Recharge on a multi-day tour of the Lake District

Drive Waypoints

1. 1 From the M6 Junction 36, follow signs for Windermere, travelling along the A590 then the A591 to Windermere village
2. 2 Staveley Mill Yard offers charging and is a great place to stop for lunch
3. 3 Once you’re parked, it’s time to head out and explore. (There's charging points at Booths Car Park in Windermere) The pretty villages of Windermere and Bowness-on-Windermere can both be easily explored on foot or by bike, with bicycle hire available at Windermere Train Station and on the pier at Bowness. Discover Blackwell – The Arts & Crafts House with its beautiful interiors and views over Windermere; or the Windermere Jetty Museum to learn more about the area’s heritage on the water.
4. 4 Grab a bite to eat at a café, before heading across to the western shore of Windermere on board Windermere Ferry which departs from Ferry Nab, Bowness (LA23 3BF). Pedestrians and cyclists are welcome, with tickets at a reduced rate of £1 for pedestrians and £2 for cyclists.
5. 5 Upon arrival, it’s a short walk to Claife Viewing Station: an 18th century viewing station with colourful glass frame. From here, walk or ride approx. 2 miles along the western shore to Wray Castle: a National Trust castle in the Gothic Revival style.
6. 6 Explore the castle and grounds, before returning to the ferry and heading back to Bowness.
7. 7 From Windermere, head up to Ambleside, calling at Brockhole-on-Windermere, The Lake Distict Visitor Centre along the way. Featuring a grand country house, Thomas Mawson designed gardens, a café, and a whole host of outdoor and indoor activities, it’s a great place to visit for all ages. There is an EV charger available on site, so you can charge while you explore.
8. 8 Once in Ambleside, take a boat trip on Windermere with Windermere Lake Cruises and enjoy breath taking views from the water, accompanied by commentary from a local guide. Cruises last from 45 minutes to 3 hours, with a number of stops and attractions along the way – so it’s up to you how long you want to spend exploring!
9. 9 There is a charging point in Ambleside if you need a top up.
10. 10 If you’re itching to get out on the fells, park up in Rydal and walk to Grasmere along the picturesque Coffin Trail and back via Loughrigg Terrace, which offers stunning views of Grasmere Water.
11. 11 Alternatively explore Grasmere, home to Wordsworth and the famous Grasmere Gingerbread shop.
12. 12 The market town of Keswick sits amidst some beautiful scenery and is known for its links to the great outdoors. Surrounded by fells including Catbells, Skiddaw and Blencathra, it’s a walker’s paradise so put on your hiking boots and explore on foot, before heading back into town to refuel at a local café, pub, or restaurant.
13. 13 For an accessible route, there’s the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail: part of the Miles Without Stiles initiative, and a beautiful walk for all to enjoy. It follows in the path of the old Keswick to Penrith Railway, passing by the River Greta; and travelling through original Victorian railway bridges and tunnels. Stretching for 5km each way, the route begins in Keswick and was also funded by the Low Carbon Lake District Programme to help get people out of their cars and reducing carbon.
14. 14 Catch a show at the Theatre by the Lake, which puts on a varied program of live theatre; or watch a film at the Keswick Alhambra Cinema. Visit the Derwent Pencil Museum and discover the history of the pencil, complete with a replica graphite mine. Charge your EV at Booths Supermarket in the town centre.
15. 15 A short drive from Keswick, Whinlatter Forest is England’s only mountain forest and invites you to get outdoors and explore. Bike hire is available on site to enjoy the many mountain biking trails on offer; there are also walking paths, adventure activities and an onsite café. Tramper hire is also available to explore some of the accessible trails.
16. 16 Honister Slate Mine is a great choice for thrill seekers. Set in England’s last working slate mine, there are a range of activities including Via Ferrate and an infinity bridge offering unique views of Honister pass
17. 17 Head out of Keswick on the A66 towards Penrith for Ullswater and your penultimate stop.
18. 18 Peaceful Ullswater can be found to the east of Keswick. Head to Pooley Bridge, located on the northern tip of the water, via a short 25-minute drive.
19. 19 If you are in need of a charge, head to the Lake District National Park's car park at Glenridding you can charge up whilst you explore
20. 20 From either site, enjoy a cruise with Ullswater Steamers to see the landscapes from the decks of a heritage steamboat. Alight at the Aira Force pier to walk to this iconic waterfall. If you really want to challenge yourself, you can complete the 20-mile Ullswater Way, which goes around the entire lake and includes some beautiful places to stop along the way. After this, you’ll have earned a meal in a local pub or bistro!
21. 21 Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens offers a peaceful place to explore, with historic gardens, a shop and tearoom in which to refuel with homemade meals and the famous Dalemain marmalade ginger cake. It’s also home to the World Marmalade Awards, with winning marmalades available to buy in the shop.
22. 22 Reghed is just a stone’s throw from your next stop, Penrith: this heritage centre boasts a cinema, indoor play area, gallery, independent shops and charge points!
23. 23 Penrith is a bustling market town just north of Pooley Bridge. Park up and explore (a Booths Supermarket offers charging points for your EV): don’t miss a trip to Penrith Castle. Then, it’s time to head to a nearby attraction.
24. 24 Lowther Castle makes for a striking sight: this ruined castle is also home to one of the largest adventure playgrounds in the country. Bike hire is available on site, so you can explore the local area on two wheels.
25. 25 After spending a few days exploring the Lake District, it’s time to head home, having made memories to last a lifetime. Make use of one of the charging points available throughout this itinerary to make sure you have a full charge before you travel; your accommodation may also have an onsite EV charger – check ahead before travelling.