Discover the best UK EV road trips for a sustainable getaway
Looking for a fun and sustainable getaway a little closer to home? Electric vehicle (EV) road trips are the perfect way to explore the UK’s most stunning destinations while reducing your carbon footprint. With the UK’s charging network growing rapidly and EV battery ranges extending further, now's the time to hit the road!
Whether you're after breathtaking coastal views, historic market towns, or serene countryside escapes, here're 10 of the best EV-friendly road trips across the UK — tailor-made for electric drivers.
🌿 1. South Downs: Eastbourne to Chichester (180 km)
Why go?
Recently crowned the UK’s most EV-friendly road trip, the South Downs route features 250 charging locations within 2 miles of each stop and the highest number of charging points per kilometre (1.39/km).
Top Highlights:
- Start in sunny Eastbourne, one of the UK's sunniest spots
- Pass through Brighton & Hove with over 600 attractions
- End in Chichester, a hub for sailing, nature, and historic architecture.
🏞️ 2. Peak District: Chesterfield to Manchester (152 km)
Why go?
This central England route hosts the most nearby attractions and accommodation options with parking.
Top Highlights:
- Kick off in Chesterfield with 169 attractions
- Visit charming towns like Bakewell and Buxton
- Finish in vibrant Manchester with endless food, culture, and nightlife.
🌼 3. Cotswolds: Oxford to Chippenham (245 km)
Why go?
This picturesque drive ranks second for parking-friendly accommodation, and has 125 EV chargers along the way.
Top Highlights:
- Begin in historic Oxford
- Stop in Cheltenham, named one of the UK’s best places to live
- End in the charming market town of Chippenham.
🌊 4. Norfolk Coast: Norwich to King’s Lynn (178 km)
Why go?
With 0.63 chargers per km, this coastal journey is ideal for EVs.
Top Highlights:
- Explore Norwich, packed with medieval churches and historic buildings
- Chill on Cromer’s award-winning beach
- Finish in King’s Lynn, rich in maritime history.
🏔️ 5. Lake District: Kendal to Penrith (121 km)
Why go?
A compact route with minimal charging needed, it’s ideal for a nature-filled escape.
Top Highlights:
- Begin in scenic Kendal with 100+ nearby attractions
- Pass through Windermere, Ambleside, and Keswick
- Wrap up in quaint Penrith, full of independent shops and cosy pubs.
🌉 6. Causeway Coastal Route: Ballycastle to Derry (111 km)
Why go?
Northern Ireland’s coastal gem, requiring just one full charge to complete.
Top Highlights:
- Begin at Ballycastle’s award-winning beach
- Pass Royal Portrush Golf Club, home to The Open
- End in historic Derry, with over 230 attractions to explore.
🦖 7. Jurassic Coast: Dorchester to Swanage (117 km)
Why go?
An EV-friendly, scenic drive along one of the UK’s most dramatic coastlines.
Top Highlights:
- Start in Dorchester, one of the UK’s best towns according to Which?
- Visit Weymouth’s vibrant harbour
- Finish in lovely Swanage, a timeless seaside resort.
🌄 8. Yorkshire Dales: Penrith to Harrogate (175 km)
Why go?
A countryside adventure combining iconic Yorkshire towns and nature trails.
Top Highlights:
- Combine with the Lake District trip for an extended escape
- Stop in Hawes, home of Wensleydale cheese
- End in stylish Harrogate, with spa experiences and boutique shopping.
🏖️ 9. Pembrokeshire: Fishguard to Tenby (155 km)
Why go?
A scenic Welsh road trip full of history, coastal beauty, and adventure.
Top Highlights:
- Begin in Fishguard, with pristine beaches
- Visit St Davids, the UK’s smallest city
- Wrap up in buzzing Tenby, a seaside favourite packed with charm.
🏴 10. North Coast 500: Inverness to Applecross (839 km)
Why go?
Scotland’s ultimate road trip and the longest on our list. A true adventure.
Top Highlights:
- Start in Inverness, home of Loch Ness lore
- Go wildlife spotting in Gairloch
- Brave the epic Bealach na Bà, one of the UK’s most iconic roads.
⚡ EV road trips made easy
Each of these scenic routes is supported by a growing network of EV charging points, making it easy to stay powered up as you explore. Just check ZapMap or your EV’s navigation system to find the nearest charging station.
Whether you're new to EVs or a seasoned road-tripper, these journeys show you don’t need to go far for a fantastic, sustainable adventure.
Which route will you try first? Let us know where your next electric road trip is taking you!
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