Not strictly a motorhome question, but I am taking a group of Explorer scouts from Manchester to Brownsea Island off the coast of Poole, Dorset over the August Bank holiday weekend. Access to the island is via foot ferry so no transport allowed.
Does anyone have suggestions where I can park up a minibus for 3 nights, preferably as near to the harbour as possible? (you know scouts will moan if they have to carry their gear for too long!
Few years back we were considering using the Poole ferry to France and needed to park one of our crowds car (he came from Devon, rest of us from London, and only taking one car on ferry), the most cost effective/convenient option we found was 'Park on my driveway' type parking. Can't remember which companies/apps we looked at, but Google will provide I'm sure. Pretty sure that was for mates LWB Land Rover on that occasion, so big parking space required and some found.
Try “just park” app. We have used it a few times and found it very useful and charges often very reasonable. Our last use was a trip to Wembley for the torville and dean ice show. Parked in a pre booked driveway slot about 10 minute walk from Morden underground station.
Quote: Originally posted by Fiona W on 10/6/2025
NT owns the island & advises about parking:
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/brownsea-island
This website says:
Parking: Parking in Poole: follow signs to Quay Visitors car park (BH15 1SB). For vehicles 1.90m+ use surface car parks at Baiter a 15 minute walk to the Quay (BH15 1UX). There is parking available at The Thistle Hotel car park, but please note that the hotel is not in use just the parking. You’ll need to download the Evology parking app in advance https://evologyparking.com/
Checked both of those on the NT site and have time restrictions on how long you can leave your vehicle there for according to the council website, and we would be beyond that over the 3 to 4 days.
Quote: Originally posted by Connorsdad on 12/6/2025
Checked both of those on the NT site and have time restrictions on how long you can leave your vehicle there for according to the council website, and we would be beyond that over the 3 to 4 days.
IIRC I think max parking duration was one of the reasons we looked at 'Park on my drive' option.
We've gone away mob handed a lot, all piling into one car for the ferry, and long term parking for cars left behind can be an issue. Not applicable in your case, but it has influenced which ports we use, it's that much of an issue!
I have just taken a quick look at the just park app. There is certainly parking within 15-20 minutes walk of the harbour, but clearly it sells out quickly. You also need to check if there would be sufficient room for a minibus. Price varies according to closeness to the harbour.
I live fairly locally, Southbourne, but we often cycle to Poole quay where the ferries leave for Brownsea.
Do you have another leader or can they be left for a while? You could drop them off and then park on the street, take a cab or cycle back if you have room for a bike, Lock your bike on the quay.
There is free street parking on Sandbanks road near the Whitecliffe recreation car park for instance.
Is there a Scout / Explorer Scout group in Poole that could help, possibly? They may have premises where you could leave your minibus or be able to advise.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Parking in Poole Dorset
via mobile 10/6/2025 at 9:53am
