How to Get to the Fair
The A338 Bournemouth to Salisbury and beyond road runs through the western side of Downton. The Fair is held on the The Borough ie the B3080 road to the New Forest. The Borough is closed to all traffic from 0830 to 1800 on the day of the fair.
Camping
The Downton Cuckoo Fair provides no camping facilities for the Fair. Usually the New Forest District Association (NFDA) of The Camping and Caravanning Club arranges a temporary campsite. Please contact them for more information.
Cycling
If you want to cycle to the Fair then there are cycle racks at three locations available for use:
- Outside the Co-op. This is in the middle of the Fair so best get there early and remember there is NO cycling during the Fair.
- At Trafalgar School, follow signs to the South carpark. They are past the front car parks on the right hand side as you cycle in.
- Beside the Northbound bus-stop at the junction of Wick Lane and the A338.
Public Transport
The Salisbury Reds bus company runs its X3 route along the A338, with a half-hourly service north to Salisbury and south to Bournemouth. It also runs the more local routes 40 and 44 through the main part of village although their schedule/route will be impacted due to the road closure. Salisbury Reds provides a Journey Planner to help plan your journey. Note that journey times may be impacted due to queues on the A338.
In Salisbury there is a mainline station with trains operated by South Western Railway (typically London to Exeter routes) and Great Western Railway (typically South Coast to Bristol / Gloucester).
Coach Parking for Cuckoo Fair
Please see – https://cuckoofair.co.uk/parking-for-coaches
Car Parks
There are large car parks charges of £10 per vehicle, provided by local charities and good causes, so please use them. Please do not obstruct the many lanes around the village which would make access for emergency vehicles difficult.
North car park – suitable for cars. What3Words – ///incline.hunter.wove. Nearest postcode SP5 3RA
East Car Park – not suitable for Accessible or coaches. Toilets plus free park-n-ride service to Tannery Bridge. What3words – ///items.bravery.unafraid. Nearest postcode SP5 3QA
South Car Park – Accessible parking and toilets. Coach parking by prior arrangement – please see – https://cuckoofair.co.uk/parking-for-coaches What3words – ///banana.hero.correctly. Postcode – SP5 3HN
Regional Map
Important Note
Please do use the car parks – leaving cars on verges or in the country lanes inconveniences everyone. As the entry to the Fair is free we and the local organisations that run them rely on the income from the car parks to break even. All Car parks £10, please bring the correct cash.
NB as you approach Downton all roads be extra vigilant as they could be queues of traffic
PLEASE NOTE – B3080 through Downton is closed from 0830 to 1800.
The green box shows the extent of the Local Area map.
You are heading for Downton on the A338 between Ringwood and Salisbury.
The smaller red box the extent of the Local Car Park Map.
Local Area Map
This shows the routes to the Fair for different types of traffic. Disabled parking and coach parking are only available from A338 in the SOUTH Car Park. The details in the red ‘Downton’ box are shown in the Local Car Park Map below.
PLEASE NOTE – B3080 through Downton is closed from 0830 to 1800.
Visitors from East
Exit M27 at Junction 1, take B3078 through the New Forest (DO NOT exit at Junction 2 for the A36)
Cars only – in the New Forest take the right hand fork, B3080 signed to Downton.
For accessible parking – continue on B3078 through Fordingbridge and then north up A338 heading for Salisbury.
Coaches – Take M27 and A31 to Ringwood (see ‘Visitors from West & South’) – see Coach webpage for full details.
Visitors from West & South
Arrive via A31 and at Ringwood take A338 North towards Salisbury, through Fordingbridge.
Visitors from North
Arrive via Salisbury, take A338 South towards Ringwood.
Local Car Park Map
A338 Car parks – NB the A338 is open to traffic BUT be aware of traffic queues
The details in the red box are shown in the car park map below. The details for the blue box are shown in the ‘Arriving at the Cuckoo Fair’ section below
Visitors from East
Cars only – continue on the B3080 signed to Downton, through Woodfalls / Redlynch, shortly after the Lode Hill traffic lights turn right into Barford Lane, and park in EAST car park. There is a free Park and Ride from Barford Lane to the start of the Fair or you walk – it’s about 1,200M.
Visitors from West & South
Continue up the A338 North, through Breamer towards Salisbury and at Downton park in Trafalgar School car park SOUTH
Visitors from North
Continue down A338 heading South, past Charlton All Saints and as you enter Downton park in one of the NORTH , SOUTH car parks.
For Accessible parking
Continue north up A338 to park in Trafalgar School car park SOUTH
Coaches
Continue north up A338 to drop-off or if pre-booked park in Trafalgar School car park SOUTH
Arriving at the Cuckoo Fair
EAST Barford Lane Car Park If you’ve parked in the Barford Lane Car park then catch the free park-n-ride service that’ll take you to the security check-point near the Purple Zone. From the drop-off point it’s just a short walk (400m) to the start of Purple Zone with its marquee and Maypole. From the car park it’s about a 1.2Km walk.
SOUTH Trafalgar School car park – follow the signs to the path that takes you to the fair. You’ll arrive between the Green and Blue Zones. Turn left to go to the start of the Fair and The Bull Hotel. NB Toilets are available directly opposite in the Cricket Pitch
NORTH car park – cross over the A338 and turn right. Walk down the pavement and just after The Bull Hotel, turn up The Borough and pass through the security checkpoint.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Please see our pages with useful information.