Glenridding sits at the southern tip of Ullswater and attracts walkers, boat lovers and day visitors all year round.
Parking can fill quickly in the warmer months, so knowing your options in advance saves time and stress.
This guide covers every practical choice so you can plan your visit with confidence.
Related: Best Walks From Glenridding
Glenridding Car Park
This is the main public car park and the most convenient option for most people.
It sits in the centre of the village with direct access to shops, cafés and the Ullswater Steamers pier.
You will find plenty of spaces, clean toilets nearby and a pay-and-display system that accepts cash or card.
The car park stays open 24 hours, which helps if you plan an early start for Helvellyn or a late return from the fells.
Charges typically range from around £5.50 for two hours to £8.50 for a full day, though exact rates can vary by season.
Many visitors use the Ringo app for contactless payment.
Arrive before 10am on busy weekends to guarantee a space close to the village centre.
- Address: Glenridding Car Park, Glenridding, Cumbria CA11 0PD
- Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/d8s2bZUJ8q2gqFGW9
Related: Ullswater Lake in the Lake District
Street Parking in Glenridding
On-street parking follows Cumbria’s disc parking scheme in the village. You must display a valid parking disc showing your arrival time.
During the main season (Good Friday to 30 September), the rules usually allow a maximum stay of two hours between 9am and 6pm, with no return within one hour.
Outside those hours, the restrictions ease.
This option works well for short visits to the village or quick stops before a walk.
Spaces line the main roads and side streets, but availability varies with demand.
Always check the signs on arrival because rules can differ slightly by street.
- Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QfrZviY3s5fDkFT28
The Inn on the Lake
The Inn on the Lake offers visitor parking in its own car park right beside the lake.
You can park here even if you are not staying overnight, though spaces are primarily for hotel guests and customers.
The site provides around 87 spaces with a relaxed two-hour free period for many visitors.
It is a good choice if you want to combine parking with a meal or a lakeside walk.
The location feels peaceful and gives easy access to the shoreline paths.
Payment is not always required for short stays, but longer visits may incur a charge.
-
- Address: The Inn on the Lake, Ullswater, Glenridding, Cumbria CA11 0PE
- Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KLKgUny542U2Jf9CA
The Ullswater Inn
The Ullswater Inn provides on-site parking for guests and limited visitor spaces.
The car park is smaller than the public option, so spaces can disappear quickly during peak times.
Disabled parking bays are clearly marked and available.
If you plan to eat at the inn or simply need a convenient stop, this works well.
Public parking nearby costs around £8.50 per day, so using the inn’s facilities can be a practical alternative when the main car park is full.
-
- Address: The Ullswater Inn, A592, Glenridding, Cumbria CA11 0PB
- Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XxttVVLtAKhEFdmPA
Is There Free Parking in Glenridding?
Free parking in Glenridding is limited and often subject to restrictions.
A few roadside bays along Greenside Road offer free spaces, but these fill fast and usually prohibit overnight stays during the busy season.
The disc parking scheme on village streets is free once you have the correct disc, yet time limits still apply.
Overnight parking in the main car park is possible, but you must pay for each full day or buy multiple tickets in advance from the tourist information point.
In short, free options exist, but they require flexibility and early arrival.
Most visitors find paying for the main car park the simplest and most reliable choice.
SAVE 5% Off Your Stay
Sign up for our newsletter to receive handpicked offers, and Lake District travel tips.
As a thank you, enjoy 5% off your next stay (minimum 2 nights) in one of our luxury properties.
Where to Stay in the Lake District
Our Lake District cottages offer a comfortable, peaceful base right in the heart of the action.
You wake up to stunning views, enjoy space to relax after long days on the fells, and have everything you need for a self-catered stay.
Each cottage is equipped for families, couples or groups, with modern kitchens, cosy living areas and easy access to Glenridding and Ullswater.
Staying in one of our cottages means you can park once and explore on foot or by steamer without daily parking worries.
Things to Do in the Area
Glenridding offers far more than parking.
You can take a classic Ullswater Steamer cruise, walk the lakeside path to Aira Force waterfall, or tackle the challenging ascent of Helvellyn via Striding Edge.
The village itself has friendly pubs, a small supermarket and outdoor shops for last-minute supplies.
Many guests combine a morning walk with an afternoon boat trip, returning to their cottage in time for a relaxed evening.
The area suits all ages and abilities, from gentle shoreline strolls to full-day mountain adventures.
Final Notes on Parking in Glenridding
Plan to arrive early in the morning during school holidays and bank holidays.
Download a parking app such as Ringo or PayByPhone before you travel.
Keep some coins handy for machines that may not accept cards.
If the main car park looks full, check the disc zones first before circling the village.
Public transport links are good, with buses running along the A592, so leaving the car at home for part of your trip is always an option.
With the right parking choice, your time in Glenridding will be focused on the scenery rather than on the search for a space! Enjoy your visit.
