Let’s first talk about Lincoln and then, we will explore the best parking spots there, both free and paid.
Lincoln, in the East Midlands, is a cathedral city. It was named after the Romans landed and developed an existing Iron Age settlement on the River Witham. During the Industrial Revolution, the city thrived, excelling in the manufacture of locomotives and heavy machinery.
Lincoln also has a rich military history, as the first tanks were invented, designed, and manufactured there. There were also many other military vehicles, machines, and munitions built there. Although heavy engineering declined as an industry at the end of the twentieth century, Lincoln still has a number of museums dedicated to its origins and history. Several art galleries are also nearby, as is Lincoln Football Club, which plays at the Sincil Bank stadium.
Lincoln now has a population of around 100,000 people. Many historical structures, such as Lincoln Cathedral and Lincoln Castle, still stand. There is also a lot of 11th-13th century architecture in the city.
Parking in cities can be difficult. Lincoln’s narrow, ancient streets add to the difficulty. We have compiled a list of all the city’s free parking options on this page. See below for a map of all of them, and keep reading for more information and tips.
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 Lincoln
Free Car Parks in Lincoln
There are free car parks in Lincoln, but they are only for customers. They can, however, be used temporarily to travel to nearby areas if you first visit the shops. These parking lots also have a maximum stay, making them ideal for a quick trip to the city center.
- Tesco Canwick Road LN5 8HS – 2 hours maximum
- B&Q Beevor Street LN6 7DJ – 2 hours maximum
- Tesco Wragby Road LN2 4QQ – 2 hours maximum
- Tritton Retail Park LN6 7AN – 2 hours maximum
- Morrisons Tritton Road LN6 7QL – 2 hours maximum
- Valentine Shopping Park LN6 7BH – 3 hours maximum
Residential Streets
When it comes to parking, local knowledge of residential streets is invaluable. If you know where to look, you can usually find free, unrestricted parking. To help you find a parking spot, we have compiled a list of residential streets with available spaces. The lists are organized by distance from the city center and walking distance from each location.
North
Parking to the north of the city is the most convenient for getting to the city center. This route is also convenient for visiting Lincoln Cathedral, the Museum of Lincolnshire Life, and the Arboretum. You can walk down the historic Steep Hill and cross the River Witham to get to the center.
- Beaumont Fee LN1 1EZ – 0.2 miles
- Church Lane LN2 1QJ – 0.6 miles
- Stonefield Avenue LN2 1QL – 0.6 miles
- Hereward Street LN1 3EW – 0.7 miles
- Lee Road LN2 4BH – 1.1 miles
East
These easterly streets make it especially easy to get to Lincoln County Hospital. On your way to the city center, you will pass by Monks Abbey, Lincoln Arboretum, and the New Theatre Royal.
Eastcliff Road LN2 5RU – 0.6 miles
Winn Street LN2 5ER – 0.8 miles
Tempest Street LN2 5NB – 0.9 miles
South
Parking on residential streets is most plentiful in the city’s south. Parking on these streets puts you near the Lincoln train station. The route into town will take you over the High Bridge on the River Witham and through the Waterside Shopping Centre before arriving at the city’s main shopping streets. A stroll from the south will take you past the Lincoln Guildhall.
- Kesteven Street LN5 7LH – 0.6 miles
- Cross Street LN5 7LT – 0.7 miles
- Trollope Street LN5 7LR – 0.7 miles
- Chelmsford Street LN5 7LL – 0.7 miles
- Ripon Street LN5 7NL – 0.8 miles
- Sincil Bank LN5 7TQ – 0.8 miles
- Thesiger Street LN5 7UL – 0.9 miles
- Kirkby Street LN5 7TU – 0.9 miles
- Hood Street LN5 7XB – 0.9 miles
If you are parking on a residential street, it is critical to remember the rules. Keep driveways and entrances clear, and never park on double-yellow lines. Before leaving your vehicle, look around for any signage indicating parking restrictions, and keep noise to a minimum, especially after dark.
Free Parking in Lincoln on Sundays & After 6pm/Overnight
Some streets that are normally restricted during the day become unrestricted overnight, making them ideal for parking if you intend to spend the night in Lincoln. The streets listed below are open after 6 p.m. every night, but check when the restrictions take effect so you can move your vehicle before that time. They are also open all day on Sundays, making them one of the best options for free parking if you are visiting the city on a Sunday.
- Victoria Terrace LN1 1HZ – 0.2 miles
- Bailgate LN1 3AR – 0.4 miles
- West Parade LN1 1QL – 0.4 miles
- Union Road LN1 3BJ – 0.4 miles
- Vine Street LN2 5HZ – 0.4 miles
- Westgate LN1 3BG – 0.5 miles
- Burton Road LN1 3LB – 0.5 miles
- Cecil Street LN1 3AU – 0.6 miles
- Williamson Street LN1 3DL – 0.7 miles
While parking on residential streets is free, it can be costly in terms of time and effort. There’s no guarantee you will find a parking spot, and then you will have to walk from your parking spot to the town center. It may not be the best option for people with disabilities, families with young children, or the elderly. Parking on unregulated residential streets also poses a higher risk; please keep this in mind if you choose to park there.
Cheapest Paid Parking Options in Lincoln
If you prefer the security and convenience of a car park, there are still affordable options available. The best by far is the High Street car park, which is at the top of the list because it is not only affordable but also in the heart of the city, making it the most convenient place to park. Aside from that, Lincoln has a plethora of other paid parking options.
- High Street LN5 7PS – £2.20 for 2 hours, £1.50 overnight (6pm-5am)
- Ropewalk LN6 7DQ – £2.40 for 2 hours, £10.00 for 24 hours
- Sewell Road LN2 5QX – £3.00 for 2 hours
- Broadgate LN2 5AP – £3.00 for 2 hours
- Rosemary Lane LN2 5AT – £3.00 for 2 hours
- Chaplin Street LN5 7BN – £3.00 for 2 hours
- Orchard Street LN1 1DD – £3.20 for 2 hours
- Castle Hill LN1 3AA – £3.20 for 2 hours
- The Lawn LN1 3BU – £3.20 for 2 hours
- St Pauls Lane LN1 3AL – £3.20 for 2 hours
- Westgate LN1 3BG – £3.20 for 2 hours
Lincoln is a charming small city with a rich history to discover and a surprising number of free parking spots. We hope the information on this page is useful in determining your best parking option and enjoying your trip to the county city.