Did you know there’s only one lake in the Lake District? While there are 16 listed names for the different bodies of water in the region, only one can technically be classed as a lake – and that’s Bassenthwaite Lake near Keswick.
But whichever body of water you’re visiting, you can rest assured that ample charge point provision awaits you in this beautiful National Landscape. As of July 2024, there are around 700 public charge points across Cumbria. These include around 500 lower-powered devices and around 170 rapid and ultra-rapid charge points.
Whether you’re heading to the region for a weekend getaway or a longer holiday, we have your EV charging needs covered, as well as lots of suggestions for things to do, spaces to visit, and places to stay.
Remember, the activities and points of interest we’ve shared are a drop in the ocean compared to all the sights and sounds, activities and amenities that are available to explore in the Lake District. The same goes for the electric car charging sites we highlight below.
In fact, it’s worth checking the Zapmap app for nearby chargers because new charge points are being installed across the UK every day. Remember to use our handy filters to find the best nearby charge points, or do a quick search before setting off on your trip and add relevant chargers to your favourites list.
Lake District points of interest
Windermere
Windermere in the Lake District is England's largest body of water, or ‘lake’ as most people will call it. It shares its name with a small town just over a mile away. Probably the most famous of all the towns in the area, it is busy with shoppers and visitors – and it’s an ideal starting point to grab supplies before heading out on one of the many hiking trails that begin nearby.
It’s said that the best way to experience the Lake District is on the water though, and with Windermere’s many lake cruises and hop-on, hop-off options you have plenty of choices for how to spend your day.
Charge points nearby:
- There are four rapid InstaVolt charge points at EH Booths right next to the train station (LA23 1QA). These chargers offer both CCS and CHAdeMO connectors and are the fastest in the area, so the most convenient for a quick top up of range.
- Broad Street Car Park (LA23 2AB) contains two Type-2, 22kW Charge My Street devices, and thanks to a live data partnership with Zapmap, you can see when these charge points are available using the Zapmap app.
Keswick and Bassenthwaite Lake
While visiting this area you might want to check out Keswick’s Market Square, which dates back to the 13th century and has held a weekly market for over 700 years.
Nearby is the aforementioned Bassenthwaite Lake, where walkers can enjoy the lakeside path all the way along the western shore. The area is home to The Lakes Distillery, the largest whisky distillery in England, as well as Mirehouse, a beautiful family-run historic house with gardens, lakeshore and woodland playgrounds.
History lovers should also consider stopping by Castlerigg Stone Circle, where 38 historic stones thought to date back to 3,000 BC stand on a plateau overlooking Thirlmere Valley. There are great views of High Seat and Helvellyn too.
Sunset from Surprise View looking over both Derwent Water and Lake Bassenthwaite
Charge points nearby:
- Allerdale Central Car Park (CA12 5DF) contains two GeniePoint chargers where you can pay easily within Zapmap via Zap-Pay. Both CHAdeMO and CCS connectors are available for a rapid charge, and slower 7kW charge chargers are available via Type-2 connectors.
- Booths Keswick (CA12 5EA) contains an InstaVolt charging hub comprising six rapid charge points, with both CHAdeMO and CCS connectors available.
- Outside of town, just off the A66 past Castlerigg Stone Circle you can find some of the Lake District National Park Authority charge points (CA12 4TT). Two rapid Fuuse chargers with CSS connectors, payment at this location requires an RFID card or the Fuuse app.
Coniston Water
Above Coniston Water’s western shore is the mountain of the Old Man of Coniston, which towers above the lake and the village.
In the area that stretches between Windermere and Coniston Water to the south of Grizedale forest, you’ll find a collection of walks named the Greenwood Trails.
Charge points nearby:
- Close to Coniston Water on Park Road (LA21 8AN) you’ll find one of the Lake District National Park’s ‘Recharge In Nature’ locations. Two Pod Point chargers with four Type-2 connectors offer 7kW charging speeds are a classic example of destination charging, and will be ideal for topping up your electric car while you take a few hours out on the lake or hiking in the beautiful landscapes.
- At Coniston Ruskin Avenue (LA21 8EH), you’ll find another couple of Pod Point chargers, these deliver charge at 3kW, and payment is required via the Pod Point app.
The Lake District National Park was the first location to benefit from the Recharge in Nature charge point installations.
Grasmere and Rydal
Grasmere and Rydal are two adjacent bodies of water that share their names with nearby villages. Make sure to check out the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop where the local recipe has been made since 1854.
Charge points nearby:
- You’ll find a 7kW Pod Point charger in Grasmere Village Car Park (LA22 9SJ), perfect for charging up over a longer stay.
- There are two Type-2 22kW ChargeMyStreet charge points in the Red Bank Road Car Park (LA22 9SW).
- A brand new EVC charge point has recently opened at Tweedies Bar & Lodge (LA22 9SW) providing two 22kW chargers that accept contactless payment.
Along the coast
Cumbria has more than 120 miles of coastline, stretching from Morecambe Bay right up to the Scottish borders.
There’s a huge number of things to see and do in this area, such as spotting puffins at the red sandstone cliffs at St. Bees, horse riding along the shore at Silecroft beach, or enjoying a leisurely stroll around Whitehaven Marina.
Charge points nearby:
- If you plan to visit the marina in Whitehaven, you can grab a quick charge at Bridges Retail Park (CA28 7RQ), thanks to eight ultra-rapid InstaVolt charge points.
- Morrisons in Workington (CA14 3UG) has a huge new Osprey Charging hub in its car park. Check Zapmap to see live availability on the 32 rapid and ultra-rapid chargers. They also take Zap-Pay, meaning you can monitor your charge from the Zapmap app and enjoy easy access to your receipts at any time.
Whitehaven Marina
Looking for accommodation with EV charging?
Chances are your visit will be more than just a day trip because there are so many brilliant things to see and do in the Lake District.
We’ve put together this list of hotels and holiday cottages that provide EV charging to help you plan your trip and make charging a breeze.
- The Melbreak Hotel, Workington (CA14 1XS) is a convenient place to stay for easy access to Cockermouth, Whitehaven and the Solway Coast. Here you’ll find six Fuuse 7kW charge points. The live status of these chargers is always available on the on Zapmap app.
- Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa borders the shore of Bassenthwaite Lake (CA12 4RE). Set in 400 acres of deer park and woodland, it houses two 22kW Monta charge points.
- At the Old Water View Hotel in Patterdale (CA11 0NW), you’ll find two 7kW Fuuse charge points. It’s close to Ullswater and Helvellyn, and within easy reach of Windermere, Ambleside and all the main towns and villages of the Lakes.
- The Windermere Manor Hotel (LA23 1EX) has a 7kW Pod Point charger with two connectors. It has lovely landscaped gardens featuring an outdoor chess set, an indoor pool, and is near the majestic Lake Windermere.
- If holiday cottages are more suited to your taste than a hotel stay, Coppermines Lake Cottages could be a good fit for you. You can filter for cottages with EV charging on The Coppermines website. Built in 1859 by Cornish miners, Chapel Bank House (LA21 8EU) was once a Methodist Chapel, and now has a 7kW Fuuse charge point.
Pod Point charge point at The Windemere Manor Hotel. Photo credit: Zapmap user Matt517
Already planning ahead for your next electric road trip or family holiday? Check out our guide to EV charging at hotels in the UK, which provides a rundown of electric car charging provision at accommodation across the country.
Helpful tips for your EV adventure
- You can use Zapmap to bookmark charge points ahead of time at places close to your chosen destinations, taking the hassle out of finding them en route
- Charging locations are usually busier at lunchtime – try to charge early or late to avoid the busiest times during the peak summer months
- Find charge points quickly and easily, as well as view live status information on the move, with Zapmap Premium. This means you can access Zapmap in your car dashboard via Apple Car Play or Android Auto
- As with any long car journey, be prepared for the worst but expect the best. Take plenty of water and other essentials in case of the unexpected.
With that, we wish you the best of luck on your road trip – and safe driving!
