Park & Ride: The Smarter Way to Shanty

May 22, 2026

Falmouth is one of Cornwall’s most visited destinations, and during the International Sea Shanty Festival the town is absolutely buzzing. Parking in the town centre is extremely limited, and roads into Falmouth can become congested quickly, especially on Saturday and Sunday.

This year, we’ve partnered with Falmouth University and University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus to bring you an official Park & Ride service, so you can leave the car stress behind and focus on what matters: the music, the harbour, and the shanties.

Where to Park

Falmouth University Penryn Campus, Treliever Road, Penryn, TR10 9FE

Penryn Campus offers approximately 2,000 spaces and is just a short bus ride from the heart of the festival. The campus operates an Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system, so there are no tickets to collect on arrival. Simply park up, enjoy the festival, and pay on your way out at one of the on-site pay stations.

Parking Tariffs

  • All day: £6

Tariffs may vary by day and time of arrival. Please check the on-site pay stations for current rates on the day.

The Bus Service

A double decker bus will run a continuous loop between Penryn Campus, Ponsharden, and The Moor in the centre of Falmouth throughout the festival weekend.

Timetable

Day Service runs Frequency
Friday 12 June 12:00 – 23:30 Approx. every 30 minutes
Saturday 13 June 09:00 – 23:30 Approx. every 15 minutes
Sunday 14 June 09:00 – 20:00 Approx. every 15 minutes


Fares

  • Single journey: £2.80 each way
  • Family Day Pass: £20 (2 adults and up to 3 children, unlimited travel for the day)

Please note: the bus fare is separate from the campus parking charge. Both are payable independently.

How It Works

  • Drive to Penryn Campus (TR10 9FE) and follow the Park & Ride signs on arrival.
  • Park up, no ticket needed. The ANPR system logs your number plate automatically.
  • Board the shanty shuttle and enjoy a short ride into Falmouth.
  • Explore the festival! Stages, harbours, pubs, and performances are all within easy reach of The Moor stop.
  • Return to the bus stop when you’re ready and hop back to the campus.
  • Pay for your parking on exit at a pay station.

Why Park & Ride?

  • No hunting for spaces. Around 2,000 spaces available on campus.
  • No town centre parking charges. Penryn Campus offers some of the most affordable parking in the area.
  • No traffic stress. Sit back, relax, and let the bus do the hard work.
  • Family-friendly. The day pass offers exceptional value for families coming for the day.
  • It’s what everyone else is doing. The Park & Ride is the official festival travel solution, and spaces in Falmouth will be extremely limited during the event.

Getting to Penryn Campus

Penryn Campus is located on Treliever Road, Penryn, TR10 9FE, approximately 3 miles from Falmouth town centre. Follow signs for Falmouth University/Park & Ride on approach.

View on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JrheUJ7eWYfZSCsHA

 

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