Buckets and spades at the ready… it’s time to hit the beach this summer.
Few things can beat a day at a glorious British seaside town, with an ice cream melting down your wrist, a rickety deck chair and seagulls circling over your fish and chips.
And with over 7,000 miles of coastline, the UK has plenty of beaches to pick from, no matter where you are. But which are best for EV drivers planning a seaside trip?
To make your trip full of sun, sea and sand even more relaxing, we’ve compiled a list of the UK’s most popular beaches and nearby EV charging stations.
How to find EV charging points near popular beaches
The easiest way to find nearby electric vehicle charging is using the GRIDSERVE app. The map will show live availability, type of connectors and charging speed. Plus you can then use your chosen mapping app to navigate directly there.
On popular summer weekends, it can be useful to check live status ahead of time so you can navigate to another nearby EV charging station if one is particularly busy.
When you are there, make sure you charge considerately – that means taking any picnic rubbish with you, only charging to 80% when there’s a queue and communicating with other electric car drivers to avoid queue jumping.
Electric vehicle chargers near Brighton Beach
Home to the famous Brighton Pier, the beach at Brighton is a popular destination for day-trippers and those holidaying in the downs. It’s a pebble beach so you don’t need your bucket and spade but there’s plenty of cool drinking spots, eateries and a vibrant social scene.
Brighton is also one of the most eco-friendly cities in the country so there are plenty of on-street electric car charging options, as well as several GRIDSERVE charging stations on the way. Moto Pease Pottage and the London Gatwick Electric Forecourt are both on the main route down to Brighton.
EV charging near Weymouth Beach in Dorset
A long, sandy Blue Flag certified beach and a historic Georgian waterfront, Weymouth in Dorset is a beautiful spot for a holiday. In fact, the whole nearby Jurassic Coast – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – should be on any UK holiday list.
As for nearby EV charging, Moto Exeter is a great place to stop if you’re exploring Devon with 36 charging bays on offer, while electric car charging stations at Solstice Park and TEALS Farm Shop offer convenient options for anyone travelling down to the south west via the popular A303.
EV charging points near Kynance Cove in Cornwall
Kynance Cove in Cornwall is one of the most photogenic beaches in the UK with turquoise water and white sand surrounded by rugged cliffs. On the southern tip of the country, the area is popular with those walking the South West Coast Path.
Despite its rural settings, there are actually quite a few EV charging stations with ultra-rapid charging points on the way down to the far south west, including at Cornwall Services, Derriford Retail Park in Plymouth, as well as Moto Exeter at the end of the M5.
Electric vehicle chargers near Fistral Beach in Newquay
Fistral Beach in Newquay is known as the surf capital of the UK thanks to its sandy beach and waves and with that comes a vibrant social scene in the nearby town. On the northern coast of Cornwall, you’ll also find the popular beaches of Summerleaze in Bude.
You’ll find EV charging near Newquay at Cornwall Services (where solar power combines with battery storage to keep you topped up), plus at the 36-bay Moto Exeter as you make the journey into the region.
EV charging points near Skegness Beach
Skegness is the classic seaside resort with arcades, donkey rides and amusements on the Lincolnshire coast. It’s family-friendly with plenty of affordable activities making it one of the most popular holiday destinations for British staycationers.
Depending on where you’re travelling from, you’ll find plenty of EV charging along your journey. Whether it’s the fast charging at the Moorlands Centre in Lincoln or Dobbies Peterborough, or the ultra rapid charging station at Moto Grantham North services.
Electric car charging points near Rhossili Bay in Wales
Tucked on the south coast of Wales, Rhossili Bay is great for nature lovers and walkers. Dramatic cliff scenery combines with a sandy beach making it one of the UK’s most beautiful and remote beaches.
Although its away from the crowds, there’s plenty of opportunity to charge your electric car on the way, including EV charging stations at Moto Swansea and Roadchef Pont Abraham on the M4.
EV charging near Scarborough Beach
Framed by the historic Scarborough Castle with a long seafront promenade, the North Yorkshire town was one of the first in Britain. There’s a north and south bay at Scarborough Beach offering something for everyone, including amusements and rock pools.
Travelling to Scarborough will likely involve the M1 before striking out cross-country. The nearest EV charging stations on the M1 can be found at Moto Wetherby and Moto Leeming Bar.
EV charging points near Cromer Beach in Norfolk
Cromer Beach in Norfolk offers a lovely, wide sandy beach along with a classic Victorian seafront and Grade II listed pier. There are deckchairs, beach hunts and ice cream stands plus the opportunity to do some crabbing off the pier. It’s also within an area of outstanding beauty making it a perfect spot for walkers, too.
Even better is easy access to the nearby Norwich Electric Forecourt®, which offers 24/7 EV charging plus a comfortable lounge, with Costa Coffee and Little Fresh to recharge and relax after a day in the sun.
Charging for electric car drivers near Blackpool Sands in Devon
Not to be confused with Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Blackpool Sands is in on the south coast in Devon. With its sheltered bay, clear water, pine trees and shingle beach, it’s a slice of the Med in the UK. It’s part of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which is home to plenty of other beautiful beaches.
For your EV charging needs, Moto Exeter is a short drive away, while Derriford Retail Park in Plymouth offers plenty of electric car charging points.
EV charging near Sennen Cove in Cornwall
Sennon Cove on the west Cornwall coast is a surfing hotspot just a few miles away from the major tourist attraction of Land’s End with clifftop walks and breathtaking sunsets. A short drive across Penzance and you’ll find another popular beach at Porthcurno that’s well worth a visit.
Both beaches are at the tip of the UK but that doesn’t mean you’ll struggle to find EV chargers along your route down, with Cornwall Services offering 12 charging bays.
