If a handy EV (electrical vehicle) charging point is a deal breaker when you’re choosing family attractions this summer, we have you covered. To celebrate the launch of the bZ4X, Toyota’s first BEV (battery electric vehicle), we asked Toyota to put together a list of 14 must-visit places, which also have convenient EV charging points. Let the fun begin!
Lollipoppet Castle, Sundown Adventureland
Top family attractions in England with EV charging points
Diggerland, Durham: get behind the wheel of some monster rides this summer
You might say you’re visiting Diggerland to treat the kids. But most grown ups will find it hard to resist getting behind the wheel of a full-size digger or taking a whirl on the huge digger bucket of the ‘Spindizzy’ ride. There are also Diggerland family attractions in Kent, Devon and West Yorkshire.
The Diggerland Durham EV charging station is free for visitors with BEV or plug in hybrid cars
Sundown Adventureland, Nottinghamshire: top of the family attractions for under-10s
Sundown Adventureland is a theme park designed especially for under-10s. It features 20 rides and attractions, including a sing-along show, candy castle and play areas. If you want to make a weekend of it, book a glamping cabin at the new Wild Acre Village.
Sundown offers six EV chargers in the car park, all accessed with the CityEV Opencard app
RHS Garden Bridgewater, Worsley, Manchester
Set on the former site of historic Worsley New Hall, 154-acre RHS Bridgewater is one of Europe’s most ambitious garden restoration projects. It’s divided into several zones, including the tranquil Chinese Garden, wild Ellesmere Lake, and colourful Paradise Garden.
RHS Bridgewatter features three EV charging stations provided by EV Charge Online
Stealth, fastest rollercoaster in UK, Thorpe Park
Thorpe Park, Chertsey: home of the world’s first ten-loop rollercoaster
Thorpe Park is a must for thrill seeking families. It’s home to the world’s first ten-loop rollercoaster. And don’t miss the new Stealth. Going from 0 to 80mph in under two seconds, it’s now the UK’s fastest rollercoaster.
At Thorpe Park access to four EV chargers is included in the car park price
Blackpool Pleasure Beach: one of summer’s most famous family attractions
From white-knuckle rollercoasters to spooky interactive horror shows, Blackpool Pleasure Beach is a seaside legend. Whether kids are keen on crazy golf or into Ripley’s Believe It or Not, there are attractions here for everyone. Hang on after dark and you can even catch live shows at this icon of fun.
Two 7kW charging bays in Balmoral Road car park provided by pod POINT
Surfing The Wave, Bristol © Nick H. Cabin
The Wave: go surfing in Bristol with your kids this summer
The Wave has to be seen to be believed. It’s a huge 180-metre inland pool which generates perfect surf waves. However, the waters are crystal-clear water and there’s plenty of space for everyone. Up to 1,000 waves are produced per hour and heights range from 50cm for beginners up to an expert two metres. Tuition is also available and wetsuits and board hire are included in entry price.
The Wave provides free 7kW EV charging points in the car park
Brockhole Outdoor Activity Centre, Lake Windermere
Overlooking Lake Windermere, Brockhole Outdoor Activity Centre features an adventure playground, go-carts, archery and mini-golf. You can also hire kayaks, paddleboards or even a motorboat here. Alternatively, younger kids might prefer to follow the forest Faerie Trail.
Profits from Brockhole EV car chargers are used to conserve Lake District National Park
RSPB Minsmere, Saxmundham, Suffolk
Set on a peaceful stretch of the Suffolk coastline, RSPB Minsmere provides safe haven for migrating birds. The centre has seven hides from which families can observe the likes of marsh harriers, nightingales and avocets.
RSPB Minsmere provides EV chargers which can be pre-booked by phone
Loch Ness, Highlands of Scotland
Places to go in Scotland with EV charging points
V&A Dundee: one of Scotland’s most exciting family attractions
The V&A Dundee is Scotland’s dedicated design museum and the first V&A outside London. It’s curved concrete walls create the impression of cliff faces and make a striking addition to Dundee’s waterfront. Inside, the permanent collection contains fashion, furniture and jewellery. There’s also an impressive schedule of exhibitions during the year.
An Urban Electric charging station at Earl Grey Place West is a two minute walk away from V&A Dundee
Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition, Drumnadrochit
Catch a glimpse of Scotland’s most mysterious monster at the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition. Here you’ll find photographs of Nessie ‘sightings’, underwater footage and insights into the area’s remarkable geology. Although kids will probably want to take a cruise on the monster-spotting boat.
Logan Botanic Garden, Port Logan
Logan Botanic Garden is filled with plants from all over the world. Australian eucalyptus, New Zealand ferns, Chilean palm trees, South African lilies and many more thrive here thanks to the south-west Scotland’s micro-climate. One of the area’s loveliest family attractions in summer it also has a walled garden, woodlands and a Victorian conservatory.
Logan Botanic Gardens’ car park includes four free EV chargers
New Toyota BZ4X, Toyota’s first battery electric vehicle
Find family attractions in Wales for EV road trips
The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT), Machynlleth
CAT is a vision of an eco-friendly future. Take kids to see the thriving organic gardens, sustainable buildings and woodlands full of birdsong. Alternatively, join a workshop. Learn how to grow your own food. Or simply enjoy a walk.
CAT offers a free 32 amp Type 2 charging station in the car park
Penbryn Beach, Cardigan Bay, Wales
Penbryn has to be one of the loveliest beaches on Wales’s west coast. Head here in summer for sunny picnics, sandcastles and paddling. It’s also famous for stargazing at night. Plus, you get to the beach through woods which have amazing views of Cardigan Bay. Managed by the National Trust, Penbryn offers wheelchair access and a café too.
Penbryn Beach car park features a 7kW EV charging point
14. Elan Valley Visitor Centre, Rhayader, Mid Wales
Visit the Elan Valley for its wildlife-rich woodlands, dams, reservoirs and the Cambrian mountains. Kids will love the area for walking, cycling and fishing. You can even hire bikes at the visitor centre.
The visitor centre car park has ZeroNet EV chargers included in its parking charge
The Toyota bZ4X is the perfect vehicle for a zero-emission journey, offering sharp design in a popular SUV format, and a driving range of up to 317 miles with the front-wheel drive option, and up to 286 miles with all-wheel drive.