Top 10 Free Parking in Blackpool
Updated: May 15, 2025
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Table of Contents
Introduction
Blackpool a vibrant seaside resort in the UK attracts millions of visitors annually. However navigating its parking facilities has become increasingly complex due to rising costs technological advancements and safety concerns.
Center Parking in Blackpool
Parking in Blackpool Town Centre can be easy and convenient if you know where to search. The Hounds Hill Car Park and Central Car Park are popular options with prices starting at £1.80 for 1 hour and up to £10 for whole day parking. For cheap and affordable parking in Blackpool consider early bird discounts or pre booking via Blackpool parking apps like RingGo. If you’re visiting Blackpool Tower or the Winter Gardens around options include street parking (limited to 2 hours) or multi story car parks with better rates for huge stays.
Disabled Parking in Blackpool is available in designated bays but always check restrictions.
During peak seasons like the Illuminations or Christmas events parking fills quickly arrive early or use Park & Ride services. For free parking in Blackpool try residential places like Anchorsholme Lane but watch for time limitations.
| Car Park | Up to 1 Hour | Up to 2 Hours | Up to 4 Hours | All Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hounds Hill Car Park | £2.00 | £3.50 | £6.00 | £10.00 |
| Central Car Park | £1.80 | £3.00 | £5.50 | £9.00 |
Seafront Parking in Blackpool
Searching convenient and affordable parking in Blackpool’s seafront is key to enjoying attractions like the Tower piers and Pleasure Beach. The South Beach Car Park provides competitive costs at £2.50/hour while Tower Festival Headland provides premium seafront parking for £15/day ideal for families. During Illuminations or Air Show events places fill fast so arrive early or pre book via Blackpool parking apps. For cheap and convenient parking in Blackpool seafront consider street parking (max 4 hours) or free places around Stanley Park.
Disabled Parking in Blackpool is available around major attractions with Blue Badge permission. If visiting Pleasure Beach their on site parking costs £15/day but around alternatives like Bond Street Car Park provide savings. Overnight parking is present at Promenade Car Park for £8 perfect for evening strolls. Plan ahead compare Blackpool seafront parking costs and use apps to secure your place making your coastal visit stress free.
| Location | Up to 1 Hour | Up to 3 Hours | Up to 6 Hours | All Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Beach Car Park | £2.50 | £5.00 | £8.00 | £12.00 |
| Tower Festival Headland | £3.00 | £6.00 | £9.00 | £15.00 |
Pleasure Beach Parking in Blackpool
Searching parking in Blackpool Pleasure Beach is easy and convenient with multiple places is available. The on site car park provides convenience at £15 for whole day parking just steps from the entrance. For cheaper alternatives try Bond Street Car Park (£10/day) or street parking along Ocean Boulevard (£2.50/hour max 4 hours). During peak seasons like summer holidays or Illuminations arrive early as places fill quickly.
Disabled Parking in Blackpool is present close to the gates with a Blue Badge. Savvy visitors use Blackpool parking apps like RingGo to pay remotely and avoid queues. For free Parking in Blackpool around Pleasure Beach consider residential points west of the park but check restrictions. Plan ahead to secure the best point and maximize your fun at one of the UK top attractions.
| Option | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| On-site Parking | £15.00 | All-day parking |
| Nearby Street Parking | £2.50/hr | Max 4 hours |
Illuminations Parking in Blackpool
With more than 1 million visitors annually searching parking during Blackpool Illuminations requires planning. The Promenade Car Park offers prime seafront spaces for £5 evenings/£8 whole night while North Pier Car Park provides easy and convenient access to light displays for £4.50 after 6PM. For cheap Illuminations parking arrive before 5PM to secure early bird rates at Tower Festival Headland (£6 until 8PM).
Many visitors use park and ride services from Blackpool Airport (£4 return) to avoid traffic. Disabled parking bays are available along the Golden Mile with Blue Badge display required. Street parking becomes free after 6PM in some zones but check signs carefully. Expert drivers book pre paid parking by using council apps or use South Pier Car Park (£7 evening cost) which rarely fills completely.
Pro tip: Visit midweek for better availability and consider hotel parking packages if staying overnight. With these strategies you’ll spend less time circling for spaces and more time enjoying the world famous light show
| Car Park | Evening Rate (After 6 PM) | All Night |
|---|---|---|
| Promenade Car Park | £5.00 | £8.00 |
| North Pier Car Park | £4.50 | £7.50 |
Free Parking in Blackpool Options
Searching free and affordable parking in Blackpool is possible if you know where to search. Residential places like Anchorsholme Lane East and sections of St. Anne Road provide unrestricted parking while Central Drive has 2 hour free bays (no return within 1 hour). Around Stanley Park some side streets provide free all day parking just check signage carefully. For Blackpool Illuminations try Warbreck Hill Road (10 min walk to tram points) or Devonshire Road after 6PM when restrictions lift. Avoid Yellow Lines and private estates and always verify time limits. While seafront parking is rarely free these hidden gems help cut costs for savvy visitors.
| Location | Time Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Anchorsholme Lane East | Unrestricted | Residential area |
| St. Anne’s Road (some sections) | 2 hours free | No return within 1 hour |
5 places you can park for free in Blackpool 2025
If you’re visiting Blackpool you are likely going to be there for the full day or even longer if you are heading there for a short break. In which case you won’t want to pay expensive parking charges in council run car parks. The great thing about Blackpool is that there are plenty of free parking spots usually found on residential roads close to the promenade that have no restrictions. In most cases you can walk to the beach in less than 10 minutes which is a great way to save money during your visit to Blackpool.
The following streets offer un-restricted FREE parking spots in Blackpool:
- Balmoral Road
- Bentinck Avenue
- Harrowside
- Arnold Avenue
- Broadway
You should always check for any newly installed restriction signs before leaving your car at any of these parking spots.
What to know about parking free in Blackpool
When parking for free in Blackpool, please be considerate of others:
- Ensure you don’t block any driveways
- Tuck your car as close to the kerb as possible.
- Don’t double park as you may be parked on a bus route
Cheap all-day parking in Blackpool
Whilst there are plenty of free parking options, you may feel more comfortable parking somewhere with added security, especially if you are leaving your car for a longer period of time. The cheapest car park we found in Blackpool was Mecca Bingo car park which costs just £4.50 to park from 9am until 5pm, so ideal for those visiting the seaside town for the day, but this must be pre-booked.
Free Parking near Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Blackpool Pleasure Beach is possibly the towns biggest attraction for families, especially in the summer months. If you’re looking to visit, you can use one of these free parking spots near to Blackpool Pleasure Beach:
- Balmoral Road 2 minute walk
- Bentinck Avenue 14 minute walk
- Harrowside 11 minute walk
- Arnold Avenue 15 minute walk
- Broadway 15 minute walk
Conclusion
Planning your parking in Blackpool can make the difference between a stressful trip and a seamless experience. Whether you’re visiting the seafront, Pleasure Beach, Illuminations, or town centre, knowing your options helps you save time and money. Paid car parks like Hounds Hill and Tower Festival Headland offer convenience, while free parking spots in residential areas and near Stanley Park can cut costs. For major events like the Illuminations or air show, arriving early or using park-and-ride services ensures you avoid sold-out lots.
Disabled parking is well-marked near attractions, and mobile parking apps like RingGo make payments hassle-free. Ultimately, a little research goes a long way compare Blackpool parking prices, check restrictions, and pre-book where possible. With these tips, you’ll spend less time searching for spaces and more time enjoying the Golden Mile, piers, and amusement parks. Plan ahead, park smart, and make the most of your Blackpool adventure.
People Also Ask
Where can I find cheap parking in Blackpool?
Try Hounds Hill Car Park (£2/hr) or street parking near Stanley Park. Avoid peak seasons for better rates.
Is there free parking in Blackpool?
Yes! Anchorsholme Lane East and parts of St. Anne’s Road offer unrestricted free parking (check signage).
What’s the best app for Blackpool parking?
RingGo (Zone 5400) or PayByPhone cover most council-run car parks and on-street bays.
Are there overnight parking options?
Promenade Car Park (£8/night) or hotels with parking (e.g., Big Blue Hotel near Pleasure Beach).
Where is disabled parking available?
Designated bays near Blackpool Tower, Pleasure Beach, and seafront. Blue Badge required.
What’s the cost of seafront parking?
South Beach Car Park: £2.50/hr, £12/day. Tower Headland: £15/day (closest to attractions).
Where to park for Blackpool Pleasure Beach?
On-site: £15/day. Cheaper option: Bond Street Car Park (£10/day, 5-min walk).
Is there parking near Blackpool Tower?
Yes: Tower Festival Headland (£3/hr) or Central Car Park (£1.80/hr).
Where to park for Blackpool Illuminations?
North Pier Car Park (£4.50 after 6PM) or park-and-ride from Blackpool Airport (£4).
Can I park overnight on the seafront?
Only at paid car parks like Promenade (£8). Street parking is restricted after midnight
How early should I arrive for Illuminations parking?
By 4PM in peak season (Oct–Nov). Later arrivals risk sold-out lots.
Are there special rates for Blackpool Air Show parking?
No, but St. Chad’s Road offers free spaces (15-min walk to South Pier).
Where to park for Winter Gardens events?
Central Car Park or Abingdon Street Market (£5/evening).
Is matchday parking available near Bloomfield Road?
Street parking on Lytham Road (free after 6PM) or car parks near Blackpool FC.
What are Blackpool’s street parking rules?
Most zones are pay-and-display (8AM–6PM). Free after 6PM unless signed otherwise.
Is park-and-ride available in Blackpool?
Yes! Two official options:
- Blackpool Airport Park & Ride (Illuminations season only): £4 return per car, runs 5PM–11PM with drops at Tower Headland.
- Starr Gate (South) Park & Ride: Serves Pleasure Beach area year-round, £3.50/day with frequent trams.
Pro Tip: Both have free disabled parking spaces.
What’s the penalty for unpaid parking?
- £70 fine (reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days).
- Common reasons: Overstaying, invalid ticket, or parking in disabled bays without a Blue Badge.
Note: Private car parks (e.g., Pleasure Beach) issue private fines (£60–£100).
Are there parent-and-child parking spaces?
- Hounds Hill Shopping Centre: 10 wide bays near elevators.
- Pleasure Beach: Dedicated “Family Parking” zone (closest to entrance, £15/day).
Rule: Must display a child seat or pram visibly to use these spaces.
Where’s the best parking for Blackpool Zoo?
- Free on-site parking for 400 cars (opens 30 mins before zoo).
- Overflow option: Stanley Park Car Park (5-min walk, £1.50/hour).
Warning: Avoid grass verges – they’re private property and tow zones.
Can I park a motorhome in Blackpool?
- South Beach Car Park: Max 3 hours, no overnight (£12/day).
- Blackpool Caravan Park: Official overnight spot (£25/night, 2 miles from seafront).
Alternative: Lytham St Annes has 24-hour motorhome bays (free).
What if a car park is full?
Emergency alternatives:
- Illuminations: Try Gynn Square (less crowded, £5 evening rate).
- Summer Weekends: Cocker Street Car Park (hidden gem, £6/day).
App Help: Use Parkopedia for real-time availability.
Who operates Blackpool’s car parks?
- Council-run: Tower Headland, Promenade, Central (prices fixed).
- Private: Pleasure Beach, Winter Gardens (higher rates, often pre-bookable).
Key Difference: Private sites DON’T accept RingGo – cash/card only.
How do I contest a parking fine?
Step-by-step:
- Evidence: Photos of unclear signs/faulty meters.
- Appeal Online via Blackpool Council’s portal within 28 days.
- Escalate to POPLA if rejected (for private fines).
Success Rate: 40% if proof of payment error exists.
Is electric vehicle charging available?
- Tower Headland: 4x 7kW chargers (£0.30/kWh + parking fee).
- Central Car Park: 2x rapid chargers (50kW, £0.45/kWh).
Tip: Use Zap-Map – chargers at Blackpool FC are often free!
Are there height restrictions?
Critical info:
- Multi-storeys: 2m (Central, Hounds Hill) – excludes most campervans.
- Seafront surface lots: No limit but fill fast.
Van Alternative: Blackpool Trade Park (free, 20-min walk to centre).
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