Planning a day out in your electric car? From theme parks and castles to wildlife, museums and spectacular scenery, plenty of the UK’s biggest attractions now have EV charging on-site or close by.
We’ve picked 15 of the Lease Electric team’s favourite days out for EV drivers, with the key charging information you need before setting off.
1. Alton Towers, Staffordshire
Rollercoasters, waterparks, woodland lodges and attractions for all ages make Alton Towers one of the UK’s best-known family days out, with plenty of opportunities to top up your EV while you’re there.
Electric car charging points are available at Splash Landings Hotel and Alton Towers Hotel, as well as in the EV charging zone close to the Blue Badge car park.
2. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
Step into the magical world of Harry Potter and explore iconic sets, props and costumes from the films. Enjoy a Butterbeer, discover your Hogwarts house and see some of the locations that brought the films to life, all while adding some useful miles to your EV.
For visitors travelling by electric car, 41 7kW Pod Point chargers are available in the Priority Car Park. Priority Parking must be booked in advance.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - Plan your Visit
3. The Eden Project, Cornwall
Explore tropical rainforests and Mediterranean landscapes inside the Eden Project’s famous biomes, or add a little more adventure with a ride on the zipline while your electric car charges outside.
The Eden Project has 22kW AC visitor charging points in the Banana Car Park, which require the Mer Connect app. Outside peak season, there is no time limit on charging during your visit. During peak season, the maximum stay at an EV charging point is 4.5 hours.
Eden Project - Plan your Visit
4. Chester Zoo, Cheshire
With thousands of animals and plants spread across more than 100 acres, Chester Zoo offers plenty to explore, giving your EV plenty of time for a useful top-up while you enjoy your visit.
Parking at Chester Zoo is free, with 26 7kW Pod Point EV charging points available for visitors.
5. LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, Berkshire
A full day of rides, LEGO attractions and family entertainment gives you plenty of time to recharge your electric car too.
The Priority Car Park has 22kW Type 2 chargers, although you’ll need a valid Priority Parking ticket to access them. Staying overnight? Additional 22kW chargers are available for guests at the LEGOLAND Resort Hotel.
6. Thorpe Park, Surrey
Home to more than 25 rides and attractions, Thorpe Park is one of the UK’s ultimate destinations for thrill-seekers. Take on the resort’s Big Six rollercoasters, including Hyperia, the UK’s tallest, fastest and most weightless rollercoaster.
If you’re arriving by electric car, EV charging is available in Thorpe Park’s car park, so you can top up while enjoying a full day of thrills.
7. National Trust Sites Across the UK
From historic houses and ancient castles to coastlines and countryside, National Trust properties offer countless options for a memorable day out, with EV charging now available at a growing number of locations.
The National Trust is working with RAW Charging to bring EV charging to more of the special places in its care. Locations include Corfe Castle in Dorset, Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire, Box Hill in Surrey, Baggy Point in Devon and sites in Wales and Northern Ireland.
Charging availability varies between properties, so we recommend checking with the individual location before travelling.
8. Warwick Castle, Warwickshire
Spend the day exploring more than 1,000 years of history at Warwick Castle, from medieval towers and magnificent interiors to live shows and exhibitions.
EV charging is available in both the Stables and Stratford Road car parks. Visitors can also reserve chargers in the Stratford Road Car Park, providing exclusive access to an EV charging space for 24 hours from 10am on the day of their visit.
Warwick Castle - Plan your Visit
9. Beamish Museum, County Durham
Step back in time at Beamish, an incredible 350-acre open-air museum exploring everyday life in the 1820s, 1900s, 1940s and 1950s. Ride a heritage tram, visit a working farm, enjoy traditional fish and chips and experience the fairground while discovering hundreds of years of North East history.
EV charging points are available in the museum’s Entrance Car Park, making it easy to charge while you explore.
Beamish Museum - Plan your Visit
10. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Hampshire
Explore HMS Victory, discover the story of the Mary Rose and immerse yourself in centuries of British naval history on a fascinating day out on the South Coast.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard’s Admiral Car Park has six EV chargers available, with additional public charging options located throughout Portsmouth.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard - EV Chargers
11. Stirling Castle, Scotland
One of Scotland’s greatest castles and the childhood home of Mary, Queen of Scots, Stirling Castle has witnessed generations of Scottish monarchs transform its magnificent buildings. Perched high on a volcanic crag, it also offers spectacular views across Stirling and the surrounding countryside.
The castle car park is currently closed, but visitors can use several local car parks. Castleview Park and Ride also has EV charging points, providing a convenient place to charge before heading to the castle.
12. Pleasure Beach Resort, Blackpool
Situated on Blackpool’s Ocean Boulevard, Pleasure Beach Resort is famous for its thrilling rides, including the iconic Big One and its breathtaking 235ft drop.
With rollercoasters, family rides, shows and events, there’s plenty to enjoy whether you’re visiting for the day or making a weekend of it. Pod Point EV charging facilities can be found in local car parks and at the Big Blue Hotel.
Pleasure Beach - Plan your Visit
13. Cardiff Castle, Wales
Standing at the heart of the Welsh capital for nearly 2,000 years, Cardiff Castle has been shaped by everyone from the Romans to the Victorians. Today, it’s both a fascinating historic attraction and a spectacular venue for concerts, weddings and events.
There is no on-site parking at Cardiff Castle, but EV drivers have several charging options nearby. A choice of multi-storey and open-air car parks can be found within around a 5–10 minute walk of the main entrance on Castle Street.
14. The National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, Hampshire
Beaulieu is home to the National Motor Museum, a world-famous collection of cars, motorcycles and motoring memorabilia. With more than 270 vehicles on display, 1.9 million items housed in its Collections Centre and motoring events throughout the year, it’s a must-visit destination for motoring enthusiasts.
The National Motor Museum does not currently have electric vehicle charging points, but nearby charging facilities are available at The Drift Inn at Beaulieu Road Station (SO42 7YQ) and Tesco Applemore (SO45 5JA).
The National Motor Museum - Plan your Visit
15. National Space Centre, Leicester
Reach for the stars at Leicester’s National Space Centre, home to interactive galleries, the UK’s largest planetarium and the iconic 42-metre-high Rocket Tower. It’s a brilliant day out for families and space enthusiasts alike.
There are currently no EV chargers in the National Space Centre’s 400-space car park. Nearby charging is available at ASDA Abbey Lane and around Abbey Park Road, with additional charging facilities at Leicester Forest East Services on the M1.