Dukey1

Despite my supposed meticulous planning I am now somewhat regretting the decision for this coming summer's short visit (in August to be exact) to fly from Gatwick to Newquay when we could have flown from Edinburgh. Also looked at taking the Night Riviera from Paddington but too late now.

Anyway, arriving at Newquay by air and have rented a car through Autoeurope (it will be a Europcar vehicle). Parking! Will it be a PITA and should I bring a lot of spare change? I assume out in the so-called countryside parking might be less of a problem than in larger towns. I keep hearing how it is difficult in places like St. Ives.

Petrol stations. I assume I can use a credit card (mine has a chip) as well as paying cash.

Have no idea if I will get a diesel car (which I have ended up with in the past) and that has not been an issue (the availability of diesel fuel).

It has been several years since I have driven in the UK. I will bring my own GPS to use (are there legal restrictions as to mounting one on the dashboard or the windscreen?)

Thanks for thoughts and other helpful suggestions.

Dukey1

SORRY for the typo: CORNWALL (obviously).

RM67

It is quite likely you will end up with a diesel car as they are more economical and hire companies in Europe have lots of them. Diesel is for sale at every petrol station in the UK pretty much without exception so not at all hard to find. If you get one it will save you money so don't worry about it. Yes, you can generally use either a credit card or cash to pay for fuel. If you are worried about using some tiny middle of nowhere pump, stick to larger petrol stations in towns like Penzance and Falmouth, eg BP, Sainsburys', Tescos etc.

Parking is tricky in St Ives, but should be fine everywhere else. You could always opt to pop into St Ives by train or bus to avoid the hassle of parking. Or if you are staying in St Ives itself, just make sure the accomodation you pick comes with a parking space.

Driving is not remotely difficult either in town or in the countryside. If you are using a narrow country lane to get to one of the fishing villages or beaches from the main road, just go slowly and stick to the edge of the road closely. If you meet another vehicle, slow down even more and/or stop so you can pass safely.

There are no legal restrictions to using a dash or windscreen mounted satnav - all you have to do is position it such that it doesn't obscur a significant part of your field of view. Do not leave it on view when you leave the car however or it may not be there when you get back!

You will not regret having a car as there are so many gems to explore in this part of the country.

Rubicund

Dukey, annhig can probably be more accurate, but from my last trip to Cornwall, the resort towns are ridiculously busy in the summer and parking is limited and a PIA and expensive.

You can certainly use your CC for fuel and you won't have any problems finding diesel anywhere. Your sat-nav (GPS) can be mounted on the windscreen, as long as it doesn't obstruct your vision of the road and on the dashboard if you can make it stick there, again as long as it doesn't interfere with your control of the car.

Dukey1

Thanks VERY much for these replies. I figured diesel wouldn't be a problem and appreciate the info regarding GPS mounting. I often get one as part of a rental but I have one (as well as my phone) which has UK maps loaded) and I find it in some ways more efficient than using the phone (I have unlimited data, also). I no longer have a dashboard mount so have to use one for the windscreen.

bilboburgler

I've caught the train into St Ives from one just up the track, the parking is terrible and it solves the problem nicely.

PalenQ

In any case be GREEN and do not rent a diesel car!

Dukey1

If we are so "green" in the UK then why are diesel cars even available TO hire?

PalenQ

Europe is I believe in the process of banning them -being blamed for pollution contributing in places like London and Paris which I believe has already banned them.

Surprised you have not heard of the terrible effect of diesels -many were sold before this came to the fore.

And UK is doing something about it -to charge diesels special fee to enter some city centres:

https://www.theguardian.com/environm...pollution-case

michelhuebeli

We had a small (so we thought) VW Golf and on many roads it seemed way too wide.

Not just on lanes that were offshoots but often on roads that were the only way to get from A to B, meaning those narrow roads with unforgiving hedges or stonewalls that make for white-knuckle moments when an oncoming car doesn't slow down.

For example the road we took to the Bedruthan Steps (not to be missed!) - memorable in more ways than one.

So get the narrowest car you can find, you'll be glad you did.

annhig

Dukey, if I remember rightly you're staying in Falmouth where your hotel has parking so you should be fine there.

Parking in most places should be ok [except the bigger towns when it rains - for some reason when it rains, tourists go shopping!] but I suggest for St Ives, driving to St Erth Station, parking the car there, and getting the train. Much easier, you get the fun of the train, and the station has a great old-fashioned cafe too!

Yes there are some narrow roads but the trick is to take them slowly and aim to pass at the widest part. That way you may avoid having to back up to the nearest passing place but if you do have to, it's no big deal.

good luck!

flanneruk

The "official" park&ride spot for St Ives is St Erth station. St Ives is effectively unique in the area in the almost-complete absence of parking in the town centre.

In that sense, the nearest "places like St. Ives" are Oxford or Bath: many, many hours away. Nowhere else in Cornwall hasSt Ives' parking problems.

If by "green" you mean minimal contribution to global warming, diesel IS green. However, Europe's love affair with acting against climate change isn't compatible with the real impact of diesel-generated particulates on bronchial disease and some cancers.

These problems appear irrelevant to car drivers. It's the poor sods living close to roads with lots of diesel cars who end up dying of respiratory diseases. This problem wasn't fully understood when Europe's dozier leaders (above all, T Blair) forced through legislation privileging diesel.

Dukey1

Annhig, your memory is correct and thank you for your response.

Cathinjoetown

The last two times I was in St. Ives there was a large signposted park and ride at the leisure centre at the very top of the town, you can walk down or take the little round trip shuttle bus, both parking and bus very reasonable. St Ives has some charming little restaurants, all booked solid for dinner in summer so book ahead if you are staying late in town.

Fowey, Polperro, many others have park and rides, by far the most convenient access for day-trippers.

annhig

Cathinjoetown - you are correct, but you still have to slog round a lot of country lanes to get there, which is why we prefer the train. However, the "park at the top of town + bus" option that you suggest may be better for those with mobility issues as it's quite a slog back up to the station from the town or the beach.

There is a great restaurant just below the station called the Porthminster Beach cafe or if you want to enjoy the view, the hotel overlooking the beach called the Pedn Olva does very good food, but really in St Ives you are spoilt for choice.