Plan your visit to West End Carnival

Plan your visit to West End Carnival on Saturday 29 August in Plymouth Market and West End.

Jump to: Opening times | How to get here | Access information  

Opening Times

The West End Carnival will be taking place on Saturday 29 August 2026, from 11am to 4pm.

How to get here

Travelling to Plymouth by car

Travelling by car to Plymouth is easily accessible from most locations within the UK. 

Most driving routes will bring you onto the M5, which eventually merges to become the A38, bringing you directly to Plymouth. If you cross the Tamar Bridge towards Saltash then you've gone too far.

Drive time from London is around three and a half hours, from Manchester is around four and a half hours and from Cardiff is around two and a half hours. 

We recommend you use Google Maps to plan the quickest route for you.

Car parks

There are over 50 car parks and more than 5,200 parking spaces in Plymouth. 19 of these car parks are situated in and around the city centre, varying from short term and long term stays.

Find out more on where to park in Plymouth. 

Road closures

The following roads are closed througout the day from 8am until 5pm on Saturday 29 August.

• New George Street - From Raleigh Street to Market Avenue 

• Market Avenue - Entire length

• Cornwall Street - From Market Avenue to PCC Market Car Park

• Market Way - Temporary two-way traffic lights installed for the narrow lane section between Morley Court junction onto Market Way and Market Way junction onto Coach Station. 

Bus travel within Plymouth 

Check out the plan your bus journey page to help find which bus you need to catch, where to catch it from and what time it leaves. 

Children under the age of 16 can travel by bus for free throughout August thanks to the Great British Summer of Savings campaign. The offer applies to all Plymouth Citybus and Stagecoach South West registered local bus services. Find out more about the offer and terms and conditions.

Park and Ride

Stagecoach operate all three park and ride sites in Plymouth; Coypool, the George and Milehouse. Services run from Monday to Saturday (excluding bank holidays) and are every 10 to 12 minutes (can be up to 15 minutes at certain times). 

Visit the Park and Ride website for further details.

Travelling from outside of Plymouth

All buses from outside Plymouth finish at the Plymouth Coach Station on Mayflower Street, which is only a five-minute walk from West End Carnival.

Visit the National Express website for further details. 

Train travel

Plymouth Train Station is located only a short 10 minute walk from the West End Carnival. Once arrived at the station, please exit and turn right onto Saltash Road, turn left up towards North Cross roundabout, go under the underpass and turn right towards Plymouth City Centre.

Visit the National Rail website for further details.

Accommodation

Our Tourist Information Centre is in the heart of the picturesque Barbican, Plymouth's historic maritime quarter. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff can give you advice on where to stay and help you make the most of your visit.

Email barbicantic@plymouth.gov.uk or call 01752 306330.

Access Information

Chill out areas

There are a number of venues within the city centre that would be delighted to welcome visitors who need a chilled out area to enjoy including Moments Cafe (69A New George Street), Coffee Time (134 Cornwall Street) and The Treasury (Catherine Street). Furthermore, all areas of the event are accessible and there are plenty of benches to rest on in the city centre.

Public toilets

There are public toilets on Armada Way, including disabled toilets, and in Plymouth Market.

Blue badge parking

Find out more about Blue Badge parking. 

Sensory Needs

Prepare yourself for the busy crowds, loud noises, live music and fun bright atmosphere. Some people may wish to bring ear defenders. Sunglasses are also helpful for really bright lights on the stage, but if these aren’t doable just look down at the floor when they’re too bright. If you need assistance, please speak with our stewards and events team who will be identifiable by their hi-vis and lanyards.

Weather advice

We have had some very warm weather recently. Visitors are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather, including bringing sunscreen, wearing a hat, and drinking plenty of water whenever possible.