Town Quay Car Park 2 is a privately managed surface parking facility situated at the far end of the Town Quay pier in Southampton. Operated on behalf of Associated British Ports (ABP), this section of the waterfront serves a dual purpose. It functions strictly as private parking for permit holders during daytime working hours from Monday to Friday, but opens up to accommodate general public paid parking overnight and throughout the weekend. This guide covers the critical access restrictions, public parking charges, payment options, and nearby attractions.
Town Quay Car Park 2 Southampton Parking Charges
When the facility opens to the general public, it offers both short-stay options and extended weekend long-stay rates. The following public paid parking tariffs apply strictly overnight from 7:00 pm to 7:00 am Monday to Friday, and from Friday 7:00 pm through to Monday 7:00 am:
Public Paid Parking Tariffs
| Parking Duration | Standard Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 2 hours | £2.60 |
| Up to 3 hours | £3.70 |
| Up to 4 hours | £4.70 |
| Up to 5 hours | £5.80 |
| Up to 6 hours | £6.80 |
| Up to 8 hours | £9.00 |
| Up to 12 hours | £10.50 |
Weekend Long Stay (Friday 7:00 pm to Monday 7:00 am)
| Parking Duration | Standard Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 24 hours | £14.50 |
| Up to 48 hours | £24.00 |
| Up to 60 hours | £27.00 |
Town Quay Car Park 2 Southampton Opening Times
The operational schedules and strict enforcement rules for the far end of the pier are detailed below:
- Permit Access Hours: From Monday to Friday between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm, the car park is strictly for Permit Holders Only.
- Public Access Hours: Public parking tariffs apply outside of the permit-only hours. This includes weekday overnights (7:00 pm to 7:00 am) and all weekend starting Friday at 7:00 pm until Monday at 7:00 am.
Where Is Town Quay Car Park 2?
The facility is located at the very end of the Town Quay pier structure, sitting right over the waters of Southampton Water.
- Address & Location: Town Quay, Southampton
- Sat-Nav Postcode: SO14 2AQ
- Driving Approach: Turn onto Town Quay pier from the A33. Drive straight past the Red Funnel terminal and Car Park 1. You will reach a central mini-roundabout with a height restriction barrier just beyond it. Passing through this barrier enters you into Car Park 2.
How to Pay for Parking at Town Quay Car Park 2
When the lot is open to the public, you must ensure your parking session is paid in full before leaving the site:
- Payment Process: You must pay at the payment machine any time before exiting the car park.
- Vehicle Details: Your full, correct vehicle registration will be required at the machine to process the payment.
- Season Tickets: For season ticket parking enquiries, you can contact the Town Quay Management Office directly at [email protected].
Facilities and Space Information
Because this specific section of the pier is tailored for adjacent commercial maritime offices, the layout requires drivers to follow specific site rules:
- Layout: Flat surface parking bays. You must park strictly within marked bays.
- Restricted Zones: There is absolutely no parking permitted on yellow lines or within hatched areas.
- Blue Badge Holders: Standard tariffs and all terms and conditions apply to Blue Badge holders. There are no pricing exemptions.
Places Near Town Quay Car Park 2
Parking at the end of the pier places you directly alongside maritime operations and ferry links:
- Town Quay Marina: Offering immediate doorstep access to the deep-water yacht mooring pontoons, sailing clubs, and waterfront office suites.
- Red Funnel Ferry Terminals: Located just a brief walk back down the pier towards the mainland, serving foot passengers heading to the Isle of Wight.
- Hythe Ferry: Situated near the end of the pier, providing regular foot passenger catamaran services across Southampton Water to the village of Hythe.
- The Platform Tavern & High Street: A short walk back to the main road gets you to historic local pubs, the medieval town walls, and independent waterfront restaurants.
Alternative Parking Options Nearby
If you arrive during the daytime working week when Car Park 2 is strictly off-limits to the public, or if the weekend bays are full, the closest alternatives include:
- Town Quay Car Park 1 (SO14 2AQ): Located on the exact same pier just before the mini-roundabout. This section is open to the general public 7 days a week.
- Gloucester Square Car Park (SO14 2GH): A council-managed open surface lot located just across the main A33 road, offering standard municipal daytime and evening fees.
- Ocean Village Surface Car Park (SO14 3XB): A flat outdoor lot managed by MDL Marinas a short distance east, offering economical daytime rates and cheap flat evening rates.
Is Town Quay Car Park 2 the Best Option?
This car park is a highly practical choice for drivers seeking flat, open-air city-centre parking close to the southern waterfront, but only during valid public hours.
- Convenience: It sits right on the water, offering a secure location to leave a vehicle overnight or for the weekend while catching the Red Funnel ferry.
- Value: The weekend long stay rates up to 60 hours for £27.00 offer a practical solution for Isle of Wight weekend trips.
- Limitations: The weekday restrictions make this a difficult spot for casual daytime visitors. Entering during the 7:00 am to 7:00 pm weekday window without a valid permit will lead to enforcement action.
Town Quay Car Park 2 Southampton FAQs
Can I park in Car Park 2 on a Tuesday afternoon?
No. From Monday to Friday between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm, Car Park 2 is strictly reserved for permit holders only. The general public is only permitted to use this section of the pier overnight or during the weekend.
Do Blue Badge holders get free parking here?
No. For Blue Badge holders, standard tariffs and all terms and conditions apply.
When do the weekend public tariffs begin?
The weekend long stay public parking period officially begins at 7:00 pm on Friday and runs continuously until 7:00 am on Monday.
How do I pay for my parking session?
You must pay at the payment machine any time before exiting the car park. You will be required to enter your full, correct vehicle registration to complete the transaction.
Who do I contact if I want to purchase a season ticket?
For all season ticket parking enquiries, you should contact the Town Quay Management Office by emailing [email protected].
