There is a large car park next to the Visitor Centre, café, play area, toilets and main green.

It is open from 8am to 7:30pm (we advise leaving by 7:20pm to avoid being locked in). 

There is an automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system in place. Please pay at the end of your visit. 

Charges apply after 15 minutes.

Parking charges

Peak parking charges

Standard charges apply throughout all Dorset school holidays and from the beginning of the Easter holidays until the end of October half term.

Standard charges
Time Charges
Up to 2 hours £4
Up to 4 hours £7.10
All day £9.50

 

Off peak parking charges

Off peak charges apply: end of October half term to beginning of Easter holidays (not including Dorset school holidays).

Off peak charges
Time Charges
Up to 2 hours £3
Up to 4 hours £5.60
All day £7.90

 

Motorbike parking

Motorbikes pay a flat rate of £1.50. Multiple bikes can share a space and pay for one ticket.

Accessible parking

There are four accessible parking places, two near the Visitor Centre and two near the toilets. Blue badge holders pay standard car parking charges.

Parking concessions

Visitors who receive enhanced mobility‑related support may be eligible for a parking concession. To receive the concession, please visit the Visitor Centre between 10am and 4pm, where a ranger will ask to see one piece of valid evidence from the list below: 

  • Higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
  • Personal Independence Payment (PIP) letter showing enhanced mobility rate
  • Higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment
  • War pensions mobility supplement
  • Armed forces independence payment
  • Attendance Allowance 
  • Restricted mobility parking permit 

If you’re unsure whether your evidence will be accepted, please email the ranger team who will be happy to help.

Payment

There are 2 pay machines. The one by the Visitor Centre accepts cash, card and phone. The one by the toilets/Activity Room accepts card and phone.

Height restriction

Height of vehicles is restricted to 2 metres by a height barrier.

Supporting the park

The funds raised from these charges contribute towards the management of this international important heathland and the facilities provided here for all to enjoy. Thank you for supporting this work.

Parking permits

Friends of Avon Heath membership includes an annual parking permit. Parking at our outlying car parks is via permit only.

Parking at Matchams Viewpoint

Hurn Road, Wattons Lane, St Ives, Ringwood, BH24 2BP

There is a small car parking area with far-reaching views across woodland and heathland.

The car park gates open at 8am and close at 6pm from April to October.

The gates will open at 8am and close at 4:30pm from November to March.

There are warning signs on the gate and noticeboard about the car park closing times.

There is a £30 release fee for anyone who fails to leave the car park before the gates are locked.

The number to call if you are locked in the car park is: 01202 556677 (United Taxis).

Please note:

  • there are seats over-looking the view, a picnic bench, woodland walks and dog waste bins
  • there are no toilet facilities
  • parking is free