Festive events supported with free parking

To encourage residents to shop locally, Dorset Council is supporting local events with free parking this festive season.

In ongoing support of the local economy, Dorset Council offers town councils six free parking days in Dorset Council-owned car parks each year. This is made up of Small Business Saturday in December, plus one weekday in December and four days for events which generate valuable footfall for that town.

All Dorset Council-owned town centre car parks will be free on Small Business Saturday (4 December) in Beaminster, Blandford, Bridport, Dorchester, Gillingham, Lyme Regis, Shaftesbury, Sherborne, Sturminster Newton, Wareham, Weymouth and Wimborne.

Additional free parking dates have also been confirmed for individual town council Christmas events in Blandford, Dorchester, Gillingham, Lyme Regis, Shaftesbury, Sherborne, Sturminster Newton and Weymouth.

On-street parking charges, and private car park charges, will still apply. Drivers are encouraged to check signage on machines at each car park to avoid paying unnecessarily.

Free festive parking

Beaminster

Free parking on Saturday 4 December.

  • The Square
  • Yarn Barton

  • Bridport

    Free parking on Saturday 4 December.

    • East Street (short stay)
    • East Street (long stay)
    • Football Club (free parking courtesy of town council)
    • Hope Terrace
    • Plottingham (free parking courtesy of town council)
    • Rope Walks
    • South Street
    • West Street (commercial)
    • West Street
    • Wykes Court

    Dorchester

    Free parking on Saturday 4 December, plus free parking on Saturday 27 November and Wednesday 22 December as part of the ‘Shop Dorchester for Christmas’.

    • Durngate Street
    • Fairfield (short stay)
    • Fairfield (long stay)
    • Old Market
    • Top O Town (short stay)
    • Top O Town (long stay)
    • Top O Town (commercial)
    • Trinity Street (south)
    • Wollaston Field