East Pentire Headland Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns East Pentire Head and the car park?
Cornwall Heritage Trust were transferred ownership of the headland and car park on Monday 11th August 2025 from Cornwall Council. This is part of a programme of transfers happening this year which will see five historic sites devolved to Cornwall Heritage Trust. The first transfer was Warbstow Bury in June.
Who is managing the car park?
Cornwall Heritage Trust is a small charity and does not have capacity to oversee the day-to-day management of the car park in-house.
The management of the car park has been contracted with National Parking Control (NPC) who have an initial one-year contract to provide oversight of the facility. NPC were selected to manage the car park after careful consideration from several different companies as it was the most flexible and approachable. This arrangement will be reviewed at the end of the contract period to ensure that all parties are satisfied which will include feedback from local consultation.
We are working with NPC to ensure that the transfer is as smooth as possible, if you have any queries relating to parking please contact them via their website: https://www.nationalparkingcontrol.co.uk
For the avoidance of any doubt, all the income from the car park will be received by Cornwall Heritage Trust and this will be used to support the management of East Pentire Headland and the other historic sites in our care throughout Cornwall.
Will the parking prices change?
No. We have kept the same tariff as Cornwall Council charged in this car park. These will be subject to the usual annual reviews.
There will be no charge to park in the car park between 1st November 2025 and 31st March 2026, however, the parking machine will still be active to accept any donations that users of the car park may like to contribute to the charity. These donations will help to subsidise the cost of the waste collections over the winter months.
*Update – 13/8
The signage in the car park is being amended to reflect the above, we know that it is incorrect and we apologise for the confusion. Until the new signage is in place the evening charges will stand but this will be amended as soon as possible.
*Update – 15/8
Signage in the car park has been temporarily amended by our team to reflect the above. NPC is currently putting together new, permanent signage in line with this, which will be installed as soon as possible.
What are the parking prices?
1st April – 31st October
Mon – Sun, 9am – 4pm
Up to 1hr ……… £2.30
1 to 2 hrs ……… £4.60
2 to 3hrs ……… £5.80
3 to 4 hrs ……… £6.80
24hrs ……… £10.50
Mon – Sun, 4pm – 9am, no charge
1st November – 31st March
No charge
When will the parking meter be switched on?
It is our understanding that the parking meter is likely to be uncovered and switched on this weekend (Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th August).
*Update – 19/8
The parking meter was made operational on Saturday 16th August.
Can I pay via the RingGo app?
Unfortunately, visitors cannot currently pay for parking via the RingGo app. We are working hard to resolve this issue. We apologise for the confusion and inconvenience the app not working yet has caused, especially to those who have tried to pay via it this week and not been successful.
*Update – 19/8
The RingGo app is now operational and can be used to pay for parking.
*Update – 4/9
We have been made aware that the RingGo app is currently stating that there are charges after 4pm in the car park.
As previously stated, parking is free from 4pm–9am from 1st April – 31st October and our team is working hard to find out why the app isn’t reflective of this and to get it updated as soon as possible. If you park from 4pm–9am, you therefore do not need to purchase a ticket.
Will CHT members receive free parking?
At present, we are unable to offer free parking to our members; this is due to the Gift Aid rules which are very complex for charities. We would very much like to be able to offer free parking to our members and hope to be able to do this in the future.
What will happen to season tickets etc already purchased?
We have spoken to Cornwall Council and await their advice on this. We will update the FAQs when we have received some guidance and this will include JustPark wallets, for example.
Why has CHT taken on East Pentire Head?
The headland is a historic clifftop site with evidence of human activity dating back over 8,000 years and contains a number of archaeological remains, including Bronze Age Barrows. The site is one of five that will transfer to the care of CHT this year and we will introduce a programme of management and outreach activities to raise awareness of the site and its special historic features.
The car park is part of the transfer and the income received from parking will help to maintain the historic sites in our portfolio. All of our sites are free to access all year round and this will provide a valuable source of income to support their maintenance.
How can people feedback their thoughts on how the site could be managed?
When we acquire a new site, we organise a public consultation session so that the local community can meet the Trust and provide ideas and suggestions for the future of the site as well as information on its history and place in the local community. We will be holding a consultation event for East Pentire and will advertise this through our social media and the website as well as through local groups. We have already held meetings with the local councillor and local residents’ association and will continue to work closely with them.
Why have the bins been removed from the car park?
We do not currently have a contract for waste disposal at East Pentire Head and so have removed the bins for the time being to avoid a situation where they become full and overflow. Visitors are encouraged to please take their litter home in the meantime.
Emptying the bins at this one site will cost over £5,000 per year and we have to be certain that, as a charity, we are being responsible with costs. There are no bins at any of our other sites for this reason. Please bear with us while we make plans for the future and be reassured that we are listening to your concerns and feedback.
*Update – 13/8
We are aware that there is an issue with the removal of the bins at East Pentire during the summer period. The waste disposal contract will be reinstated while we explore options for the future, emptying the bins will be a substantial amount of money each year and this arrangement will be kept under review. In the meantime, we would be very grateful if people would take their litter home and dispose of it sensibly. We will replace the bins as soon as possible and will update this page when we have a date.
*Update – 14/8
We have agreed a new waste disposal contract which will start on September 1st and bins will be reinstalled in the car park at the end of August. In the meantime, a covered skip will be placed in the car park tomorrow for disposal of litter. We would still ask people to take their rubbish home and dispose of it, or recycle it, sensibly.
*Update – 4/9
The new waste disposal contract began this week and we have been assured by the contractor that they will be visiting the site daily.
Are you making any changes to the car park?
ANPR cameras will be installed by NPC.
Currently, we have no other plans to change the car park or to introduce a barrier.
How can I get in touch with CHT about this site?
If you would like to contact us, please email info@cornwallheritagetrust.org.
Any queries relating to parking charges or fines should be directed to NPC via their website: https://www.nationalparkingcontrol.co.uk
Will there be volunteering opportunities at East Pentire?
Yes, there will. We are still in the early days of planning for this new site but if you sign-up as a volunteer here you will receive the emails which detail all of the opportunities on offer. You are under no obligation to participate! Alternatively, keep an eye on our social media and website.
What will happen to the Memorial benches on the site?
We are liaising with Cornwall Council for more information regarding the benches; however, none will be removed unless they are unsafe or in a dangerous position. We value these rest places and are introducing more benches at our other sites; you can find more information on memorial benches here.
What is the situation for disabled parking?
We understand that it was previously possible to apply for free parking through Cornwall Council if you are registered disabled. Accessibility and inclusivity is very important to CHT and we are working hard to find ways to make this possible moving forwards. Please bear with us and we will update this page when we have a solution.
*Update – 26/8
We are now able to offer parking charge exemptions for those with vehicles that have been adapted for the benefit of the driver. Full details can be found by clicking the button below.
