Dorset County Council
On 17th July 2009 a request was sent to the council asking for details of on-street daytime parking which:
1) is able to be used for parking of motorhomes, including use of multiple bays if allowed
2) is not able to be used for parking of motorhomes
together with any restrictions (e.g. height, weight, length limits) which apply.
The council was also asked to supply details of those areas (if any) which may be used for overnight parking and whether or not sleeping/eating in the vehicle is allowed.
On 30th July 2009, the Council confirmed the information provided via Swanage Town Council on 24 July 2009 (see Purbeck District below).
In addition the council pointed out that there is a Controlled Parking Zone in Ferry Road on the Studland peninsula. No parking is allowed at this site between midnight and 06:30am.
Dorset County Council has a number of pages of details and maps of car parks, some of which give details of height restrictions and areas where motor homes are catered for.
Bournemouth
On 31st August 2006 Bournemouth Council provided the following information:
The following information relates only to Council operated off street car parks. The Council does not provide specific facilities within its car parks for motorhomes.
1. Height Restrictions - Warren Edge, Hengistbury Head, Solent Beach, Overstrand(closing in September), Landseer Road, Riverlands (Wick Lane), Bournemouth International Centre, Richmond Gardens Multi Storey Car Park.
2. Requirements for parking within bay confines. With the exception of our coach and lorry parks at Queens Road and Kings Park all our car parks carry a restriction of maximum weight of 1500kg. However if all 4 wheels of the vehicle are within the marked bay with minimum overhang we allow the vehicle to park and only pay for one space. However please park sensibly to avoid inconvenience to others. Larger motorhomes would have to use Kings Park or Queens Road.
3. Provision of toilet and waste disposal facilities. There are no waste disposal facilities in our car parks. Some have toilets either within the car park or nearby. These are Leslie Road, Milburn Road, Kings Park (nearby in Athletic Stadium or Bowls Pavilion Café), Alum Chine (on seafront), Durley Chine (in nearby pub), Southbourne Cross Road (public convenience nearby).
4. Provision of spaces specifically aimed at motorhomes and or caravans. There are no spaces designated for these types of vehicle however they can park easily at our lorry and coach parks situated at Kings Park and Queens Road. Queens Road car park is on a bus route and within walking distance to the town centre.
5. Provision for (or ban on) overnight parking. With the exception of our short stay shoppers car parks where parking is limited to either 2 or 4 hours (see web site link below for details), the maximum permitted time is 24 hours. No sleeping or cooking is allowed in any Council car park.
6. Restricted access caused by narrow roads/entrances. The following car parks would be difficult to enter with a large vehicle: Bath Road North, Bath Road South, Pavilion, Berry Court, Eden Glen and Terrace Mount.
On 14th May 2009, in response to a follow-up request, the Council provided the folowing information:
Further to your request for information received on 17th April 2009 I am able to provide the following updated information provided to you in August 2006.
The following information relates only to Council operated off street car parks. The Council does not provide specific facilities within its car parks for motorhomes. You may like to refer to the Council web page providing details of locations and current tariffs (see link below). Under Roads Travel and Parking you will find a list of pages and under the heading Parking click on Car Park Location and Charges.
1 Height Restrictions – Warren Edge, Hengistbury Head, Solent Beach, Overstrand Landseer Road, Riverlands (Wick Lane), Bournemouth International Centre, Richmond Gardens Multi Storey Car Park.
2 Requirements for parking within bay confines. With the exception of our coach and lorry parks at Queens Road and Kings Park all our car parks carry a restriction of maximum weight of 1500kg. However if all 4 wheels of the vehicle are within the marked bay with minimum overhang we allow the vehicle to park and only pay for one space. However please park sensibly to avoid inconvenience to others. Larger motorhomes would have to use Kings Park or Queens Road.
3 Provision of toilet and waste disposal facilities. There are no waste disposal facilities in our car parks. Some have toilets either within the car park or nearby. These are Leslie Road, Milburn Road, Kings Park (nearby in Athletic Stadium or Bowls Pavilion Café), Alum Chine (on seafront), Durley Chine (in nearby pub), Southbourne Cross Road (public convenience nearby).
4 Provision of spaces specifically aimed at motorhomes and or caravans. A small number of larger vehicle bays are available in Central Car Park in Upper Hinton Road and Winter Gardens Car Park, off Exeter Road. Both of these car parks are just a short walk to the sea, shops and gardens. Larger vehicles however can park easily at our lorry and coach parks situated at Kings Park and Queens Road. Queens Road car park is on a bus route and within walking distance to the town centre. I would advise you however that no cooking or sleeping is permitted.
5 Provision for (or ban on) overnight parking. With the exception of our short stay shoppers car parks where parking is limited to either 2 or 4 hours (see web site mentioned above for details), the maximum permitted time is 24 hours. No sleeping or cooking is allowed in any Council car park.
6 Restricted access caused by narrow roads/entrances. The following car parks would be difficult to enter with a large vehicle, Bath Road North, Bath Road South, Pavilion, Berry Court, Eden Glen and Terrace Mount.
There is no specific on street parking provision for motorhomes, indeed the majority of spaces on the cliff top on street parking areas state no overnight sleeping or cooking and in addition signs state cars and motorcycles only. However I note the advice provided on your website regarding parking of vehicles on street and this information remains current.
Motorists who require advise on parking can telephone our Operations Department on 01202 451268.
Within the next year we are looking to have our parking regulations available on the website via a mapping system and also via an alphabetical listing of all roads (with a parking regulation) detailing the type and duration of the restriction as well as the length of road effected.
Bournemouth Council have further details on their web site Here.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
1) Just returned from Bournemouth. I didn't use any car park save Tesco's and Lidl for supplies. No problems there. What I did do was to park on-road on the West overcliff drive several times. At first I did not see the small signs on posts along the road but eventually woke up and saw they lined the overcliff drives both east and west and no doubt in other places too. There were no yellow lines or general parking restrictions but these signs said "Cars and motorcycles only. No camping, cooking or overnight parking". (Thanks to MH for providing this information on 1 October 2008).
2) MH subsequently contacted Bournemouth Council regarding the difficulties in parking in the Borough. Following are extracts from the reply received from the Council:
With regard to parking restrictions which preclude vehicles adapted for cooking and sleeping etc on the highway, (cars and motorcycles only) I believe you made reference to Alum Chine and West Overcliff. I regret that due to the limited amount of off-road parking available at the Alum Chine site, the width of available highway and the fact that there is a regular bus service to the Chine, at least over the peak summer months, it is not in my view an appropriate location for motorhomes.
I recognise that as a Council we must strive to welcome and accommodate visitors while addressing the impact their choice of vehicle might have on the environment. As you have identified we do have Queens Road and Kings Park and this may be the only option for the larger campervan type vehicles. I do however recognise that we should make additional space for larger vehicles (up to 17 seat minibuses) and perhaps small to medium campervans in some of our Town Centre surface car parks. To this end I have commissioned the construction of 4 bays for the exclusive use of larger vehicles at Central Car Park in Upper Hinton Road and at the Winter Gardens Car Park on Priory Road close to the Bournemouth International Centre. I have also made a provision at Berry Court Car Park on St Peters Road . All should be available for use by Easter 2009. This will amount to 10 spaces you and others with larger vehicles may be able to use, all sites being either in or close to the Town Centre.
For the Town Centre short stay (up to 2 hours) there is no reason why you may not park on Hinton Road or Westover Road in the area reserved for Pay & Display parking. Blue Badge holders may park in this area free of charge. Also while you may not cook or overnight, I see no reason why you should not park on the East Overcliff where you may enjoy sea view and lift access to the beach, if required.
If you are contemplating a visit to Bournemouth and wish to seek advice on parking arrangements please do not hesitate to contact my parking operations department (using the telephone number at the foot of the Council's web page referenced above) who will be happy to assist in any way possible.
(Thanks to MH for providing this information on 14 October 2008).
3) We have just returned from a visit to Southbourne, Bournemouth and thought you might like some updates to the parking situation. All of the council car parks have height restrictions (this includes Southbourne Crossroads which is not mentioned as having a restriction by the council). All of the on road parking along the front at Southbourne is marked "Cars and motorcycles only. No camping, cooking or overnight parking" . The areas along Southbourne Coast Road not marked for parking in this way are marked with a single yellow line with the following restriction "No Parking 10am to 6pm, April - 30th September". (Thanks to DL for providing this information on 21 September 2009).
Christchurch
On 23rd October 2006 Christchurch Borough Council provided a spreadsheet containing car park data. This can be download in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format from Here. NB. Since the spreadsheet was prepared a further 4 spaces have been reserved for high vehicles outside of the height barrier at Steamer Point car park.
The council also provided the following information:
1. Height restrictions.Yes - see spreadsheet for details.
2. Requirements for parking within bay confines (including any requirement for purchasing two parking tickets where the length of a vehicle means that it overhangs a second bay at its rear). Yes we adopt the principla of paying for the number of bays occupied.
3. Any provision of toilet and waste disposal facilities. No.
4. Any provision of spaces specifically aimed at motorhomes and/or caravans.No.
5. Any provision for (or ban on) overnight parking. Overnight parking is permitted but overnight sleeping/camping is prohibited. Some car parks have free overnight parking - see spreadsheet.
6. Restricted access caused by narrow roads/entrances. No.
On 16th October 2008, in response to a follow-up request, the Council confirmed that the above information was correct (with the minor amendment of the note re free parking at point 5).
Christchurch Borough Council has further parking details on the Dorset For You web site Here.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Just returned from Christchurch. Parked at Mayor's Mead with no problems at all. Two tickets ARE required if two bays occupied. This carpark is perfect being right next the the river and a lovely walk into town. (Thanks to MH for providing this information on 1 October 2008).
East Dorset District
On 18th September 2006, East Dorset Council pointed out that information was available on their web site (see below).
The Council stated that, from the list of car parks on the web site, Allenview North Coach Park is the only site in East Dorset District Council where Motorhomes and Caravans attached to their towing vehicle may park. In response to the specific questions regarding applicable car carks, the Council's response is as follows:
1. There is no height restriction.
2. Must park wholly within coach size bay.
3. There is no provision for toilet or waste disposal.
4. No spaces specifically for motorhomes / caravans.
5. No overnight sleeping is allowed.
6. No restriction of access caused by narrow roads or entrances.
On 1st July 2008, in response to a follow up request, the council provided the following information:
The information previously supplied in 2006 remains unchanged in relation to the permitted car parks allowing the parking of motorhomes, namely, that Allenview North Coach Park is the only site in East Dorset District Council where Motorhomes and Caravans attached to their towing vehicle may park. In this car park there are no height restrictions; vehicles must park wholly within coach size bay; there is no provision for toilet or waste disposal; there are no spaces specifically for motorhomes / caravans; overnight sleeping is not allowed; and there are no restrictions of access caused by narrow roads or entrances.
In relation to off-street car parks where the parking of motorhomes is not permitted, I have supplied a link to the Council web page which includes a list of all Council operated car parks. The general standard for parking bays in this car park is 2.4m wide, by 4.8m in length. Restrictions on the classes of vehicles permitted to use these car parks are stipulated in the Council's published Car Parking Order and Schedule. The Parking Order and Schedule also include details of time restrictions for the use of the car parks.
These documents can be download in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format by clicking these links: Parking Order and Schedule.
East Dorset Council have further details on their web site Here.
North Dorset District
On 4th September 2006 North Dorset District Council provided the following information:
1. Height restrictions. Two of the car parks within the North Dorset area have height restrictions. Stour Meadows in Blandford St Mary - height restriction of 2.1 meters at all times. Marsh and Ham in Blandford Forum - height restriction of 2.1 meters in the months of August and September.
2. Requirements for parking within bay confines (including any requirement for purchasing two parking tickets where the length of a vehicle means that it overhangs a second bay at its rear). As per Clauses 3.2 and 30.1 respectively of the North Dorset (Off-Street) Parking Places Order 2006:
Clause 3.2 "The driver/owner of a vehicle shall not wait or park on any yellow line or hatched area or cause an obstruction or permit it to wait in a parking place other than in a parking bay and for this purpose, except with the permission of the Council and Parking Attendant, every part of the vehicle must be within the limits of the parking bay and not more than one vehicle shall occupy any one such parking bay."
Clause 30.1 "The owner/driver of an authorised vehicle drawing a trailer (which expression shall be deemed to include a caravan) shall not permit the authorised vehicle or the trailer to wait in a parking place unless they have been disconnected. For the purposes of this Order the authorised vehicle and the trailer shall be deemed to be separate vehicles and the said owner/driver shall be deemed to be the owner/driver of each of the said vehicles and shall be liable to pay the appropriate charge in accordance with this Order in respect of each vehicle."
3. Any provision of toilet and waste disposal facilities. There are toilet and Recycling facilities available at:
Blandford: The Marsh & Ham Car Park, Langton road.
Shaftesbury: Bell Lane.
Sturminster Newton: Station Road Car Park.
Stalbridge: Station Road Car Park.
Gillingham: High Street Car Park.
4. Any provision of spaces specifically aimed at motor homes and/or caravans. Non-recognised in any North Dorset Car Park
5. Any provision for (or ban on) overnight parking. As per Clauses 20 thru 22 inclusive of the North Dorset (Off-Street) Parking Places Order 2006:
"21 No person shall use any part of a parking place or any vehicle left in a parking place -
21.1 For sleeping or camping purposes, without the written consent of the Council;
21.2 For eating, cooking or sanitary purposes;
21.3 For the purpose of servicing, maintenance or washing any vehicle or part thereof other than is reasonably necessary to enable that vehicle to depart from that parking place; or
21.4 For playing or participating in any sport or recreation.
22 In a parking place no person shall -
22.1 Erect or cause or permit to be erected any tent, booth, stand, building or other structure without the written consent of the Council.
22.2 Install tables, chairs, benches or other similar items without the written consent of the Council.
22.3 Light or cause or permit to be lit any fire; or
22.4 Affix or attach posters, bills or any advertising material whatsoever to either the walls or structure of that parking place or to any vehicle parked in that parking place."
6. Restricted access caused by narrow roads/entrances. No known restricted access.
On 21st January 2008, in response to a follow-up request, the council confirmed that the only changes had been to toilet facilities as follows:
Shaftesbury: Bell Street – these are being passed to Shaftesbury Town Council to operate (following a refurbish); Coppice Street – these are closed. This block and the land are owned by Tescos who have full responsibility for them.
Stalbridge. – these are being passed to Stalbridge Town Council to operate (following a refurbish)
Sturminster Newton – Station Road. – these are being passed to Stalbridge Town Council to operate (following a refurbish)
Blandford – all the toilets are due to close unless Blandford Town Council is prepared to take them on. Discussions are in place.
North Dorset District Council have further details on their web site Here.
Poole
On 28th September 2006 Poole Borough Council provided the following information:
Our Multi storey car parks have height limits and most of our surface car parks require vehicles to be able to fit within a 2.4m x 4.8m bay but you'll be pleased to hear that the council provides extra large spaces (at no extra charge above the car rate) for large motorcaravans at Baiter slipway, Beach Road and Sandbanks - these are the parts of the Borough that most motorcaravaners like to visit.
As well as the car parks mentioned above, Poole is unusual in being able to accommodate large motor caravans in Seldown car park immediately next to the main shopping centre and also in the popular pay and display bays between the beach and the harbour at Banks Road and Shore Road.
On 27th May 2008, in response to a follow-up request, the council confirmed that the information above remains current. They also pointed out corrections to user comments as noted below.
Poole Borough Council has further details of car parks on its web site Here.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
(1) NCP town centre; between Dolphin Centre and pool; Last known to be OK in 2000. (Thanks to SL for providing this information on 19 July 2006). Correction by Poole Council 27 May 2008 - This Seldown car park has been taken back in house and referred to above.
(2) Quay side spaces up to 20 feet long. (Thanks to SL for providing this information on 19 July 2006). Correction by Poole Council 27 May 2008 - The Quay only has limited parking for Disabled Blue Badge holders.
(3) There are a couple of places with no restrictions: In the town centre use the NCP car park, between the Dolphin Centre multi-storey and the swimming pool. There are now designated motorhome spaces at the Baiter car park, higher rates too! The roadway at Baiter is still free parking, about a 2 hour limit. If your 'van is less than 20 feet some of the spaces along the Quay are OK, normal charges seem to apply. In Poole the Baiter car park to the east of the quayside has good views overlooking the harbour and there is parking at Sandbanks for good beaches. Our favourite areas are the Isle of Purbeck from Swanage along to Lulworth Cove. Access from Poole via the Sandbanks chain ferry makes a pleasant diversion with good parking at the National Trust Visitor Centre at Studland Bay. (Note that there is a naturist beach area at the northern end!). This information obtained August 2000. (Anon) Correction by Poole Council 27 May 2008 - See (1) Newfoundland Drive, Labrador Drive and Catalina Drive are now pay and display bays.
(4) We went to France via Poole last year, and on return noticed there was an overnight parking area for £5 on the right hand side as you drive in. Wish we'd have known as would have planned to stay there in order to catch an early ferry on the way out. The Poole Ferry Port web site has further details Here (Thanks to SW for this information, received 23 February 2007).
(5) We visited Poole last year and saw that wardens were ticketing drivers who had not parked between the marked bays, including a lady who was in a van who was ferrying people around in wheelchairs. I reckon everyone should be wary and make sure to read all the instructions at car parks or ask a Traffic Warden. (Thanks to FD/RA for providing this information on 20 March 2007).
Purbeck District
On 22nd August 2006 Purbeck District Council provided the following information:
Purbeck District Council has responsibility for the following car parks:
West Street, Corfe Castle
Station Road, Corfe Castle (residents only - see below)
Bonnets Lane East, Wareham
Bonnets Lane West, Wareham
Connegar Lane, Wareham
Pound Lane, Wareham (residents only - see below)
Streche Road, Wareham
Turning to your particular questions; none of the car parks have height restrictions, vehicles MUST be parked within bay confines. The only car park with toilet facilities is West Street, Corfe Castle. We have no spaces specifically for motorhomes or caravans and none of them have restricted access caused by narrow roads etc.
Purbeck District Council has further details of car parks on its web site.
On 21st February 2008, in response to a follow-up request, Purbeck District Council provided the following information:
I can confirm that Purbeck District Council has responsibility for the following public car parks: West Street, Corfe Castle; Bonnets Lane East, Wareham; Bonnets Lane West, Wareham; Connegar Lane, Wareham; Streche Road, Wareham.
The car parks at Station Road Corfe Castle and Pound Lane Corfe Castle are residents car parks for which annual permits available and they should therefore be deleted from the list that appears on your website.
The Council’s current Off street parking order specifies a class of vehicles that includes caravans, caravanettes and dormobiles, it does not specifically say ‘Motorhomes’ but we would consider motorhomes to be covered by the generality of this class. Vehicles falling within this class may park in all of the above car parks provided the vehicle is wholly within a parking bay or in the case of West Street Corfe Castle (which is mainly a grass surface) as directed by a person authorised by the Council.
No height restrictions apply to any of these car parks and there are no weight limits. However, the parking spaces are standard dimensions and larger motorhomes are unlikely to be able to park wholly within a parking bay. All of the car parks can be accessed from the highway. Because the car park at west Street Corfe Castle is mainly a grass surface it would be unsuitable for larger motorhomes in wet weather conditions, but this is a practical consideration rather than a prohibition.
Overnight sleeping is prohibited in all of the car parks.
On 13th March 2009, a request was sent to the Council asking if it was possible to park a motorhome at the P&R sites it provides. On 18th May 2009, the council replied:
I have spoken at length with Swanage Railway to confirm the details and arrangements for the Park & Ride at Norden. There is a charge of £2.00 to park all day for any vehicle and there is no height restrictive barrier. The gates open at 9.30am and generally close around 5.45pm but closing times can vary according to the timetable - for example when there are special events the last train back to Norden can run quite late and the gates will remain open until 15 minutes after the train arriving. There is a full guide to the timetable and fares and information about the Park & Ride, including GPS location, on the Swanage Railway website Here.
If you want to catch the bus (Wilts & Dorset No. 40) from the Park & Ride rather than the steam train, there are two options - you can walk along the footpath to the station at Corfe Castle, or walk out of the gates from the car park back towards Norden Farm - approx. 500 yards. Unfortunately at the present time the bus company do not call in to the Park & Ride itself, but this may change in the future.
Swanage
On 24 July 2009 Swanage Town Council supplied the following information:
On-Street Restrictions.
On-street parking is the responsibility of Dorset County Council as the Highway Authority. Parking of motor caravans or any other vehicle other than cars and motorcycles is prohibited along sections of certain roads and DCC have supplied the following details:
Schedule 28
On-Street Parking Places
Cars, Motorcycles and Invalid Carriages only no camping, cooking, selling or overnight sleeping)
Swanage, Beach Gardens. On its northern side from a point 15m east of its junction with Northbrook Road to a point 10m west of its junction with De Moulham Road
Swanage, Belle Vue Road. On the northern side of its northern section from a point 25m east of its junction with Durlston Road eastwards for a distance of 96m.
Swanage, Belle Vue Road. On the southern side of its southern section from a point 10m east of its junction with Durlston Road eastwards for a distance of 140m.
Swanage, Cauldon Avenue. On its southern side from a point 15m east of its junction with Northbrook Road to a point 10m west of its junction with De Moulham Road.
Swanage, Clifton Road. On its northern side from a point 26m east of its junction with De Moulham Road to a point 15m west of its junction with Ulwell Road.
Swanage, De Moulham Road. On its eastern side from a point 9m north of its junction with Victoria Avenue to a point 37m south of the southern side of its junction with Walrond Road.
Swanage, De Moulham Road. On its eastern side from a point 57m north of the northern side of its junction with Walrond Road to a point 14m south of the southern side of its junction with Clifton Road
Swanage, De Moulham Road. On its eastern side from a point 29m north of the north side of Clifton Road to a point 14m south of the south side of Seaward Road.
Swanage, Northbrook Road. On its eastern side from a point 15m north of its junction with Beach Gardens to a point 15m south of its junction with Cauldon Avenue.
Swanage, Northbrook Road. On its western side of the road, in the lay-by 35m north of the northern side of its junction with Anglebury Avenue northwards for a distance of 52m.
Swanage, Walrond Road. On its northern side of the road from a point 10m east of its junction with De Moulham Road to a point 10m west of its junction with Shore Road
Off-Street Parking
Swanage Town Council permits the parking of camper vans in all of its car parks i.e. Broad Road, North Beach, Main Beach in Victoria Avenue, and the Residents’ Car Park (with a valid residents’ permit). The one exception is Mermond Place which has a height restriction.
Camper vans are charged at the same rate as cars but if multiple bays are occupied a valid ticket must be displayed for each bay.
One night stopovers are permitted in Main Beach (Victoria Avenue) and North Beach Car Parks (6 p.m. to 9a.m.) at a cost of £5.50. Otherwise, no camping or sleeping is permitted in any other of the Town Council’s Car Parks.
Swanage Town Council has details of car parks on its web site Here.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Norden
Norden Park and Ride site, near Corfe Castle. No size restrictions, and free. Although the site primarily serves the steam railway to Corfe and Swanage, as the terminal building until recently also incorporated a bike hire shop it's presumably OK to park there for other purposes, including visits to the adjacent mining museum and the castle. (Thanks to MB for providing this information on 13 May 2007).
Corfe Castle & Wareham
Over the last two months [April-May] we have visited the following car parks, outside peak periods:
Corfe Castle - National Trust car/coach park, limited spaces for coaches and likely to get full. Car park attendant anxious that we did not stop visiting coaches from parking. Stayed two hours which was ample for us to visit and eat at Corfe.
Wareham - West Street [towards Wareham Hospital] smallish car park but availability for approx 6 coaches to park. We parked here as car parking spaces backed on to banks and we could not 'overhang'. Cost £3 for unlimited time. 1/4 mile walk to high Street.
(Thanks to A&BC for providing this information on 18 June 2007).
Corfe Castle, Wareham & Worth Matravers
3 car parks used in Purbeck, Dorset in mid-July, with a Chausson Flash 03, 6.4metre coachbuilt 'van:
Corfe Castle - West Street Car Park, pay and display, £5 all day. No height barrier, one way system in and out of car park, easy access. Hard earth surface with wooden division markers, spaces are a good size but we could have been blocked in if cars had parked on both sides and opposite to us. One of the best views of the Castle in the village. Midweek, mid-July we had no problems.
Wareham - On the Quayside, on the East side of South Street, where it crosses the river. A small tarmac car park, less than 30 spaces but no height barrier. Pay and display, 4 hours for £2. The noticeboard says "No caravans, no parking outside marked bays". The only place available to us was a 2 space bay at the far left corner. Although we were well over the dividing line, there was room for a Smart car in the remaining space. We expected trouble from a warden, especially as we had to feed the metre after lunch, attending an all-day event nearby. But we had no problems and it looked like a small rising top 'van had spent the night there!
Worth Matravers - Just North of the village on the road due North to Kingston, near the Square & Compass pub. No height barrier, £1 honesty box in wall, easy access despite narrow road. Hard earth surface, spaces are a good size but we could have been blocked in if cars had parked on both sides and opposite to us. Care needed if approaching the village from the East - a sharp 45 degree junction with the road to car park. Midweek, mid-July we had no problems.
(Thanks to DW for providing this information on 29 August 2007).
Corfe Castle
The signposted National Trust car park on the left of the main road at the northern edge of the village is extremely handy. There is a visitor centre there and, on the opposite side of the main road, there is a clearly signed footpath to the castle and village centre - 10 minutes walk (max.). (Thanks to TW for providing this information on 23 December 2007).
Lulworth Cove
Large car park with plenty of spaces large enough for motorhomes. However, the main car park was full to capacity when we visited in mid-October (and the overflow car park was closed) so get there early. (Thanks to TW for providing this information on 23 December 2007).
Swanage
1) Swanage council now allow overnight parking in the coach park, £6 per night but you have to be away by 09.00. I phoned the council to check and they said OK but the chap who goes round to collect tickets said he knew nothing about it. The council said it will take a "few months" to put new signs up. (Thanks to AB for providing this information on 24 September 2007).
2) In the summer months it is still possible to park towards the north end of Northbrook Road, in the layby opposite the derelict old Grammar School (lat 50.620514, lon -1.965391). In the winter months, motorhomes park on the sea front on Shore Road, where there are loos & 2 water taps. In the summer this becomes a 24 hour pedestrianised area so motorhomes occasionally overnight further north on the Shore Road. (Thanks to DW for providing this information on 19 July 2009).
West Dorset District
On 25th August 2006 West Dorset District Council provided a spreadsheet containing car park data. This can be download in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format from Here.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Thanks to MT for supplying the folllowing statement from West Dorset Council on 21st September 2006:
Due to the length of most motorhomes many of our car parks are not suitable for motorhome parking. Like many Councils we have a maximum length limitation of 4.8m for any vehicles using our car parks. However we recognise that most motorhomes exceed this length and we have either created longer bays or have permited motorhomes to utilise spaces in our coach parks in at least one car park per town so that motorhome drivers may enjoy the delights of West Dorset. The attached spreadsheet gives details of permited parking places. Maps showing the location of the car parks can be found on Dorsetforyou website Here.
The spreadsheet is the same one as provided on 25th August 2006 (above).
Abbotsbury Swannery
Ample parking on site and the narrow access lane was OK for our coachbuilt. (Thanks to TW for providing this information on 23 December 2007).
Charmouth
Ideal for fossil beach. Small village with a few shops for provisions. Large car park on left when approaching the beach. No marked bays so suitable for all lengths of motor home. No barriers, ample parking space. Gates open approx. 10am. until 9p.m. Charge £1.50 all day. Lovely beach and walks 50 yds. Also cafe serving meals, breakfasts, ice- creams etc. Dogs allowed on the beach. Also another car park adjacent with large grass overflow field. Tried and tested April 2007. (Thanks to G&KM for providing this information on 24 May 2006).
Dorchester
1) We visited recently and parked in the top-of-the-hill car park. Coach parking facilities. Beware of pay machine, not clear which tariff to use, we paid for car [£2 -wrong] then for coach [£3] but good facilities and friendly, short walk to shopping. (Thanks to A&BC for providing this information on 18 June 2007).
2) Enter town from the south on the B3147 (Weymouth Road) and take a right fork onto Weymouth Avenue (towards the station). There is a large car park on the left, almost opposite the station access which, I was assured, rarely gets full. (Thanks to TW for providing this information on 23 December 2007).
Lyme Regis
1) Has motorhome parking bays in a couple of the car parks. Received July 2006. (Anon)
2) There are about 4 or 5 dedicated motorhome spaces down on the Cobb car park which is virtually on the sea front. Unfortunately when we were there recently 4 spaces were occipied by cars and the remaining one had a skip deposited there. We have written to the local council who acknowledged receipt of our letter but have since failed to reply to any of the questions we raised about these motorhome marked bays being used by cars and rubbish skips. (Thanks to M&PK for providing this information on 10 November 2007).
3) Here is a web page set up to convey info and pictures on parking at Lyme Regis. (Thanks to BC for providing this link on 19 November 2007).
4) The Cobb, Lyme Regis. There are 4 or 5 places there specifically marked for Motorhomes. The marked bays are adjacent to the Bowls Club, 50 mtrs from The Cobb. However they are really only suitable for vans up to 6 mtrs as the bays are not that long and the road down to The Cobb (the old harbour) is pretty steep and narrow. A large MH might find it rather tricky and at worst would cause holdups for other road users. (Thanks to JH for providing this information on 26 October 2008).
5) We visited Lyme Regis and The Cobb but found the motorhome bays full with cars. The parking attendant said they pay their money just like a camper van. I wrote to Parking Services and this is their reply:
Thank you for your second email, on receipt of your first email I needed to carry out investigations before I could reply to you; hence the delay. It seems that the Attendant had been allowing cars at busy times to use the motorhome bays if all other spaces were taken. I have instructed him to stop this practice and only to allow motorhomes to use these bays. I am sorry for the inconvenience that this may have caused you. (Thanks to DS for providing this information on 12 August 2009).
Sherborne
1) A height barrier has recently been installed in the main car park in Sherborne. It is only across the entrance, not the exit. It is the hinged variety, but are no instructions on how to get it opened, nor a contact number. Oddly, caravans and trailers are among banned items, but not motorhomes specifically. (Thanks to TG for this information, received 6 April 2007).
2) An update on the height barriers in Sherborne, Dorset. These are swung open during the day and motorhomes now have access. The 'closing' times are not displayed and seem to vary!. (Thanks to TG for this information, received 17 August 2007).
West Bay
1) Has large car park on outskirts no height restrictions which motorhomes are welcome in. (Thanks to JH for providing this information on 21 July 2006).
2) Please note that residents have complained about frequent and long stay parking by Motor Homes along Station Road opposite our pub (The West Bay). It would be appreciated if Motor Homes use the public car park on West Bay Road, which is more suited to their needs, and will not upset the local population. (Thanks to RB for providing this information on 29 July 2008).
Westbay nr Bridport
Lovely sea town port. M/H park left of roundabout as you enter with WC, or take first left after R/A, parks on left and right. Look out for Railway Cafe. Lots of other small town street parking. Great place to visit/stay. (Thanks to CP for this information, received on 30 July 2009).
West Bexington
I was very annoyed to find that West Dorset Council do not even allow parking during the day for any Motorvan over about (9) feet long - i.e. bigger than the standard parking space. This was at the West Bexington Beach Car Park, for Chesil Beach - which is real trek to get to in any case! It is not evident from the signage until you are already in the Car-park. The Council Attendant was friendly enough but the whole thing severely marred my day/overnight stop there for a fishing competition, as the Caravan Site was a mile or two away, up a steep road - with a load of sea-fishing kit. Thank God I got a lift in both directions, after checking it out on my bike!. (Thanks to PM for providing this information on 23 November 2007).
Weymouth & Portland
On 5th September 2006 Weymouth & Portland Borough Council provided the following information:
Height restrictions. None.
Requirements for parking within bay confines. Vehicles must be parked within marked parking spaces - a ticket is required for any space that is fully or partly occupied by a vehicle.
Any provision of toilet and waste disposal facilities. None of our parking sites have waste disposal facilities. The Swannery, Lodmoor, Chesil Beach, Portland Bill and Nothe Car Parks do have toilet facilities.
Any provision of spaces specifically aimed at motorhomes and/or caravans. There is no specific provision for motorhomes. It is worth noting, however, that the layout of certain sites, especially the Swannery Car Park, have led to some larger spaces being created. In addition, the Chesil Beach and Overcombe Car Parks have a shingle surface and therefore do not have marked bays. Consequently, these sites are better suited for motorhomes. The parking of caravans in our car parks is prohibited except the Chesil Beach site which allows caravans between 0800-Midnight.
Any provision for (or ban on) overnight parking. This information is on our website (see below). Additionally, where overnight parking is allowed, it does not permit overnight sleeping.
Restricted access caused by narrow roads/entrances. Following repeated illegal encampments, the Beach Car Park now has a width limit of 2.1m (6'11"). All other car parks are not affected.
On 30th June 2008, in response to a follow-up request, the Council provided the following information:
All of our off-street car parks allow motorhomes to park but if the vehicle substantively occupies more than one bay, a ticket for each bay is required. We do recommend, however, that motorhomes make use of the Swannery car park as this is much bigger and allows for easier manoeuvring.
Apart from the Cozens Quay car park, overnighting and eating is allowed provided a ticket is purchased. Sleeping, however, is not permitted in any of our car parks as none of them have the requisite facilities. There are, however, a number of privately run camp sites where you can get a pitch if required.
The Parking pages on our website (see link below) have up to date information and there mps showing the location of all our car parks as well as some privately run sites.
Weymouth & Portland Borough Council has further details of car parks on its web site.
Users of this web site have provided the following information:
Weymouth
1) The car park at the pavilion (where the ferry used to go from) has long spaces formerly for coaches and a very wide pavement area which you can reverse up to and hang your rear end over!! (Thanks to JH for providing this information on 21 July 2006).
2) We visited recently and parked in British Rail [Jubilee] car park behind the station next to B&Q with the coaches. Gravel surface, no marked bays, short walk to sea front and retail outlet stores and park [dog walking friendly] reasonable price. (Thanks to A&BC for providing this information on 18 June 2007).
An update to "British Rail (Jubilee)" unmade car park in Weymouth, Dorset. Although the surface is still unmade gravel and would suit Motorhomes ideally by its lack of marked bays and locallity to the seafront/town, on our last visit (September 2009) the railways have installed a height barrier of 1.8 metres and the passage next to the barrier now has fixed bollards in place. I was told, by a local we owe another "big thank you" to the gypsy/travelling community. (Thanks to HH for providing this information on 2 October 2009).
3) We have read in MMM that readers have found Weymouth in Dorset unfriendly to Motorhomes, and I can't comment on that, but we found that there is a huge park on Chesil Beach without any marked bays and it can take any number of Motorhomes. Wonderful walks up Portland Bill from there. (Thanks to TC for providing this information on 28 October 2007).
4) I have always found the parking and carpark officers in Weymouth friendly and helpful. Parking behind the Pavilion Theatre (particularly behind the cafe near the ferry terminal) is straightforward with large spaces available. Directly behind the theatre the spaces are smaller and the carpark can be busy – especially when shows are taking place. The Swannery carpark is a good alternative. It also has a number of larger spaces suitable for motorhomes. On Thursday (10.00am-3.00pm) between Easter and Autumn about 1/3 of this car park is taken up with market stalls. The access to the carpark opposite the Swannery (adjacent to B&Q) has recently (January 2008) been fitted with a 2.2m rising barrier so is no longer accessible to most motorhomes and campers. As this park was also used in the past by buses and coaches visiting Weymouth there is a possibility that the barrier may be lifted during the summer. (Thanks to CAB for providing this information on 21 February 2008).
Return to Motorhome Friendly and Unfriendly Parking home page.
Last updated: 2 October 2009