Compare York car hire

York's historic centre is protected and has one of the largest pedestrian zones in Europe, so don’t expect to be able to drive much there. Park up and walk it. This is where you’ll find most of York’s attractions, including York Minster, the Jorvik Viking Centre, the castle, York Dungeon and the cobbled shopping streets of the Shambles.

There are numerous car parks conveniently placed around the perimeter of the traffic-restricted centre, easily accessible from the A and B roads that loop it. Three car parks surround the Minster and leafy Dean’s Park, including Monk Bar. But continue a little way along the A1036 and you’ll come to a cheaper car park at Foss Bank. You’ll also find several car parks over the River Ouse on the more drivable Micklegate side of town that leads to the train station. Bear in mind that York is a major tourist draw, so you can expect more traffic and more demand for parking in the summer months.

If you’d prefer not to drive in the centre at all, York has six park-and-ride services offering free parking and frequent buses. These sit at strategic points as you approach the city. They have between 600 and 1,100 spaces, so parking shouldn’t be a problem.

Castle Howard

Driving time: 30 minutes

This stunning stately home – still run and part-occupied by members of the Howard family – is just 15 miles (24 km) north of York and makes a great day out for all ages. The interior is spectacular, the gorgeous gardens are full of odd follies and hidden groves, and the rolling Howardian Hills give it all a lovely backdrop. There's even a large adventure playground for little visitors.

North York Moors National Park

Driving time: One hour

The wild North York Moors are a heather-covered delight for walkers and hikers. A scenic 60-minute drive from York will get you to Hutton-le-Hole, one of the pretty villages at the edge of the park; alternatively, head to Pickering to ride the vintage North Yorkshire Moors Railway to Whitby, the quirky seaside town whose ruined abbey helped inspire Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

Harrogate

Driving time: One hour

If anyone tries to tell you it's grim up north, send them to Harrogate. The spa town is an all-round class act, with well-kept gar-dens, grand Edwardian buildings, fancy indie shops and – of course – plenty of tearooms. It's also worth making the short drive from here to Knaresborough, where you can set out on waterside walks by the River Nidd.

Fair fuel policy

A fair fuel policy (also known as full-to-full or same-to-same) means you’ll only pay for the fuel you use. All car rental deals compared on TravelSupermarket come with a fair fuel policy, so you can book your hire car safe in the knowledge there will be no nasty surprises at drop-off. More information on TravelSupermarket’s commitment to fair fuel policies can be found here.

No hidden fees

All rental deals compared on TravelSupermarket include mandatory fees (for example, one-way and young driver surcharges) in your rental quote at the time of booking, meaning you’ll know the full price of your car hire upfront.