Top 10 Parking in Whitstable
Updated: May 19, 2025
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Searching easy convenient and affordable parking in Whitstable can make all the difference when exploring this charming seaside town. Whether you are visiting for the famous Whitstable Oyster Festival a day at the harbour or a stroll along Tankerton Slopes knowing your parking spot in advance will save you time and hassle. Whitstable provide a mix of free and paid parking including street parking car parks and harbour side places.
Popular points like Whitstable High Street and the beachfront can get busy especially on summer weekends or during bank holidays so planning ahead is key. This guide covers everything you need to know from cheap and affordable parking in Whitstable points and parking restrictions to disabled parking and EV charging points. We’ll also share tips for avoiding parking fines and the best places to Parking in Whitstable near top attractions.
Main Car Parking in Whitstable
| Car Park Name | Location | First Hour | 2 Hours | 4 Hours | All Day | Evening Rate | Free After |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harbour Street Car Park | CT5 1AJ | £1.20 | £2.40 | £4.80 | £8.00 | £2 (6pm-8am) | – |
| Tankerton Slopes | CT5 2BE | £1.00 | £2.00 | £4.00 | £6.50 | Free after 6pm | 6pm |
| Gorrell Tank Car Park | CT5 1BW | £0.80 | £1.60 | £3.20 | £5.00 | Free after 8pm | 8pm |
| Island Wall Car Park | CT5 1EJ | £1.50 | £3.00 | £6.00 | £9.00 | £3 (6pm-8am) | – |
On-Street Parking in Whitstable
Searching easy and convenient parking in Whitstable is easy with several well located council car parks serving key areas. The Harbour Street Car Park (CT5 1AJ) provides central access for £1.20/hour (£8 all day) ideal for visiting the Whitstable Harbour or High Street. For beachgoers Tankerton Slopes Car Park (CT5 2BE) provides cheap and affordable costs (£1/hour free after 6pm) around the seafront. Budget conscious visitors can use Gorrell Tank Car Park (CT5 1BW) at just £0.80/hour with free evening parking from 8pm. All car parks accept cash cards and PayByPhone (location code 8045). During peak seasons arrive before 11am to secure spaces especially for Whitstable Oyster Festival when special event rates apply.
| Zone | Areas Covered | Hours | Tariff | Max Stay | Free Periods |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone A | High Street, Harbour Area | 8am-6pm | £1.20/hr | 2 hours | After 6pm & Sundays |
| Zone B | Residential areas near centre | 8am-5pm | £0.80/hr | 4 hours | After 5pm & Sundays |
| Zone C | Outer residential areas | 9am-4pm | £0.60/hr | No limit | After 4pm & Sundays |
Special Parking in Whitstable
On street Parking in Whitstable is divided into three clear areas to help visitors park conveniently. In Zone A (High Street/Harbour area) parking charges £1.20/hour with a 2 hour max stay (8am to 6pm) perfect for quick shopping or oyster tasting. Zone B provides cheaper and affordable residential parking (£0.80/hour 4 hour max) around attractions like the Playhouse Theatre while Zone C offers budget huge stay parking (£0.60/hour) with no time limits ideal for beach days at Tankerton Slopes.
| Category | Location | Conditions | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disabled Parking | All council car parks | Blue Badge must be displayed | Free for 3 hours |
| Electric Vehicles | Harbour Car Park (4 bays) | While charging only | Free for 4 hours |
| Motorcycles | All council car parks | Designated bays | Free |
| Overnight Parking | Gorrell Tank Car Park only | No return within 1 hour | £3 (6pm-8am) |
Event Parking in Whitstable
Planning to attend the famous Whitstable Oyster Festival Regatta or Christmas Market? Parking demand spikes during these popular Whitstable events but smart strategies will save you time. For the Oyster Festival the Harbour Street Car Park provides a flat £10 event cost while Tankerton Slopes charges £8 during the Whitstable Regatta. Arrive before 10am to secure places or use the park and ride from Canterbury (running for major events).
Key tips:
• Event parking in Whitstable signals override normal restrictions
• Free disabled parking (Blue Badge holders) around all venues
• Avoid High Street parking during summer festivals use Zone C instead
| Event | Recommended Car Park | Special Rate | Alternative Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oyster Festival (July) | Harbour Street | £10 flat rate | Park & Ride from Canterbury |
| Whitstable Regatta | Tankerton Slopes | £8 all day | Street parking in Zone C |
| Christmas Market | Island Wall | £5 after 3pm | Free after 6pm in Zone B |
Resident Parking in Whitstable
For locals Whitstable’s resident parking permission offer essential access to limited parking areas. Zone A permission (£120/year) cover the bustling High Street and Harbour areas while Zone B (£80/year) serves quieter residential streets around attractions like the Sports Center. Residents can also purchase visitor scratch cards (£3/day) for guests valid in your designated zone.
Key benefits:
- • Exempt from time limits in your permission area
- • Priority parking around your home
- • Discounted costs compared to visitor parking
- Proof of residence required (utility bill + V5C)
- Permits not valid in pay and display bays
- No refunds if moving mid year
- During major Whitstable events like the Oyster Festival permission holders still enjoy area protection though places fill quickly.
- Electric vehicle owners can combine resident permits with EV charging benefits at designated bays.
Free parking on public streets
- Nelson Road
- Belmont Road
- Old Bridge Road
- Downs Avenue
- Reservoir Road
- Westmeads Road
- Northwood Road
Free on-street parking in Whitstable
You can park for free in Whitstable at on-street parking locations near to the town centre after 10pm. These streets include:
- Beach Walk
- Island Wall
- Railway Avenue (after 6pm)
- Waterloo Road
| Permit Type | Eligibility | Cost (Annual) | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone A Permit | Proof of residence | £120 | 8am-6pm exempt |
| Zone B Permit | Proof of residence | £80 | 8am-5pm exempt |
| Visitor Scratch Cards | Residents only | £3 per day | Valid in permit holder’s zone |
Conclusion
Searching easy and convenient parking in Whitstable does not necessary to be stressful with proper planning. If you are visiting the harbour enjoying Tankerton Slopes or attending the famous Oyster Festival understanding your points ensures a smooth experience. The town provides a mix of free and paid parking including council car parks like Harbour Street (£1.20/hour) and Gorrell Tank (free after 8pm) plus on street parking areas with varying restrictions.
For summer visits or bank holidays arrive early to secure places near Whitstable High Street or consider parking apps like PayByPhone for online payments. Residents benefit from parking permission while visitors can use scratch cards (£3/day) in permit areas. Disabled parking is free for 3 hours with a Blue Badge and EV charging is available at the harbour. During major events expect special costs (e.g. £10 flat fee during the Oyster Festival) or use park and ride services from Canterbury. Always check parking restrictions especially winter rules and street cleaning schedules to avoid fines. With this knowledge you can explore Whitstable’s charm without parking worries. Plan ahead use alternative transport when possible and enjoy your seaside visit.
People Also Ask
Where can I find free parking in Whitstable?
Free options include Devonshire Place (2hr max), streets in Zone C after 4pm, and all council car parks on Sundays/bank holidays.
What’s the cheapest long-stay parking near Whitstable Harbour?
Gorrell Tank Car Park offers the best rates at £0.80/hour or £5 all day (free after 8pm).
How do I pay for on-street parking in Whitstable?
Use the PayByPhone app (location codes: Zone A-8046, B-8047, C-8048) or pay-and-display machines (cash/card).
Are there any 24-hour car parks in Whitstable?
Only Gorrell Tank Car Park allows overnight parking (£3 from 6pm-8am). Others close at midnight.
What time do parking restrictions start in Whitstable?
Zone A: 8am-6pm, Zone B: 8am-5pm, Zone C: 9am-4pm (Monday-Saturday).
Where should I park during the Whitstable Oyster Festival?
Use the Harbour Street Car Park (£10 flat rate) or park at Tankerton Slopes and walk (15 mins).
Is there special parking for the Christmas Market?
Yes, Island Wall Car Park offers £5 evening parking after 3pm during the market.
Do parking rules change in winter?
Yes, the overnight parking ban runs Dec 1-Mar 31 (2am-6am) with £50 fines.
Can I park on Tankerton Slopes in summer?
Yes, but arrive before 10am on weekends as it fills quickly (£1/hour, £6.50 max).
Where do performers park for Whitstable Playhouse events? g
Reserved bays behind the theater (contact venue for temporary permits).
How many visitor scratch cards can I buy monthly?
Up to 50 per household per year (sold in bundles of 10).
How do I apply for a resident parking permit?
Submit proof of address + vehicle registration to Canterbury City Council (online or in-person).
Can Zone B permits park in Zone A?
No, permits are zone-specific. Zone A requires its own (£120/year) permit.
What if I have visitors with rental cars?
Use scratch cards (£3/day) or temporary digital permits (max 14 days/month).
Do permits cover EV charging bays?
No, EV spaces require separate payment even with a resident permit.
Where exactly are disabled parking bays located in Whitstable?
- Harbour Car Park: 4 dedicated Blue Badge bays near the ramp entrance
- High Street: 3 marked bays outside Boots (unlimited stay with badge)
- Tankerton Slopes: 2 bays by the promenade (closest to beach access)
Note: All are 50% wider than standard bays. Map available at.
Can Blue Badge holders park for free at Whitstable meters?
- Yes, BUT only in:
- On-street disabled bays (unlimited time)
- Regular meter/pay-and-display spots (max 3 hours free + must display clock card)
- No free parking in:
- Private car parks (e.g., Tesco)
- Loading zones (yellow kerb markings)
Pro Tip: Badge must face upwards with visible expiry date to avoid £70 fines.
Are EV charging bays wheelchair accessible?
- Harbour Car Park has:
- 2x extra-wide bays (3.6m) with chargepoints
- 4hr free charging while parked (normally £1/hr after)
- Lowered kerbs to harbour walkway
- Other locations (e.g., Tankerton) lack accessible charging currently
App Alert: Use Zap-Map to filter for accessible EV spots.
What are the motorcycle parking rules?
- Free dedicated bays at:
- Harbour Car Park (near exit)
- Gorrell Tank (sheltered area)
- High Street (behind NatWest)
- Max stay: 72 hours (no overnight camping)
- Security: All have CCTV but require own locks
- Scooters: Under 50cc can use bicycle racks
Where can tradespeople park for work in permit zones?
- Option 1: Business permits (£8/day)
- Covers all zones
- Must provide client’s address + vehicle reg
- Option 2: Zone C parking (no time limits)
- Then use Whitstable Hopper bus (£1.50) to centre
- Prohibited:
- Vans over 2m height in Harbour Car Park
- Parking on pavements (even with hazards on)
What happens if I pay late for a parking ticket?
- Standard fine: £50
- If paid within 14 days: £25
- After 28 days: Increases to £75 + possible CCJ
- Dispute process:
- Submit evidence (photos, receipts)
- Await 10-day response
- Escalate to Traffic Penalty Tribunal if rejected
How frequent are warden patrols in residential zones?
- Zone A (High St): 2-3x daily (randomized timing)
- Zone B: 1x morning + 1x afternoon
- Zone C: 1-2x weekly (often Wed/Fri)
- Event days: Extra patrols + mobile ANPR vans
Hotspot Alert: Harbour Street checked hourly during oyster season.
Can I appeal a failed PayByPhone transaction?
- Valid appeals require:
- Screenshot of error message
- Bank statement showing failed charge
- Vehicle reg + exact location
- Council typically accepts:
- App crashes (with timestamp)
- Server outages
- Not accepted:
- Forgetting to renew session
- Insufficient funds
Which areas use ANPR cameras?
- Fixed cameras at:
- Harbour Car Park entrance/exit
- Tankerton Slopes turnaround
- High Street (near Pizza Express)
- What they monitor:
- Overstays (beyond paid time)
- Permit fraud (mismatched registrations)
- Banned vehicles (e.g., motorhomes in Zone A)
Data Retention: Images stored for 28 days (request via FOI).
How do private car parks like Tesco differ?
- Key differences:FeatureCouncil ParkingTesco PrivateMax StayNo limit (paid)2hr free then £100 fineAppealsCouncil processPrivate operator (e.g., MET)EnforcementWardensANPR + debt collectors
- Pro Tip: Tesco allows 3x 2hr visits/month before fines – track via ParkingEye app.
Can I sleep overnight in my campervan at Whitstable car parks?
Overnight sleeping in vehicles is strictly prohibited in all council-run car parks. Specifically:
- Harbour Car Park: No overnight parking (locked 12am-6am)
- Tankerton Slopes: £3 overnight fee but NO sleeping allowed (warden patrols at 2am)
- Legal Alternatives:
- Seasalter Beach Road (free, no restrictions, 1.5 mile walk to harbour)
- Whitstable Caravan Club Site (CT5 4EP, £35/night with hookups)
- Fines: £150 for “unauthorized camping” + possible tow
Where can I park a 7-seater minibus in Whitstable?
- Dedicated Large Vehicle Spaces:
- Gorrell Tank Car Park (3x extra-long bays, 5.5m max)
- Island Wall (2x coach bays, £12/day)
- Restrictions:
- Prohibited in Zone A streets (narrow lanes)
- Height barrier (2.1m) at Harbour Car Park
- Event Parking: During Oyster Festival, use designated minibus drop-off at Swalecliffe Avenue (free 20-min wait)
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