Let’s first talk about Durham and then, we will explore the best parking spots there, both free and paid.
Durham, a city in northeast England, has a population of 500,000. It’s just 18 miles south of Newcastle upon Tyne, on the River Wear. It is also the birthplace of Stan Laurel of Laurel and Hardy, former Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Rowan Atkinson, also known as Mr Bean.
Durham is a must-see for history buffs, with its magnificent castle and cathedral dating back to the 11th century, during the reign of William the Conqueror. Interestingly, the college and university are part of the castle and date back to 1833. The castle, surrounded on three sides by the river’s meander, was built to defend against any invading Scottish armies. The cathedral is also popular among Harry Potter fans, as it served as a filming location for two of the films.
Durham’s east coast is only a 30-minute drive away, where you can scour the shore for interesting gemstones and visit Seaham, a quaint little port. Hiking along the coastal paths, bird watching, and exploring the cliff tops are all highly recommended.
Make sure to visit the massive botanical gardens, row on the River Wear, and dine at one of the fantastic restaurants, such as the 13th-century Cellar Door. You should also visit the Full Moon Market for an amazing variety of street food, including vegan options.
With over 3 million visitors per year and a high population, parking can be difficult. There are also many regulated parking areas. If you are unfamiliar with the city’s layout and want to save money, it will take you a long time to find free parking on residential streets, and you may end up walking much longer than necessary to get to the centre. Check out our Durham parking map for both free and paid options. You could potentially save £15 per day.
Important Note:
While UKFreeParking.com takes every step to ensure that the parking information provided is accurate at the time of writing, local ordinances, parking availability, parking prices, and parking regulations change with time.
UKFreeParking.com accepts no responsibility for any fines or tickets received as a result of using our website.
Please ensure that you park your vehicle safely and responsibly every time, making sure to adhere to local parking rules, signs, and regulations.
Free Parking in Durham
Free, unrestricted residential street parking
Finding residential streets with no parking restrictions is an excellent alternative for free parking. This is typically a guaranteed method of parking for free without violating any rules. Without knowing where to go, you may have difficulty finding a decent street in a good location. We’ve compiled this list of free parking spots and done the legwork for you. This includes postcodes and distances from the city center (railway station) and other points of interest along the way. The list also includes various city districts and entry points.
It goes without saying that you must follow the rules and maintain proper parking etiquette. Be respectful of noise, especially in the evenings. Make sure you don’t park too close to other cars, don’t park in front of driveways, and always check the street signs for any special rules. Parking on residential streets is at your discretion.
North
There are some decent parking options in the north of the city that are very convenient if you’re coming from Newcastle upon Tyne. You can walk to the centre via Aykley Heads Recreation Ground and Wharton Park. You can also stop by the train station to pick up a friend. The University Hospital of North Durham is also en route.
- Kirby Avenue DH1 5AY – 2 miles
- Redhills Lane DH1 4AW – 0.6 miles
- Saint Monica Grove DH1 4AS – 0.6 miles
- Saint Bede’s Close DH1 4AB – 0.6 miles
East
If you are coming from the coast or Sunderland in the northeast, East Durham is the ideal place to park. There are paid and residential options available within a reasonable walking distance of the centre, and the most scenic option is to take a small detour and walk along the River Wear towpath towards the centre.
- Heaviside Place DH1 1JG – 0.9 miles
- Long Acres DH1 1JF – 1 mile
- Churchill Avenue DH1 1PX – 1.1 mile
- Edward Street 1DH 1PU – 1.1 mile
- MacKintosh Court DH1 1PY – 1.2 miles
- Young Street DH1 2JU – 1.1 mile
- Edge Court DH1 2JY – 1.1 mile
South
There are no free residential parking options in the south due to the large university campus area, but there is a park-and-ride. However, if you’re driving north from Darlington or Middlesbrough, you won’t want to miss the Botanical Gardens, which are reasonably priced. There is also an Oriental museum on the way to the centre, but both have very small parking lots reserved for visitors only.
When parking on residential streets, please be courteous. Park as close to the curb as possible, avoid parking in front of driveways, and keep parking permits clearly visible (as required).
Free short-term parking (2h or less)
Several light commercial areas and shopping malls provide up to two hours of free parking to their customers or visitors. This includes:
- Tesco Extra DH1 2XA
- Dragonville Retail Park DH1 2WP
- Durham City Retail Park 2RP
- The Sands Car Park DH1 1SF
- Lanchester Road Hospital 5RD
- Arnison Centre 5GD
Overnight/Weekend/Sunday Parking
These curb-side parking spots are free overnight and on Sundays; however, pay at the parking meter and keep the ticket on display.
- North Road DH1 5TW – 0.4 miles
- South Street DH1 4QP – 0.4 miles
- Margery Lane DH1 4QU – 0.5 miles
- Claypath DH1 1QE – 0.4 miles
- Neville Street DH1 4EY – 0.2 miles
- Allergate DH1 4ET – 0.3 miles
- New Street DH1 4DH – 0.2 miles
- Sutton Street DH1 4DA – 0.3 miles
Restricted Parking Zones (Available Sun & Overnight)
Between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., only permit holders may park on these streets. Non-permit holders are allowed to park overnight and on Sundays. Please return to your car by 8 a.m. to avoid a parking ticket. The distance is to Durham train station, which is centrally located and within a 10-minute walk of most of downtown, including Wharton Park, Durham Castle & Cathedral, and shopping areas.
- Obelisk Lane DH1 4RP – 0.4 miles
- Albert Street DH1 4RJ – 0.4 miles
- Springwell Avenue DH1 4LY – 0.5 miles
- North Crescent DH1 4NE – 0.5 miles
- Fieldhouse Lane DH1 4LT – 0.6 miles
Park and Ride Services in Durham
- Belmont Park and Ride DH1 1BA – northeast of Durham
- Howlands Park and Ride DH1 3TQ – south of Durham
- Sniperley Park and Ride DH1 5AA – northwest of Durham
Cheapest Paid Car Parks
If you don’t want to save money and want to get right into the heart of Durham without having to walk, there are several paid options. They range from £10 to £15 per day. Here’s a list of all the best paid parking options, beginning with those closest to the center.
- Sidegate Car Park DH1 5SY – £1.60 for 2 hours
- Southfield Way Parking DH1 5SE – £1.90 for 2 hours
- Walkergate Car Park DH1 1SW – £2.00 for 2 hours
- Prince Bishops Car Park DH1 3UJ – £2.10 for 2 hours
- Durham Station Long Stay Car Park DH1 4RB – £6.25 daily rate (best value)
- The Riverwalk DH1 4SL – £1.80 for 2 hours