The New Forest Parking Charges Are Coming. What You Need to Know
---
title: "The New Forest Parking Charges Are Coming. What You Need to Know"
author: Alex
status: draft
published_at: 2026-02-19T08:00:00.000Z
tags:
- new-forest
- national-parks
- uk-travel
- travel-news
featured_image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1441974231531-c6227db76b6e?w=1200
featured_image_alt: "Sunlight filtering through forest canopy in the New Forest. Photo by Lukasz Szmigiel via Unsplash (Unsplash License)."
---
# The New Forest Parking Charges Are Coming. What You Need to Know
Free parking in the New Forest is coming to an end. From late April 2026, Forestry England will introduce charges across all 129 of its car parks in the national park. If you are a regular visitor, this change will affect how you plan your trips and potentially how much you spend.
Here is everything you need to know about the new charges, when they start, what they will cost, and how to avoid them if you prefer.
When Do the Charges Begin?
Forestry England has confirmed that parking charges will begin in late April 2026. The exact date is expected to be announced soon, with local sources suggesting 20 April as the likely start date.
This gives regular visitors a final few weeks of free parking before the new system kicks in.
Which Car Parks Are Affected?
All 129 Forestry England car parks across the New Forest will be subject to the new charges. This includes popular spots like Bolderwood, Blackwater, and the various forest car parks used by walkers, cyclists, and horse riders.
The charges apply to every Forestry England car park, regardless of size or location. If you have been parking for free at your favourite woodland spot, that will soon change.
How Much Will It Cost?
Forestry England has indicated that tickets will be transferable between all their New Forest car parks. This means you can pay once and visit multiple locations throughout the day on a single ticket.
For regular visitors, an annual Forestry England membership will be the most cost-effective option. The current annual membership costs £94, which works out to less than £2 per week. This gives you unlimited parking in all Forestry England car parks nationwide, not just in the New Forest.
Daily rates have not been officially confirmed yet, but based on Forestry England's charges at other sites, expect to pay around £2 to £5 for a few hours, with higher rates for all-day parking.
Why Is This Happening?
Forestry England manages around half of the New Forest National Park, including most of the accessible green space. Their work includes planting thousands of trees, conserving wildlife, managing vegetation, restoring heathlands and rivers, and maintaining hundreds of miles of paths and cycle routes.
The organisation receives less than 20% of its core funding from the government. The rest must be raised through activities like timber sales and, now, parking charges. Forestry England states that the new charges will help fund the vital work needed to care for the forest.
What About the Membership Option?
If you visit the New Forest more than a handful of times per year, the annual membership is worth serious consideration. At £94 per year, you would break even after roughly 20 to 30 visits based on typical daily parking rates.
The membership covers all Forestry England sites nationwide, so you also get free parking at forests like the Forest of Dean, Delamere, and Cannock Chase.
You can spread the cost across monthly payments if £94 upfront feels steep. Forestry England also offers discounted membership for some concession groups.
Free Alternatives Still Exist
If you are determined to avoid the charges entirely, you do have options, though they require more planning.
**Street parking in villages.** Many New Forest villages have free on-street parking if you are willing to walk to the forest. Be considerate of residents and avoid blocking driveways or narrow lanes.
**National Trust car parks.** If you are a National Trust member, their car parks at sites like Foxbury and Blackwater remain free to members. Note that Blackwater is managed by both Forestry England and National Trust, so check signage carefully.
**Public transport.** The New Forest is surprisingly accessible by train and bus. Brockenhurst has direct train connections from London and Southampton, and the New Forest Tour bus service connects major villages and attractions during the summer months.
**Cycling.** If you live locally, cycling into the forest avoids parking entirely. The forest has excellent off-road cycling routes, and bikes can be hired at several locations.
What About Blue Badge Holders?
Forestry England has confirmed that Blue Badge holders will continue to park for free in their car parks. Make sure your badge is clearly displayed.
How Will Payment Work?
Forestry England typically uses the RingGo app for parking payments at their other sites. Expect a similar system in the New Forest, with payment by app, phone, or possibly card machines at larger car parks.
Having the RingGo app installed and set up before your visit will save time and hassle.
The Bottom Line
The end of free parking in the New Forest represents a significant change for visitors, but it is not unexpected. National parks across the country have been introducing parking charges to fund maintenance and conservation work.
For occasional visitors, the new charges mean budgeting an extra few pounds per trip. For regular visitors, the annual membership offers the best value and supports the organisation that maintains the forest.
If you have been taking the free parking for granted, now is the time to decide whether to pay for convenience, seek out free alternatives, or join the Forestry England membership scheme.
**Do you visit the New Forest regularly? How will the new parking charges affect your trips? Let me know in the comments.**
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Sources
- [Forestry England - Upcoming Changes to Parking in the New Forest](https://www.forestryengland.uk/upcoming-changes-parking-in-the-new-forest)
- [New Forest National Park Authority - Car Park Charges Announcement](https://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/blog/car-park-charges/)
- [Bournemouth Echo - Date Set for New Forest Parking Charges](https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/25813632.date-set-new-forest-parking-charges-begin-april/)
- [Forestry England - National Membership](https://www.forestryengland.uk/national-membership)
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