Blue Badge Parking in the New Forest & South Coast

Parking in the New Forest and along the south coast can feel confusing as a Blue Badge user. The most important advice we can give is simple: always read the signs in the car park you are using. Rules vary between councils, the National Park, and private operators.

Lymington High Street & On-Road Parking

On-road metered parking in Lymington is managed by Hampshire County Council. In many on-street pay-and-display bays, Blue Badge holders can park free of charge, but time limits may still apply.

However, this does not apply everywhere. For example, Saltgrass Lane in Keyhaven, where you can park directly beside the river, is a charged car park and payment is required.

Always check the signage carefully, as rules can differ even within the same town.

New Forest District Coastal & Town Car Parks

Many town and coastal car parks in the New Forest District are pay-and-display. Some local residents use parking clocks or permits.

• Blue Badge parking is generally free in district council car parks.
• You must pay when using EV charging bays, even if you hold a Blue Badge.
• Charges apply all year round in most locations.

Some of our favourite coastal car parks include:

• Calshot – big skies, sea views and café nearby.
• Lepe – managed by Hampshire County Council, charges apply.
• Milford on Sea – promenade access and coffee stops.
• Barton on Sea – clifftop views and level seafront walks.

The New Forest National Park Car Parks

The New Forest National Park has 129 designated car parks. Most are on compressed gravel; only a small number have toilets or facilities.

From 2026, all Forestry England car parks in the New Forest operate with parking charges.

• Blue Badge holders are required to pay.
• Not all car parks have ticket machines.
• You can pay online later the same day via the Forestry England website.
• The maximum daily charge is currently £8.
• You can move between Forestry England car parks on the same day for that £8.

This is managed by Forestry England. If you are a national Forestry England member, parking is free.

We have included a map of the forest car parks so you can plan your day and explore different spots - or you can find them listed here: National Park Car Parks.     

If you are exploring for the first time we would suggest the following:

• Blackwater Car Park - Picnic tables, the Arboretum and the Tall Tree Trail, a lovely level walk amongst the tallest trees in the New Forest. Find it here.
• Bolderwood - Great spot for a picnic under the trees and a chance to explore the deer sanctuary. Find it here
• Whitefield Moor - Grazing ponies on the New Forest Lawn, or head down the hill for a lovely walk beside a forest stream. Find it here
• Wilverley Inclosure - a lovely signposted circular walk, with gradients or you can head out to Wilverley Plain and watch the ponies graze. Find it here
• Cadnam's Pool - it is a lovely drive across the forest this spot, and you get to enjoy a quiet car park popular with wildlife spotting, as you can enjoy the waterfowl beside the pond. Find it here.

Southampton

Southampton operates a range of council and privately managed car parks. There is no single blanket rule for Blue Badge parking, and charges vary by location.

We strongly recommend checking signage carefully before leaving your vehicle.

Bournemouth, Highcliffe & Dorset

In Dorset, many coastal car parks operate a low-season and high-season charging structure.

• In low season, some coastal car parks are free or operate reduced charging hours.
• In high season, full charges usually apply.
• Blue Badge holders are often required to pay.

As always, check the individual car park signage for the most accurate and up-to-date information.