour Car Park on Harbour Approach Road for up to 3 hours. However, please note that this car park has limited spaces and may not be suitable for long-term parking.
Are Blue Badge holders entitled to free parking in Folkestone?
Yes, Blue Badge holders are entitled to free parking in designated parking bays in Folkestone. However, please note that this does not apply to on-street parking bays or car parks. Blue Badge holders can find more information about parking in Folkestone on the Folkestone & Hythe District Council website.
