The Winter months are finally behind us and the sun is starting to shine, and for those looking ahead to potential holidays they can take over the next few months, road trips could be the perfect long weekend getaway you’ve been waiting for.
But road trips are different now from how they were five years ago, thanks to the popularity and growth of the EV market. Road trippers now need to think about their car's battery life and how and where they’ll be able to recharge their batteries when out and about. Thankfully Leasing Options is here to help.
With range anxiety still a factor with new and wannabe EV owners, we’ve compiled five of the most popular UK road trips that are easily doable in an electric vehicle. We’ve also highlighted not only where the best places are and what you should do while on your road trip, but also where you can recharge your car too.
Here are our top five electric road trips in the UK.
North Coast 500, Scotland
Things To See & Do
NC500 Gardens
You’ll find multiple gardens scattered along the NC500. These gardens are truly memorable and are perfect for those wanting to take a pit stop to get out of the car and breathe in some fresh air.
Each garden showcase incredible views and are a joy to be around. Take the Inverewe Gardens as an example. This award-winning world-class garden lies on the shores of Loch Ewe in the North West Highlands and has a wide range of events throughout the season, showcasing horticulture, art, adventure travel, music and theatre and much more.
Russian Arctic Convoy Museum
Another great stop-off point is the Russian Arctic Convoy Museum in Birchburn. Here you can discover one of the most daring allied operations of World War II, where many of the convoys bound for Russia departed.
The Museum and Exhibition Centre is a lasting legacy to those who braved Arctic waters under constant threat of attack from enemy aircraft and u-boats.
WWII American Bomber Wreckage
Shieldaig, offers a variety of walks and hikes, with a number of beaches, lochs and munros to explore, including a route behind Shieldaig Lodge to Fairy Lochs to the crash site of a World War II B-24 Liberator.
The site, which holds the remains of the American bomber, is a true reminder of the time and is classed as a war grave.
Smoo Cave
Along the northern coast of Scotland, towards the west you’ll find Smoo Cave, a natural sea cave located ~1 mile to the East of Durness village centre in Durness. Inside you’ll find wooden pathways and bridges taking you to a magnificent cascade that falls 25 meters into an 8-meter deep pool.
Views Of Ben Nevis
Despite being over 70 miles away, if you get lucky and the weather is favourable, you can actually see Ben Nevis when visiting the Black Isle from the Eathie road, which is 700 feet from the seaside village of Rosemarkie high above the cliffs of the “Jurassic coast”.
Don’t worry if it isn’t quite possible to catch a glimpse on the day you arrive as you’ll still be able to see the distinctive triangular silhouette of Ben Rinnes, 40 miles to the southeast.
East Coast Villages
One of the best things to see and visit while on the NC500 road trip is to dive into one, or as many as you like, of the little fishing villages lying a short distance from the main route. These villages feature small harbours and are steeped in history and heritage.
We recommended exploring these villages on foot, so park up the car for a well-deserved break from the road and enjoy walking through these delightful coastal towns.
John o’ Groats
You can’t drive along the tip of Scotland without visiting the very tip of the UK at John o’ Groats. It’s not just a point to brag about where you can take a picture either.
The surrounding area has a good choice of accommodation, if you’re wanting an overnight location, and also has a lovely choice of local craft shops too. Not only that, this amazing coastline is a great area to spot the amazing wildlife along with some stunning scenery.
Detours
- Victoria Falls
- Cape Wrath
- Bettyhill Viewpoint
- Puffin Cove
- Balbair MTB Trails
- Ben More Assynt
- Monar Hydro Electric Dam
Charging Station/s
Here are the locations on this route where rapid charging is available.
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North Coast 500 Route |
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Location |
Chargers |
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Inverness |
Tesla CCS (250kW) CHAdeMO (50kW) CHAdeMO (25kW) CCS (50kW) CCS (25kW) Type 2 (43kW) |
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Helmsdale |
CHAdeMO (50kW) CCS (50kW) Type 2 (43kW) |
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Wick |
CHAdeMO (50kW) CCS (50kW) Type 2 (43kW) |
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John o' Groats |
CHAdeMO (50kW) CCS (50kW) |
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Thurso |
CHAdeMO (50kW) CCS (50kW) Type 2 (43kW) |
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Durness |
CHAdeMO (50kW) CCS (50kW) Type 2 (43kW) |
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Scourie |
CHAdeMO (50kW) CCS (50kW) Type 2 (43kW) |
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Lochinver |
CHAdeMO (50kW) CCS (50kW) Type 2 (43kW) |
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Ullapool |
CHAdeMO (50kW) CCS (50kW) Type 2 (43kW) |
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Dingwall |
CHAdeMO (50kW) CCS (50kW) Type 2 (43kW) |
The Atlantic Highway, England
Things To See & Do
The Wyldes
The Wyldes is a unique event site that can be found near the town of Bude in a wooded valley in North Cornwall, close to some beautiful beaches and is an unforgettable adventure for all who visit.
Live acts coming up this year include McFly, Keane and Pete Tong and the Heritage Orchestra.
Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre
The Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre boasts a fully functional, ex-Royal Air Force Hardened Aircraft Shelter hangar, full to the brim with historic jet fighters and bombers from the 1940s all the way through to the 80s.
Tintagel Castle
Set high on Cornwall's rugged north coast, Tintagel Castle is linked with the legend of King Arthur. Visit for a history lesson of the famous King as well as views of the stunning castle and coastline.
Museum Of Witchcraft and Magic
The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic explores British magical practice and other systems of belief from ancient times to the present day. You can find unique, entertaining and educational exhibitions, drawing upon cutting-edge scholarship along with the insights of magical practitioners.
Land’s End
Famous for its unique location, Land’s End is one of Britain’s most popular landmarks sitting at the southwesternmost point of the country. The site offers stunning scenery as well as cliff-top trails, family attractions and the West Country Shopping Village.
Detours
- Flambards Theme Park
- Dartmoor National Park
- Exmoor Zoo
Charging Station/s
Here are the locations on this route where rapid charging is available.
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The Atlantic Highway |
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Location |
Chargers |
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Barnstaple |
CHAdeMO (50kW) CCS (50kW) CCS (25kW) |
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Bude |
CHAdeMO (50kW) CCS (50kW) Type 2 (43kW) |
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Newquay |
CHAdeMO (50kW) CCS (50kW) Type 2 (43kW) |
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Land's End |
CHAdeMO (50kW) CCS (50kW) |
Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland
Things To See & Do
Belfast / Game Of Thrones Tour
You start your journey in the nation’s capital Belfast, where you can shop, drink, eat and visit some of the capital's many landmarks. But if you’d like something a little different, and are a fan of Game of Thrones, why not take in some of the stunning scenery featured as the backdrop in the popular HBO series?
This can be done by travelling with McComb's, the same company that has worked on seasons 1 - 6 of Game of Thrones, providing transport to and from all filming locations.
Giant's Causeway
The Giant’s Causeway is Northern Ireland’s only World Heritage Site and sits at the centre of an Area of Outstanding Beauty, famously steeped in myth and legend. The trip takes you down to the intriguing polygonal stones to search out distinctive formations such as the Camel, Wishing Chair, Granny and Organ.
Carrickfergus Castle
One of the best-preserved Medieval structures in Northern Ireland, Carrickfergus Castle, a castle that served as a strategic centre at many points through Ireland’s history, is just a short drive up Belfast Lough.
The Gobbins
First enjoyed in the early 1900s, Gobbins Walk is an exhilarating cliff-face path that’s been reborn and reimagined for the 21st century, giving unparalleled access to the rugged Antrim Coast, where you can take on the dramatic and challenging path boasting spectacular tubular and suspension bridges, caves, steps and tunnels.
Glenarm Castle and Walled Garden
Visit the ancestral home of the McDonnells, Earls of Antrim, with its glorious Walled Garden packed full of natural and manmade features. Enjoy a treat in the charming tea-room, located in the 19th-century Mushroom House.
Dunluce Castle
Dunluce Castle will take your breath away and can be found perched on the cliffs of the North Antrim Coast. This is one of the gems of the route and has inspired many artists and writers in the past, such as C.S. Lewis.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
If you fancy something a little more active, why not take on the exhilarating rope bridge challenge across to tiny Carrick-a-Rede island and enjoy a truly cliff-top experience. This 30-metre deep and 20-metre wide chasm is set amid unrivalled scenery on the North Antrim Coast and is traversed by a rope bridge that was traditionally erected by Salmon fishermen.
Detours
- Ness Country Park
- Capanagh Wood
Charging Station/s
Here are the locations on this route where rapid charging is available.
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Causeway Coastal Route |
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Location |
Chargers |
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Belfast |
CHAdeMO (50kW) CCS (50kW) |
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Larne |
CHAdeMO (50kW) |
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Portrush |
CHAdeMO (50kW) |
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Londonderry |
CHAdeMO (50kW) CCS (50kW) Type 2 (43kW) |
Norfolk Coast, England
Things To See & Do
King’s Lynn
King’s Lynn is full to the brim of history, and with a vibrant town centre that offers a superb mix of history, shopping and entertainment, it’s the ideal destination to spend a few nights before setting off on your road trip.
Sandringham is the much-loved country retreat of her majesty the Queen and has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs since 1862.
Her Majesty The Queen at Sandringham: An Exemplary Reign and a Unique Country House, is this year’s special exhibition and will showcase The Queen and the Royal Family’s affection for the much-loved country retreat.
If you’d rather have a base closer to the coast, Hunstanton is the ideal place to enjoy Norfolk’s superb coastline. Renowned for its unique striped cliffs and magnificent sunsets, Hunstanton is made special by its position as the only west-facing resort on the East coast.
Make sure to also check out Old Hunstanton’s Deer Park if you want to stretch your legs and see some amazing wildlife along the way.
Well known all over the country for its stunning beach and equally impressive Palladian hall, the north Norfolk Estate at Holkham is, without doubt, one of the grandest stately homes in the county and forms part of one of the biggest national nature reserves in the UK.
The beach, which has a sweeping cove 4 miles in length, was made famous by the American actress Gwyneth Paltrow who was filmed there during her time on ‘Shakespeare in Love’.
From the sweeping sandy beach bordered by pinewoods and colourful beach huts, Wells-next-the-Sea is one of the loveliest towns on the North Norfolk Coast. It has a bustling harbour where you’ll find people crabbing on the quay opposite the finest fish & chips on the coast.
With wide-open spaces and uninterrupted views of the coastline, Blakeney’s National Nature Reserve is ideal for walking and spotting local wildlife including seals and migratory birds.
The village has plenty of places to eat and stay as well as pubs, gift shops and art galleries too.
The traditional seaside resort of Cromer is famous for Cromer Pier, which is home to a lifeboat station and Pavilion Theatre, where the UK’s only remaining traditional end of the pier variety show takes place each Summer and Winter. It also was the location for Banksy's Great British Spraycation artwork.
Also, if you work your way inland you can visit Felbrigg Hall, Gardens & Estate, a truly hidden gem!
No matter what time of year you decide to take this Norfolk coast road trip, Great Yarmouth will never let you down as there are loads of fun things to do.
The beach here has 15 miles of glorious golden sand, stretching along a beautiful coastline of seaside towns and villages.
Once your coastal trip is complete, Norwich is just around the corner, so it makes sense to have a little visit while you’re down on the eastern coast. The city centre is easy to walk around and has a lovely river at its heart. It has a flourishing arts, music and cultural scene, superb independent shops, perfect for a souvenir, as well as a quaint covered market, lively restaurants, bars and nightlife and a heritage that is a delight to explore.
Detours
- Scolt Head Island Nature Reserve
- Bure Marshes Nature Reserve
Charging Station/s
Here are the locations on this route where rapid charging is available.
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Norfolk Coast |
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Location |
Chargers |
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King’s Lynn |
CHAdeMO (50kW) CCS (50kW) Tesla CCS (250kW) Type 2 (43kW) |
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Hunstanton |
CHAdeMO (50kW) CCS (50kW) Type 2 (43kW) |
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Cromer |
CHAdeMO (50kW) CCS (50kW) |
|
Great Yarmouth |
CHAdeMO (50kW) CCS (50kW) Type 2 (43kW) |
|
Norwich |
CCS (350kW) CCS (50kW) Type 2 (43kW) CHAdeMO (50kW) |
The Coastal Way, Wales
Things To See & Do
St Davids Cathedral
St Davids in Pembrokeshire is Britain's smallest city and has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries. It gets its city status from its 12th-century cathedral, and is one of Wales’ most iconic religious sites, tucked away in a sheltered vale beside the River Alun.
Cardigan
Cardigan is one of Wales' most historic towns and has a bit of everything, perfect for any road-tripper: ancient history, modern comforts, beautiful landscapes and the sea just in reach.
Aberystwyth
Aberystwyth is home to the University of Aberystwyth, Aberystwyth Arts Centre and Bronglais Hospital, helping make one of the biggest towns in Mid Wales a diverse and vibrant coastal town to visit.
It boasts many lovely independent shops and is a foodie heaven, with an abundance of options for all tastes and budgets. There’s even a cliff railway, the longest funicular electric cliff railway in Britain, which will transport you up Constitution Hill.
Barmouth
Barmouth town is on the west coast of Wales, looking out onto Cardigan Bay, in the southern part of Snowdonia. If you’re a fan of walking, cycling, paddle boarding and kayaking this is as much a place for you as it is for those that prefer to paddle in the sea or build sandcastles.
There is a wide range of independent shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants, so if you prefer to stay away from the water there’s still loads to see and do. For more day-out ventures, you can explore slate mines, travel on heritage steam trains, visit castles, gardens and even prehistoric monuments.
Harlech Castle
Harlech Castle is a medieval fortification built onto a rocky knoll close to the Irish Sea. It was built by Edward I during his invasion of Wales between 1282 and 1289 and without doubt the most spectacular setting for any of Edward I’s castles in North Wales.
Here, you are also in close proximity to Coed y Brenin Forest Park, a perfect location for walking, hiking and cycling enthusiasts.
Portmeirion
Portmeirion was created by Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis from 1925 to 1976 and its surrounding area of Portmeirion Village boasts an array of hotels, cottages, shops, restaurants and cafes as well as woodland gardens and estuary views.
The village and gardens are one of Wales' premier visitor attractions, welcoming over 200,000 visitors every year.
Castell Criccieth
Another place to snap a stunning picture while on this road trip is Criccieth Castle. Sitting atop the rocky headland between two beaches, it’s an astonishing view.
Porth Neigwl
Porth Neigwl, or Hell's Mouth as it is also known, is a southwest-facing rural beach that is a favourite spot for surfers and kayakers thanks to the relatively large waves, thanks to the full force of the Atlantic.
Detours
- Oakwood Theme Park
- Brecon Beacons
- Big Pit National Museum
- Bryn Cader Faner
- Snowdonia National Park
- Nefyn Golf Club
Charging Station/s
Here are the locations on this route where rapid charging is available.
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The Coastal Way |
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Location |
Chargers |
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Aberystwyth |
CHAdeMO (50kW) CCS (50kW) Type 2 (43kW) Tesla CCS (250kW) |
|
Tre'r-ddol |
CHAdeMO (50kW) CCS (50kW) Type 2 (43kW) |
Electric Leasing With Leasing Options
If you’re looking for a new electric vehicle that’ll provide the perfect companion for any future road trips, make sure to check out Leasing Options' vast range of electric cars. And, if you’re new to EVs and need some extra guidance or have any questions relating to the topic, get in touch with the team here at Leasing Options and we’ll help you with whatever it is you need.
