Crystal Palace Park is an unusual park. At 200 acres it is far larger than a typical urban park. It is also rich in unique heritage features such as the 170 year old Dinosaurs. It is Grade II* listed and a conservation area. 

Making sure such a complex landscape is safe, accessible and enjoyable for the almost one million people who visit it every year requires significant financial resource.

The introduction of car parking charges is a vital part of the Trust’s ability to care for the park and make sure it is a pleasant and safe place for everyone to enjoy, both now and for years to come.  

We also want to encourage more people to visit the park on foot, bicycle or public transport where possible, lowering pollution and contributing to a healthier environment for plant life, animals and visitors.

Our charitable mission is to protect, manage and improve Crystal Palace Park as a historic, ecological, recreational, sporting, cultural and educational resource for all. Every penny raised in the park, stays in the park. 

Examples of how we may use the income raised through car parking charges include:

• A year-round programme of gardening including grass cutting, tree care and new planting schemes
• Ongoing maintenance, cleaning and utilities for the free public toilets
• Regular repairs to the park, historic landmarks and park buildings such as the Concert Platform
• Litter collection and rubbish disposal, including rapidly responding to flytipping
• Improvements to park footpaths including filling in potholes
• Delivery of a varied programme of free community events

Charges will apply seven days a week, 365 days a year, during park opening hours.

No overnight parking allowed. If cars are left overnight, a Penalty Charge Notice will be issued. 

Please note that the car park gates close at different times throughout the year - check signs for details or see the info on our Getting Here page.

All vehicles, except for motorbikes and registered Blue Badge holders, have to pay to park.

No - we don’t charge for parking if you have a Blue Badge. You will need to register your vehicle by using the ticket machine in the Penge Gate car park each time you visit or by contacting the Trust on contact@crystalpalaceparktrust.org

You will need to register for Blue Badge parking each time you use a different vehicle.

Yes. We offer annual, six monthly and monthly permits for regular park users. To apply for one please email: contact@crystalpalaceparktrust.org

Yes. 

If you paid via an app, you can top up and pay for additional time from your phone. 

If you paid using the ticket machine, you will have to purchase another ticket from the machine.

There will be a grace period of 30 minutes to allow adequate time to drop off or pick people up.

There will be a grace period of 30 minutes to allow adequate time to get in, deliver and get out.

Anyone operating a business or delivering a service in the park should have a permit to do so provided by the Trust. The cost of this permit is inclusive of parking a vehicle in one of our car parks at no additional cost. 

Please contact the Trust on contact@crystalpalaceparktrust.org if you require a permit.

Parking must be paid for upon entry to the park. If you do not pay or stay beyond the period of time you have paid for, then you will be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice for £100.

You will be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice for £100.

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We have Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras that track when vehicles enter and exit the car park. We also have wardens who check vehicles are parked in the correct spaces and that blue badge holder spaces are being used correctly.

Many people were choosing to park on access roads, rather than in the car parks. All parking must now be within a designated car parking area, and we have restricted the ability to park elsewhere.

The car park gates will be open from 7:30 seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Car park gates close in line with dusk and so change throughout the year - see our Getting Here page for more info