Exploring the UK in an EV: Top EV-Friendly Attractions for 2026
Introduction
Owning an electric vehicle (EV) is no longer just about reducing emissions or saving on fuel costs. It’s about unlocking a smarter, more sustainable way to explore the UK. As charging infrastructure continues to expand rapidly, EV drivers in 2026 can enjoy road trips, weekends away, and family adventures with confidence.
From historic landmarks to breathtaking coastlines and bustling city attractions, the UK is becoming increasingly EV-friendly. With the right planning and a reliable home charging setup electric travel offers freedom without compromise.
Here’s our guide to the top EV-friendly attractions across the UK in 2026, plus practical tips to make every journey seamless.
National Trust Properties
The National Trust has embraced sustainability, making it a standout option for EV drivers. Many National Trust sites now offer dedicated EV charging points, allowing you to top up your car while enjoying historic homes, gardens, and countryside walks.
Popular destinations such as Blenheim Palace, Stourhead, and Fountains Abbey provide charging facilities in or near their car parks. This makes day trips easier and more environmentally friendly.
EV travel tip: Always check the National Trust website or Zap-Map before travelling, as some locations require advance booking for charging bays, especially during peak seasons.
EV-Friendly Coastal Destinations
UK coastal towns are increasingly well equipped for electric travel, making seaside escapes easier than ever. Locations such as St Ives (Cornwall), Whitby (Yorkshire), and Tenby (Wales) now offer public charging points close to main car parks and town centres.
Whether you’re enjoying coastal walks, local seafood, or independent shops, you can recharge your EV while you relax. These destinations are ideal for both day trips and extended stays.
As councils continue to invest in EV infrastructure, coastal travel in 2026 is set to be smoother, greener, and more accessible.
National Parks and Countryside Adventures
Exploring the UK’s National Parks in an EV is no longer a challenge. Areas such as the Lake District, Peak District, and Snowdonia (Eryri) have expanded EV charging at visitor centres, public car parks, and nearby hotels.
With careful route planning using apps like Zap-Map or PlugShare, you can enjoy hiking, cycling, and sightseeing without range anxiety. Many rural accommodations now include overnight charging, making multi-day trips even more convenient.
Driving an EV through these landscapes also supports conservation efforts by reducing noise and air pollution.
Theme Parks and Family Attractions
Theme parks across the UK have recognised the needs of EV drivers. Major attractions including Alton Towers, LEGOLAND Windsor, and Thorpe Park now feature EV charging points within their car parks.
This allows families to enjoy a full day of rides, shows, and entertainment while their vehicle charges in the background. Some parks even allow advance booking for EV bays, helping you avoid queues and delays.
For longer visits, nearby hotels often offer overnight charging, ensuring you’re fully powered for the journey home.
Museums and Cultural City Breaks
City breaks are becoming increasingly EV-friendly. Major cultural attractions such as The British Museum (London), National Museum Cardiff, and The Beatles Story (Liverpool) benefit from nearby public charging networks.
Urban charging hubs, shopping centre chargers, and council-run points make it easy to combine sightseeing with convenient top-up charging. Many cities also offer EV-friendly parking incentives, helping reduce overall travel costs.
This makes electric vehicles ideal for stress-free cultural exploration in 2026.
EV-Friendly Hotels and Accommodation
One of the biggest improvements for EV travel is the rise in EV-friendly accommodation. Hotels, B&Bs, holiday parks, and self-catering properties across the UK now offer on-site EV charging for guests.
From countryside retreats in Devon to city breaks in Edinburgh, you can plan overnight stays that keep your EV fully charged and ready for the next leg of your journey. Checking ahead for charging availability ensures you won’t be left searching for a nearby station.
Practical Tips for a Smooth EV Road Trip
Planning ahead remains key to stress-free EV travel:
- Plan your route in advance using Zap-Map, PlugShare, or your vehicle’s built-in navigation
- Book charging slots where possible, especially at popular attractions
- Use rapid or ultra-rapid chargers on longer journeys for quicker top-ups
- Pack essentials for the journey – including cables, adapters, and even a portable charger can be handy.
The Importance of Home EV Charging
Having a reliable home EV charger makes every trip easier. Starting each journey with a full battery reduces reliance on public charging and gives you greater flexibility when travelling.
At McNally EV, we specialise in professional home EV charger installations across Yorkshire and beyond. With over a decade of experience and thousands of successful installs, we help EV owners travel with confidence.
Preparing Your Home for an Electric Car in 2026
If you’re planning to buy one of the new electric cars coming to the UK in 2026, now is the ideal time to prepare. Early planning avoids delays, ensures grant eligibility where available, and gives you time to choose the best charger for your lifestyle.
A professional home EV charger installation includes:
- Site survey and load assessment
- Charger selection and positioning
- Full installation and testing
- Guidance on smart charging and energy use
Wrapping Up
Exploring the UK in an EV in 2026 has never been easier. With improved charging infrastructure at attractions, hotels, and public spaces, electric travel offers freedom, convenience, and sustainability.
From historic landmarks and coastal towns to theme parks and cultural city breaks, there’s an EV-friendly adventure waiting around every corner.
Ready to plan your next EV road trip?
Contact McNally EV today to ensure your home charging setup is fully optimised making every journey simple, efficient, and stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The UK’s charging network has expanded significantly, with rapid and ultra-rapid chargers available on motorways, in towns, and at attractions. With proper planning and a home charger, long EV road trips are practical and convenient in 2026.
Apps such as Zap-Map and PlugShare provide real-time information on charger locations, availability, and speed. Many EVs also include built-in navigation systems that plan routes around charging points for added convenience.
Many National Trust properties now offer EV charging points. Availability varies by location, and some require advance booking. Checking ahead ensures a smooth visit and avoids unnecessary delays during busy periods.
Many UK hotels now offer on-site EV charging, especially larger chains and rural retreats. However, charging bays may be limited, so it’s best to confirm availability before booking your accommodation.
Yes. Major UK theme parks have installed EV chargers in their car parks, allowing visitors to charge while enjoying the attractions. Some locations offer pre-bookable EV parking for added convenience.
Modern EVs perform well in rural areas, provided journeys are planned in advance. Charging infrastructure in national parks and countryside locations has improved, and many rural hotels now provide overnight charging.
A home EV charger allows you to start every journey with a full battery, reducing reliance on public chargers. It saves time, lowers charging costs, and makes both short trips and long road journeys far more convenient.