Features

Charge Your Electric Car – or Go Car-Free! – At These Eco-Conscious Retreats

9 March 2023

Gearing Towards Sustainability?

If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint when you go away, eschewing fuel-guzzling long-haul flights could be a good place to start.

But what about travelling closer to home? Taking the car might feel like the most convenient option, particularly if you’ve got the kids and pets in tow.

It’s just… if you’ve spent time and effort on choosing a peaceful, nature-focused location, then you might also be feeling guilty about driving yourselves there.

If you chose to invest an electric vehicle (EV) you could be feeling a little smug right now. EVs emit less greenhouse gases than conventional engine cars, making them a better bet for the environment.

There’s just one thing. You may have found that while it’s one thing to drive an EV, it’s quite another to find a convenient charging location!

That’s why we’re making holiday life easier, by grouping together unusual retreats that include electric car-charging points. Their locations are so naturally beautiful – filled with big-sky mountain-and-loch views, and lush, wide open countryside – that doing your bit to preserve them feels like an indulgent pleasure.

Explore our hand-picked list below.

But if you don’t drive an EV, don’t worry. Some of the other retreats featured here offer a discount, or incentives, for leaving your car at home… so you can feel just as virtuous!

Not found what you’re looking for? Browse our eco stays.

Author: Nina Jervis

The Island Cornwall

Newquay, Cornwall, England
Gaze dreamily out at the Atlantic Ocean, from the sumptuous comfort of your very own private, palm-fringed paradise.
Bedrooms: 3
Sleeps: 6
From
£1,350 (3/4nt)
Overnight EV charging is available onsite

The Captain's Cabin

Drimnin, The Highlands, Scotland
An elliptical, architect-designed retreat, rich in nautical style and elevated on the entire flat roof of an old chapel to showcase magnificent views over the Sound of Mull.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£160 / night
EV charging on site.

Hoe Grange Holidays

Matlock, Derbyshire, England
Eco-friendly, accessible, self-catering log cabins, camping pods and a gypsy caravan on a working farm in the Peak District.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: Varies
From
£180 /2 nts
3 Zappi car chargers on site - plus Hoe Grange Holidays offer free bike loan to encourage car free travel and also have e bikes for hire on site.

Oakwood West Holidays

Chichester, West Sussex, England
Ultra-luxurious, dog-friendly hot-tub retreats, beautifully secluded by a wildlife meadow in the picture-perfect South Downs National Park.
Bedrooms: 2 or 3 per unit
Sleeps: 4 or 6 per unit
From
£650 (3 nt)
Business next door (50 yards away) offers EV charging, with two universal fast charging stations and also a Tesla charging station. Bosham train station only 10 mins walk away and Oakwood West Holidays offer station pick ups when possible.

Pilot House

Drimnin, The Highlands, Scotland
A unique aluminium cabin for two, architect designed and perfectly set in the remote Scottish Highlands, for spectacular views over the Sound of Mull.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£160 / night
EV charging on site.

The Windmill Blackthorn Hill

Blackthorn, Oxfordshire, England
An extraordinary adults-only escape, in a historic Oxfordshire landmark that boasts breathtaking 360-degree views of three different counties
Bedrooms: 2
Sleeps: 4
From
£235 /night
EV charging now available onsite.

Rufus's Roost

Husthwaite, Yorkshire, England
A luxurious family treehouse, privately secluded in medieval woodland with incredible views of the North Yorkshire Moors.
Bedrooms: 3
Sleeps: 6
From
£275 / night
There is EV charging at Rufus Roost treehouse, and guests staying at The Hideaway campsite are welcome to use them also. Anyone arriving on public transport receives a free bag of logs or some of the Baxby-made cider or apple juice!

Ecotone Cabins

Ullapool, The Highlands, Scotland
Two lovingly-crafted eco-cabins, peacefully secluded among unspoilt coastal woodland in the Scottish Highlands, on a family-run site that's dedicated to sustainability.
Bedrooms: 1 or 2 per cabin
Sleeps:
From
£495/ 4 nts
3kw slow charging via a dedicated outdoor socket located within reach of the parking area for each cabin - 1 x 3kW 13A (AKA Granny charger). There is also a specialist extension for vehicles with a particularly short cable (suitable for an overnight charge/top-up) For fast charging, Ullapool is just 3 miles away and has three public use high speed chargers.

Brucefield Estate Schenbothies

Forestmill, Clackmannanshire, Scotland
Sumptuous woodland hideaways, privately nestled on a magical Clackmannanshire estate that's teeming with rich heritage and diverse, protected wildlife.
Bedrooms: 1 per bothy
Sleeps: 2 per bothy
From
£145 4 nights
Guests who arrive to us by public transport we’d be delighted to take out to plant a couple of trees! We plant either Scots Pine (tree home to the largest number of conservation species in Scotland) or aspen (has pollinator-rich catkins) using a no-dig easy method. Our usual charge for this is £50 and we offer this at no charge for those arriving by public transport.

Driftwood Beach House

Pagham, West Sussex, England
A soothing coastal retreat with a Victorian railway carriage at its heart, perfect for families and friends and opening straight onto Pagham Beach.
Bedrooms: 3
Sleeps: 7
From
£200 / night
EV charging available at property.

Tor View Shepherd's Huts

Maesbury, Somerset, England
Meet Ted and Len, two luxurious hot tub hideaways perched high on Somerset's soothing Mendip Hills at Tor View Shepherd's Huts.
Bedrooms: 1 per hut
Sleeps: 2
From
£109 / night
For Ted’s hut only, if you own a ‘Granny’ cable or 3-pin electric charging cable, you can charge your vehicle on-site as a standard 3-pin outdoor electric socket is located next to the car parking space for Ted (at the time of booking you request, select and pay for the number of times you wish to complete an overnight electric charge of your vehicle during your stay).

Dunstan Hall

Craster, Northumberland, England
Spirit your loved ones away to a magnificent, Grade II*-listed country retreat, rich in fascinating history and secluded in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty close to the Northumberland coast.
Bedrooms: 10
Sleeps: 18
From
£1950 (3nts)
EV charging on site.

Thirlestane Castle

Lauder, Scottish Borders, Scotland
An exquisite 16th century castle nestled in the heart of the Scottish Borders, Thirlestane is the ultimate castle experience.
Bedrooms: 8
Sleeps: 2-16
From
£230 /night
E-chargers are available at Thirlestane Castle.

Mid Auchengowan Glamping Dome

Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire
A luxurious family-run farm retreat with a wood-burning stove and incredible views of peaceful Scottish countryside, with bustling Glasgow a mere stone's throw away.
Bedrooms: 2
Sleeps: 4
From
£160 / night
EV charging point installed that is available for guests to use, FOC or at an extra charge depending on the length of the stay.

Top of the Woods

Boncath, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Warmth, wildlife and a friendly sense of community await, at an eco award-winning Pembrokeshire camp-and-glamp site.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps:
From
£70 / night
Top of the Woods are installing two 7kW electric car charging points on site, which will be available summer 2023.

Bethnal & Bec

Cottered, Hertfordshire, England
Sustainable, adults-only Hertfordshire hideaways with al fresco baths, where city style and indulgent sensory treats meet pure countryside tranquillity.
Bedrooms: 1 per unit
Sleeps: 2 per unit
From
£180 / night
New EV chargers just commissioned! Book by June 30 2023 and enjoy FREE EV Charging when you stay. Use Code FREEEV Book by June 30 2023 and if you arrive Car-free then you can enjoy a free dine in box worth £27.50! Use code CARFREE

LandyCampers

Broxted, Essex, England
Indulge your wanderlust with an off-grid, self-drive adventure aboard your very own Land Rover Defender, complete with rooftop tent set-up, a cosy lounge, and all the equipment you could want!
Bedrooms: 1 or 2 roof tents
Sleeps: 2-7 guests
From
£165 / night
LandyCampers offers 10% off for those who travel to us by public transport (we are able to collect/arrange collection from local train/bus stations)

Blytheswood

Dunsford, Devon, England
Two cosy former bunk-rooms for slow, sustainable living, peacefully secluded amongst ancient, wildlife-steeped woodland on the edge of Dartmoor National Park.
Bedrooms: Open plan
Sleeps: 2 or 2 (+2) per unit
From
£50 / night (Nest)
Discount for car-free travellers! The bus from Exeter stops at the bottom of the hill by the site. Please enquire for more info.

Dittisham Hideaway

Dittisham, Devon, England
An exquisite collection of luxury treehouses, a gleaming American airstream, and artisan shepherd's lodges, all with al fresco hot tubs and beautifully nestled in the scenic heart of Devonshire countryside.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: 1-5
From
£195/night
Onsite EV chargers, plus Dittisham Hideaway offer guests a complimentary return journey on the Dittisham to Greenway ferry.

RiverBeds Luxury Wee Lodges

Ballachulish, The Highlands, Scotland
Luxury Wee Lodges, complete with bubbling private hot tub, nestled at the entrance to the mighty Glencoe Valley.
Bedrooms: 1 per lodge
Sleeps: 2 per lodge
From
£198 / night
Two 22kw electrical charging points for Woodlands guests, which are fully compatible with all type 2 electric cars (Charge Place Scotland – 53510). The full charge time for cars vary depending on the size of the battery.

Fletland Mill

Stamford, Lincolnshire, England
A historic, lovingly converted riverside retreat on the edge of the Fens, filled with welcoming warmth and surrounded by wildlife-steeped countryside.
Bedrooms: 4
Sleeps: 8
From
£209 / night
Brand new EV charging points now installed.

Haddy's Hut

Hope, Derbyshire, England
Tucked away at the end of a country lane on a tranquil Derbyshire farm is Haddy's Hut - an exquisite, hand-crafted shepherd's hut in the heart of the Peak District.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£275 (2nt)
EV car charging point available on site.

SeaBeds Luxury Lookout Lodges

Ballachulish, The Highlands, Scotland
A luxury, design-led ‘lookout' for couples and families, with an infinity hot tub and sweeping sea-and-mountain views of the Scottish Highlands.
Bedrooms: 1 Bedroom
Sleeps: 2 (+2)
From
£275 / night
Two 22kw electrical charging points for Woodlands guests, which are fully compatible with all type 2 electric cars (Charge Place Scotland – 53510). The full charge time for cars vary depending on the size of the battery.

The Treehouse at Lavender Hill

Taunton, Somerset, England
Set among the branches of a magnificent lime tree is the spectacular Treehouse - a fairy-tale hideaway for four in gorgeous Somerset. 
Bedrooms: 2
Sleeps: 4
From
£545 midweek
All Lavender Hill Holidays properties have pre bookable EV charge points.

AirShip 2

Drimnin, The Highlands, Scotland
View the Scottish Highlands at their most breathtaking, from the romantic comfort of a deliciously secluded, architect-designed pod.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£160 / night
EV charger on site.

The Roost Luxury Cabins

Mitcheldean, Gloucestershire, England
Two sumptuous adults only, dog-friendly cedar cabins with a hot tub and luxuries galore, bespoke crafted and nestled in the magical Forest of Dean.
Bedrooms: 1 per cabin
Sleeps: 2
From
£172 / night
EV charger on site.

The Artisan Bakehouse

Ashurst, West Sussex, England
An award-winning foodie retreat that combines soothing West Sussex countryside views with baking masterclasses and tempting seasonal produce.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£325 / 2 nts
Electric charge point for cars - free of charge for guests staying.

Sound of Harris - Leverburgh Loft

Isle of Harris, Scotland
Savour big-sky mountain and loch views from the comfort of a beautifully remodelled apartment in the Isle of Harris, with hand-made furnishings and a Japanese-style soaking tub for two!
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£580/3 nights
7 kW electric vehicle charger for the exclusive use of guests.

Miluna

Hormigos, Castilla La Mancha, Spain
Savour a star-sprinkled dream in nature, from the comfort of your own private ‘moon' set amongst wide open Spanish countryside, mere moments from the World Heritage city of Toledo.
Bedrooms: 1 per 'moon'
Sleeps: 2 per 'moon'
From
£237 / night
Electric car charging station on site.

The Landpods at Wildflower Wood

St Ives, Cornwall, England
Innovative glamping pods with stargazing roofs, secluded in a leafy hilltop hideaway with stunning views of St Ives Bay.
Bedrooms: Open plan
Sleeps: 4 or 5 per pod
From
£75 / night
Travel without a car and you can save on your holiday as well as the planet! Use special offer code GREEN2023 when booking your stay and get 10% off. Valid for stays until 30 June 2023, not to be used with any other offer, guests must be staying without a car. Wildflower Wood at Beersheba Farm is close to local bus and train services as well as the South West Coast Path and St Michael’s Way. There are also two state of the art e-bikes available to hire on site allowing you to easily explore the beautiful Cornish countryside.

Ekopod

Launceston, Cornwall, England
Embrace the natural life and get some literary inspiration under clear starry skies, with the scenic backdrop of Cornwall's ‘Peaceful Valley' to keep you company.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: 2/4/8 per unit
From
£155 / night (geodome)
EV charging available onsite.

Hideout Treehouse

Hartland, Devon, England
An Insta-worthy, dog-friendly treetop haven with a private terrace and a gleaming copper bathtub (that can be moved inside or out!) dreamily nestled in 20 acres of picture-perfect Devonshire countryside.
Bedrooms: 2
Sleeps: 4
From
£360 / night
EV charging is available onsite.

Cosy Cowshed

Hartland, Devon, England
A dog-friendly, boutique-style retreat with a wood fired hot tub, in the Devon countryside, and the coast in temptingly easy reach.
Bedrooms: 2
Sleeps: 4
From
£200 / night
EV charging is available onsite.

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