Are you travelling to a new city and struggling to find somewhere to park? Well, I have some good news for you, you’re in luck!

In this blog, we are going to be running through all of the free motorcycle parking spots throughout UK cities, where to find them, and what (if any) restrictions they may have.

Let’s get into it…

I think it goes without saying that trying to find a parking space is tricky for car users, let alone for bike riders where extra terms and conditions seem to fall in place. Through research, we have put a list together of a few of the best, highly-rated motorcycle parking apps on the market right now:

Kicking off some of the best motorcycle parking apps out there right now we have the UK Motorcycle Parking app.

This app helps you to find motorcycle parking spaces around the UK, using your current GPS location or search by street name, city, and county.

*Available on the Apple Store & Google Play

Rated 3 stars out of 5 on the Google Play Store, Parkmobile is one of the highest-rated motorcycle parking apps out there today. On this app, you will be able to reserve some of your parking spots ahead of time, as well as aiding as a seamless payment option right from your phone.

Next up we have the YourParkingSpace app - a simple way to pre-book your parking across the country right from your phone. The app also offers a wide range of parking solutions to suit your needs meaning you can book your space for a few hours, or secure it for a few months.

*Available on both the Apple Store & Google Play

First things first, to keep your bike safe before you’ve even parked, try and seek out a Park-Mark-approved car park that offers motorcycle parking. This can either be done via one of the apps we mentioned above, via their city council websites, or by the ParkMark website itself!

For those of you who don’t know what Park-Mark-approved car parks are, they are car parks located all across the UK, including plenty of our airports. And if you are ever in doubt about a certain area or car park, one quick search on their website will confirm whether or not the parking you’re looking at has been Safety Parking Scheme Approved!

Once your bike is parked, you’ll then want to secure it as much as possible. According to the Metropolitan Police, the best ways to secure your bike are using a chain through the back wheel and securing your bike to an immovable item such as a ground anchor or a lamppost - however, when parking in a car park this may not necessarily be all too achievable.

Instead try to combine a chain and disc lock, as well as throwing a cover over it if you can. All in order to make a dream team when it comes to security and protection.

For the time being, most motorcycle parking within the city center of Bath is free, both in the shopping centre and on-street parking, provided that you park in the designated motorcycle parking bays - the maximum stay restrictions still apply.

However, according to the Bath Echo, this could change within the upcoming months. For the first time, the city is looking to start changing bikers. The Bath and North East Somerset Council argues that this is because motorcycles are increasing in size to the point that they are taking up full parking bays and spaces.

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Both
Any Restrictions?	MUST park in the designated bays

 

Birmingham City Council states that motorcycle parking within the city centre is free - provided you park in the designated motorcycle parking zones (no restrictions apply).

Some of the free motorcycle parking locations in Birmingham City Centre include (but are not limited to):

• Brunel Street
• Caroline Street
• Dudley Street
• Edgbason Street
• Ludgate Hill
• Steelhouse Lane

*For the full list of free motorcycle parking locations, check out the Birmingham City Council website!

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Solo
Any Restrictions?	N/A

 

Onto Bradford and there are a handful of locations you can park your bike for free including:

• Crown Court
• Central Library
• Westgate
• Exhibition Road
• Museum

The Bradford City Council website also states that you can park your motorcycle for free within pay-and-display zones, provided that the bike is parked square on and at one of the bay's needs.

Please note: If you park in one of the car parking spaces, the usual tariff will apply and you can be liable for a fine if you do not pay.

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Solo Parking: Free / Car Parks: Standard Car Rate
Solo/On Street?	Both
Any Restrictions?	When parking in pay and display you MUST park at either end.

 

When it comes to Brighton and Hove, you’ll be pleased to know there are over 700 free motorcycle parking bays across the city, with 60 of them having locking provisions. Brighton and Hove pride themselves on encouraging the usage of motorcycles over cars due to their sustainability.

Regarding restrictions, the council's website states that unless the specific parking zone states otherwise you will be free to park there 24 hours a day 7 days a week. On the other hand, if you have a trike/three-wheeler you will not be able to park in the free motorcycle bays and will have to use a paid parking bay instead.

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Solo
Any Restrictions?	Cannot park a Trike in the bays

 

According to the Bristol Council website you can park your motorcycle for free in both the designated motorcycle parking bays in the Controlled Parking Zones, as well as on the on-street bays in the resident parking scheme areas.

To see a full map of motorcycle parking bays around the city of Bristol check out the Travelwest website!

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Both
Any Restrictions?	N/A

 

You’ll be pleased to know you can park your motorcycle or scooter for free in a handful of locations over the city of Cambridge including (but not limited to):

• Boltoph Lane
• Fitzroy Lane
• King Street
• Regent Street
• Occupation Road
• Silver Street

*For the full list, make sure to head over to the Cambridgeshire Council website!

It is well worth noting that if you do park your motorcycle in a resident bay without having the correct permit or in pay-and-display bays without a valid ticket - you may receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	On Street
Any Restrictions?	N/A

 

Canterbury City Council currently offers free solo motorcycle parking bays 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - unless otherwise stated in the individual parking zones.

For a full list of free parking locations, make sure to take a look at the official city council website.

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Solo
Any Restrictions?	No unless stated otherwise

 

Each car park within the city of Carlisle has their own number of designated free motorcycle spaces. You can find these spaces in:

• 9 Spaces in West Wells Car Park
• 2 Spaces in the Civic Centre Car park
• 1 space at Castle Car Park

Similar to a few other cities on the list, if you park in a standard car parking bay and have not paid - you may run the risk of receiving a parking fine.

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Solo
Any Restrictions?	MUST park in designated bays

 

After doing some deep digging, we have found that you can also park your motorcycle for free in some carparks in Chelmsford - it will depend on which location you choose to park your bike.

There are five different car parks to choose from, each having its own number of designated bays, these locations are:

• High Chelmer Multi-Storey Car Park (10 FREE spaces available)
• Moulsham Street Car park (2 FREE spaces available)
• Meadows Surface Car Park (13 FREE spaces available)
• Fairfield Road (2 PAY&DISPLAY spaces available)
• Coval Lane (4 PAY&DISPLAY spaces available)

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Both
Any Restrictions?	Only SOME of the car parks will give you free parking. Pay & Display will still apply in Fairfield Road and Coval Lane.

 

Onto Chester, we go and according to the Cheshire West and Chester Council website, you will be pleased to know you can park for free within any of their pay-and-display car parks across the city - providing that your bike is not parked within one of the marked bays and is not causing an obstruction to other riders and drivers in the car park!

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Solo
Any Restrictions?	FREE PARKING when parked in Pay & Display Car Parks ONLY.

 

Motorcycle parking is free in most car parks and on-street parking bays around Chichester city centre. Locations include (but are not limited to):

• Baffins Lane (5 spaces)
• Little London (5 spaces)
• East Pallant (5 spaces)
• South Pallant (2 spaces)
• Cattle Market (10 spaces)
• Northgate (4 spaces)
• Westgate (4 spaces)

*For more spaces available, please check the Chichester City Council website!

However, if a motorcycle or scooter is parked within a regular marked bay inside one of the pay and display car parks, the standard charge must have been paid - if not you may be at risk of receiving a fine.

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Both
Any Restrictions?	Pay and Display Car Parks: MUST be parked in a designated motorcycle bay On-Street Parking: Must park at the correct angle to the curb.

 

You’ll be pleased to know that the Colchester City Council has confirmed that there are quite a few free motorcycle parking spaces throughout the city located in:

• Britannia Long-Stay Car Park
• Napier Road North Long-stay Car Park
• Napier Road South Long-stay Car Park
• Priory Street Short-stay Car Park
• Sheepen Road Long-stay Car Park
• St Marys Short-stay Car Park
• Vineyard Street Short-stay Car Park

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Solo
Any Restrictions?	MUST be parked in the designated bays

 

Next up we have Coventry and the City Council has confirmed that you can park your motorbike for free in one car park in the city center - this is the Warwick Road Car Park.

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Solo
Any Restrictions?	ONLY IN Warwick Road Car Park

 

According to the Derby City Council website, members of the public are permitted to park their motorcycle for free either:

• For two hours in any pay and display bay
• In any permit holder bay for an unlimited amount of time (expect disabled bays)
• In any Council-owned Surface level car parks

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Both
Any Restrictions?	N/A

 

You’ll be pleased to know that the city of Doncaster offers free motorcycle parking in any on-street and off-street parking bay - in hopes of promoting using more sustainable green transport modes of transport!

Doncaster city centre also offers plenty of Park Marked car parks with motorcycle locking points, helping you keep your bike as safe as possible wherever you park. These locations include:

• Chamber Road Car Park
• Chappell Drive East
• Churchway Car Park
• Markets Car Park
• Scarborough House Car Park
• Thorne Road Car Park
• Wood Street Car Park

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Both
Any Restrictions?	N/A

 

Onto Durham and similar to Doncaster, the city of Durham offers free motorcycle and scooter parking in both pay & display bays, as well as inside any Council-owned car parks.

Car parks with free motorcycle parking include:

• Framwellgate Waterside
• the bottom of Claypath opposite Millennium Place
• Cross View Terrace, Neville's Cross

*Please note: the Council has requested that when parking your bike on the street, you must try and take up as little space as possible, parking 90 degrees to the kerb.

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Both
Any Restrictions?	MUST park 90 degrees to the kerb when on-street parking.

 

Next up is Exeter, and again, you will be pleased to know there are plenty of car parks across the city centre where you can park your motorcycle for free.

According to the Exeter City Council website, free motorcycle parking can be found in:

• Bampfylde Street Car Park
• Mary Arches Street Car Park
• Mary Arches Street multi-storey
• Princesshay 2 Car Park (designated area on deck F)
• Princesshay 3 Car Park
• Smythen Street Car Park (Designated area)
• Triangle Car Park (designated area)
• Howell Road Car Park (designated area)
• Harlequins Car Park (designated zone)

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Solo
Any Restrictions?	MUST be parked in the designated zone

 

When searching on the Gloucester City Council website, they have confirmed that free scooter and motorcycle parking will be available in the following locations:

• Hare Lane outside Sainsbury's
• Longsmith Street, opposite the multi-storey car park​
• St Michaels Square car park in designated area

However, if you choose to park outside of these locations, you will have to pay the standard parking charges laid out. This will include parking in any other city council car parks and on-street pay and display bays. Motorcycles will also not be allowed to park or enter any sort of pedestrian zone across the city.

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Both
Any Restrictions?	MUST be parked in the designated zones or will face the standard parking fee

 

Onto Hereford and the City Council website states that motorcycles can be parked in any of the city council car parks. And providing that it is parked within one of the designated motorcycle bays, you will be able to park your bike for free.

On the other hand, if your motorcycle is parked in a car bay, you will be required to pay the standard fixed charge decided by the car park.

*For a full list of car parks, please see the Herefordshire City Council website!

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Solo
Any Restrictions?	If you park in a car bay, you MUST pay the standard rate.

 

Moving over to Hull and similarly to above, the official Government website for Hull has confirmed that you can park your motorcycle for free both on-street and within some car parks across the centre.

These car parks include:

• Albion Street (short stay)
• George Street (long stay)
• Pryme Street multi-storey (long stay)

In terms of free on-street motorcycle parking, please see the following locations:

• Bond Street
• Grimston Street
• Guildhall Road
• Jarratt Street
• King Edward Street
• Paragon Street (2 bays)
• Silver Street
• South Church Side
• Union Street
• Wright Street

However, if you decide to park in any of the residential areas where a permit is required, you must have the correct permit and have it displayed to avoid receiving a parking fine.

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Both
Any Restrictions?	If you park in a permit zone, you MUST have a permit to avoid a fine.

 

At the time of writing, members of the public parking their motorcycles are exempt from paying any charges in all pay and display car parks across Lancaster. According to the council's website, you are free to park your bike in any parking bay, or in any other area of the car parks providing they are not causing any obstructions.

You will also find motorcycle parking hoops in the following car parks (where you can also park for free):

• Cable Street Car Park
• St Nicholas Arcades Car Park
• Morecambe Library Car Park
• Bus Station Car Park

When it comes to on-street pay and display parking, when parking your bike inside these bays - you will be required to pay the standard fixed-rate and follow the maximum stay restrictions stated for that location.

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Car Park: Free / On-Street Bays: Fixed Rate
Solo/On Street?	Both
Any Restrictions?	MUST NOT cause any form of obstruction in the car parks.

 

When researching, there wasn’t a huge lot of information on the official Leeds City Council website. However, Bikes.io have recently confirmed that there are a handful of solo parking bays across the Leeds city center where you can park your bike for free.

Some of these locations include (but are not limited to):

• Maude Street Car Park
• Wharf Street
• New York Street
• Crown Street
• Sovereign Street
• Victoria Car Park Level 0
• Bridge Street
• Wade Lane
• Great George Street
• Cookridge Street

*For a full list of free motorcycle parking locations across Leeds city center, make sure to head over to the Bikebays website!

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Solo
Any Restrictions?	N/A

 

The official Government website for Leicester has confirmed that there is free motorcycle parking throughout the city centre in several car parks and on-street parking bays.

Free bike parking inside city car parks:

• Newarke Street
• Dover Street
• Victoria Park
• Watermead Country Park (Alderton Close) car park.

Whereas free on-street parking locations include:

• Millstone Lane
• Rutland Street
• Bowling Green Street

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Both
Any Restrictions?	N/A

 

Onto Lichfield and again, you’ll be pleased to know you can park your motorcycle for free in designated motorcycle bays in a few different car parks around the city. These include:

• The Friary
• Bird Street
• The Bus Station car park

If you choose to park your bike in a car parking space, you will need to pay the standard fixed-rate charge and display a ticket for the duration of your stay there.

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Solo
Any Restrictions?	MUST park in designated bike bays

 

Up next we have Lincoln. The official Government website for Lincoln states that there are no locations where motorcycles are permitted to park for free. This means when parking in one of the below locations, you will have to pay the standard fixed rate.

Car parks where you can park your bike include:

• Broadgate Multi-storey (£3 all day)
• Castle Hill (£3 all day)
• Lincoln Central Multi-storey (hourly fixed rate applies)
• Lucy Tower Street (£3 all day)
• Tentercroft Street Car Park (fixed rate applies)
• Westgate 2 (£3 all day)

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Fixed-rate will apply
Solo/On Street?	Solo
Any Restrictions?	N/A

 

Liverpool City Council website has confirmed that there are free dedicated on-street motorcycle bays that can be used 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These can be found in various locations across the city including:

• Mann Island
• Castle Hill
• Exchange Passage West
• Cropper Street
• Old Church Yard
• Jamaica Street

However, it is worth noting that the council website has also stated that members of the public are not permitted to park their motorcycles or scooters in any of the Pay and Display bays in the city centre - if you do this it can and will result in a parking fine.

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Solo
Any Restrictions?	CANNOT park in any Pay and Display bays across the city.

 

According to the City of London website, you will be permitted to park your bike for free in and around the city of London in some selected car parks, on-street parking bays, and also cycle parking zones. Below we will run down a list of just some of these locations…

Motorcycle parking is free in the following locations:

• Baynard House, EC4V 4BQ
• London Wall (underground), ​EC2V 5DY
• ​Minories, E1 8LP
• Smithfield, ​EC1A 9DS
• Tower Hill, ​EC3R 6DT

*For more free off-street motorcycle parking in London, head over to the NCP car parks website!

To find all of the free on-street parking locations around London, please use their handy parking webmap!

The City Corporation also provides free cycle stands in designated on-street sites throughout the City and the City Corporation car parks. If you choose to park your bike in one of these places you must:

• Only park in a designated bay
• Not leave a bike in a bay for longer than 24 hours
• Not leave a bike chained to railings or posts in a non-designated area as it may be removed

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Both
Any Restrictions?	N/A

 

Next up we’re in Manchester and you’ll be pleased to know there is plenty of free motorcycle parking throughout the city of Manchester. The official government website currently states that there are 60 on-street parking bays and 64 bays within car parks - all free and available for the members of the public to use!

See below a list of off-street parking available:

• Arndale (10 bays available)
• Bridgewater Hall (4 bays available)
• Church Street (10 bays available)
• King Street West (12 bays available)

Free on-street parking available:

• Auburn Street (4 bays available)
• Bale Street (2 bays available)
• Bishopsgate (3 bays available)
• Charlotte Street (8 bays available)
• Chepstow Street (9 bays available)
• George Street (24 bays available)
• Hall Street (in the marked area)
• King Street West (4 bays available)
• St Ann Street (in the marked area)
• Withy Grove (4 bays available)

If you opt to park in a pay-and-display bay, you must buy a ticket and pay the rate displayed on the machine. You should write your registration on the ticket to deter people from stealing it.

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Both
Any Restrictions?	MUST pay the standard charge when parking in pay & display spots

 

The official Milton Keynes Government website has confirmed that motorcycles and scooters can be parked for free in all of the dedicated motorcycle bays and pay & display bays across the city centre.

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	On Street
Any Restrictions?	NOT allowed to park on yellow lines and/or in resident or disabled bays.

 

As we make our way North and find ourselves in Newcastle, you’ll be pleased to know there are a few locations in which you can park your motorbike for free within the city centre. These locations include:

• Carliol Square
• College Street
• Fenkle Street
• Higham Place
• Hood Street (x2)
• Kensington Terrace
• Queen Street
• Westgate Road (x9)
• Westgate Road

If there are no designated motorcycle bays available, you are permitted to park in a standard car parking bay, however, you will need to pay the fixed rate outlined by the car park.

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Solo
Any Restrictions?	MUST park in designated motorcycle bays

 

When looking at the Norwich City Council website, you’ll be pleased to know there are various places across the city centre where you can park your motorcycle for free. These locations include:

• Bethel Street
• Farmers Avenue
• St Peters Street
• Theatre Street
• Tombland
• Inside any ‘Surface Car Parks’

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	On Street & Car Park
Any Restrictions?	Cannot park on the footway adjacent to a waiting restriction (double yellows)

 

According to the Nottingham City Council website, car park and on-street free motorcycle parking options across the city centre are available. These can be found:

On-Street:

• Kent Street
• Convent Street
• Wollaton Street
• Mount Street
• Hounds Gate
• Castle Road

Car Parks:

• Lace Market Car Park
• Trinity Square Car Park

The Council also states that motorcyclists can use any other pay-and-display parking bays free of charge for an unlimited amount of time within the city centre. However, if you are looking to park within residential areas, you must possess a permit and park security without taking up the full length of the bay area.

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	On Street & Car Park
Any Restrictions?	CANNOT park in residential areas without a permit

 

Travelling back down and onto Oxford, you’ll be pleased to know that Oxford City Council website has confirmed that you are allowed to use any of the car parks in the city centre to park your motorcycle for free - except Gloucester Green underground car park where motorcycles are not permitted.

Their website also recommends that you use the Oxopens car park (if space is available) as there is a cross-hatched marking area where you can park your motorcycles specifically.

In terms of street parking, three locations around the city centre allow permits for free motorcycle parking, these are:

• St Ebbes
• St Giles
• Oriel Square

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Both
Any Restrictions?	Motorcycles are not permitted in the Gloucester Green underground car park

 

Peterborough City Council currently offers free motorcycle parking in a few designated areas around the city centre. These include:

• St Peter's Road
• Brook Street
• Priestgate
• Riverside
• Lower Bridge Street
• Bishops Road

If you choose to park your motorcycle anywhere else, you will have to pay the advertised tariff - failure to do so may result in a parking fine.

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Car Park
Any Restrictions?	MUST BE parked in the designated areas stated above.

 

When looking around, the Plymouth GOV.UK website has confirmed that there are various spots where members of the public can park their motorcycles or scooters in the city centre for free.

Motorcycles are permitted to park for free in any of the on-street pay and display bays for the maximum amount of time stated that is allowed. You will also find designated motorcycle parking in the following areas:

• Alton Place
• Armada Way
• Cornwall Street
• Hoe Road
• Lockyer Street
• Madeira Road
• Parade
• Princess Street

The government website has also asked that any individual looking to park their motorcycle within these areas make a conscious effort to take up as little room as possible by parking 90 degrees to the kerb.

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	On Street
Any Restrictions?	MUST park 90 degrees to the kerb

 

Onto Portsmouth and similar Plymouth, motorcycles can be parked for free in numerous spaces throughout the city. For any further clarification, please visit the city council website.

For free motorcycle parking in a car park:

• Ashby Place
• Clarence Pier
• Seafront D-Day
• Guildhall Walk
• The Harbour
• London Road
• Seafront The Esplanade

Other free motorcycle parking locations include:

• On-street pay and display areas (except where indicated)
• Resident parking zones (for as long as required)

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	On Street & Car Park
Any Restrictions?	MUST NOT park on double or single yellow lines, in taxi ranks, bus stops, disabled bays or loading bays.

 

Moving along to the city of Preston and again the city council offers free motorcycle parking in a number of their car parks across the centre. Please note that when parking in these locations, you must park in the designated motorcycle parking zones, if not you will be required to pay the standard rate tariff, and failure to comply may result in you receiving a Parking Charge Notice (PCN).

Car parks offering free motorcycle parking are:

• Avenham Multi-Storey
• Hill Street Car Park
• Preston Bus Station Car Park

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Car Park
Any Restrictions?	MUST park in designated zones only.

 

The official website for Ripon states that there is free motorcycle parking in all of the following car parks 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

• Booths Car Park
• Market Place Car Park
• The Arcade Car Park
• Victoria Grove Upper & Lower Car Park

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Car Park
Any Restrictions?	N/A

 

Travelling along to Salisbury and free motorcycle parking can be found in the following locations:

• Brown Street West (1 space available)
• Five Rivers Leisure Centre (maximum stay: 3 hours)
• The Maltings (2 spaces available)
• Salt Lane (3 spaces available)

*For each car park individual's terms and conditions, please head over to the Salisbury City Council website.

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Solo
Any Restrictions?	T&Cs dependent on individual car park

 

When looking through the Sheffield City Council website, they have confirmed that you can park your motorcycle for free within any of the on-street parking bays in and around the city centre, as well as at any of the parks across Sheffield.

These parks include:

• Graves Park
• Endcliffe Park
• Millhouses Park
• Hillsborough Park.

Please note: If you are to park in any of the other car parks around the city center, you will have to pay the standard rate, and failure to do so will result in a fine!

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Both
Any Restrictions?	N/A

 

Onto Southampton and there is very little information regarding motorcycle parking on the official city council website. However, according to bikebays.io, there is free motorcycle parking available in car parks across the city centre.

You will also be permitted to park in Pay & Display bays across the city center, however, you will be obliged to pay the standard flat rate and display a ticket. Failure to do so can and will lead to a risk of receiving a parking fine (PCN).

Please see below all of the carpark, as well as pay & display parking spots available for motorcycles:

• Bond Street Car Park
• Bellevue Road
• Ogle Road
• Pound Tree Road
• Strand
• High Street

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Solo: Free / On Street: Standard Rate
Solo/On Street?	Both
Any Restrictions?	WILL be required to pay the standard rate in pay & display spots

 

The Southend-on-Sea Government website states that there are multiple locations both on-street and inside car parks in which the public can park their bike for free.

Car parks where motorcycles can park for free include:

• Alexandra Street Car Park
• Ceylon Rd Car Park
• Clarence Rd Car Park
• East Beach Car Park (George Street end)
• Eastern Esplanade Car Park
• Fairheads Green Car Park
• Pitmans Close Car Park
• Tylers Rd-York Rd Car Park
• Warrior Square Car Park

Free bike parking on-street can also be found:

• Chalkwell Esplanade
• Gordon Road
• Napier Avenue
• Western Esplanade

On the other hand, if you would prefer to park your bike inside one of the standard parking bays in either the car parks or on-street, you will be required to pay the standard parking rate, and the relevant parking restrictions will apply.

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Solo: Free / On Street: Standard Rate
Solo/On Street?	Both
Any Restrictions?	WILL be required to pay the standard rate in pay & display spots

 

Moving onto St Albans and the City & District Council website has confirmed that there are a handful of on-street parking bays/car parks that will allow members of the public to park their motorcycles or scooters for free in the city centre.

Locations include:

• Britton Avenue (1 space available)
• Civic Close (6 spaces available)
• Russell Avenue (9 spaces available)

Other places you are allowed to park your bike free of charge in St Albans are:

• In any parking bay inside a council-run carpark
• Resident Only Parking Bays (marked for M/C only)
• Pay & Display Car Parks (bays marked for'M/C Only if they are available)

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Both
Any Restrictions?	N/A

 

When it comes to Stoke on Trent, there are a few places where you can park your bike for free, these include:

• Butterfield Place (2 motorcycle spaces)
• Cultural Quarter Multi Storey (dedicated area)
• Hinde Street (10 spaces available)
• Longton Exchange (4 spaces available)
• Smithfield MSCP (Dedicated area)
• South Wolfe Street (4 spaces available)

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Both
Any Restrictions?	N/A

 

You will find the free designated motorcycle parking bays in the following locations around Sunderland:

• Bridges multi-storey car park
• Civic Centre car park
• West Wear Street car park
• Charles Street
• Gorse Road

Alongside this, all public car parks allow free parking for both cars and bikes after 3 pm.

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Car Park
Any Restrictions?	N/A

 

Next up we have Cornwalls’ only city Truro and you’ll be pleased to know the city offers free motorcycle parking around the clock at the Edward Street Pay-and-Display.

According to the Kids2Cornwall website, there are 83 spaces designated for motorcycles available, however, if you decide to park outside one of these dedicated spots - you will be expected to pay the standard car rate!

However, after 4 pm parking (not just for motorcycles) is free in the following locations:

• Edward Street car park
• Garras Wharf car park
• Moorfield car park
• Moresk car park
• Old Bridge Street car park (starts at 5 pm, three hours max)

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Solo
Any Restrictions?	N/A

 

Onto Wakefield and there is very little information online. This being said, according to the Wakefield Mag, motorcycle parking is currently free in any of the Wakefield council’s controlled pay and display car parks.

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Car Park
Any Restrictions?	N/A

 

Regarding on-street parking, the Westminster Government website states that motorcyclists can pay £1 to park for the whole day (electric motorcycles and mopeds can park for free), or if you buy a daily permit, you can move freely throughout any parking bay without any further charges.

The on-street parking bays also work differently in Westminster. In parking zones A, B, C, and D these bays are for motorcycles only at all times. Parking zones E, F, and G motorcycle bays are available to park in between 7 am to 7 pm only Monday through Saturday.

On the other hand, if you’re looking to park off-street, you are permitted to park your bike for free in a Q-Park dedicated motorcycle bay car park (excluding Soho).

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Both
Any Restrictions?	Rules differ depending on each parking zone.

 

Onto Winchester and again, you’ll be pleased to know there is plenty of free motorcycle parking dotted throughout the city centre. Below we have compiled a list:

• Chesil Street Multi-Storey
• Colebrook Street
• Cossack Lane
• Friarsgate Multi Storey
• Gladstone Street
• Guildhall Yard (Public parking on Saturdays only)
• Jewry Street
• Middle Brook Street
• River Park Leisure Centre
• The Brooks (Area is situated outside of the car park on the ground level, off Friarsgate)
• Tower Street Multi-Storey

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Car Park
Any Restrictions?	N/A

 

Onto Wolverhampton and you’ll be pleased to know you will be able to park your motorcycle or scooter for free in various parts of the city centre. Locations where you can park your bike for free include:

• Faulkland Street
• Broad Street
• Whitmore Street
• Bell Street
• Temple Street
• Snow Hill Market
• Tempest Street
• Oxford Street
• Church Lane
• School Street
• Peel Street
• Fold Street
• Clarence Street
• Birch Street

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Both
Any Restrictions?	N/A

 

As of 24th September 2024, Worcester City Council has confirmed that motorcycle parking is free of charge at all of their car parks.

For an extensive list of parking spaces and locations, please visit the council’s official website!

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Car Park & On-Street
Any Restrictions?	N/A

 

The York City Council website states that there is free motorcycle parking across the city in several locations - including car parks, on-street motorcycle bays, and resident parking bays.

• Bootham Row Car Park (2 spaces available)
• Esplanade car park
• Foss Bank car park
• Monk Bar car park
• Nunnery Lane car park
• Union Terrace car park

• Cumberland Street
• Dennis Street
• Piccadilly
• Tanner's Moat
• York Road
• Some resident parking bays

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Both
Any Restrictions?	NOT permitted to park in bicycle racks anywhere in the city.

 

With all of the cities in England out of the way, let’s get started on Wales.

Starting with Bangor and the information online is very unclear as to where the free motorcycle parking is located. This being said the city council website has confirmed that free motorcycle parking can be found at Allt Y Castell.

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Solo
Any Restrictions?	N/A

 

When looking at the Cardiff City Council website, you’ll be pleased to know there are a handful of locations both on and off street where you can park your motorcycle for free. These locations include:

• Churchill Way
• Charles Street
• Windsor Place
• Mary Ann Street
• Guildhall Place

You will also be able to park for free in any of the council on-street, pay-and-display parking areas (subject to maximum duration terms & conditions), as well as in the Council’s pay-and-display car parks at Castle Mews, North Road, and High Street Llandaff.

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Both
Any Restrictions?	Maximum stay conditions apply.

 

Onto Newport and very little could be found about whether or not there is free motorcycle parking in Newport. However, with a little bit of deep digging, we have found two locations in which you can park your motorcycle. These are:

• Bridge Street (can park for free)
• Friars Walk (standard charges apply)

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Dependent on location
Solo/On Street?	Solo
Any Restrictions?	N/A

 

Next up we have St Asaph and according to Parkopedia, there is currently no free motorcycle parking throughout the center. However, if you are still in need of somewhere to park, please see below:

• Bowling Green Car Park
• Parliament Street

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Dependent on location
Solo/On Street?	Both
Any Restrictions?	N/A

 

Onto St Davids, the Pembrokeshire Country Council website has confirmed that free motorcycle parking is available within Merrivale, St Davids.

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Solo
Any Restrictions?	N/A

 

At the time of writing, the city council website states that motorbikes can park for free in any designated motorcycle parking across the city centre. These spaces can be found in a variety of locations including (but not limited to):

• Copr Bay South multi-storey
• High Street multi-storey
• Tawe Lock car park
• The Strand (Post Office) car park

The official Government website for Swansea also notes that if you choose to park in a full-sized car bay, a pay and display ticket must be purchased via the MiPermit app - and failure to do so may result in a parking fine (PCN).

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Solo
Any Restrictions?	N/A

 

Lastly, for our Welsh section, we have Wrexham. The official government website for Wrexham has confirmed that there is free motorcycle parking available in two locations across Wrexham including:

• St Giles, Waterworld, and Market Street
• St Georges Crescent South

Please note, that similar to many cities we have mentioned across the UK if you choose to park your bike in a full-sized car park bay - you will have to purchase a pay-and-display ticket.

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Solo
Any Restrictions?	MUST park in the designated bike bays

 

Below, we will be running down all of the motorcycle parking spaces available throughout Scotland…

First up we have Aberdeen and when searching around you’ll be pleased to know there are several free motorcycle parking bays across the city centre. You will find these at:

• Union Square
• College Street Car Park
• Crown Street
• Rose Street
• Rubislaw Place
• Golden Square
• Schoolhill
• Charlotte Street
• Loch Street
• Gallowgate Car Park

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Solo
Any Restrictions?	N/A

 

Onto Dundee and the Dundee City Council website states that there are both solo and on-street motorcycle parking spaces available free of charge through the city. The on-street motorcycle bays will be marked as ‘m/cs only’ parking bays, free of charge for a 72-hour maximum period at the following locations:

• Cowgate
• Whitehall Crescent
• South Tay Street
• Exchange Street
• Commercial Street
• South Victoria Dock Road

On the other hand, if you are unable to park in one of the on-street bays, motorcycles are permitted to be parked for free in any council-owned surface-level car park.

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Solo
Any Restrictions?	N/A

 

The Fife Council has confirmed that motorcycles are free to park in any of the council-owned on and off-street parking spaces without the need to purchase a ticket.

For a full list of Dunfermline car parks offering free motorcycle parking, head to their website!

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Both
Any Restrictions?	N/A

 

According to the official Edinburgh government website, motorcycles (without sidecars) are permitted to park for free within any motorcycle parking place throughout the city centre - these spaces will be marked 'Solo M/Cs Only'.

These free designated motorcycle parking bays can be found on their website. Alternatively, motorcycles can also park free of charge in pay and display or shared-use parking places outside the city centre (extended zones N1-N8 and S1-S4).

However, if members of the public decide they want to park their bikes in a pay and display zone within the city centre, they must buy a ticket at the standard fixed-rate laid out at the bay - failure to do so may result in a fine!

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Both
Any Restrictions?	IF you choose to park in a pay&display INSIDE the city, you will have to pay.

 

Similar to Edinburgh, there are plenty of spots around Glasgow where you can park your motorbike for free. Not only will you be able to park for free, but you will also be able to park in these spots 24 hours a day, 7 days a week without restrictions (unless individual bay rules apply).  For a full map of all of the free motorcycle spaces around Glasgow city centre, please head to the BikeBays website!

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Solo
Any Restrictions?	N/A

 

There is very little information on free motorcycle parking in Inverness at the time of writing. However, when looking at the Highland Government website I managed to find the enforcement protocol document which states that motorcycles are exempt from payment of charges in pay and display parking places when occupying specific, motorcycle only, parking bays when provided.

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Solo
Any Restrictions?	N/A

 

Perth City Council has confirmed that motorcycles can be parked for free in any of the on or off-street Council-owned pay and display car parks throughout the city. They also state that free dedicated motorcycle bays can be found in:

• Canal Street Multi-Storey
• Scott Street Car Park
• Scott Street

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Both
Any Restrictions?	N/A

 

Last but not least in our Scottish section we have Stirling and you’ll be pleased to know that similar to Perth - motorbikes can park for free in and around the city of Stirling.

These free parking spaces can be found in any Council owned car parks including (but not limited to):

• Dalgleish Court
• Wellgreen car park
• Wellgreen multi-storey
• Linden Avenue and Forthside
• Dunblane off-street parking
• Car Parking Callander: Riverside, Station Road, Riverside (Meadows)

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Solo
Any Restrictions?	N/A

 

If you’re still with us looking through this article, firstly well done. Secondly, let’s get on to all of the motorcycle parking that can be found through Northern Ireland…

When trying to research motorcycle parking in Armagh, there is very little online that can be found. However, when looking at the City Council website states that free parking can be found at:

• Court House, Lonsdale Road
• Dobbin Street Lane (ex-surgery)
• Dobbin Street Lane (St Malachy’s)
• Friary Road West
• Dobbin Street Lane
• Friary Road East
• Linenhall Street
• Lonsdale Road

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Solo
Any Restrictions?	N/A

 

According to the Ards and North Down Borough Council, there are a handful of spaces where bikes can park for free, or for a standard fixed-rate fee. Free bike parking spaces can be found:

• Newtownards Road/Church Street
• Eisenhower Pier
• Lukes Point - Seacliff Road
• Ward Arras Park/ Gransha Road
• Castle Park

Other parking spaces (that will require payment) are:

• The Vennel, King Street
• Abbey Street East
• Bingham Lane
• Castle Street
• Clifton Road
• Holborn Avenue
• Mills Road
• Abbey Street West
• Central Avenue
• Bangor Marina Public

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Dependent on location
Solo/On Street?	Solo
Any Restrictions?	N/A

 

Moving onto Belfast and you’ll be pleased to know there are plenty of free motorcycle parking bays across the city centre. These can be found in the following locations:

• College Square East
• Bankmore Square
• May Street
• Linenhall Street
• Brunswick Street

However, if you decide to park your bike in one of the pay and display zones across the city, you will be required to pay the standard fixed rate.

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Solo
Any Restrictions?	N/A

 

Next up we have Lisburn and in terms of motorcycle parking, there is very little information out there to go off. This being said free off-street parking spaces can be found:

• Benson Street
• Quay Street

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Free
Solo/On Street?	Solo
Any Restrictions?	N/A

 

The Derry and Strabane District Council website has confirmed that you will have to pay to park your motorcycle in and around the city centre. This being said, Derry currently has a few locations designated for motorcycle parking, these are:

• The Diamond (can park for free)
• Quayside Car Park
• Foyle Road
• Simpsons Brae Parking
• Duke Street Roundabout
• Strand Road Car Park

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Standard fixed-rate applies
Solo/On Street?	Solo
Any Restrictions?	N/A

 

Lastly, onto Newry and according to the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council website there are areas in which you can both park your motorcycle for free or if you’d prefer pay a standard charge. Below we have attached the lists:

• Free motorcycle parking locations
• Motorcycle parking locations requiring payment

On the other hand, if you choose to park in any of the pay and display zones in Newry, you will also need to pay a standard fixed rate here. These charges will be laid out by the Northern Ireland Government Council.

Cost of Motorcycle Parking:	Dependent on location
Solo/On Street?	Both
Any Restrictions?	N/A

 

So there you have it, I hope you enjoyed my full rundown on everything you need to know regarding parking your motorcycle in each UK city…

Please note that if you have any further questions about these parking locations, please message the local council directly for exact and correct clarification.

Last but not least, if you do have your very own motorcycle you need to insure, make sure to get a quote direct with Lexham!