Parking in Dorset

Parking for cars, coaches, motorcycles and motorhomes in Dorset can be easily located by following roads signs with a white letter P on a blue background.  

Parking is plentiful and are located in all the major towns and villages across Dorset including Beaminster, Blandford Forum, Bridport, Charmouth, Christchurch, Corfe Castle, Dorchester, Gillingham, Lyme Regis, Portland, Shaftesbury, Sherborne, Stalbridge, Sturminster Newton, Swanage, Wareham, West Bay, West Bexington, Weymouth and Wimborne Minster.

Off-street parking

Dorset council operates parking for cars, coaches, motorcycles and motorhomes covering the whole county, with the exception of Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and Swanage.

Further information is available about Bournemouth car parks, Poole car parks, Christchurch car parks and Swanage car parks.

Please note that there are a lot more car parks in Dorset, that are run by town and parish councils or private businesses.

On-street parking

Roadside parking may at times be free, but there could be time restrictions on how long or when you can park in that location. Wherever you choose to park, please be careful to look out for signs and parking meters before leaving your vehicle - some parking meters will also tell you what type of vehicle can only be parked in that location (for example, cars only)

Electric car charging points

There are numerous EV charging points in council operated car parks and towns across Dorset.

Some supermarkets offer electric charging points too, so you can charge your car while picking up some groceries. Use the Zap Map website to locate them.

Blue Badge holders

Further information can also be found about parking with the use of a disability blue badge in Dorset.

Motorhome parking

There is daytime parking available for motorhomes, campervans and touring caravans in various locations in Dorset. You can find more information on the Dorset Council website, where you can filter your search by town, vehicle type and facilities.

Please note that there are no overnight sleeping or waste facilities available at any Dorset Council car parks.