Changes to parking arrangements at Ashridge Estate

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Why have the parking arrangements changed?

  We are complying with requirements identified by Hertfordshire County Council and other statutory bodies. One of the requirements is to provide unobstructed access to the byway.

• Why now?

  The National Trust and Hertfordshire County Council received complaints that logs were obstructing the byway and affecting public access.

• Is this a temporary or permanent arrangement?

  This arrangement is in place for the foreseeable future. We continue to work with Hertfordshire County Council and other statutory bodies to balance competing priorities of providing unobstructed access to the byway, protecting nature in the special area of conservation, and providing sufficient parking capacity for visitors. We will keep you informed in advance of any future changes.

• Can I move the logs?

  We kindly request that you do not move any of the logs from their position alongside the road. If you observe that any of the logs have been moved, please report to a member of staff at the visitor centre.

• Will there be enough parking spaces?

  Based on recent usage, there are enough parking spaces during weekdays between the south verge, Barracks Square, and the Visitor Centre car park.

  During busy weekends, we will open an additional, temporary car park on Meadley's Meadow. This will provide additional parking spaces equivalent to the number of spaces previously available on the north verge.

• How many car parking spaces are available?

  Around 270 car parking spaces are available during weekdays. Around 430 car parking spaces are available when the additional, temporary parking on Meadley's Meadow is open on busy weekends.

• Where else can I park if there is no space on Monument Drive?

  There are other small car parks around the estate where you can look for a space. Please do not park on the north verge, and please follow all signage.

• If parking is limited, won't this cause more parking in nearby villages?

  We are not limiting capacity. On busy days, we are replacing parking on the north verge with an equivalent parking capacity in Meadley's Meadow.

• Will this damage the meadow?

  The meadow will only be available during dry weather and busy days for a limited number of days per year. The location of the temporary car park protects the most floristically rich areas of the meadow.

• Is there any impact on parking for Blue Badge holders?

  Blue Badge holder parking is unaffected by the changes and continues to be available at the Visitor Centre car park and opposite our mobility vehicle rental.

• Are we going to have to pay for parking?

  Parking remains free-of-charge across the site.

• Does this impact the mobility route that goes around Meadley's Meadow?

  The mobility route going around the meadow will continue to be open to mobility vehicles. However, when a section of the meadow is turned into a temporary car park at the weekend, a small section of the mobility route on the east side of the meadow will be used by cars. If you are concerned about driving your mobility vehicle alongside cars, we recommend that either you book a mobility vehicle on a different day (Monday to Friday) or ride on the mobility route on the west side of the meadow and do a u-turn when the route is open to cars.

• Is this related to the Protecting Our Roots project?

  The installation of the logs along the north verge of Monument Drive is in response to complaints received by National Trust and Hertfordshire County Council. It is not related in any way to our ongoing planning applications as part of the ‘Protecting Our Roots’ project.

• Is this related to the planning application for the interim car park and knee rail?

  The current changes are not related to any planning application. They are an independent measure put in place to comply with requirements identified by Hertfordshire County Council and other statutory bodies, following complaints received by National Trust and Hertfordshire County Council that logs were obstructing the byway.