Electrifying UK Roads: Popular UK Road trips with accommodation to charge your electric car
The UK is home to many amazing staycation spots that are perfect for a last-minute road trip. Whether you fancy heading to the Jurassic Coast or driving the North Coast 500, there are lots of breath-taking routes on our doorstep.
But as electric vehicles grow in popularity – the SMMT reported a ‘bumper growth’ of EVs in July 20211 – drivers need to know they can get to and around their holiday destination without worrying that they’ll run out of power.
With plug-in vehicle ownership in the UK quadrupling since 20172, online booking platform, eviivo, has curated a list of 10 independent properties in popular staycation hotspots that have electric car charging points, to spark drivers’ interest.
North Coast 500 (Scotland)
Starting at Inverness Castle and stretching 516 miles around the Highlands of Scotland, the scenic North Coast 500 (NC500) route offers up beautiful scenery and landscapes for a last-minute summer trip. For visitors travelling in their electric cars, Old Drynie House B&B near the start of the route is the perfect place from which to depart after a good sleep, great breakfast and with a fully charged EV. https://drynie.com/
South-West Coastal 300 (Scotland)
Take the low road with a scenic 300-mile road trip around South West Scotland. This beautiful but largely undiscovered area is home to gorgeous stretches of coastline, historic castles, exotic gardens and artists’ towns. Along the route is the Townhead Hotel in Lockerbie, an ideal place to start or end the route, offering no less than three charging points for visitors with electric cars to charge their vehicles. https://www.townheadhotel.co.uk/
Durham to Barnard Castle (England)
The charming market town of Barnard Castle has certainly raised its profile since THAT government official made for shocking headlines when driving there from Durham during lockdown. Visitors can explore the imposing 12th century castle and nearby Teesdale and Weardale. Moor End B&B is the perfect stop-off for drivers looking to charge their cars while on their travels and fill up on a delicious breakfast they depart. https://www.moorendguesthouse.com/index.html
Jurassic Coast, Bridport (England)
The Jurassic Coast stretches for 95 miles from Exmouth to Swanage and makes for one of the most beautiful road trips in the UK. The Bridge House in Bridport sits half way between the two and is a Grade II listed property where each room is uniquely furnished with carefully selected treasures from local antique emporiums. Drivers can stop here for a relaxing night’s stay while the car gets topped up to power their onward journey. https://bridgehousebridport.co.uk/
The Cotswolds (England)
The Cotswolds, with its rolling hills and villages of beautiful stone houses, presents a superb opportunity for a circular route through quintessential English countryside. Stroud is well-placed stopping off point, equidistant to Burford, Broadway and Bradford on Avon. Here drivers will find The Old Fleece, with comfortable and characterful apartments and a recently installed an EV charging point for guests to charge their volts-wagen! https://www.food-club.com/book-a-serviced-apartment/
North Norfolk Coast (England)
In the East of England, and renowned for its glorious beaches, fantastic wildlife, and picturesque countryside, lies the North Norfolk Coast. Old Hall Country Breaks near King’s Lynn, built in 1553, is the ideal spot for visitors starting or finishing a drive along the coast. Here they can relax in 5 star luxury and historic surrounding whilst making use of the property’s future-friendly electric car charging points. https://www.oldhallcountrybreaks.co.uk/
Atlantic Highway (England)
The A39 runs from Bath to Cornwall and takes in some fantastic coastline. Often referred to as the Atlantic Highway, the section from Minehead to Lynton in Devon is one of the more notable where views of the sea and the rugged beauty of Exmoor fuse together. A stop-off at The North Cliff Hotel will allow guests to recharge both themselves and their cars e-route, using one of their two car charging points. https://www.northcliffhotel.co.uk/en-GB/homepage
The Lake District (England)
For Brits looking for an adventure along some of England’s most picturesque roads, the Lake District in Cumbria is the place to be. Visitors can take in scenes of peaceful lakes, scenic villages, and majestic fells in every direction. The 1692 Wasdale B&B in the Western Lakes offers a peaceful rest after a day’s touring, an electric car charging point for guests’ vehicles and views to Scafell Pike and the Isle of Man.
https://www.1692wasdale.co.uk/
Snowdonia (Wales)
Covering over 2,000 square kilometres, the Snowdonia National Park includes pristine forests, lakes, coast and Wales’s highest mountain. A circular drive taking in Beddgelert, Capel Curig and Bethesda presents ever-changing views of the peak and the opportunity to rest up at Sygun Fawr Country House, a former manor house set in 22 acres of grounds, serves up amazing breakfasts and has its own electric car charging point, to ensure guests and EVs alike leave fully juiced! https://www.sygunfawr.co.uk/
Yorkshire Dales (England)
Visitors to the Yorkshire Dales National Park can expect to see ruined abbeys, stunning scenery, waterfalls and charming villages. A round trip from Ripon to Malham and Hawes will take in many of the highlights. Little wonder this destination has seen a surge in interest, and for electric car owners looking to bed down for the night, Valentino’s in Ripon provides the perfect refuelling spot, with a great Italian restaurant, electric vehicle charging and stylish rooms . https://www.valentinosripon.co.uk/
