There is a large car park next to the Visitor Centre, café, play area, toilets and main green.
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  £3.50
 2 to 4 hours  £6.50
 All day  £9

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  £2.60
 2 to 4 hours  £5
 All day  £7

Payment

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

Motorbike Parking

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

Disabled parking

There are four parking spaces for disabled users. If your vehicle is exempt from road tax due to disability reasons, that vehicle may park for free. You must be visiting in the car that the tax exemption applies to, for the free parking to apply. 

To have your parking validated, simply come to the Visitor Centre between 10am and 4pm (charges apply outside these times) with your registration number and one of the following:

  • V5 vehicle registration document
  • Enhanced PIP certificate
  • Certificate of entitlement (in the form of Certificate of Entitlement to Disability Living Allowance, An Annual Certificate of Entitlement or a DLA 404 Certificate).

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