A Day out in the Lake District in an Electric Car (EV)

Have you got an electric car? It’s easy to enjoy a day out in the Lakes in your EV, with charging points across the area; and some brilliant places to visit!

We were recently fortunate enough to have the chance to drive an electric BMW for a few days thanks to Lloyd South Lakes BMW – and of course, we made full use of it! Travelling around the Lake District, Cumbria, in an electric car turned out to be a breeze: with charging points across the county, and a range of up to 250 miles, we were more than covered when it came to getting around.

Stay tuned for our North & Western Lakes itinerary, coming soon.

Morning

With a fully charged battery, we begin our EV tour at Levens Hall. This Grade I Listed Elizabethan mansion is located on the southern fringes of the Lake District and makes for a great place to begin your day. Wander around the warm and welcoming house, and explore the impressive gardens – dating back to the 1690s, they’re home to the world’s oldest topiary gardens!

You can also enjoy brunch at the onsite café, Levens Kitchen, which serves up seasonal dishes prepared using produce grown on the estate and in the gardens. Note: you don’t need to buy a ticket for the house and gardens to visit the café.

Then, it’s on to Kendal to explore this historic market town. Take a walk to the ruins of its historic castle; visit museums like the Kendal Museum or the Quaker Tapestry Museum; and discover a whole host of independent shops.

There are charging points across the town if you’d like a boost while you explore, including at Booths in the centre. This popular local supermarket is a great place to pick up a picnic lunch to enjoy at your next stop: Rydal.

Don’t fancy a picnic? The drive from Kendal to Rydal passes by Windermere and Ambleside, each of which are home to plenty of great places to eat.

Afternoon

Rydal is a beautiful place for an afternoon walk, with the striking Rydal Caves offering a fantastic photo opportunity. Park at Pelter Bridge Car Park at the foot of the walk, and walk up to the Caves before strolling down to Ryal Water below. Enjoy your picnic on its shores, before heading back to the car.  

If you’re still in the mood to explore, head to the nearby village of Grasmere. Just a ten-minute drive away. Visit Wordsworth Grasmere: home to Dove Cottage, where William and Dorothy Wordsworth once lived. There’s also a modern museum showcasing his life and work.

Grasmere is also home to the famous Grasmere Gingerbread®, made to a secret recipe: visit the traditional shop in the centre of the village and pick some up to take home.

If you’d like to stay for dinner, there are plenty of great places to eat and drink including hotel restaurants and cosy country pubs.

Charging points:

• Booths have fast charging points at their stores, which can be found across Cumbria. While you’re charging you can browse the shelves for local produce or enjoy coffee and cake at their onsite cafés.
• Staying a while? A number of hotels and accommodation options across the area offer EV charging points for guests.
• Check out our handy map for a comprehensive list of EV charging points across Cumbria

Itinerary mileage:

• Levens Hall to Kendal: 6 miles
• Kendal to Pelter Bridge: 15 miles
• Pelter Bridge to Grasmere: 3 miles

A huge thank you to Lloyds South Lakes BMW for kindly loaning us the BMW iX used on this road trip. All opinions are our own.