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Holidaying In An EV – Our Guide For A UK Winter Road Trip

Looking for inspiration for your winter holiday? Plan a winter road trip in the UK with your EV and charge at Mer’s public charge points.

winter road trip

With the new year only a few weeks away, you may be in the process of planning your next holiday. Rather than spending the next few months sheltering from the icy weather and dark nights, why not take a UK winter road trip in your electric vehicle (EV) in the UK?

Whether you are planning a weekend away or taking an extended holiday, look no further for inspiration than our city break guide for EV drivers.

At each destination, you will find plenty of Mer public EV chargers, so you can top-up your EV during your stay.

 

York

York is a cathedral city located in North Yorkshire. Visitors can explore the city’s medieval architecture, as well as prominent sites including Castle Howard, York Minster, and the National Railway Museum, the world’s largest railway museum.

Christmas in York

The York Christmas Market is returning this year until 22 December 2023. You can also enjoy a range of events across the city, including the Gourmet Xmas Food Hunt, chocolate truffle making at York Cocao Works, York Christmas walking tour, and a Christmas Carol Concerts at York Minster. York Theatre Royal is putting on a performance of Jack And The Beanstalk until 7 January 2024.

Driving to York

A short twenty minute journey from the M1/M62 motorway network, York is great winter road trip destination and easily accessible in your EV.

Northbound:

  • From the A1: Take the exit onto the A63, the B1222, Finkle Hill, the A162, the A64, the A19, and the A1036.
  • From the M1: Take the M18 at junction 32. At junction 2, take the A1(M) and continue onto the A1. At junction 44, take the A64, the A19, and the A1036.

Southbound:

  • From the A19: Take Shipton Road, Gillygate, Lord Mayor’s Walk, and Foss Bank.

From the A1: At Junction 47, take the A59 exit, follow the A59, the A1237, Shipton Road, Gillygate, Lord Mayor’s Walk, and Foss Bank.

Charging your EV in York

You can find Mer charge points in and around York, so you can top-up your EV whilst you enjoy the festive events. There are chargers at Haxby Road and Jockey Lane to the North, Bacchus House to the East, and Oak Rise to the West of the city centre.

Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Located in the Northeast of England, Newcastle-upon-Tyne another great spot to visit on your winter road trip. It is the home of famous historical landmarks, such as the Angel of the North, the Tyne Bridge, and Newcastle Castle.

Newcastle

Christmas and New Year in Newcastle

Until Saturday 23rd December, enjoy Newcastle’s Christmas Market across Grainger Street, Grey Street and Old Eldon Square. You can also take the family on a magical festive light trail at The Alnwick Garden, visit Fenwick’s Christmas Window, or check out the outdoor ice rink at the Life Science Centre.

Driving to Newcastle

The A1 links Newcastle to major routes across the country, so you can travel into the centre on your winter road trip with no hassle.

Northbound:

  • From the A1: Take the exit at junction 69 and follow the A184 and A189 until you reach the centre.
  • From the A19: Take the slip road to and follow the A184, Gateshead Hwy and the A167.
  • From the A692: Take the A184 before taking the A189.

Eastbound:

  • From the A69: Take the A186, A191, A167, B1318 and Queen Victoria Road.

Southbound:

  • From the A696: Take the A167, B1318 and Queen Victoria Road.
  • From the A1: Take the A167, B1318 and Queen Victoria Road.

Charging your EV in Newcastle

There are many Mer chargers in and around Newcastle for a top-up or overnight charge.

There are chargers at Eldon Garden on Morden Street and Eldon Square on Percy Street, a short distance from Grainger Town. You can find another at the Lifestyle Academy, located down the road from the Tyne Theatre and Opera House. There are also chargers at the Newcastle Shopping Park if you need to do some last-minute Christmas shopping, and at NTW Solutions on Benfield Road.

In Gateshead, you can find 12 charge points at Hoults Yard business village on Walker Road, and more at the Gateshead Civic Centre on Regent Street and Heworth Metro Car Park on Low Heworth Lane.

Durham

Found in the Northeast of England, Durham has natural landscapes, historic architecture and cathedrals, and a vibrant city centre.

Christmas and New Year in Durham

Across December at Bowburn Hall Hotel, there will be face painting, balloon modelling, and Santa will be paying a visit. The Bowes Museum is opening a Winter Market from 15-17 December, Ramside Hall Hotel will be hosting a New Year’s Eve celebration.

Driving and charging in Durham

  • Northbound: Take the A1/A1(M) motorway.
  • Southbound: The A1 coastal route or the A68 cross-country route will take you to Durham.
  • Eastbound: Take the A66 cross-Pennine route from the Lake District and M6 motorway.

In central Durham, you can charge your EV on the Mer network at:

  • Nevilles Cross (Darlington Road)
  • Old Elvet
  • Wharton Park
  • County Hall multi-storey car park
  • Sidegate car park
  • Howlands Park & Ride
  • Salvus House
  • Sniperly Park & Ride
  • Annand House
  • Abbey Leisure Centre
  • Belmont Park & Ride

Our network also expands outside the centre, check out our Driver Portal for more details.

London

The UK’s capital city welcomes visitors from around the globe to witness its vibrant attractions and historical landmarks, including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London. London also has a green ethos: to achieve the ‘Accelerated Green pathway’, London will need to see:

  • Almost a 40% reduction in the total heat demand of buildings, meaning over 2 million homes and a quarter of a million non-domestic buildings will need to become properly insulated
  • 2 million heat pumps in operation by 2030
  • A 27% reduction in car vehicle kilometre travelled by 2030.

Christmas in London

London

London is alive with seasonal events, not least at Christmas time. Visit ‘Winter Wonderland’ in Hyde Park until 1 January 2024, skate on the ice rink at Somerset House, and walk under the Christmas lights on Carnaby Street, Regent Street, or Oxford Street.

Theatres across London are showing magical musicals and shows this winter. Elf The Musical is showing at the Dominion Theatre until 6 January 2024, the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden is hosting The Nutcracker until 13 January, and you can also book to see Frozen The Musical which is showing at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

Driving to London

London is well connected by motorway, so it makes for an excellent winter road trip destination. The A1, M1, M3, M4, M11, M20, M25 and M40 provide good motorway links into London.

Charging your EV in London

Top-up your EV at one of Mer’s public charge points whilst you explore the city. The following section lists the chargers that drivers can find in and around central London.

North London:

  • In the Edmonton area, we have chargers at Edmonton Count School.
  • In Bushwood, you can find a charge point at Waltham House.

Central London:

  • If you are near Lambeth, charge your EV at Archbishops Park Depot.

South London:

  • The Kennington Park Depot is home to several Mer chargers, which is near Oval tube station.
  • You can find chargers at Clapham Common, Brixton Water Lane, Brockwell Park and Norwood Cemetery.

West London:

  • There are several chargers at the Hillingdon Hospital in Hillingdon.
  • The Richmond Golf Club in X also has charge points.

To view the additional Mer chargers in the Greater London area, visit our Driver Portal.

Bristol

Bordered by Gloucestershire and Somerset, Bristol is the south West’s largest city and the home of the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge. It is also known for being a green city. Bristol was named the most sustainable city in the UK in 2021, it is the UK’s first Cycling City, and it is a former European Green Capital.

Bristol

Winter in Bristol

The Bristol Christmas Market is running until 23 December in the Bristol Shopping Quarter; there you will find wooden chalets selling gifts, festive food and drink. Bristol Old Vic is putting on Arabian Nights until 6 January 2024, and Berwick Lodge in North Bristol is hosting Wreath Making and Afternoon Tea until 8 December.

Take the family to Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park to enjoy the Christmas-themed entertainment and activities including Santa’s cabin and toy factory, Mrs Claus’ gingerbread parlour, and ice skating. You can top-up your vehicle at the Mer public charger on Trajectus Way in Keynsham during your visit, a short journey from the Park.

Mer also operates chargers in Nailsea, a town that lies on the outskirts of Bristol. Whilst your vehicle is charging at Scotch Horn Leisure Centre, you can enjoy a winter walk along the Ty Sculpture Trail in Towerhouse Wood, wander around Backwell Lake, or explore the Moorend Spout nature reserve, all of which are a twenty minute walk from the leisure centre.

Driving to Bristol

Situated at the intersection of the M4 and M5, Bristol is easy to access by road.

Northbound:

  • From the M5: At junction 19, take the A369. Merge onto the A370, and at Bedminster Bridge Roundabout take the exit onto the A38. Follow Redcliffe Street, Victoria Street, Counterslip, Passage Street, and Queen Street,
  • From the A303: Take the exit onto A37 at the Podimore Roundabout. Continue onto Wells Road, Bath Road, Temple Gate, Victoria Street, Counterslip, Passage Street, and Queen Street.

Southbound:

  • From the M5: At junction 15, take the exit M4(E) to the M32. Merge onto the M4, then ono the M32 at junction 19. Follow the M4032, the A4044, St George, Castle Street, Tower Hill, Passage Street, and Queen Street.

Westbound:

  • From the M4: Take the M32 at junction 19, then follow the A4032, the A4044, Kingswood/St George, Castle Street, Tower Hill, Passage Street, and Queen Street.

Journey beyond Bristol

Why not drop into Bath, which is located approx. twelve miles from Bristol? Bath is Somerset’s largest city and has UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Mer operates charge points at Snapdragons Nurseries on Weston Road, where you can top-up your EV whilst you explore the city. Take the family to The American Museum and Gardens for their ‘Winter Wonderland’. Prior Park Landscape Garden are offering an Advent Trail until 1 January 2024, and Theatre Royal Bath is hosting the pantomime of Sleeping Beauty until 7 January 2023.

Exeter

When you have finished visiting Bristol and Bath, stop by in Exeter, which lies in the not-so-distant Devon. There is plenty of countryside, plus Exeter lies not far from the World Heritage Jurassic Coast, but there is also plenty of eateries, bars, independent shops and boutiques in the city.

Christmas in Exeter

Listen to the Exeter Chamber Choir on 16 December, visit the Cathedral Christmas Market on the Cathedral Green until 17 December, and create a decoration to hang on your tree with Festive Wildlife Decorations on 20 December. The Northcott Theatre is hosting Dick Whittington until 7 January 2024.

Driving to and charging your EV in Exeter

You will find Exeter at the end of the M5 motorway.

  • Northbound: Take the A39, A30, and then the A377 to Exeter/Honiton.
  • Southbound: Once at junction 30 of the M5, take the A379/A376 exit and follow signs for City Centre/Dawlish/A379.

At Basepoint Exeter, at the Marsh Barton Trading Estate, you can top up on Mer’s 25kW charge point. It is not far from Riverside Valley Park, and from here just a short walk to the Quayside.

Cornwall

Festivities in Cornwall

Watch the Mousehole Christmas light switch on on 16 December, visit Heligan’s Night Garden to see their lantern display until 2 January, and see the 60-foot garland made from estate-grown flowers at Cotehele Great Hall. The ‘BIG Christmas Market’ is coming to Truro until Christmas Eve, spotlighting artisan traders and producers, and the National Trust Trelissick are hosting a Christmas Craft Fair until 5 December. Budock Vean’s Arts and Craft Club, Trebah Garden and the Esplanade Hotel are also hosting Christmas craft activities. The Eden Project in Bodelva is hosting a music and lights experience throughout December, and you can ice skate there too.

Getting to Cornwall

From London: Take the M4 motorway, then the M5 to Exeter and either the A30 or the A38 into Southeast Cornwall.

From Manchester: Take the M6, then the M5 to Exeter and either the A30 or the A38 into Southeast Cornwall.

From North Devon: Take the A39 Atlantic Highway from Junction 27 on the M5.

Where to charge your EV in Cornwall

  • St Agnes: Driftwood Spars Carpark at Trevaunance Cove
  • Eden Project: If you are a visitor, you can charge on our 22kW charge points.

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