đ Herschel Car Park (Newcastle University) â The Complete NE1 CityâCentre Parking Guide â¨
Evening visitor parking from ÂŁ1/hour at Newcastle University (NE1) â steps from Haymarket Metro, Great North Museum, and Eldon Square. Clear rules, simple app payment from 16:00, and everything you need for a smooth, compliant visit.
Address: Herschel Car Park, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU
Latitude / Longitude: 54.9782635, â1.6164652
Primary Access Route: Approach via Kingâs Road â St Thomas Street and follow campus signs for the Herschel Building.
đ Type: University campus car park (permitâcontrolled by day; visitor parking permitted after 16:00)
đ Open: Vehicle access is generally available 24/7; however, visitor charging applies from 16:00 onwards (see Pricing).
đ Rating: Not listed with a consolidated public rating (it is a university facility rather than a retail multiâstorey); feedback is typically via departmental communications and event pages.
đ° Pricing & Permits
Current visitor tariff (as of September 2025):
- From 16:00: ÂŁ1.00 per hour (appâbased).
- Payment method: PayByPhone mobile/app/IVR. Location code: 806752.
- Blue Badge bays: Two accessible bays adjacent to the Herschel Building entrance. Payment is required during chargeable hours; bays are firstâcome, firstâserved.
- Daytime (before 16:00): Permitâholders only (staff/students/contractors). Departments may arrange limited daytime visitor parking for specific meetings or events â this must be preâauthorised and displayed or registered as instructed.
- Maximum stay: Aligned to posted evening charging hours. Always check onâsite boards for any temporary variations (e.g., graduation, open days, estates works).
- Refunds/Extensions: With app parking, you can typically extend your session remotely, subject to any posted limits. Refunds are at the operatorâs discretion; end or shorten a session inâapp if you leave early where supported.
- PCN risk: Common causes include no active session during the chargeable period, expired session, parking outside marked bays, and using a disabled bay without a Blue Badge.
Permits (daytime use):
- Staff/student permits are controlled by the Universityâs estates/parking team and are generally valid before 16:00. Visitor bays in daytime are only for preâarranged visits confirmed by departments.
- Permit allocation can change termâtoâterm based on demand, works, and security. Always follow the latest internal guidance if you are a permit holder.
Future changes:
- Universities periodically review outâofâhours visitor access and tariffs for sustainability, safety, and cityâtraffic considerations. Expect occasional updates that will be reflected on event pages and onâsite signage.
Key takeaway: If you are a general visitor, assume permitâonly before 16:00, and ÂŁ1/hour via PayByPhone from 16:00 at the Herschel car park, unless a department has explicitly arranged something different for you.
đ Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Overall size | Mediumâsized surface facility serving the Herschel Building; exact bay count is not publicly published |
| Layout | Openâair marked bays with straightforward twoâway circulation |
| Surface | Tarmac surface typical of campus car parks (expect routine wear and occasional patching) |
| Lighting | Standard column lighting supports evening use |
| Security | Campus security patrols operate across university grounds; there is no public barrier or manned kiosk at this car park |
| Height Limit | No fixed height barrier normally in place; temporary bollards/cones may appear during events or works |
| Signage | Clear rule boards at the entrance and repeat plates near payâbyâphone signs |
Ingress & egress: Vehicles typically enter from St Thomas Street off Kingâs Road. Pedestrian routes connect directly to Herschel entrances and the broader campus network toward Haymarket and Percy Street. Sightlines are good, but please take care at peak evening arrivals when footfall is high for public lectures.
Bay markings: Standardâwidth bays. Drivers of wider SUVs or longâwheelbase vans should favour end bays to stay fully within markings and avoid openingâdoor conflicts.
âż Accessibility
- Dedicated bays: Two Blue Badge bays sited close to the Herschel entrance (firstâcome, firstâserved). If they are occupied, Blue Badge holders may use any standard bay, but must pay the posted charge during charging hours and display the badge in accordance with the signage.
- Routes & gradients: The immediate route into the Herschel Building is stepâfree with typical urban gradients. From there, gentle slopes lead toward Haymarket and Percy Street.
- App convenience: If reaching a physical pay machine would be difficult, PayByPhone removes that step; set up your profile and card details in advance so payment takes under a minute on arrival.
- Wayfinding: Follow building signage for Curtis Auditorium (INSIGHTS public lectures). If you need assistance, reception desks (when staffed) or campus security can provide directions.
đ EV Infrastructure
- Onâsite chargers: There are no dedicated EV posts signposted within the Herschel Car Park itself at the time of writing. If you require charging, plan for a nearby option.
- Nearest EV options (city centre):
- Eldon Square / Eldon Gardens MSCPs (NE1): Multiâstorey car parks with EV bays suitable for destination charging while shopping or dining.
- Dean Street MSCP (NE1 1PG): City multiâstorey with EV charging on ground/selected levels; convenient for Quayside and city venues.
- Civic Centre underground (NE1 8QH): EV bays close to campus and the administrative quarter.
- Operational notes: In city car parks, parking tariffs usually apply in addition to the charging fee. Charging speeds and access rules vary by operator. Always check the relevant network app for live availability and connector types before you set off.
đ Peak Times & Occupancy (Typical Patterns)
Context: The Herschel facility supports a working university campus. Daytime demand is dominated by permit holders, and general visitors should not expect availability before 16:00 unless a department has provided specific permission. After 16:00, the car park serves evening visitors â including those attending INSIGHTS lectures in the Curtis Auditorium â with demand varying by event.
| Timeframe | Likely Occupancy | Main Users |
| Weekdays (before 16:00) | Very high (restricted to permits) | Staff, researchers, contractors |
| Weekdays 16:00â18:00 | Moderate â High | Early evening visitors, lectures, campus meetings |
| Weeknights after 18:00 | Moderate | Events, rehearsals, study, city dining |
| Saturdays (day) | Moderate | Campus visitors and shoppers using campus as a base |
| Match days / major city events | High | General city demand increases congestion across approaches |
What drives the peaks?
- Lecture series & public talks: The Curtis Auditorium in the Herschel Building hosts regular public events that compress arrivals into a 60â90 minute window before start time.
- Graduations & open days: Expect campusâwide pressure on bays; estates may declare temporary restrictions or marshalling.
- City events & football: Proximity to St Jamesâ Park and city venues can raise background traffic and extend exit times around kickâoff and fullâtime.
đś Walkability Score
| Destination | Approx. Walk Time | Key Benefit |
| Haymarket Metro & Bus Station | 3â5 min | Networked rail/bus access across Tyneside and to the airport |
| Curtis Auditorium (Herschel Building) | 1â2 min | Ideal for INSIGHTS public lectures and campus events |
| Great North Museum: Hancock | 6â8 min | Familyâfriendly museum, cafĂŠ, and exhibitions |
| Eldon Square / Northumberland St | 8â10 min | Major retail, cafĂŠs, and amenities; lateâevening options |
| Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) | 10â12 min | Appointments within walking distance when hospital car parks are busy |
Walking times are approximate and based on comfortable pace from the centre of the car park.
đ Nearby Amenities
Essentials
- Public toilets: Widely available within Eldon Square during opening hours; selected university buildings may have visitor facilities when open for events.
- ATMs & banking: Along Northumberland Street and inside Eldon Square.
- Pharmacies: Multiple branches in the city core (e.g., along Northumberland Street and Gallowgate).
Food & Drink
- Campus cafĂŠs (hours vary by term and building).
- Independent coffee shops, restaurants, and fastâcasual options along Northumberland Street, Eldon Square, and Newgate Street.
- For a quick preâlecture stop, allow 10â15 minutes to order and walk back in good time.
Familyâfriendly options
- Great North Museum and green spaces toward Leazes Park make it easy to combine a visit with a short outing. For wet weather, galleries and bookstores near Grainger Town provide sheltered browsing.
đ żď¸ Alternative Parking Comparison
Use these if Herschel is full after 16:00, or if you are arriving earlier and cannot use permit bays. Prices and rules change periodically â always check onâsite signage and operatorsâ apps.
| Site | Distance / Use Case | Typical Notes | Advantage |
| Claremont Road Car Park (NE2 4AA) | Short walk northâwest of campus | Council P&D surface site, good for museum/park visits | Closest council surface option for northern campus |
| Eldon Square MSCP (NE1 7RZ) | ~8â10 min walk | Cityâcentre multiâstorey; EV bays; often free overnight window | Direct access to shopping & dining |
| Dean Street MSCP (NE1 1PG) | 12â15 min walk | City multiâstorey with EV chargers; evening deals vary | Convenient for Quayside and theatres |
| John Dobson Street (NCP, NE1 8HL) | 10â12 min walk | Large capacity; occasional app discounts | Reliable availability for long stays |
When to choose which?
- Eldon Square if your main purpose is retail/dining and you also need EV charging.
- Dean Street if your evening is focused on the Quayside, arts venues, or restaurants east of Grey Street.
- Claremont Road for daytime museum visits and access to green spaces, or when campusâedge parking is preferred.
- NCP John Dobson Street for consistent capacity and appâbased offers.
â ď¸ Important Notices
- Appâonly flow at Herschel (for visitors): Use PayByPhone with location code 806752. Start the session as soon as you park and cover the full expected duration.
- Blue Badge: Payment is still required during chargeable hours in accessible bays. Always display your Blue Badge clearly, following any instructions on timeâclock usage.
- Enforcement: Campus security and contracted enforcement operate on university land. Expect Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) for the usual reasons: no/expired session, outâofâbay parking, within hatched areas, or misuse of disabled/service bays.
- Events: Capacity tightens during INSIGHTS lectures, graduations, open days, and on St Jamesâ Park match days. Allow extra time for traffic and pedestrian crossings.
- Signage supremacy: Onâsite signage always overrides thirdâparty listings. Temporary variations (e.g., maintenance) may not appear in apps in realâtime.
- Weather: In heavy rain, choose higherâlying or central bays to avoid splashback from passing vehicles and to reduce footpath puddling on departure routes.
đ Expert Tips
- Save the location code now: Add 806752 to your PayByPhone favourites. A 20âsecond setup at home saves minutes in the car park.
- Arrive early for public lectures: Aim for 30â45 minutes preâstart to secure a space, pay without stress, and take your seat in the Curtis Auditorium in good time.
- Have a Plan B: If Herschel is full, head straight to Eldon Square or Claremont Road. Both have strong evening capacity and straightforward pedestrian routes back to campus.
- Evening value: Short evening stays at ÂŁ1/hour are typically more costâeffective than central multiâstoreys for lectureâonly visits.
- Blue Badge comfort: If the two accessible bays are taken, consider Civic Centre or Eldon Square for additional accessible provision and lift access.
- For vans/LWB vehicles: With no fixed height barrier, Herschel is vanâfriendly. Favour end bays to keep fully within lines.
- Screenshots & notifications: Enable app notifications for expiry alerts and consider taking a quick screenshot of your confirmed session (useful if mobile signal drops).
- Walkâback shortcuts: From Herschel, follow campus footways via Kingâs Road to reach Haymarket rapidly; this is safer and quicker than threading through offâpiste alleys.
đŽ Future Developments
- Outâofâhours policy reviews: Universities adjust public access to match event patterns, safety, and sustainability goals. Expect periodic updates to evening tariffs or eligible car parks across campus.
- EV growth: Cityâcentre EV provision is steadily increasing (multiâstoreys and selected onâstreet sites). Monitor operator apps for added bays and faster chargers that can make short visits more efficient.
- Wayfinding & lighting upgrades: Estates projects routinely refresh signage, surface markings, and LED lighting, improving comfort and clarity for evening visitors.
- Smart parking tools: Over time, apps may surface better live occupancy hints and integrate with event calendars to reduce search time.
Driving & Access Guide (StepâbyâStep)
From the A1 (south or north):
- Exit toward City (West) / A167 following signs for Universities / RVI / Eldon Square.
- Continue towards Claremont Road and follow campus signs.
- Turn onto Kingâs Road, then St Thomas Street.
- Follow signs for the Herschel Building. The entrance to the car park is adjacent to the building.
- Park within marked bays, open the PayByPhone app, select location 806752, and set your duration.
When leaving after evening events:
- Expect a few minutes of delay at peak exit times (e.g., lecture end). Consider walking via Haymarket to pick up passengers to reduce carâpark dwell.
- If city traffic is heavy (e.g., match days), use navigation to identify less congested routes â sometimes looping via Great North Road reduces signal cycles.
Public Transport Connections
- Metro: Haymarket is your nearest station (3â5 minutes on foot). Trains run frequently across Tyneside, including links to Newcastle International Airport via Jesmond/South Gosforth.
- Bus: The Haymarket Bus Station hub covers most north/south/east corridors. Evening frequencies are strong on principal routes, but always check last departures if you plan a late lecture.
- Rail: From Newcastle Central Station, itâs a short Metro hop to Haymarket or a 20â25 minute walk through the city centre.
Tip: If youâre unfamiliar with the system, contactless payment on Metro gates (where supported) and mobile tickets on bus operator apps simplify lastâminute plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I park at Herschel during the day for a quick errand?
A. No â assume permitâholders only before 16:00 unless a department has preâarranged parking for you and given you specific instructions. Use council car parks such as Claremont Road or Eldon Square for daytime visits.
Q2. How much is it in the evening?
A. ÂŁ1 per hour from 16:00, paid through PayByPhone (code 806752). Start the session as soon as you park.
Q3. Are there Blue Badge concessions?
A. Two accessible bays are provided next to the Herschel entrance. During chargeable hours, payment is still required. Outside those hours, parking may be free, but always follow the onâsite board.
Q4. Do I need to display a paper ticket?
A. No paper ticket is needed when using PayByPhone. Enforcement teams verify your vehicle by registration in their system.
Q5. Can I pay by cash or card at a machine?
A. The reliable default is app/phone payment. If a physical machine is present, availability can vary; app payment avoids queues and is recommended.
Q6. What happens if Iâm running late?
A. Open the app and extend your session before it expires (subject to limits). If you canât extend, relocate to a council car park with later cutâoffs.
Q7. Is there EV charging on site?
A. Not at Herschel itself at the time of writing. For charging, use nearby city options (Eldon Square / Eldon Gardens / Dean Street / Civic Centre). Parking tariffs typically apply in addition to charging fees.
Q8. Iâm attending an INSIGHTS lecture in the Curtis Auditorium. Whatâs the best plan?
A. Arrive 30â45 minutes early, park at Herschel, start your PayByPhone session, and walk straight in. If full, divert to Eldon Square and return on foot (8â10 minutes).
Q9. Where can coaches or larger minibuses stop?
A. Herschel is best suited to cars/vans. For larger vehicles, contact the Universityâs events/estates team in advance to identify appropriate locations and any restrictions.
Q10. Are there overnight restrictions?
A. Physical access is generally 24/7. Outside charging hours, fees may not apply, but rules can change for events or maintenance. Always check the onâsite board on arrival.
Q11. Do I need to pay if I park in a Blue Badge bay after 16:00?
A. Yes â payment is required during the posted chargeable period, even in Blue Badge bays.
Q12. Is motorcycle parking available?
A. There is no separately signed motorcycle corral at Herschel. Motorcycles should use a standard bay and follow posted rules (app payment if within chargeable hours). City multiâstoreys often provide dedicated stands if you prefer.
Q13. Will mobile signal be okay for the app?
A. Coverage is typically good in NE1. If your network struggles, move a few metres toward the building or try IVR/phone payment where available.
Q14. Can I leave and come back on the same session?
A. Sessions cover a continuous stay. If you leave, end the session and start a new one when you return.
Q15. Are there toilets at the car park?
A. Not within the car park itself. Use facilities in Eldon Square or those available within campus buildings during opening hours or events.
Q16. How safe is the car park at night?
A. Lighting is standard and there is regular campus footfall in term time. As always, do not leave valuables on display; consider parking under lighting columns for greater visibility.
Q17. What if I get a PCN?
A. Follow the instructions on the notice to appeal if you believe it was issued in error. Provide evidence (e.g., app screenshots). The onâsite signage and the terms you agreed to when parking are the primary reference.
Q18. Can I book a space in advance?
A. Not at Herschel. If you need a guaranteed bay, use a preâbook service in a commercial car park (e.g., NCP or thirdâparty platforms) and walk in.
Q19. Are there charging windows where parking is free?
A. Herschelâs evening visitor tariff applies from 16:00; outside posted hours, fees may not apply. City multiâstoreys sometimes offer overnight free periods â check their boards or official pages.
Q20. Whatâs the nearest taxi pickâup?
A. Haymarket and Percy Street have wellâused pickâup zones; use the app of your preferred operator and set your pin precisely.
Visitor Scenarios (Detailed)
A) Afterâwork lecture (weekday, 18:00 start)
- 17:15â17:30: Arrive at Herschel, choose a central bay, open PayByPhone, enter 806752, set 2 hours, and confirm.
- 17:30â17:50: Coffee stop or museum browse (if open) before heading to the Curtis Auditorium.
- 18:00â19:15: Lecture.
- 19:15â19:30: Q&A runs long? Extend your session inâapp by 30 minutes.
- 19:45: Depart, avoiding the immediate rush.
B) City dinner + short campus visit
- Park at Eldon Square (EV available if needed), dine, then walk to campus (8â10 minutes). If you later discover Herschel space after 16:00, you could relocate â just end the existing session before moving.
C) Family museum afternoon rolling into evening
- Use Claremont Road for daytime convenience, then â if youâre attending a 17:30 lecture â reâpark at Herschel from 16:00 for the ÂŁ1/hour rate, avoiding multiâstorey egress queues.
D) Accessibilityâfirst itinerary
- Aim for the two Blue Badge bays at Herschel. If both are taken, consider Civic Centre (lifts) or Eldon Square (multiple accessible bays) and plan a slightly longer but level route to the venue.
E) Highâdemand event (graduation/open day)
- Expect marshalling and temporary restrictions. In such cases, it can be faster to use NCP John Dobson Street or Dean Street, where you can preâbook or find higher capacity, then walk back to campus.
Sustainability & Good Neighbour Tips
- Idle time: Switch off your engine while waiting for passengers â it reduces noise and emissions on campus.
- EV etiquette: Unplug and move on once you reach your target stateâofâcharge to free up bays for others.
- Cycle & walk links: Consider parking once and walking between multiple destinations; the Haymarket hub makes multiâstop evenings easy without reâparking.
- Litter & recycling: Use bins provided around campus and city streets; keep the site tidy for the next arrivals.
Quick Reference (copyâme)
- Name: Herschel Car Park (Newcastle University), NE1 7RU
- Visitor tariff: ÂŁ1/hour from 16:00 via PayByPhone (806752)
- Daytime access: Permitâholders only (preâarranged exceptions may apply)
- Blue Badge: Two accessible bays near entrance (payment required during charging hours)
- EV: Use nearby Eldon Square / Eldon Gardens / Dean Street / Civic Centre for charging
- Nearest transport: Haymarket Metro & Bus (3â5 min walk)
- Best for: Evening lectures (Curtis Auditorium), city shopping, museum visits, and quick meetâups
Accuracy date: September 2025. Parking rules, tariffs, and access arrangements may change at short notice due to events, maintenance, or policy updates â always follow onâsite signage at the time you park.
Own or work here?
Claim Now!
Claim Now!
