Durham Miners Gala park and ride provides an easier way of getting to Durham to enjoy the day of the Big Meeting. Here are the details.

Rather than trying to drive into Durham - with the Durham Miners Gala road closures starting very early - the Durham Miners Gala park and ride simplifies getting to the city if you're coming from further afield.

Although there will be access to the multi-storey car park close to the Market Square for those arriving early, there are three Durham Miners Gala park and ride locations, which might be easier.

Where are the Durham Miners Gala park and ride locations?

The three Big Meeting park and ride car parks are at Belmont, Sniperley and Howlands on the main routes into Durham - the same locations as the usual Durham park and ride for the rest of the year.

The Sniperley park and ride, to the north west of Durham, is 400 metres north of junction between the A167 and A690. The postcode is DH1 5RA.

The Belmont park and ride to the north east of Durham is on the A690, 300 metres east of junction 62 of the A1(M). The postcode is DH1 1SR.

The Howlands park and ride, to the south of Durham, is on the A177, opposite Mount Oswald Golf Course. It's less than one mile after joining the A177 at the A167/A177 roundabout. The postcode is DH1 3TQ.

The other option is to park at the Houghall campus of East Durham College, which is where the Miners Gala camping is located and is within walking distance of the Racecourse.

Read next: The key times to know so you can make the most of Durham Miners Gala

How much does the Durham Miners Gala park and ride cost?

It costs £2 per person, and accompanied under 16s go for free. It includes unlimited travel on the park and ride buses for the day. Concessionary pass holders travel for free.

When are the Big Meeting park and ride car parks open and how often do buses run?

The car parks are open from 7am to 7pm and a bus runs every 10 minutes to the city centre from each site.

Read next: Who's speaking at Durham Miners Gala 2019?

Where do the Durham Miners Gala park and ride buses go?

The Belmont to Sniperley car parks share much of the same route, whereas the Howlands car park is largely a separate route except when it comes into the city centre.

The Belmont to Sniperley route stops at Milburngate Bridge east side, Milburngate, County Hall and the University Hospital.

The Sniperley to Belmont route stops at the University Hospital, County Hall, Milburngate and Claypath (Millennium Place).

The Howlands Circular route stops at New Elvet, Milburngate Bridge east side, Milburngate, Leazes Road underpass and New Elvet.

Read next: Information for the Durham Miners Gala cathedral service