Your York Base: Why Location and Parking Matter More Than You Think

Harrison Harrand • February 8, 2026

The York Parking Reality

Most people make York harder than it needs to be.


They spend hours comparing hotels. They worry about where to park. They wonder which area gives them the best access to everything York offers.


The truth? Get these two things right and everything else falls into place.


York's medieval streets weren't designed for modern cars. Finding somewhere to park can turn a relaxing city break into a stressful treasure hunt.


Council car parks charge £20 per day  - and that's if you can find a space. Street parking is limited to a few hours and expensive. Private car parks often cost even more.


What's the alternative?


Stay somewhere with secure parking included.


At Hedley House Hotel, we charge £18 per night for your own secure space. That's less than one day in a council car park, and your car stays safely in the same spot throughout your visit.


No circling streets looking for spaces. No feeding meters every few hours. No wondering if your car is still there when you return.


Location: The Bootham Sweet Spot


York has several areas to stay, each with different advantages:


City Centre


-  Close to attractions but often noisy with limited parking Micklegate


-  Good restaurants but can be lively at night South Bank


-  Quieter but further from main sights Bootham


-  The best of both worlds


We're based in Bootham Terrace. It's residential enough to be peaceful, yet close enough to everything that matters:


-  6-7 minutes walk from York Railway Station (step-free route)


-  10 minutes walk to York Minster and city centre


-  River Ouse walking path right nearby for morning runs or evening strolls


You get quiet nights but can reach York's main attractions in minutes. During the day, you're exploring. In the evening, you're away from the tourist crowds.

More Than Just a Bed


After 43 years running this family hotel, we've learned something important.


People don't just want a room, they want somewhere that feels like home.


That's why we added features you won't find in most city centre hotels:


  • Hot tub - for tired feet after walking York's cobbled streets


  • Yoga studio - stretch out after a day of exploring


  • Modern gym - maintain your routine while away


  • Massage therapy room - proper relaxation when you need it


  • Garden and patio - quiet space to plan your next day


The Family Story That Shapes Everything


In 2004, my parents Greg and Lou survived the Boxing Day tsunami in Thailand. That experience changed how they see business and life.


"We learned what truly matters," Greg explains. "Meaningful connections and genuine care for people. That's what we bring to every guest's stay."


This isn't marketing. It's how we actually operate. We remember returning guests. We help plan your York itinerary. We're genuinely interested in making your stay memorable.

Why This Combination Works

Secure parking plus the right location plus genuine hospitality equals a better York experience.


You arrive, park once, and forget about your car. You walk to attractions but return to somewhere peaceful.


We've been doing this for over four decades. We understand what makes a York visit special - and what can ruin it.

Smart Money: Direct Booking Benefits


Here's something most people miss.

Book directly with us rather than through booking platforms and you get:


-  Our best available rates


-  Personal service from people who          know York


-  Flexibility if plans change



-  No middleman fees


We're competitive with the big booking sites, often better.


Plus you're dealing directly with people who live and work in York.

Your Next Step

Ready to book your York stay?



Check our availability directly on our website or give us a call on 07428 917515.


We're always happy to discuss your plans and help make your York visit exactly what you're hoping for.


Book direct for our best rates and the personal service that makes all the difference.

By Greg Harrand July 7, 2026
Staying in York This Summer? Here's What to Look For in a Hotel Most people booking a York break think about location first. Then parking. Then breakfast. And if you're travelling with the dog, or driving an electric car, the checklist gets longer still. At Hedley House, we've thought about all of it - so you don't have to. Getting Here (and Getting Around) York Railway Station is a 6 to 7 minute walk from our front door, all on level ground with no steps to navigate. If you're arriving by train, you're unpacking within minutes. Driving? We have secure, off-street parking on site - which, if you've ever tried to park in York city centre, you'll know is genuinely rare. No hunting for street permits. No circling the streets. Just pull in and relax. Electric vehicle? We have two dedicated EV charging points, available at £20 per night. Book ahead and we'll make sure one's ready for you. Add it on ... We serve a hearty Yorkshire breakfast and you can add it to your stay when you book. Some guests like to head out early and grab something in the city - others want a proper sit-down start before a full day of exploring. Either way, the option is there. Your Room Every room at Hedley House is ensuite. We also have two air-conditioned deluxe rooms for those warm summer nights - with more being fitted this year. If you'd like one of those, just mention it when you book. Need more independence? Our self-catering apartments give you your own space with the added comfort of everything the hotel has to offer on your doorstep. Bringing the Dog? We have three dedicated dog-friendly rooms, so booking early is essential - they go quickly. One dog per room, and we ask that your dog isn't left alone in the room at any time or on the hotel beds. Other than that, they're very welcome. Your four-legged companion can even join you in the bar for a drink at the end of the day. Just call us to book - 07428 917515 - and we'll get you into the right room. Wind Down After a Day Out York on foot is one of the great city experiences. After a full day of it, our wellness facilities are waiting. Hot tub - £15 per person Sauna and cold plunge - £15 per person All three together - £20 per person Gym - complimentary for all hotel guests Prefer something a little gentler? Our hot yoga studio runs classes for all levels - from complete beginners to seasoned practitioners. Whether you want to stretch out properly after a long day of sightseeing or start your morning with an energising flow, there's a class to suit you. We also have a beauty and massage therapy room on site. Book a treatment, sink into the hot tub afterwards, and the day's walking will feel like a distant memory. What's On in York This Summer York is busy this summer - in the best possible way. Live at York Museum Gardens is running from 9 to 12 July, with OMD headlining Thursday, Self Esteem on Friday, and Super Furry Animals on Saturday. The York Comedy Festival - featuring Russell Howard, Ross Noble and Joanne McNally - closes things out on Sunday. Just a 5 minute walk from the hotel - you couldn't ask for a better base. Later in the summer, York city centre transforms for Yorkshire Day from 30 July to 2 August - with a seaside-themed fun zone on Parliament Street, a makers market, fairground rides, and a free self-guided Seagull Trail around the city. Great for families. Art lovers might want to head slightly further afield - North Yorkshire Open Studios is staging a major exhibition at Ampleforth Abbey from 11 to 19 July, with more than 60 artists exhibiting in a stunning Grade I-listed setting. And if theatre is more your thing, the York Mystery Plays and a full programme at York Theatre Royal and the Grand Opera House will keep you busy throughout the season. Staying a While? Here's One for You Planning a longer stay in York? Book 9 nights directly through our website and your 10th night is on us. No fuss, no small print - just book online at www.hedleyhouse.com and the offer applies to all room types. York rewards those who take their time. There's always another street to wander, another pub to find, another view of the Minster you hadn't seen before. Ten nights gives you room to breathe. One last thing We're a family-run hotel. Greg and Lou, who own Hedley House, have been doing this for a long time - and the team around them has too. You'll notice the difference. York city centre is 10 minutes on foot. The River Ouse is on your doorstep for morning walks or runs. And when you're ready to head out for the day, we'll pack you a lunch. Call us on 07428 917515 or visit www.hedleyhouse.com to book your stay.
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