If you’re planning a trip to Scarborough, you might be wondering where you can park your car without breaking the bank. Luckily, there are plenty of free parking options available in this seaside town, whether you’re visiting for a day or a longer stay. In this article, we’ll give you an overview of the different types of parking available in Scarborough and highlight some of the best places to park for free.
Scarborough is a popular tourist destination, with plenty of things to see and do for visitors of all ages. From the beach and the harbour to the castle and the Sea Life Centre, there’s something for everyone in this charming town. However, with so many people visiting, finding a parking spot can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are a number of free parking options available, from on-street parking to long-stay car parks. In the following sections, we’ll take a closer look at these options and provide some tips for finding the best spots.
Key Takeaways
- Scarborough offers a range of free parking options for visitors
- On-street parking is available in certain areas at designated times
- Long-stay car parks offer free overnight parking and reasonable rates for daytime parking
Overview of Scarborough Parking
If you are planning to visit Scarborough, it is important to know about the parking options available in the area. Scarborough offers a variety of parking options, from on-street spaces to secure car parks. Understanding the available choices can save you time and money, allowing you more time to enjoy what Scarborough has to offer.
Understanding Scarborough’s Parking Zones
Scarborough is divided into different parking zones, which determine the cost and duration of parking. The council car parks are divided into three zones: A, B, and C. Zone A is the most expensive, followed by Zone B and Zone C. On-street parking is divided into different zones, which are identified by different colours. The parking zones in Scarborough are enforced from 9 am to 6 pm, seven days a week.
Types of Parking Available
There are different types of parking available in Scarborough, including council car parks, on-street parking, and private car parks. Council car parks are the most popular option for visitors, with over 20 car parks available in the area. The council car parks offer both short-term and long-term parking options, with prices ranging from £1.20 to £8 per day.
On-street parking is available in Scarborough, but it is limited. There are different types of on-street parking available, including pay and display, disc zones, and free parking areas. The disc zones are the most common type of on-street parking in Scarborough. You can park for free in the disc zones after 5 pm daily, before 9 am Monday to Saturday, and before 12 pm on a Sunday. Free parking is available during these times on the following streets: Prince of Wales Terrace and Montpellier Terrace.
Private car parks are also available in Scarborough, but they are generally more expensive than council car parks. Private car parks offer both short-term and long-term parking options, with prices ranging from £2 to £15 per day.
Overall, Scarborough offers a variety of parking options to suit different needs and budgets. Whether you are visiting South Bay or North Bay, Marine Drive, or other areas in Yorkshire, there are plenty of parking options available, including free parking areas, council car parks, and private car parks.
Free Parking Options
If you are planning to visit Scarborough and looking for free parking options, you are in luck. Scarborough offers many free parking options that you can take advantage of. In this section, we will discuss the locations with free parking and the timings and restrictions that you need to be aware of.
Locations with Free Parking
There are several locations in Scarborough where you can park for free. Sea Cliff Road car park, Albion Road car park, Eastborough car park, North Terrace car park, Victoria Park, North Street car park, West Pier car park, and Castle Road car park are some of the locations where you can park for free. These car parks are located in and around the town centre and the South Bay and North Bay areas.
Apart from these car parks, you can also find free on-street parking in Scarborough. Prince of Wales Terrace and Montpellier Terrace are some of the streets where you can park for free during specific timings.
Free Parking Timings and Restrictions
Most of the free car parks in Scarborough have a time limit of 3 hours. Therefore, if you are planning to park for a longer duration, you may need to look for alternative options. Additionally, some of the car parks may have restrictions on the type of vehicles that can park, such as motorcycle parking and motorhome parking.
It is also worth noting that some of the free parking options may have restrictions during specific timings. For example, Tesco supermarket offers free parking, but only for a limited time, and you may need to make a purchase to qualify for the free parking.
In conclusion, Scarborough offers many free parking options that you can take advantage of. However, it is important to be aware of the timings and restrictions that apply to each location to avoid any fines or penalties.
Long Stay and Secure Parking
If you’re planning to stay in Scarborough for an extended period, you’ll need to find a long-stay car park. Fortunately, there are several council-run long-stay car parks in Scarborough that offer affordable rates for extended stays.
Council-Run Long Stay Car Parks
The council-run long-stay car parks in Scarborough include Albion Road, Eastborough, North Terrace, and the Train Station car park. All of these car parks offer hourly, daily, and weekly rates for long-stay parking, with discounts available for longer stays.
If you’re looking for a long-stay car park that’s close to Scarborough Castle, North Terrace car park is a good option. It’s just a short walk from the castle and offers affordable rates for extended stays.
Secure Parking Facilities
If you’re concerned about the security of your vehicle while it’s parked, there are several secure parking facilities in Scarborough that offer peace of mind. The Palm Court Car Park is a centrally located car park that offers secure parking from 11:00 pm to 7:00 am. It also has parent and child parking and is conveniently located for easy access to the town centre.
Another secure parking facility in Scarborough is the St. Thomas Street car park, which offers both short-stay and long-stay parking. It has CCTV surveillance and is located close to the town centre and the train station.
Overall, there are plenty of options for long-stay and secure parking in Scarborough. Whether you’re looking for council-run car parks or private facilities, you’re sure to find an option that suits your needs and budget.
Park and Ride Services
If you’re looking for a convenient and cost-effective way to park in Scarborough, then the park and ride services are an excellent option. There are two park and ride locations in Scarborough: Seamer Road and Filey Road. Both locations offer free parking and regular bus services to the town centre.
Scarborough Park and Ride Locations
The Seamer Road park and ride is located at YO12 4LW and has 500 free parking spaces. The Filey Road park and ride is located at YO11 3JY and has 600 free parking spaces. Both locations have regular bus services to the town centre, making it easy to get around without having to worry about parking.
Park and Ride Benefits
The park and ride services offer several benefits to commuters. Firstly, they are a cost-effective way to park in Scarborough. The parking is free, and the bus fare is significantly cheaper than parking in the town centre. Secondly, they are convenient. The buses run regularly throughout the day, so you don’t have to worry about missing your bus. Finally, they are environmentally friendly. By using the park and ride services, you’re helping to reduce congestion and pollution in the town centre.
In summary, if you’re looking for a convenient and cost-effective way to park in Scarborough, then the park and ride services are an excellent option. With free parking and regular bus services to the town centre, they offer several benefits to commuters.
Special Parking Provisions
Motorcycle and Motorhome Parking
If you are traveling to Scarborough with your motorcycle or motorhome, you may be wondering where you can park. Fortunately, there are several options available for you.
For motorcycle parking, you can use designated motorcycle bays throughout the town. These bays are usually located near car parks and on-street parking areas. You can find a map of all the motorcycle parking bays in Scarborough on the Scarborough Borough Council website.
If you are traveling with a motorhome, you can park at the Scarborough Park and Ride sites. The park and ride sites have designated motorhome parking spaces, and there are regular buses that run to and from the town center.
Monthly Parking Options
If you are a frequent visitor to Scarborough, or if you live in the town, you may want to consider a monthly parking option. Monthly parking options are available at several car parks throughout the town, including the Brunswick Shopping Centre car park and the Westwood car park.
Monthly parking passes are available for purchase at the car park, and they offer a significant discount compared to paying for daily parking. The cost of monthly parking varies depending on the car park, so it is best to check with the car park operator for current pricing.
Monthly parking passes are a great option if you need to park in Scarborough regularly, as they provide a convenient and cost-effective solution.
Accessibility and Convenience
When it comes to free parking in Scarborough, accessibility and convenience are important factors to consider. Fortunately, there are several options available that offer both.
Parking Near Major Attractions
If you’re planning to visit Scarborough’s major attractions such as the Scarborough Seafront, Scarborough Castle, North Bay Beach, or South Bay Beach, you’ll be pleased to know that there are several free parking spots nearby.
For instance, Granville Road and Sea Cliff Road offer free parking and are within walking distance of both the Scarborough Seafront and Scarborough Castle. Meanwhile, Northstead Manor Drive and Weaponness Park are great options if you’re planning to visit North Bay Beach.
Proximity to Public Transport
If you’re arriving in Scarborough by train, you’ll be pleased to know that there are several free parking spots near the train station. For instance, Lonsdale Road and Holbeck Road (North) both offer free parking and are within walking distance of the station.
If you’re planning to visit Whitby, which is just a short drive away from Scarborough, you can park for free on Royal Albert Drive. This is a great option if you’re looking for a convenient spot to leave your car while you explore the town.
Overall, there are plenty of free parking options available in Scarborough that offer both accessibility and convenience. By taking advantage of these spots, you can save money on parking fees and enjoy all that this wonderful town has to offer.
Regulations and Enforcement
Understanding Disc Zones
When parking in Scarborough, it is important to understand the different parking zones and their regulations. One type of parking zone you will encounter is the disc zone. These zones are marked with blue lines and signs that display the disc zone symbol. To park in a disc zone, you must display a valid parking disc on your dashboard. These discs are available from local shops and council offices.
The disc allows you to park in the zone for a limited time, usually between 1 and 3 hours. After this time, you must move your vehicle to another parking spot or risk receiving a penalty charge notice. It is important to note that disc zones are not free parking areas, and you must still pay for the disc. The cost of the disc varies depending on the location and duration of your stay.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Scarborough Council enforces parking regulations in the town to ensure fair access to parking spaces for all. If you do not comply with the parking regulations, you may receive a penalty charge notice (PCN). The amount of the PCN varies depending on the severity of the offence.
For example, if you park in a disc zone without displaying a valid disc, you may receive a PCN of £50. If you park in a disabled bay without a valid blue badge, you may receive a PCN of £70. It is important to pay any PCNs promptly to avoid additional charges.
In addition to disc zones, Scarborough Council operates a number of council car parks throughout the town. These car parks have different regulations and charges, so it is important to check the signage and pay accordingly. Failure to comply with the regulations in council car parks may also result in a PCN.
Supporting Local Economy
If you’re planning to visit Scarborough, you’ll be pleased to know that the council is making efforts to support the local economy by offering free parking in town centre off-street car parks. This move is aimed at attracting more people to the town centre and boosting local businesses.
Impact of Parking on Local Businesses
Parking plays a crucial role in the success of local businesses. Customers are more likely to visit a business if they can easily find a parking spot nearby. With free parking available in Scarborough’s town centre off-street car parks, visitors can spend more time exploring the local shops, restaurants, and attractions without worrying about parking fees.
The availability of free parking can also encourage visitors to stay longer in the town, which means they are more likely to spend money in the local businesses. This can have a positive impact on the local economy and help to create jobs in the area.
Events and Tourism Parking
Scarborough is a popular destination for events and tourism. The town has a lot to offer, from the beautiful South Bay and North Bay beaches to the scenic Marine Drive. Free parking in the town centre off-street car parks can help to make it easier for visitors to attend events and explore the town’s attractions.
During peak seasons, parking can be a challenge in Scarborough. However, with free parking available, visitors can avoid the hassle of finding a parking spot and enjoy their time in the town. This can help to boost tourism and encourage visitors to return to the town in the future.
In conclusion, the provision of free parking in the council’s town centre off-street car parks in Scarborough is a positive move that can support the local economy and benefit local businesses. Whether you’re visiting for an event or just exploring the town, free parking can make your trip more enjoyable and stress-free.
Parking Maps and Resources
If you are planning to visit Scarborough and want to park your car for free, you can take advantage of the various parking maps and resources available online. Here are some of the most useful ones:
Interactive Parking Maps
The Scarborough Borough Council website provides an interactive parking map that shows the location of all car parks in the area. You can filter the results by type of parking, such as pay and display or permit parking, and see the prices and opening times of each car park. The map also shows the location of on-street parking bays and disabled parking spaces. You can access the interactive parking map here.
Another useful resource is the Parkopedia website, which has an interactive map of parking options in Scarborough. You can search for parking by location, such as South Bay or North Bay, and see the prices and availability of each option. The map also shows the location of on-street parking bays and private garages. You can access the Parkopedia parking map here.
Printable Guides and Brochures
If you prefer to have a printed guide to parking in Scarborough, you can download a free brochure from the Scarborough Borough Council website. The brochure includes a map of all car parks in the area, as well as information on prices, opening times, and payment methods. You can download the parking brochure here.
Another useful resource is the Free Parking in Scarborough Guide, which lists all the free parking spots in Scarborough. The guide includes a map of the free parking areas, as well as information on parking restrictions and time limits.
Whether you prefer an interactive parking map or a printed guide, there are plenty of resources available to help you find free parking in Scarborough. With a little planning and research, you can save money on parking and enjoy all that this beautiful seaside town has to offer.
Tips for Finding Parking
When trying to find free parking in Scarborough, it’s important to know the best times to park and how to utilise technology to your advantage. Here are some tips to help you find parking in Scarborough.
Best Times to Park
Scarborough can get quite busy during the summer months, so it’s important to plan ahead if you’re looking for free parking. Generally, the best times to find free parking are early in the morning or late in the evening. During the day, it’s best to avoid the busiest areas like South Bay and North Bay.
If you’re planning on parking overnight, make sure to check the parking restrictions in the area. Some areas may have restrictions on overnight parking, so it’s important to be aware of these before leaving your car.
Utilising Technology for Parking
Technology can be a great tool for finding free parking in Scarborough. There are a number of apps and websites that can help you find free parking spots in the area. Some popular options include Parkopedia and JustPark.
Another option is to use Google Maps to find parking in Scarborough. Simply search for “free parking in Scarborough” and Google Maps will show you the nearest free parking spots. You can also use the “parking” filter in Google Maps to find paid parking options in the area.
When using technology to find parking, it’s important to be aware of any potential scams or fake parking spots. Always double-check the information provided and use common sense when choosing a parking spot.
Overall, finding free parking in Scarborough can be a challenge, but with a little planning and the right tools, it’s definitely possible. By knowing the best times to park and utilising technology to your advantage, you can save money and enjoy all that Scarborough has to offer.
Future Developments
Planned Parking Infrastructure
The Scarborough Council is working towards improving parking infrastructure in the town. The council is planning to invest in the construction of new car parks in the town centre and near popular tourist destinations like South Bay and North Bay. This will help reduce the parking congestion in the area and provide more parking spaces for visitors.
The council is also looking to upgrade the existing car parks in Scarborough with new technology to make parking more convenient. This includes installing sensors to detect available parking spaces, electronic payment systems, and real-time parking availability information. These upgrades will help visitors find parking spaces more easily and reduce the time spent searching for a parking spot.
Innovations in Parking Management
The Scarborough Council is also exploring new innovations in parking management to improve the overall parking experience for visitors. One such innovation is the use of smart parking meters that accept payment through mobile apps. These meters will allow visitors to pay for parking without the need for cash or cards, making the process more convenient.
Another innovation being considered is the use of dynamic pricing for parking. This means that the price of parking will vary depending on the demand for parking spaces. During peak hours, the price of parking will increase to encourage visitors to park in less congested areas. This will help reduce congestion in busy areas and provide more parking spaces for visitors.
Overall, the Scarborough Council is committed to improving the parking experience for visitors to the town. With planned investments in parking infrastructure and innovations in parking management, visitors can expect a more convenient and hassle-free parking experience in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find free parking spots in Scarborough during the winter season?
There are a number of free parking spots available in Scarborough during the winter season. Parking in the Northstead Lower Car Park is free during the winter months. In addition, on-street parking is free after 5pm daily, before 9am Monday to Saturday and before 12pm on a Sunday on Prince of Wales Terrace and Montpellier Terrace.
Are there any free parking areas along the Scarborough seafront?
Yes, there are free parking areas along the Scarborough seafront. For example, you can park for free on Sea Cliff Road, Northstead Manor Drive, Holbeck Road (North), Weaponness Park, Mountside, Granville Road, and Lonsdale Road.
What are the best places for free parking in Scarborough town centre?
There are a number of free parking spots available in Scarborough town centre. One of the best places to park for free is in the Northstead Lower Car Park, which has 98 spaces. In addition, you can park for free on Prince of Wales Terrace and Montpellier Terrace.
Can you provide a map showing free parking locations in Scarborough?
Yes, there is a map available that shows free parking locations in Scarborough. This map shows the best free parking spots in Scarborough and can help you navigate straight to your parking spot.
Is there free parking available in Scarborough’s North Bay area?
Yes, there is free parking available in Scarborough’s North Bay area. According to East Yorkshire Buses, the Seamer Road Park & Ride site has 500 free parking spaces available.
Are Blue Badge holders entitled to free parking in Scarborough?
Yes, Blue Badge holders are entitled to free parking in Scarborough. They can park for free in any of the council’s on-street parking bays, as well as in any of the council’s off-street car parks. However, Blue Badge holders must display their badge when parking in order to avoid receiving a ticket.
