Top 10 Parking in Southport
Updated: May 15, 2025
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Table of Contents
Introduction
Searching easy convenient and affordable parking in Southport is a top priority for visitors and locals alike. Whether you are looking for Southport parking around popular attractions like the Southport Pier or Marine Lake need free parking in Southport or prefer pay and display car parks there are plenty of points available. Drivers often look for Southport town center parking cheap parking in Southport or long stay parking when exploring the area.
With major events like the Southport Air Show and Christmas markets knowing the best Southport seafront parking or disabled parking spots can save time and hassle. Additionally apps for Parking in Southport and electric vehicle charging points are becoming more popular. This guide covers everything from Southport train station parking to avoiding parking fines ensuring a stress free visit to this vibrant seaside town.”
Main Car Parking in Southport Table

Parking in Southport is easy and convenient with several well places car parks providing flexible rates. The Southport Pier Car Park around Marine Lake charges £1.20 for up to 1 hour £2.50 for 2 to 4 hours and £5.00 for allcday parking with evening costs at £2.00 after 6PM. For free little stays Ocean Plaza Retail Park provides 2 hours free then £1.50 for extended parking. The Southport Train Station car park is useful and ideal for commuters (£2.00/hour £8.00/day) while Seafront Pay & Display offers beach access (£1.50/hour). Southport Market Car Park is affordable and budget friendly (£1.00/hour free after 5PM). Most locations support disabled parking and some offer EV charging. Plan ahead for stress free parking.
Car Park Name | Location | Price (Up to 1hr) | Price (2-4hrs) | All Day Rate | Evening Rate | Disabled Parking | EV Charging |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Southport Pier Car Park | Near Marine Lake | £1.20 | £2.50 | £5.00 | £2.00 (after 6PM) | Yes (free) | No |
Ocean Plaza Retail Park | Town Centre | Free (2hrs) | £1.50 | £4.00 | Free after 6PM | Yes | Yes (2 bays) |
Southport Train Station | Railway Side | £2.00 | £4.00 | £8.00 | £3.00 | Yes | No |
Seafront Pay & Display | Promenade | £1.50 | £3.00 | £6.00 | £2.50 | Yes | No |
Southport Market Car Park | Town Centre | £1.00 | £2.00 | £4.00 | Free after 5PM | Yes | No |
Event Parking in Southport Table
Planning to attend great events in Southport? Knowing your parking places can save time and hassle. For the Southport Air Show the Marine Lake Events Parking provides £10 whole day parking with pre booking available. The Southport Flower Show offers easy and convenient parking at Victoria Park for £8 including a free shuttle bus to the venue. During the festive season Christmas Markets visitors can use standard and affordable cost town center car parks with extended evening hours.
Event parking in Southport often fills quickly so arriving early is recommended. Look for official event parking signals as unauthorized street parking may result in fines. Some points provide disabled parking close to entrances, while others provide EV charging stations. Always check for temporary restrictions during huge events. With these tips you’ll enjoy Southport’s spectacular events without parking worries.
Event | Recommended Car Park | Special Rate | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Southport Air Show | Marine Lake Events Parking | £10.00 (all day) | Pre-booking available |
Southport Flower Show | Victoria Park (Event Parking) | £8.00 | Free shuttle bus |
Christmas Markets | Town Centre Car Parks | Standard rates apply | Extended evening parking |
Free Parking in Southport Options Table
Visitors to Southport can enjoy different easy and free parking points with smart planning. The Ocean Plaza Retail Park provide 2 hours free parking when you validate your ticket in a participating store perfect for quick shopping trips. Nearby residential streets sometimes provide unrestricted parking but always check signage carefully to avoid parking fines. For evening visitors Southport Market Car Park becomes completely free after 5PM ideal for dinner plans or nightlife.
While these free parking Southport places help save money remember time limits apply at most locations. The seafront parking areas typically require payment during daytime hours but become more easy and affordable in evenings. For longer stays consider combining free parking periods with paid points. These cheap parking Southport strategies ensure you can explore the town center parking and Marine Lake attractions without breaking the bank. Always have change ready for when your free period expires.
Location | Time Limit | Notes |
---|---|---|
Ocean Plaza (Retail Park) | 2 hours free | Must validate ticket in store |
Some residential streets | No restrictions | Check signage carefully |
Southport Market (after 5PM) | Unlimited | Free evening parking |
Parking in Southport Hospital Table
Searching hospital parking in Southport does not have to be stressful. Southport & Ormskirk Hospital provides several parking points starting at £2.50 for up to 1 hour £3.50 for 1 to 2 hours and £5.00 for 2 to 4 hours. For huge visits the whole day rate is £8.00 with weekly passes available for frequent visitors. Disabled badge holders park for free, while NHS staff enjoy discounted rates.
The hospital’s parking facilities are conveniently located around main entrances though places can fill quickly during peak hours. Consider arriving early or using public transport when possible. Payment places include cash cards and mobile apps for contactless convenience. Plan ahead to avoid parking stress during medical visits.

Duration | Price | Concessions |
---|---|---|
Up to 1 hour | £2.50 | Disabled badge holders free |
1-2 hours | £3.50 | Frequent visitors discount |
2-4 hours | £5.00 | NHS staff discounts |
All day | £8.00 | Weekly passes available |
Parking Payment Methods Table
Paying for parking in Southport has never been easier with multiple flexible points available around town. Most Southport car parks accept traditional cash (coins) at pay and display machines though exact change is often required. For quicker transactions credit/debit card payments with contactless technology are widely available at all major parking facilities including seafront parking and town center parking locations. Tech savvy drivers can use mobile apps like RingGo and PayByPhone at council run car parks simply enter the zone number displayed on signals for hassle free digital payment.
For regular visitors season tickets provide monthly or quarterly access to selected huge stay parking locations at discounted costs. During Southport events like the Air Show or Christmas markets these parking payment methods help avoid queues. Remember to always check your chosen parking app for special event rates or restrictions. With these convenient points you’ll spend less time worrying about parking charges and more time enjoying Southport’s attractions.
Payment Method | Availability | Notes |
---|---|---|
Cash (coins) | Most car parks | Exact change often required |
Credit/Debit Card | All major car parks | Contactless available |
Mobile Apps (RingGo, PayByPhone) | Most council-run car parks | Zone numbers required |
Season Tickets | Selected car parks | Monthly/quarterly options |
Free parking on public streets
- Cross Street
- Southbank Road
- Sefton Street
- Portland Street
- Westcliffe Road
Free on-street parking in Southport
You can park for free at pay and display on-street locations in Southport between 6pm and 8am (up until 11am on Sunday). These locations are close to the town centre and other popular attractions. These on street parking locations include:
- West Street
- Victoria Street
- Bank Square
Conclusion
Navigating parking in Southport is simple when you know your points. If you are visiting Southport Pier exploring the town center or attending major events like the Air Show the right parking strategy ensures a smooth experience. From free parking at Ocean Plaza (with 2 hour validation) to easy and affordable pay and display seafront parking, Southport provides solutions for every need. For convenience use mobile apps like RingGo for online payments at most council run car parks or option for contactless card payments at machines. Long term visitors can save with season tickets while disabled parking remains free across most locations.
During peak times like Christmas markets or the Flower Show arriving early helps secure the best event parking spots. Hospital parking at Southport & Ormskirk also provides flexible rates including free parking for disabled badge holders and discounts for NHS staff. Remember to check signage for restrictions especially in residential places where free parking may be time limited. With this guide you are equipped to find easy cheap and affordable parking avoid fines and explore Southport hassle free. Plan ahead use the right payment methods and enjoy your visit whether you’re here for shopping events or seaside relaxation.
People Also Ask
Where can I find parking in Southport?
Major options include Southport Pier Car Park, Ocean Plaza Retail Park, town centre parking, and seafront pay-and-display spots.
Is there free parking in Southport?
Yes! Ocean Plaza offers 2 hours free (with validation), and some residential streets have unrestricted parking (check signage).
What are Southport’s parking charges?
Rates vary: From £1.20/hour at the pier to £8/day at the train station. See our Main Car Parks Table for details.
Are there disabled parking spaces in Southport?
Yes, all major car parks and on-street parking zones have free disabled bays (Blue Badge required).
Does Southport have electric vehicle (EV) charging points?
Limited availability (e.g., Ocean Plaza). Check apps like ZapMap for locations.
Where should I park for the Southport Air Show?
Use Marine Lake Events Parking (£10/day) or pre-book online.
Is parking free during Southport Flower Show?
No, but Victoria Park offers £8 event parking with a free shuttle.
What’s the best parking for Christmas markets?
Town centre car parks (standard rates apply) or free after 5PM at Southport Market.
Are there extra parking restrictions during events?
Yes, some roads close. Follow temporary signage and avoid unauthorized parking.
How do I pay for parking in Southport?
Options: coins, contactless cards, or apps like RingGo/PayByPhone.
Can I pay for parking via mobile app?
Yes! Use RingGo (zone numbers listed on signs) at most council-run car parks.
What happens if I don’t pay for parking?
You risk a parking fine (PCN). Fines start at £50–£100.
Are there season tickets for long-stay parking?
Yes, monthly/quarterly passes are available at select town centre and hospital car parks.
Where is the cheapest parking near Southport Pier?
Pier Car Park (£1.20/hour) or free on-street parking (limited time).
Is there parking at Southport Train Station?
Yes, but it’s pricey (£8/day). Consider nearby cheaper town centre options.
Where can I park for Southport Marine Lake?
Explanation: The closest dedicated parking is at the Southport Pier Car Park (£1.20/hour) just steps from the lake. Alternative options include:
- Pro Tip: Free 30-min bays on Marine Drive (strictly enforced)
- Avoid: Parking on Marine Parade – this is permit-only for residents
What’s the best parking for Ocean Plaza?
Explanation: The shopping center offers:
- 2 hours free parking when you validate your ticket at any store
- After 2 hours: £1.50/hour up to £4 daily max
- Pro Tip: The rooftop level often has more availability during peak times
Is hospital parking free at Southport & Ormskirk Hospital?
Explanation: Parking charges apply 24/7 except for:
- Blue Badge holders (must display badge)
- Emergency patients (first 30 mins free)
- Pro Tip: The “Drop & Go” zone offers 10 mins free for quick patient drop-offs
How early should I arrive for event parking?
Explanation: For major events like the Air Show:
- Arrive at least 90 mins before start time
- Last year’s queues backed up to the A565 by 10am
Can I park overnight in Southport? Explanation: Overnight parking is permitted at:
- All council-run car parks (additional £3 overnight fee)
- Pro Tip: The Esplanade car park has CCTV and is well-lit for security
Where’s the best place to park for a weekend trip?
Explanation: Budget-friendly options include:
- Southport Market Car Park (£4/day weekends)
- Pro Tip: The “Early Bird” rate at the train station (£5 if in by 9am)
Are there any hidden parking charges?
Explanation: Watch for:
- “Grace periods” – only 10 mins after ticket expires
- Bank holiday charges (normal rates apply)
- Pro Tip: RingGo adds 20p transaction fee per payment
What’s the best app for Southport parking?
Explanation: Comparison of top apps:
- RingGo (covers all council car parks)
- PayByPhone (better for private car parks)
- Pro Tip: Save your reg details in the app to save time
Do parking attendants patrol Southport?
Explanation: Enforcement operates:
- 8am-8pm daily including Sundays
- Uses ANPR cameras at some sites
- Pro Tip: They’re especially vigilant during event days
Who do I contact about a parking fine appeal?
Explanation: The appeals process:
- Initial challenge to Sefton Council within 14 days
- If rejected, appeal to Traffic Penalty Tribunal
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