Visiting guides
Everything that happens between turning into the car park and leaving with your shopping: parking, charging, access and opening hours.
Retail parks follow their own logic. The car park is private land, each shop keeps its own hours, and everything is built around the car. These guides explain the rules that apply on the day of your visit. For refunds, deliveries and other rights after you have bought something, see our consumer rights guides.
What is a retail park?
How retail parks differ from high streets and shopping centres, and why it matters.
Parking charges and appeals
Parking charge notices, council PCNs, the code of practice and POPLA or IAS appeals.
EV charging at retail parks
Charger speeds, payment rules, overstay fees and the car park's own limits.
Accessible shopping
Blue Badge bays on private land, Shopmobility, Changing Places and asking for help.
Christmas opening hours 2026
Which shops must close on Christmas Day, plus Boxing Day and New Year dates.
Are shops open on bank holidays?
The two days large shops must close, and UK dates to mid 2027.
Sunday trading hours
The six-hour rule in England and Wales, Scotland's approach and Northern Ireland's window.
Planning a trip
Measuring, timing, ordering your shops and saving money without wasting a day.
Which guide do I need?
- Received a letter about parking? Start with parking charges and appeals.
- Driving an electric car? Read EV charging at retail parks before you plug in.
- Planning a Sunday visit? Check Sunday trading hours first.
- Visiting with a disability or with someone who needs support? See accessible shopping.