Want my advice? Always go to the top floor. It’s terrifying up there—windy, exposed, feels like a helipad—but there are always spaces. Nobody else has the guts to go that high.
Also, take a photo of your floor sign. No, seriously. Do it. I’ve spent 20 minutes wandering around looking for my car before. It’s not fun. It’s a slow, panic-inducing walk of shame.
And for the love of all that is holy, don’t try to park there on Black Friday. That’s not a car park; that’s a war zone. Bring snacks. Bring a tent. You might be there a while.
Final Thoughts
So, is NCP Car Park on Portland Terrace a nightmare? Sometimes. Is it a miracle of urban engineering? Not really. But is it your ticket to a good day out in Southampton? Absolutely.
Love it or hate it, we all need it. It’s the concrete heartbeat of the city center. Just be nice to the booth attendant—they’ve seen the madness. They know the truth.
Next time you drive into that spiral, remember this chat. Take a deep breath. Pretend you’re in a video game. And for goodness’ sake, watch out for the pillars. You’ve got this.
