Polruan is a village where cars are largely a hindrance. The road down to the harbour (Fore Street) is steep, single-track, and often crowded with pedestrians. There is virtually no public parking at the bottom, and turning around is difficult.
For a relaxing visit, park at the designated facility at the very top of the hill and enjoy the walk down, or consider parking in Fowey and taking the passenger ferry across.
Our Top Picks
Your options in Polruan are very limited, which actually makes the decision quite easy.
- Best for Village Access (The Only Hub): Polruan Hill Car Park (St Saviour’s). The primary car park for the entire village. Located at the top of the hill, it offers stunning views and a direct (steep) walking route down to the quay.
- Best for Walkers & Beaches: Lantic Bay Car Park. A National Trust car park located about a mile east of the village. Perfect for accessing the incredible Lantic Bay or walking the coastal path into Polruan.
- Best for a Day Trip (Fowey Side): Caffa Mill Car Park. If you are nervous about narrow lanes, park in Fowey (at Caffa Mill) and take the passenger ferry across to Polruan. It’s often less stressful and adds a boat trip to your day.
The Main Village Car Park
This is the designated spot for all visitors. It is located next to the NCI Coastwatch station and St Saviour’s ruin.
Polruan Hill Car Park (St Saviour’s)
Postcode: PL23 1PZ
Capacity: ~100+ spaces
Best For: Everyone visiting Polruan by car. It is a reliable, surfaced car park.
Warning: The walk down to the quay takes about 10-15 minutes and is very steep. Remember that you have to walk back up! The views from the car park itself, looking across to Fowey and out to sea, are some of the best in the area.
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Coastal & Scenic Parking
If you are here for the scenery rather than the village pubs, head for the cliffs.
Lantic Bay (National Trust)
Postcode: PL23 1NP (Approx)
Capacity: ~80 spaces (Grass/Gravel)
Best For: Hiking and beach days. Lantic Bay is one of Cornwall’s hidden gems—a white sand crescent that looks Mediterranean on a sunny day. The car park is free for National Trust members. The walk down to the beach is steep and takes about 20 minutes.
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The “Fowey Trick”
Because Polruan’s roads are so tight, many locals suggest approaching from the other side of the river.
Caffa Mill Car Park (Fowey)
Postcode: PL23 1DF
Capacity: ~100 spaces
Best For: A stress-free arrival. Park here (it is flat and easy to access) and catch the Bodinnick Ferry or walk to the Polruan Passenger Ferry slipway. It avoids the long, winding drive around the estuary to reach Polruan by road.
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Now that parking is sorted, plan the rest of your trip with our complete guide to Polruan.