Dorset, Motoring & Transport | Posted on December 1st, 2025 | return to news

Free parking in Dorset Council car parks on selected dates

In the run up to Christmas, Dorset Council is permitting free parking on certain dates in its car parks to help shoppers.

There will be free car parking in Dorset Council-run car parks on selected dates in the run-up to Christmas.

In Wimborne and Ferndown that will be Saturday 6 December (which is also Small Business Saturday) and Friday 19 December.

Free parking will also be available in council-run car parks in Beaminster, Blandford, Bridport, Corfe Castle, Dorchester, Gillingham, Lyme Regis, Shaftesbury, Sherborne, Sturminster Newton, Wareham and Weymouth.

For details, see https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/free-parking-in-council-car-parks-this-christmas

During these free parking days:

The parking app and ticket machines in participating Dorset Council car parks will show no charge.
On-street parking charges will still apply.
Charges still apply at any car parks not listed on the Christmas parking webpages.

Local town councils may also be offering free parking on certain days in the run-up to Christmas.

Cllr Richard Biggs, Cabinet member for Property & Assets and Economic Growth, said: “Christmas can be an expensive time, especially with the current pressures on household budgets.

“By offering free parking, we’re encouraging people to shop locally and support the fantastic independent businesses that make our towns so special.”

Cllr Jon Andrews, Cabinet member for Place Services, which includes car parking, said: “Free parking in selected council car parks on key dates means you can spend more time browsing, shopping and soaking up the Christmas atmosphere without worrying about the meter.”