Neptune Car Park
55 Central Parade, Herne Bay CT6 5JG
Neptune Car Park is a premier seafront parking facility managed by Canterbury City Council, located directly on Central Parade in the coastal town of Herne Bay, Kent. Positioned directly along the sea edge, it serves as an excellent base for tourists wanting immediate beach access, scenic sea views, and close proximity to the town’s main attractions.
The site operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, utilizing an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) barrier system where you pay upon exit based on your exact stay duration. Payments can be made via credit/debit card, contactless, Apple Pay, or the PayByPhone app (Location ID: 4779).
Motorhome & Campervan Stopovers
Neptune Car Park is highly regarded in the vanlife community as a legitimate, council-approved overnight coastal stopover.
Dedicated Spaces: The western side of the car park features 6 extra-large, dedicated motorhome and campervan bays. Regular cars are restricted from using these oversized slots.
Overnight Rules: Sleeping in your self-contained vehicle is permitted for short-term transit stops. However, typical "wild camping" setups—such as putting out awnings, leveling ramps, or outdoor furniture—are restricted to keep the area clear.
Pricing Structuring:Daytime Rate: Usually priced per hour (e.g., around £1.00–£2.70 depending on the vehicle class and season) between 07:30/08:30 and 21:00.
Overnight Flat Rate: An incredibly economical £2.00 to £3.00 flat fee applies for overnight stays between 21:00 and 08:30.
On-Site Facilities
Because this is a standard public council surface lot, it is a "no services" parking area.
No Hookups: There is no electricity (EHU), fresh water supply taps, or greywater drainage.
No Waste Disposal: There are no chemical toilet disposal points (CDP). Vans must arrive fully self-contained and depart with their waste.
Public Toilets: While there are no dedicated facilities inside the lot, public toilets are located a short walk away along the promenade.
Security: The lot is level, flat, unobstructed, well-lit at night, and generally safe, though ocean winds can pick up during stormy weather.
Dining & Pubs Nearby
One of the greatest benefits of stopping over at Neptune Car Park is the immediate access to local food and drink right across the street:
The Divers Arms - Situated directly opposite the car park, this lively pub is a local staple featuring great drinks and frequent live music on the weekends.
The Saxon Shore - A large Wetherspoon pub located just steps away on Central Parade, ideal for budget-friendly breakfasts, traditional pub meals, and real ales.
Promenade Cafes & Fish & Chips - Multiple independent cafés, seafood shacks, and traditional fish and chip shops line Central Parade for easy takeaway meals by the water.
Local Information & Attractions
Stepping out of your vehicle places you right in the heart of Herne Bay’s classic British seaside charm:
Herne Bay Pier - A brief walk along the promenade takes you to the historic pier, which hosts boutique food stalls, a vintage carousel, crabbing spots, and retail huts.
The Beach - The car park sits right on the shingle beach, offering miles of coastal walking paths.
Herne Bay Clock Tower - View one of the earliest purpose-built freestanding clock towers in the world, located just down the street.
Reculver Towers - For a scenic day trip, you can drive your campervan a few miles east to visit the dramatic Reculver Towers and Roman Fort, which also features motorhome-friendly day parking.
