EV-friendly road trips in the UK
This summer has been a bit of a holiday lottery, and many of us have missed out on that tropical getaway we longed for – but a road trip in the UK can be a greener kind of dream holiday. Great Britain has a surprising number of incredible coastlines, scenery, and greenery – and by swapping planes for cars we’re helping to keep the UK’s carbon footprint at a record low, especially if we go electric. Here are three EV-friendly routes we think you’ll love, each with plenty of EV charging points along the way. And for a smarter, cheaper and greener way to charge up at home, there’s new Hive EV charging. Just charge up overnight before you head off on your EV-enture!
Route 1: Norfolk Kings Lynn to Great Yarmouth
Following roads that hug in close to the Norfolk coastline, you can see some of the county’s incredibly varied scenery, with long stretches of golden beach interspersed with mud flats and salt marsh, shingle, and pebbles.
Start: King’s Lynn
Start with an overnight stay at this beautiful off grid eco -friendly beach house near King’s Lynn. Then, wake up refreshed and ready to begin your adventure by heading towards Hunstanton. There are wonderful dunes to traverse, cliffs to marvel at, and between King’s Lynn and Hunstanton, treacle-like mud where The Wash empties into the North Sea – a favourite of birds and birdwatchers alike.
Next stop: Holme-next-the-Sea
Holme Dunes, run by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, is a National Nature Reserve with salt and freshwater marshes, pine woodland and reedbeds which attract waders and migrant wildfowl, as well as nesting birds such as oystercatchers and ringed plover in spring and summer.
Next stop: Holkham Bay
Imagine strolling through dense pine woodlands, breathing in the aromatic smell of the forest before stepping onto a wide open expanse of golden sand. Welcome to Holkham, one of the most dramatic beaches in the UK and very popular with visitors in the summer season, when you feel you could almost be in the Caribbean… almost.
Last stop: Cromer
Dramatically poised on a high bluff, this charming seaside resort became popular with the arrival of the railway. Take a stroll along the 151 metre-long pier and you’ll find the traditional Pavillion theatre – the award-winning Cromer Pier Show is still going strong here! After Cromer, the coast begins to curve southwards, towards Great Yarmouth where your trip ends.
Eco-friendly B&B recommendation: Begin your trip at this unique eco-retreat near King’s Lynn. A unique, off-grid Eco Friendly Beach House. - Cottages for Rent in Norfolk, England, United Kingdom (airbnb.co.uk)
Top EV charging tip: If you’re running low, remember that the more aggressively you accelerate and brake the more energy is required, reducing the overall range of the car, so take it easy and enjoy the views.
Find your EV charging points on your route: EV chargers - Google Maps
Route 2: Moray to Loch Lomond
This stunningly striking Scottish drive goes via lochs, peaks, incredible scenery and the Glenfiddich viaduct, which you may well recognise from the Harry Potter movies.
Start: Moray
Start your trip in eco-friendly style with a stay at Hobbit’s Hideaway in Moray, described as a ‘wee slice of paradise’ and conveniently nestled right on the famous Malt Whiskey Trail.
Next stop: Inverness
It’s worth spending a bit of time in this charming old town with the River Ness running through its heart. You could lose hours pottering around the small centre admiring the architecture. But the ‘must sees’ are Inverness Castle, Balnain House and museum, and the Victorian Market where you can pick up all kinds of oldies and goodies.
Next stop: Drumnadrochit
This small and gorgeous town right on the Loch Ness makes a great stop off. If you need to stretch your legs, you could walk some of the 23-mile freshwater lake for jaw-dropping views and ruins along the way. Pop into Urquhart Castle which dates back to 1509, and make sure you visit the Falls of Foyers waterfall and hiking trail area.
Next stop: Fort William
This route slowly heads south and the next stop is Fort William where you can jump on the Jacobite Train – a vintage steam railway, walk some of the stunning Great Glen Way, or visit the Ben Nevis distillery – where you’ll enjoy guided tours of the 19th century distillery and some tastings (not for the driver though)! It’s worth taking a detour to the magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct, a magical sight and easy to see why the Harry Potter movies were filmed here.
Head to Loch Lomond
Here you can hike a peak, go bouldering, take a leisurely cruise, or just stroll along the shore admiring the lake. You’ll see plenty of wildlife including red deer among the many oak woodlands. Don’t forget to visit Balloch Castle while you’re in the area – beautiful ruins set among a picturesque park.
Top EV charging tip: driving straight from Moray to Loch Lomond is 159 miles. You'll need to charge up about halfway into your journey. Your charging will depend on your car – they range from 125 miles up to 350 miles on a single charge.
Find your EV charging points on your route: EV chargers - Google Maps
Route 3: Stonehenge to Land’s End
Regarded as one of the world's most beautiful drives by National Geographic, the Atlantic highway is a stunning and picturesque stretch of road located on the west coast of Cornwall. This route is packed full of ‘must-sees’ from Stonehenge to St Ives and all the way down to Land's End.
Start: Stonehenge
Step back in time to marvel at this 5,000 year old monument, and while you’re here, explore the nearby World Heritage City of Bath with Roman baths dating all the way back to AD43, then head off on a beautiful country drive towards the west coast for your next stop.
Next stop: Woolacoombe Beach
Voted the 5th best beach in Europe, this sandy shore is popular because of its idyllic conditions, and many are drawn here just for the surf. There are awesome pubs, cafes, and heaps of parking as well.
Next stop: Summerleaze beach
A beautiful coast drive gets you to Summerleaze, where you’ll find the famous Bude Sea Pool, a half natural, half man-made 'pool' that is filled by the ocean twice a day by the tides.
Next stop: Port Isaac
This gorgeous fishing village is known for its breath-taking scenery and stunning architecture. This could be a great time for an overnight stopover at the eco-friendly Toddalong Roundhouse in nearby St Maybn – a beautiful Cornish Strawbail Retreat worth driving a little inland for.
Next stop: St Ives
Dine at the countless bars, restaurants, and beach-side cafes. St Ives has some of the best food in Cornwall, so make sure you stop by for a bite to eat. After lunch, head to the unmissable Tate Gallery – amazing contemporary art housed in a fascinating circular shaped building.
Last stop: Land’s End
Bask in the beauty of the most south-westerly point in the UK. You'll notice the tall granite cliffs that Land's End is famous for. Look out into the Atlantic Ocean and spot the Longships Lighthouse. Just a few miles away in Porthcurno is the Minack, an open-air theatre right next to the ocean.
Top EV charging tip: If you can’t charge at one of the public stations on route, and you’re booking an overnight stay, try and pick a B&B or cottage that perhaps has a charger, or with a driveway so you can use your 3-pin charger to charge overnight.
Find your EV charging points on your route: EV chargers - Google Maps
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