Let’s first talk about York and then, we will explore the best parking spots there, both free and paid.
York, founded in 71 AD as a military fortress near the confluence of the Foss and Ouse rivers, has certainly come a long way. It is now well-known for its mediaeval architecture, a truly impressive set of city walls, and a magnificent Victorian railway station. York welcomes approximately 8.5 million visitors each year who come to experience more than 2000 years of English history in a city that has seen the rise and fall of empires.
York is a popular tourist destination for history buffs. There are numerous walking tours available that will take you to all of the historical highlights, such as the Roman city walls; York Minster, one of Northern Europe’s largest gothic cathedrals; Clifford’s Tower, an iconic symbol of York’s mediaeval past; The Shambles, the best-preserved mediaeval street in the UK with its ancient cobblestones and timber-framed buildings; and York Castle Museum, where you can learn everything there is to know about mediaeval crime and punishment.
All of this, however, does not imply that York is stuck in the past. It has a thriving arts and culture scene that draws art lovers, theatregoers, and music fans from all over the world. Museums, galleries, and theatres such as the Theatre Royal host everything from classic plays and exhibitions to contemporary productions. The York Festival of Ideas is an annual event that celebrates art, culture, and intellectual exploration while also contributing to the city’s cultural scene.
York manages to combine all of this history and culture with a strong love of food and drink, with a plethora of lively eateries and traditional pubs serving hearty British fare. If you’re going for the food, the Shambles Market has the best selection and the best artisanal options.
The narrow, winding streets, like many other older towns and cities in the UK, make for great walking but aren’t very friendly to drivers. Parking can be difficult to find or prohibitively expensive, assuming you can find it at all. This guide aims to help you find popular hotels and other lodging options in York that offer free or heavily discounted parking on-site or nearby.
Important Note:
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York Hotels with Free, Paid, or Discounted Parking
York Hotels with free or discounted parking for guests
Not everyone has the same travel budget or preferences when it comes to lodging. However, there is one thing that we all value: affordable and convenient parking. The following hotels, bed and breakfasts, and guest houses have received high ratings on Booking.com, the world’s largest accommodation booking site. It’s important to note that this list only includes serviced accommodations; there are no self-service AirBnB-style apartments or villas on this list. To accommodate different budgets, we have divided our recommendations into three categories: budget, mid-range, and luxury. Please keep in mind that prices vary depending on the season.
Budget Options
St George’s Hotel
St George’s Hotel is a family-run bed and breakfast located opposite York’s famous racecourse in a stylish Victorian building. In addition to being a 2022 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice hotel, it is also extremely highly rated on Booking.com for its overall service and value for money. Guests can enjoy delicious home-cooked breakfasts in their clean and inviting rooms or in a private garden, and the hotel is only a 10-minute walk from the city walls and the famous Micklegate Bar. Private onsite parking is available for £10 per day. To reserve a parking space, please contact them ahead of time.
Brentwood Guest House
Brentwood Guest House is a four-star family-run guest house that also provides excellent value in its price range. Their rooms are comfortable and well-appointed, with TVs, hairdryers, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Brentwood Guest House, located just a few minutes’ walk from the city center, is an excellent base of operations for anyone looking to explore York on foot or on a budget. Bootham Park Sports Ground, which is less than a 3-minute walk away, is also a good place to stretch your legs. They’re particularly popular with couples, who rate them 9.1 for a two-person trip. For a fee of £5 per day, guests can park on the street. Contact them ahead of time to reserve parking.
Mid-range Options
Ascot House
Ascot House provides charming family-run accommodations in a Victorian house dating back to the 1860s. With a bus stop right across the street and only a few minutes’ walk from the city center, this is another excellent option for those looking for a convenient base. The hotel retains much of its Victorian charm while providing all of the modern conveniences we have come to expect when traveling. Don’t miss the award-winning breakfast in the timelessly elegant dining room. Guests can park for free and securely on-site.
Poplar House Serviced Apartments
Poplar House Serviced Apartments has an average rating of 9.4 and is one of York’s highest-rated accommodation providers. Poplar House does not have an award-winning in-house restaurant, but it does have everything you need for a clean, cozy, and comfortable serviced apartment stay. Guests appreciate its convenient location, spacious living room, reasonable price, and welcome pack, which includes basic foods and drinks to help you settle in after a long day of traveling. Guests can enjoy free private off-street parking.
Middletons
Middletons is an excellent choice for history buffs visiting York. Middletons has a lot to offer as a collection of six historical Grade-II listed buildings arranged around a private and secluded courtyard in the heart of York. Locals are familiar with the Sawmill restaurant, which serves a varied menu throughout the day. You can also enjoy a few craft cocktails on one of their sunny terraces or hotel gardens. While Middletons is only a short walk from many of York’s top attractions, we understand if you prefer to spend your days relaxing right here. They provide private onsite parking for their guests for £12.50 per day.
Luxury Accommodation
The Churchill Hotel
The Churchill Hotel is a luxury hotel located in the heart of York in an original Georgian mansion. It has modern styling and facilities that blend in beautifully and uniquely with the traditional architecture. The Churchill also has an award-winning brasserie, The Wellington Bar, which serves a variety of drinks, and a large beer garden with a wood-burning pizza oven. The rooms are extremely comfortable, with flat-screen TVs, modern bathrooms, and design. Guests can use the private onsite parking for £15 per day.
Minster Walk Guesthouse
Minster Walk Guesthouse has been welcoming guests through its coaching inn doors for over three centuries. The Minster Walk Guesthouse is located practically across the street from Museum Park, a 19th-century park with Roman ruins, and is only a short distance from the city center. Guests frequently comment on the comfort of the Egyptian cotton bed linen, the delicious breakfasts prepared in-house, and the complimentary homemade cakes. Minster Walk Guesthouse is only a 5-minute walk from Shambles, making it an excellent base for exploring the city. Private guest parking is available for £15 per day on-site.
Parking near popular hotels in York
While finding and exploring unique boutique hotels and other accommodations is fun, there are times when people prefer to stick with what they know. People on business, for example, frequently choose the big names in accommodation because of their standardised service, features, and loyalty programs. When thinking of large international chains, hotels like the Radisson Blu, Hilton, and Marriott come to mind. While most of these hotels offer private onsite parking, there may be times when it is unavailable or appears to be too expensive. As part of this guide, we’ve found some good parking options near popular York hotels.
Hotel Indigo York, an IHG Hotel
Hotel Indigo York, an IHG Hotel, is part of the massively successful IHG group, which is based in Windsor. Good food, a mix of chic and rustic design elements, and overall excellent value. Located just east of the Foss River, a short walk from the action. Hotel Indigo York does not provide parking and does not accept parking reservations. The following are the closest secure parking lots:
- Peel Street Car Park // £13/day // 0.2 miles
- Q-Park Barbican // £17.50/day // 0.3 miles
- Q-Park Shambles // £22/day // 0.3 miles
OYO Diamonds Inn
The OYO Diamond Inn is a member of the OYO group, which provides standardised quality assurances for consistent levels of comfort at very reasonable prices. While the rooms aren’t as appealing as some of the other options on this list, it’s conveniently located near the town center and within walking distance of my favorite attractions. The OYO Diamond Inn does not have private parking and encourages guests to park nearby. These are some examples:
- Monk Bar Car Park // £16/per day // 0.2 miles
- Foss Bank Car Park // £2/hour // 0.3 miles
- Foss Bank Car Park is free from 8pm to 8am, however, it is locked overnight from 8:30pm to 8am
- Union Terrace Car Park // £16/day // 0.4 miles
Hilton York
The Hilton Group rarely requires an introduction. They have a wide range of rooms with all the features and amenities you’d expect from a high-end international chain. The Hilton group is known for its excellent restaurants, fitness centers, and ample corporate facilities, among other things. The Hilton York is across the street from Clifford’s Tower and overlooks the river, providing breathtaking views all around. Private parking is not available; only valet parking is available for a fee of £25 per day. Other safe options nearby are:
- Coppergate Car Park // £3h/h // 0.2 miles
- Coppergate Car park is free from 7pm to 7am, however, it is locked overnight after 7pm
- Castle Car Park // £4/overnight // 0.1 mile
- Daytime parking is expensive at £3/hour, however, their overnight parking is a good deal compared to the hotel prices.
- Peel Street Car Park // £13/day // 0.3 miles