The golden rule for Polperro is absolute: You must park at the top of the village and you can’t pay for parking with your card, CASH PAYMENTS ONLY!!
Unlike other Cornish villages where you might chance a drive-through, Polperro’s streets are so narrow that visitor traffic is prohibited. You park at the main hub at the top of the valley (Crumplehorn) and either walk the roughly 15-minute journey down the river path or catch the shuttle service.
Our Top Picks
Because there is essentially only one main place to park, your choices are limited to “The Main Hub” or “The Scenic Walk.”
- Best for Everyone (The Only Hub): Polperro Public Car Park (Crumplehorn). This is where 99% of visitors park. It is large, well-signposted, and the starting point for the village shuttle.
- Best for a Coastal Walk: Talland Bay Car Park. Park in the next bay along and enjoy a stunning 1-mile coastal walk into Polperro.
- Best for National Trust Members: Lansallos (Hendersick). A quieter, rural car park that offers a longer, beautiful walk into the village from the west.
The Main Village Car Park
This car park is located at the very entrance to the village, next to the Crumplehorn Inn. It is the designated drop-off point for all visitors.
If you have never visited Polperro before I would recommend paying for 6 hours. It is only a small village but there are plenty of nice walks, places to sit to admire the view, museums and places to eat and drink so you can easily burn through 6 hours before you know it.
Change machines are available if you have notes but bring coins if you can and make sure you ‘pay and display’ your ticket on your dashboard as the car park is regularly patrolled.
Polperro Public Car Park (Crumplehorn)
Postcode: PL13 2PL
Capacity: Large (~600 spaces)
Best For: Accessing the village, the Model Village, and the harbour.
Important Warning: This car park is notorious for being Cash/Coin Only. While apps like JustPark are sometimes advertised for specific bays, the main machines often do not accept cards. Bring plenty of £1 coins.
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The Polperro Shuttle (Tuk Tuk)
The famous “Horse Bus” has long since retired. It has been replaced by the “Tuk You There Dreckly” service; an electric Tuk Tuk shuttle that runs from the car park to the village centre. It typically operates from April to October. If the shuttle isn’t running, the walk is a pleasant 15-20 minute stroll downhill (but remember, it’s uphill on the way back!).
Nearby Alternatives (Walking Distance)
If you want to combine your visit with a hike, these car parks avoid the main village chaos.
Talland Bay
Postcode: PL13 2JA
Capacity: Limited
Best For: A two-in-one trip. Visit the Talland Bay Beach Cafe, park in their lot (or the council spaces nearby), and walk the South West Coast Path into Polperro. It is a spectacular route that drops you right into the harbour.
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Lansallos (National Trust)
Postcode: PL13 2HZ (Hendersick)
Capacity: Moderate (Grass)
Best For: National Trust members (park for free) and walkers. It is located near the church at Lansallos. The walk to Polperro is longer (approx 2.5 miles) but takes you through some of the wildest coastal scenery in the area.
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Guides
The best places to park in Polperro
The best things to do in Polperro
The best places to stay in Polperro
