The Roseland Peninsula is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and unlike the north coast, it feels quieter and more relaxed. However, the lanes are narrow, and “village parking” is often non-existent. The best strategy is to use the dedicated car parks on the outskirts and walk the final few hundred yards.
For most day trips, your main hubs will be Portscatho (for food), Pendower (for beaches), or St Just (for history).
Our Top Picks
Save time by heading straight to the car park that matches your plans.
- Best for Portscatho & The Hidden Hut: Gerrans Memorial Hall Car Park. The main car park for the village. It is a 5-10 minute walk down to the harbour or along the cliffs to the Hidden Hut.
- Best for Beach Days (Easy Access): Pendower Beach Car Park. A large National Trust car park right next to the sand. It is flat, accessible, and perfect for families.
- Best for St Just in Roseland: St Just Church Car Park. Located down a lush, green lane. It puts you right next to the famous 13th-century church and the creek.
Portscatho & The Hidden Hut
Portscatho has very limited on-street parking. We strongly recommend avoiding the village centre and using the main car park at the top of the hill.
Gerrans Parish Memorial Hall
Postcode: TR2 5EE
Capacity: ~80 spaces
Best For: Visiting Portscatho harbour and walking to Porthcurnick Beach (The Hidden Hut).
Note: To reach the Hidden Hut, park here and walk down towards the village, then pick up the coastal path north. It is a stunning 15-minute walk. Do not try to park at Rosevine (the hotel road) unless you are lucky, as spaces are scarce.
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The Beaches (Pendower & Carne)
These two beaches join up at low tide to form a mile-long stretch of sand. Both have excellent parking run by the National Trust.
Pendower Beach
Postcode: TR2 5PE
Capacity: ~100 spaces
Best For: Swimming and picnics. The car park is located directly behind the dunes, offering very easy level access to the beach. Free for National Trust members.
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Carne Beach
Postcode: TR2 5PF
Capacity: ~60 spaces
Best For: The Nare Hotel end of the beach. It is slightly rockier but equally beautiful. The car park is a bit tighter than Pendower but a great alternative if the other end is busy.
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St Just in Roseland
St Just is famous for its church set in sub-tropical gardens on the edge of the tidal creek.
St Just Church Car Park
Postcode: TR2 5JD
Capacity: Moderate
Best For: Visiting the church and the creek. The car park is located at the bottom of the valley (turn off the main road and follow the signs carefully). It operates on a donation basis, with money going towards the upkeep of the incredible gardens.
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Now that parking is sorted, plan the rest of your trip with our complete guide to The Roseland Peninsula.