Dreamy EV Road Trips: UK Edition
The Great-British road trip has been a mainstay of summer plans for as long as we can remember. Think driving along the coast, windows down, music blasting or maybe driving through the mountains are more your thing?
Whatever your scenic preferences if a road trip is on your summer bucket list then maybe consider making it electric.
In case you missed it, the UK recently hit a major milestone by installing the 60,000th EV charger so you no longer need to stress about range, charger availability or running out of juice on the road.
Top Tip: The Electroverse route planning feature will help you plan your journey and add in charging stops depending on the charge you’d like to end your journey on!
We’re a road trip loving lot at Electroverse so we’ve compiled a list of the most EV friendly trips in the UK so you don’t have to choose between scenery and sustainability.
Let’s get plugged in…
The Atlantic Highway
If you are looking for scenery then you have found the ultimate option. This road trip will place you between the Devon border and Cornwall with plenty of fun diversions and activities along the way.
If history is your thing then the Tintagel castle (the supposed birthplace of King Arthur!) is a must see. More of a foodie? You won’t be left short of incredible eateries, from Boscastle Farm Shop to the Michelin-starred Outlaw’s New Road, the Atlantic Highway has something for everyone.
Of course you can’t travel the Cornwall coast without a visit to the beach, but which one is the question? If you’re travelling with kids, Widemouth Bay is an unmissable stop. With acres of sand, great facilities and safe swimming you can keep the whole family entertained all day.
Looking for something off the beaten path? The tiny, tucked-away cove of Bossiney Haven or the Strangles are great options if you’re willing to make the trek.
To make the most of this road trip you’re going to want to follow this route:
The length of this route will of course depend on how long you spend at each stop, but start to finish should take less than two hours of total driving time, which is doable without charging if you set off at over 50%.
If you are plugging in along the way, Bude has the highest concentration of EV chargers, with a decent amount at the start of your route (Bideford) and the end (Port Isaac).
Lake District
Get ready for an epic road trip that requires a few days: the Lake District! This stunning region offers something for everyone—history buffs, thrill-seekers, and lovers of beautiful scenery alike.
Start your journey in Windermere, using it as your base. With plenty of chargers and activities near England's largest lake, it's the perfect spot to power up your EV and explore.
Once fully charged, head north to Ambleside for some breathtaking scenery. Don't miss this popular market town's eateries and Beatrix Potter's house!
Next, drive through Glenridding and Buttermere. Hikers will love Glenridding's Helvellyn, England's third-highest mountain. For an easier trek, try the 4.5-mile Buttermere circular walk, offering idyllic views.
The Cumbrian coast is a must-see, so pass through Cleator Moor, Egremont, and Seascale before returning to Windermere. Each coastal stop boasts beautiful beaches, and if you visit in September, Egremont's world-famous Crab Fair is a highlight!
To make the most out of your road trip we recommend you take the following route:
Of course you will want to spend some time at each stop along the way but on this scenic route you are looking at just under four hours of driving.
The Yorkshire Circuit
Embark on an unforgettable journey from York to Robin Hood's Bay, touted as one of the most picturesque drives in Northern England. If you're cruising in your electric car, get ready to soak in the breathtaking landscapes along the way!
Starting in the vibrant city of York, you'll have plenty of spots to juice up your vehicle. York is not just a great starting point but a destination in itself, brimming with historical charm and modern amenities.
Car enthusiasts and photography buffs will feel right at home on this route. The North York Moors are a playground for automotive photographers, and with scenery this stunning, it's no surprise.
Kick off your adventure by heading east to the bustling market town of Malton. From there, the route loops back to the quaint town of Helmsley. Continue on to the charming village of Danby and then to Goathland, where Harry Potter fans will delight in recognizing the iconic railway station amidst the majestic Moors.
Next, travel through the enchanting Esk Valley, making your way to the seaside gem of Whitby. Finally, your journey culminates at Robin Hood's Bay, offering some of the most spectacular coastal views in the north.
Though the UK road network rarely matches this level of beauty year-round, some planning is necessary for an electric road trip. Malton, Pickering, and York have ample charging points, but Whitby is a bit sparse in this regard. Utilising a road trip planner like the Electroverse route planner is essential, as beyond the Whitby Aldi, charging spots are limited. However, nearby Scarborough is better equipped and provides a scenic detour.
To make sure you hit all the stunning spots that have inspired literature and artwork, we recommend popping these stops into your route planner:
You can expect to spend just over two hours total driving, which is pretty quick for such a fantastic route!
The Norfolk Coast
Looking for an inspiring road trip heading east? One of the best UK journeys takes you through royal retreats, charming villages, and beautiful beaches just off the main road network.
Start in King's Lynn, then head to Hunstanton. Explore the Royal Sandringham Palace, enjoy Hunstanton's two beaches, and indulge in the local restaurants and ice cream spots.
Continue to Brancaster, Burnham Overy Staithe, Wells-next-the-Sea, and Blakeney. These stops offer expansive beaches and delicious local seafood in quaint pubs.
For a classic seaside vibe, visit Sheringham and Cromer. Enjoy steam train rides, castle tours, pilgrimage sites, national parks, historic houses, and gardens.
The Electroverse map shows plenty of charging points in King's Lynn and as you travel east, Sheringham and Cromer have a reliable GeniePoint cluster to keep your EV charged.
Extend your trip by heading south to Norfolk and the Broads, just a short drive away. This road trip offers plenty for everyone, making it an ideal getaway.
You’ll want to pop the following stops into your Electroverse route planner to make sure you’re getting the most out of the Norfolk coast, but don’t be afraid to head off the beaten track!:
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