Travel News Alert. Free Parking Ends in the New Forest This April

**Travel News Alert. Free Parking Ends in the New Forest This April**

The era of free parking in one of England's most treasured national parks is coming to an end. Forestry England has confirmed that parking charges will be introduced across the New Forest from late April 2026, a move that has sparked controversy among locals and regular visitors.

What Is Changing

Forestry England, the government agency responsible for managing the nation's forests, has announced that visitors will soon need to pay for parking at sites across the New Forest. The charges are being introduced via RingGo, the cashless parking app, meaning no cash payments will be accepted.

The fees are being brought in to help Forestry England "continue to look after this special area in the face of rising costs and visitor numbers." The agency has faced increasing pressure to generate revenue as public funding fails to keep pace with maintenance demands.

When the Charges Start

Parking charges are currently planned to begin in late April 2026, though Forestry England notes this is "subject to appropriate consents." Local residents who live in or near the New Forest will be able to continue parking for free until the charges are formally introduced.

How to Avoid the Fees

The only way to guarantee continued free parking is to purchase a Forestry England national membership. The membership allows you to register up to two vehicles and park for free at Forestry England sites across the country, including the New Forest once charges begin.

For regular visitors, the membership fee could quickly pay for itself compared to daily parking charges. Forestry England manages forests and woodlands throughout England, so the membership offers value beyond just the New Forest.

Why This Matters

The New Forest has been a rare example of free access to a major national park. The introduction of parking charges represents a significant shift in how England's natural spaces are funded and accessed. Similar charges already exist at many National Trust and English Heritage sites, but the New Forest's free parking has long been a draw for families and day-trippers on a budget.

Critics argue the charges could exclude lower-income families from enjoying the countryside. Supporters say it is necessary to protect the landscape from overuse and ensure proper maintenance of facilities.

What Visitors Should Do Now

If you are planning a trip to the New Forest this spring, visit before late April to take advantage of the final weeks of free parking. Alternatively, consider purchasing a Forestry England membership if you plan to visit multiple times throughout the year.

The membership also supports the organisation's conservation work, including habitat restoration, tree planting, and maintaining the extensive network of trails and facilities that make the New Forest accessible to millions of visitors each year.

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**Sources**

- Forestry England. "Upcoming changes to parking in the New Forest." [Link](https://www.forestryengland.uk/upcoming-changes-parking-in-the-new-forest)

- BBC News. "Free parking in New Forest beauty spots set to end." [Link](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgrgg7n117zo)

- Salisbury Journal. "Controversial New Forest parking charges will be introduced in 2026." [Link](https://www.salisburyjournal.co.uk/news/25511931.ringgo-parking-charges-introduced-across-new-forest/)