Address: Herschel Car Park, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU
Latitude / Longitude: 54.9782635, −1.6164652
Primary Access Route: Approach via King’s Road → St Thomas Street and follow campus signs for the Herschel Building.

🚗 Type: University campus car park (permit‑controlled by day; visitor parking permitted after 16:00)
🕒 Open: Vehicle access is generally available 24/7; however, visitor charging applies from 16:00 onwards (see Pricing).
🌟 Rating: Not listed with a consolidated public rating (it is a university facility rather than a retail multi‑storey); feedback is typically via departmental communications and event pages.

💰 Pricing & Permits

Current visitor tariff (as of September 2025):

• From 16:00: £1.00 per hour (app‑based).
• 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 first‑come, first‑served.
• Daytime (before 16:00): Permit‑holders only (staff/students/contractors). Departments may arrange limited daytime visitor parking for specific meetings or events — this must be pre‑authorised and displayed or registered as instructed.
• Maximum stay: Aligned to posted evening charging hours. Always check on‑site 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 operator’s discretion; end or shorten a session in‑app 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 University’s estates/parking team and are generally valid before 16:00. Visitor bays in daytime are only for pre‑arranged visits confirmed by departments.
• Permit allocation can change term‑to‑term based on demand, works, and security. Always follow the latest internal guidance if you are a permit holder.

Future changes:

• Universities periodically review out‑of‑hours visitor access and tariffs for sustainability, safety, and city‑traffic considerations. Expect occasional updates that will be reflected on event pages and on‑site signage.

Key takeaway: If you are a general visitor, assume permit‑only before 16:00, and £1/hour via PayByPhone from 16:00 at the Herschel car park, unless a department has explicitly arranged something different for you.

📊 Capacity & Physical Features

Ingress & egress: Vehicles typically enter from St Thomas Street off King’s 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: Standard‑width bays. Drivers of wider SUVs or long‑wheelbase vans should favour end bays to stay fully within markings and avoid opening‑door conflicts.

♿ Accessibility

• Dedicated bays: Two Blue Badge bays sited close to the Herschel entrance (first‑come, first‑served). 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 step‑free 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.

🔌 EV Infrastructure

• On‑site 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): Multi‑storey car parks with EV bays suitable for destination charging while shopping or dining.
  • Dean Street MSCP (NE1 1PG): City multi‑storey 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.

📅 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 — including those attending INSIGHTS lectures in the Curtis Auditorium — with demand varying by event.

What drives the peaks?

• Lecture series & public talks: The Curtis Auditorium in the Herschel Building hosts regular public events that compress arrivals into a 60–90 minute window before start time.
• Graduations & open days: Expect campus‑wide pressure on bays; estates may declare temporary restrictions or marshalling.
• City events & football: Proximity to St James’ Park and city venues can raise background traffic and extend exit times around kick‑off and full‑time.

🚶 Walkability Score

Walking times are approximate and based on comfortable pace from the centre of the car park.

🛒 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 cafés (hours vary by term and building).
• Independent coffee shops, restaurants, and fast‑casual options along Northumberland Street, Eldon Square, and Newgate Street.
• For a quick pre‑lecture stop, allow 10–15 minutes to order and walk back in good time.

Family‑friendly 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.

🅿️ 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 — always check on‑site signage and operators’ apps.

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 campus‑edge parking is preferred.
• NCP John Dobson Street for consistent capacity and app‑based offers.

⚠️ Important Notices

• App‑only 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 time‑clock usage.
• Enforcement: Campus security and contracted enforcement operate on university land. Expect Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) for the usual reasons: no/expired session, out‑of‑bay parking, within hatched areas, or misuse of disabled/service bays.
• Events: Capacity tightens during INSIGHTS lectures, graduations, open days, and on St James’ Park match days. Allow extra time for traffic and pedestrian crossings.
• Signage supremacy: On‑site signage always overrides third‑party listings. Temporary variations (e.g., maintenance) may not appear in apps in real‑time.
• Weather: In heavy rain, choose higher‑lying or central bays to avoid splashback from passing vehicles and to reduce footpath puddling on departure routes.

📌 Expert Tips

1. Save the location code now: Add 806752 to your PayByPhone favourites. A 20‑second setup at home saves minutes in the car park.
2. Arrive early for public lectures: Aim for 30–45 minutes pre‑start to secure a space, pay without stress, and take your seat in the Curtis Auditorium in good time.
3. 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.
4. Evening value: Short evening stays at £1/hour are typically more cost‑effective than central multi‑storeys for lecture‑only visits.
5. Blue Badge comfort: If the two accessible bays are taken, consider Civic Centre or Eldon Square for additional accessible provision and lift access.
6. For vans/LWB vehicles: With no fixed height barrier, Herschel is van‑friendly. Favour end bays to keep fully within lines.
7. Screenshots & notifications: Enable app notifications for expiry alerts and consider taking a quick screenshot of your confirmed session (useful if mobile signal drops).
8. Walk‑back shortcuts: From Herschel, follow campus footways via King’s Road to reach Haymarket rapidly; this is safer and quicker than threading through off‑piste alleys.

🔮 Future Developments

• Out‑of‑hours 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: City‑centre EV provision is steadily increasing (multi‑storeys and selected on‑street 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 (Step‑by‑Step)

From the A1 (south or north):

1. Exit toward City (West) / A167 following signs for Universities / RVI / Eldon Square.
2. Continue towards Claremont Road and follow campus signs.
3. Turn onto King’s Road, then St Thomas Street.
4. Follow signs for the Herschel Building. The entrance to the car park is adjacent to the building.
5. 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 car‑park dwell.
• If city traffic is heavy (e.g., match days), use navigation to identify less congested routes — sometimes looping via Great North Road reduces signal cycles.

Public Transport Connections

• Metro: Haymarket is your nearest station (3–5 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, it’s a short Metro hop to Haymarket or a 20–25 minute walk through the city centre.

Tip: If you’re unfamiliar with the system, contactless payment on Metro gates (where supported) and mobile tickets on bus operator apps simplify last‑minute plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I park at Herschel during the day for a quick errand?
A. No — assume permit‑holders only before 16:00 unless a department has pre‑arranged 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. £1 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 on‑site 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 I’m running late?
A. Open the app and extend your session before it expires (subject to limits). If you can’t extend, relocate to a council car park with later cut‑offs.

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. I’m attending an INSIGHTS lecture in the Curtis Auditorium. What’s the best plan?
A. Arrive 30–45 minutes early, park at Herschel, start your PayByPhone session, and walk straight in. If full, divert to Eldon Square and return on foot (8–10 minutes).

Q9. Where can coaches or larger minibuses stop?
A. Herschel is best suited to cars/vans. For larger vehicles, contact the University’s 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 on‑site board on arrival.

Q11. Do I need to pay if I park in a Blue Badge bay after 16:00?
A. Yes — 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 multi‑storeys 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 on‑site 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 pre‑book service in a commercial car park (e.g., NCP or third‑party platforms) and walk in.

Q19. Are there charging windows where parking is free?
A. Herschel’s evening visitor tariff applies from 16:00; outside posted hours, fees may not apply. City multi‑storeys sometimes offer overnight free periods — check their boards or official pages.

Q20. What’s the nearest taxi pick‑up?
A. Haymarket and Percy Street have well‑used pick‑up zones; use the app of your preferred operator and set your pin precisely.

Visitor Scenarios (Detailed)

A) After‑work lecture (weekday, 18:00 start)

• 17:15–17:30: Arrive at Herschel, choose a central bay, open PayByPhone, enter 806752, set 2 hours, and confirm.
• 17:30–17:50: Coffee stop or museum browse (if open) before heading to the Curtis Auditorium.
• 18:00–19:15: Lecture.
• 19:15–19:30: Q&A runs long? Extend your session in‑app 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 (8–10 minutes). If you later discover Herschel space after 16:00, you could relocate — just end the existing session before moving.

C) Family museum afternoon rolling into evening

• Use Claremont Road for daytime convenience, then — if you’re attending a 17:30 lecture — re‑park at Herschel from 16:00 for the £1/hour rate, avoiding multi‑storey egress queues.

D) Accessibility‑first 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) High‑demand 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 pre‑book or find higher capacity, then walk back to campus.

Sustainability & Good Neighbour Tips

• Idle time: Switch off your engine while waiting for passengers — it reduces noise and emissions on campus.
• EV etiquette: Unplug and move on once you reach your target state‑of‑charge to free up bays for others.
• Cycle & walk links: Consider parking once and walking between multiple destinations; the Haymarket hub makes multi‑stop evenings easy without re‑parking.
• Litter & recycling: Use bins provided around campus and city streets; keep the site tidy for the next arrivals.

Quick Reference (copy‑me)

• Name: Herschel Car Park (Newcastle University), NE1 7RU
• Visitor tariff: £1/hour from 16:00 via PayByPhone (806752)
• Daytime access: Permit‑holders only (pre‑arranged 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 (3–5 min walk)
• Best for: Evening lectures (Curtis Auditorium), city shopping, museum visits, and quick meet‑ups

Accuracy date: September 2025. Parking rules, tariffs, and access arrangements may change at short notice due to events, maintenance, or policy updates — always follow on‑site signage at the time you park.