The UK’s most scenic EV charging locations

As millions of motorists hit the road for the August bank holiday, many EV drivers will be considering where to charge.

Most of the time we’re looking for the most convenient, closest or fastest charging sites. But sometimes it’s nice to slow the pace and choose a charge location for its other qualities, especially with a few days off this weekend.

With that in mind, the people at Allstar have compiled a list of some of the UK’s most picturesque spots to stop and change, where drivers can soak up some spectacular views while their car soaks up some energy.

Hoswick Visitor Centre, Hoswick, Shetland

A little out of the way for most motorists but what this charging spot lacks in accessibility, it makes up for with stunning scenery in every direction. While your car charges, you can stop off at the visitor centre for a bite to eat, take a walk around the village or stroll down to the pretty beach.

Eilean Donan Apartments, Eilean Donan, Highlands, Scotland

This pitstop at the point where three of Scotland’s great lochs meet is worth it for the scenery even if you don’t need a charge. As well as the awe-inspiring bodies of water and soaring mountains, the chargers are within walking distance of the world-famous Eilean Donan Castle.

Queen of the Loch, Balloch, West Dunbartonshire, Scotland

As the name suggests, this bank of rapid Osprey chargers is just a stone’s throw from the shores of a loch. Not just any loch, but Loch Lomond, which sits at the entrance to the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, home to stunning scenery and a huge variety of wildlife.

Ballaghmore Road, Portballintrae, Bushmills, Northern Ireland

Portballintrae Harbour is a coastal spot on the north coast of Northern Ireland. Not only is the sheltered bay with its stunning views a great place to charge your car, it’s also only a short distance from the Unesco World Heritage site the Giant’s Causeway.

Glór Dhún Geimhin, Dungiven, Londonderry, Northern Ireland

These 120kW Weev chargers are located right in the centre of this beautiful town, partway between Derry and Belfast. The town itself is worth a visit but the highlight, a short walk from the chargers, is the dramatic 19th century Dungiven Castle.

Titanic Quarter, Queens Road Arc, Belfast, Northern Ireland

The chargers themselves in this location are tucked away in a 24-hour car park but step away from your car and you can enjoy the architecture, history and culture of Belfast’s vibrant Titanic Quarter, perhaps stopping to refuel yourself while topping up your car.

Morrisons West Kirby, West Kirby, Wirral, England

Supermarkets aren’t the first place you think of when someone mentions picturesque, but this particular store and its Genie Point chargers sit right on the waterfront, offering breathtaking views across the beach and out to the Irish Sea.

Salmon’s Leaf, Buckfastleigh, Devon, England

This is one of a new breed of ultra-rapid charging hubs being created in beautiful surroundings with dedicated facilities but close to major routes. Just off the main A38 Devon Expressway, the site offers 16 300kW chargers and drivers can visit the Strawberry Fields farm shop and cafe while their car charges.

Norwich Electric Forecourt, Postwick, Norwich, England

This spot isn’t as pretty as the rest on Allstar’s list but it’s still spectacular for what it offers. Probably one of the best-looking motorway service stations in England, this EV-dedicated site offers shops, cafes and even meeting rooms alongside its 36 chargers offering between 22kW and 350kW.

Ffordd Parc Y Llyn, Aberystwyth, Wales

If rugged coastlines and rolling hills are more your thing then this Tesla Supercharger site is another great option for drivers in Wales. Located in the bustling university town of Aberystwyth, it’s close to a wealth of shops and cafes as well as the scenic seafront. What’s more, it’s among the growing number of Tesla sites open to drivers of any EV.

West Drive, Porthcawl, Bridgend, Wales

Another stunning coastal highlight for anyone exploring Wales, the breathtaking Porthcawl beach offers unmatched views across the Bristol Channel to Cornwall on a clear day. And away from the waterfront there’s a host of independent shops and cafes to pass the time while your car charges.