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COASTAL COST

British seaside with cheapest parking revealed ahead of Bank Holiday – drivers pay just 40p an hour at charming spot

Includes the UK’s easternmost point that boasts traditional seaside amusements and expansive views
An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Two women eating ice cream cones while sitting in a red convertible overlooking the ocean, Image 2 shows Aerial view of Burnham-on-Sea town and beach in Somerset, with pier, Image 3 shows Crowded beach with people enjoying a sunny day

BRITAIN’S best-value beaches for parking have been revealed – with one little-known coastal spot charging drivers just 40p an hour.

The long Bank Holiday weekend follows days of scorching weather across the country – and no doubt many of us are eyeing a long-overdue road trip to the beach.

Contactless parking meter on a street.
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Millions of drivers are expected to hit the road this Bank Holiday weekend, with affordable parking high on their list of prioritiesCredit: Getty
Two women eating ice cream cones while sitting in a red convertible overlooking the ocean.
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The long Bank Holiday weekend arrives after days of scorching weather across the UKCredit: Getty

Indeed, millions are expected to flock to the coast, with popular beaches, such as Camber Sands, West Wittering, and Newquay, Cornwall, likely to be especially busy.

With that in mind, has revealed the best beach spots with the cheapest and most stress-free parking.

Lympstone, Devon

Aerial view of Lympstone Harbour, Devon.
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The quaint village of Lympstone offers the perfect setting for a peaceful stroll along the coastlineCredit: Getty

A mere stone’s throw from Exmouth, the quaint village of Lympstone is perfect for those seeking a relaxing stroll along the coastline.

Better yet, parking alongside the seafront is priced from just £0.40 per hour – making it the cheapest spot on Auto Trader’s list.

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Hornsea, East Yorkshire

Wooden steps leading to a beach.
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With stunning sea views, the beach’s long promenade is perfect for a leisurely walkCredit: Getty

A charming, traditional seaside town on the East Yorkshire coast, Hornsea boasts a gorgeous Blue Flag-rated sandy beach – perfect for families.

For those keen on scenic sea views, the beach’s long promenade is ideal for leisurely strolls.

Parking for the day costs mere pocket change, with £1.98 covering up to eight hours.

West Sands, St Andrews, Scotland

University of St. Andrews and beach viewed from the sand.
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West Sands provides a scenic backdrop for walking and soaking in the natural beautyCredit: Getty

The West Sands, located near the St Andrews Links golf courses, offers a large stretch of sandy beach – ideal for walking and enjoying the scenery.

Auto Trader picked out Bruce Embankment as a top spot for parking, available at £1.10 for two hours during the weekend.

Barry, Wales

Crowded beach with people enjoying a sunny day.
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Barry beach offers picturesque views and easy access to the town's amenitiesCredit: Getty

The famous Barry beach is great for both lively family fun and tranquil coastal experiences.

The beach features scenic views while being close to the town's amenities, and at £2.50 for six hours, visiting doesn’t break the bank either.

Lowestoft, Suffolk

Low tide at Pakefield Ness, Suffolk, looking towards Lowestoft.
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The UK’s easternmost point, Lowestoft, combines traditional seaside amusements with breathtaking expansive viewsCredit: Getty

The UK’s easternmost point boasts traditional seaside amusements and expansive views.

It’s a great location for drivers, with parking at the Royal Green providing convenient access to the beach at just £1.00 for two hours or up to 10 hours at £4.00.

Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset

Aerial view of Burnham-on-Sea town and beach in Somerset, with pier.
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Burnham-on-Sea is renowned for its vast, flat sandy beach – one of the longest stretches in EuropeCredit: Getty

Notable for being home to one of the longest stretches of flat sand in Europe, Burnham-on-Sea is particularly ideal for long, beachside walks.

Auto Trader says parking for eight hours is approximately £5.33.

POPULAR PLACES

Naturally, many of the UK’s most popular beach spots also come with some of the more expensive parking options.

To help you plan ahead, Auto Trader has also looked at the prices you can expect to pay to park for a day at some of these beaches.

Camber Sands, Sussex

Famous for its eye-catching sand dunes, Camber Sands is a popular spot year-round – even in winter.

Situated near the charming town of Rye, with its cobbled lanes and half-timbered houses, it’s a top-tier destination for families.

Parking, however, is steep, with fees starting at £6 for up to one hour.

West Wittering, West Sussex

Celebrated for its vast expanse of fine golden sand and its unspoiled natural beauty, West Wittering offers stunning views of Chichester Harbour and the South Downs.

Drivers can park all day from 6:30 am for a fee of £15.45.

Newquay, Cornwall

The surfing capital of the UK is a hub for wave riders of all levels, with beaches such as Fistral and Watergate Bay renowned for their waves.

Parking here costs £2.20 per hour.

Holkham Beach, Norfolk

A UK favourite for its breathtaking natural beauty, Holkham Beach is particularly stunning when the tide is out.

Visitors can expect to pay £3.60 for up to two hours of parking.

Erin Baker, Editorial Director at Auto Trader, said: “Parking can be such a pain point for drivers.

“This is especially true when it’s a busy bank holiday when you’ve decided to head to the coast but you’re worrying if the parking is going to cost you an arm and a leg or if you’re going to be able to get a spot at all.

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“We want to make it easier for drivers to navigate the roads and take one thing off their mind this bank holiday.”

Auto Trader offers over 475,000 cars, including the spacious for beachside naps and the family-friendly Audi A6 e-tron Avant with its long electric range and large boot.

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