Parking in Southwold

Choose your Southwold parking space from our range of options. For stress-free parking, park with us!

Southwold is a small town of just over 1,100 people on the east coast of Suffolk. You’ll find it in the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which stretches 60 miles along the east coast of Suffolk. According to a survey done in 2012, only about half of the homes here are occupied by permanent residents; the other half are second homes used as holiday homes. 

The Southwold Pier was built in 1900 and stretches out over 250 metres. The pier was damaged by a storm in 1998, and after extensive refurbishment, it reopened with an arcade, 80’s Retro Room, and Water Clock sculpture. The beach around the pier has regularly been awarded a Blue Flag and is also dog-friendly.

Each year, the Latitude Festival is held in Henham Park just outside of the central Southwold. It has attracted performers such as Bon Iver, Beach House, Sam Smith, 1975, Lily Allen, Hozier, La Roux, Ed Sheeran, Grimes, Of Monsters and Men, Mumford & Sons, The Killers, Solange, George Ezra, and Lana Del Rey. 

Let us meet all your Southwold parking needs. YourParkingSpace provides an online platform for reserving a parking space in advance. Pre-book parking in Southwold with us and avoid the stress of driving around looking for a place to park. 

If you’re looking for parking in Southwold, there are three council-run car parks. 

Southwold Pier car park: 

• Charging hours: 8am to 6pm daily, free from 6pm to 8am 
• Spaces: 345
• Cost: 
• 30 Minutes: Free
• 2 Hours: £1.50
• 4 Hours: £3.00
• Max daily cost: £4.00
• Month: £65.00
• Year: £650.00
• This park has disabled parking and has a Safer Parking Award. 

Ferry Road car park: 

• Charging hours: 8am to 6pm daily, free from 6pm to 8am 
• Spaces: 60 
• Cost: 
• 30 Minutes: Free
• 2 Hours: £1.50
• 4 Hours: £3.00
• Max daily cost: £4.00
• Month: £65.00
• Year: £650.00

Harbour Quay East car park:

• Charging hours: 8am to 6pm daily, free from 6pm to 8am 
• Spaces: 300 
• Cost: 
• 30 Minutes: Free
• 2 Hours: £1.50
• 4 Hours: £3.00
• Max daily cost: £4.00
• Month: £65.00
• Year: £650.00

The council also operates a resident’s parking permit scheme which costs £30 per year and is valid for one vehicle. You will need proof of residency, vehicle ownership and payment card details when applying for the permit. You can also register for Visitor Voucher Eligibility, and you can buy up to 30 visitor parking vouchers within a 30 day period. Each voucher costs £1, and once activated they can be used for one day of parking. 

There is also a car park on Market Place which is open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8am to 5pm. You can park for up to an hour for free. There is another car park on High Street which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is free to use. 

Alternatively, you can browse the options available at YourParkingSpace. We have short term and long term options available in Southwold.

The Southwold Pier first opened in 1900 and is still a local favourite. It is home to a classic arcade and the Under the Pier Show, where you can try out nearly 20 interactive machines created by Tim Hunkin. There is also an 80’s Retro Room, the Wacky Walk of Mirrors, and the Water Clock sculpture. You can also go fishing, or grab a bite to eat at the Boardwalk Restaurant, the Beach Bistro, the Clockhouse, or the Pier View Bar. If you want a souvenir of your trip, you’ll find plenty of spots to find a little something. 

The Southwold Lighthouse was built in 1887 and began operating on the 3rd of September in 1890. It stands 31 metres tall, and there are 113 steps to the top. The Southwold Millennium Foundation runs tours of the lighthouse and takes about 30 minutes. Adult tickets cost £4.50, children’s tickets for kids under 16 cost £3.00, and a family ticket for 2 adults and up to 3 children costs £14.00. You can also arrange private tours for groups by prior agreement. 

Planning a weekend away in Southwold? Find convenient parking with YourParkingSpace within walking distance of the area’s main attractions.

By Bus: Several bus lines run through Southwold, including 99 Coastal Clipper, 99A Coastal Clipper, 146, 524, and SJL1. 

By Car: Southwold is located about 8 minutes’ drive from the A12, and less than an hour’s drive from Norwich. 

If you’re looking for accessible Southwold parking options, there are disabled parking spaces in the Southwold Pier car park. 

To search for the disabled car park that is closest to Southwold, see the Blue Badge Parking website.

Parking is free at council-run car parks from 6pm to 8am. 

Getting late and struggling to find parking in Southwold? There’s no need to worry! YourParkingSpace is available 24 hours a day.

Do you own an empty parking space in Southwold? Turn your vacant driveway, parking space, or lock-up garage into income with YourParkingSpace. List your space for free in only 2 minutes.

Where is Southwold located?

Southwold is on the east coast of England, about an hour’s drive from Norwich. 

What is there to do in Southwold? 

Southwold Beach is the perfect spot to lie back on the sand and soak up the sun. The Pier has everything from a classic arcade to modern restaurants, and you can also go fishing or check out one of the trendy boutique stores. The Southwold Lighthouse stands at 37 metres above sea level and offers unbeatable panoramic views of the town and ocean.  

Can I bring my dog to the beach? 

Dogs are welcome at Southwold beach, however, they are banned from certain areas of the beach during summer, so keep an eye out for signs with details of restrictions when you arrive.