Seafest Access Information

This page is dedicated to ensuring all visitors can fully enjoy and participate at Seafest Plymouth on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September. 

Busy times 

Seafest Plymouth is a very popular event and is expected to attract thousands of visitors to the Barbican and Sutton Harbour during Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September.  However, we understand that some visitors may prefer to visit when there are fewer people around and if this is the case for you, the first hour of the event each day, between 10am and 11am tends to be a bit less busy. 

The Barbican and Sutton Harbour has many cobbled streets, including around The Parade, Quay Square and West Pier. As part of the entertainment, we will have street performers dresses in vibrant sea-themed outfits and will be on stilts, who will be roaming around the festival across the weekend. 

Please note The Parade / Basket Ope (from the junction at Vauxhall Street) will be closed from 7am on Thursday 10 September to 2pm on Monday 15 September. Southside Street (from the junction of Notte Street to the junction of Lambhay Hill) will be closed from 9.30am to 5.30pm on both Sat 12 and Sun 13 September 

Chill out zone 

Take some time out in the garden area at the entrance to Basket Ope, where you’ll be able to soak up the atmosphere of the festival while relaxing away from the hustle and bustle. 

Road Closures

The following roads are closed at various times during the weekend.

• The Parade & Basket Ope – from 7am on Thursday 10 September to 2pm on Monday 14 September
• Southside Street, The Barbican & Commercial Road (from junction w/ Notte Street to junction w/ Lambhay Hill) – from 9.30am to 5.30pm on both Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September

Information points 

Please visit the Barbican Tourist Information Centre opposite the Mayflower Steps if you have any questions. There will also be also stewards on hand to help at Seafest Plymouth. They will be wearing yellow high viz tabards so please ask them if you have any questions. 

Picnic area 

If you’re looking for a spacious picnic area, cross the Sutton Harbour bridge on the Barbican, past the National Marine Aquarium and head towards Queen Anne’s Battery along Pilgrim Way leading to Commercial Place. This area is just 250m from the Barbican Tourist Information Centre. 

Blue badge parking 

Blue Badge holders can benefit from a range of parking concessions in Plymouth, including free parking in on-street pay and display bays, use of disabled bays, and limited parking on yellow lines and in resident bays when displaying a valid Blue Badge and parking clock. Please note that standard charges apply in Council car parks, although Blue Badge holders can receive an extra hour in pay and display car parks and may be eligible for free parking with an Accessibility Permit.

For full details and any restrictions, please visit Plymouth City Council's Blue Badge parking guidance page.

Public toilets 

Barbican, PL1 2LR 

• one disabled toilet with baby changing facilities 
• six gender neutral toilets with baby changing facilities  
• closed at 11pm (automatic). 

Elphinstone, Phoenix Wharf, PL1 2NX 

• one disabled toilet, baby changing facilities 
• four gender neutral toilets with baby changing facilities 
• closed at 11pm (automatic) 
• pay as you go toilets. 

Hoe Promenade, PL1 2PA 

• 8 gender neutral toilets, 1 disabled toilet with baby changing facilities 
• changing places room available, refer to Changing Places website for access arrangements 
• open Monday to Sunday until 8pm. 

West Hoe, PL1 3DE 

• 10 Automatic toilets all with baby changing facilities, two of the toilets are disabled friendly 
• pay as you go toilets 
• open 8am to 6pm. 

Find out more information on public toilets.