Windermere forms part of the Lake District National Park and draws millions of visitors annually.
The area boasts lakes, hills (or fells as the locals call them), and paths that appeal to walkers and nature lovers.
As more people switch to electric vehicles, the need for charging options grows.
This guide details available charging points in Windermere, explains the setup, and shares practical advice for drivers.
With recent upgrades, the region supports eco-friendly travel better than before.
Related: Is Walking Around Lake Windermere Possible?
EV Charging Infrastructure in Windermere
Charging facilities in Windermere include various speeds to suit different needs.
Slow chargers operate at 3 to 7 kW and take several hours, ideal for long stays.
Fast chargers run at 7 to 22 kW and fill batteries in a few hours. Rapid and ultra-rapid options exceed 50 kW, with some reaching 160 kW for quick top-ups in under an hour.
Networks like InstaVolt, Pod Point, and others manage these sites. Payment often happens via apps, contactless cards, or subscriptions.
Apps such as Zapmap or PlugShare show live status, locations, and user reviews.
The infrastructure has expanded recently. For example, in 2025, InstaVolt upgraded its hub at Booths in Windermere to 12 ultra-rapid 160 kW units after a temporary closure earlier in the year.
Local councils aim to add more points through strategies that promote accessible and affordable charging.
This growth aligns with efforts to cut carbon emissions and encourage sustainable visits to the Lake District.
SAVE 5% Off Your Stay
Sign up for our newsletter to receive handpicked offers, and Lake District travel tips.
As a thank you, enjoy 5% off your next stay (minimum 2 nights) in one of our luxury properties.
Public Charging Stations
Public chargers allow access without restrictions and sit in convenient places like shops or car parks.
Here are key ones:
- EH Booths, The Old Station, Victoria Street, LA23 1QA: Ultra-rapid, 12 devices, 14 connectors (CCS and CHAdeMO). Network: InstaVolt. Public access, payment by contactless or app. Costs around 79p per kWh. Recently upgraded to 160 kW for faster charging.
- Spar Bowness, Rayrigg Road, LA23 3DN: Slow, 1 device, 2 connectors (Type 2). Network: Evolt Network. Public, app or RFID card required. Suitable for short stops while shopping.
- Brockhole Lake District Visitor Centre, between Windermere and Ambleside: Slow charger in the top disabled car park. Costs £1 per 30 minutes. Public access, near visitor facilities like cafes and gardens.
Related: Easy Windermere Circular Walks
Lake District Holiday Cottages with EV Chargers
Our holiday cottages across the Lake District come with EV chargers at many sites, which makes stays convenient for electric vehicle owners.
These chargers support eco-friendly trips and are found in areas such as Penruddock, Windermere, Bowness-on-Windermere, Howtown, Underbarrow, and Watermillock.
The setups use VaultShare for pay-per-use access, and they are easy to use with guest-friendly features.
This option lets visitors charge overnight or during the day while enjoying the cottage amenities.
With brand-new installations in some places, our cottages meet the growing demand for sustainable accommodation in the region.
Click here to see our Windermere Cottages with EV chargers…
Chargers Near Windermere
For trips extending beyond Windermere, nearby towns like Kendal and Ambleside offer extra public charging options.
These can serve as useful stops on longer routes through the Lake District.
Kendal lies about 8 miles south of Windermere, while Ambleside sits just 5 miles north.
Both have chargers at supermarkets, car parks, and visitor sites.
Here are some public ones:
In Kendal:
- Booths Kendal Lower Car Park, 3 Wainwrights Yard, LA9 4DG: Rapid, 4 devices, connectors include CCS and CHAdeMO. Network: InstaVolt. Open 24 hours, contactless payment, around 79p per kWh.
- Sainsbury’s Kendal, Mint Bridge, LA9 6DL: Fast, 2 devices, Type 2 connectors. Network: Smart Charge. Public access in supermarket car park.
- Peppercorn Lane Car Park: Slow to fast chargers available. Network: Fuuse. Public car park with multiple bays.
- South Lakeland House Multi-Storey Car Park: Chargers for public use. Part of local council installations.
- Stricklandgate House, Library Road: Additional public chargers in town centre.
In Ambleside:
- Low Fold Car Park, LA22 0DN: Rapid, includes 43 kW and 50 kW options. Network: Equans EV Solutions. Public car park with dedicated bays.
- King Street Car Park, 3 Kelsick Rd, LA22 0EA: Slow to fast, 2 Type 2 connectors. Network: Fuuse (Charge My Street). Public access, app required to start session.
- Grasmere Village Car Park, LA22 9SJ: Slow, 7 kW chargers. Public car park near Ambleside.
- Brockhole on Windermere (near Ambleside): Slow chargers. Network: Pod Point. At visitor centre, app needed for activation.
Tips for EV Owners Visiting Windermere
Plan ahead by using apps to find chargers and check if they work.
Busy periods like summer holidays see higher demand, so arrive early or have backups.
Ensure your car matches the connector types – most UK chargers use Type 2 for AC and CCS for DC rapid. Carry cables if needed.
Combine charging with meals or walks to save time.
Follow rules: only park in bays while charging, and move once done to free space.
Monitor battery levels on hilly roads, as they drain faster. For long trips, map routes with chargers every 100 miles or so.
Local weather can affect range, so factor in cold or wet conditions.
Where to Stay in Windermere
Our Windermere cottages give a cosy base for your trip.
They fit small groups or larger families and come with kitchens and living areas.
Set near local paths and lakes, they make it easy to reach attractions on foot or by car. As an EV owner, you can plan days around nearby chargers.
Click here to see our Windermere Cottages…
Final Notes On Electric Car Charging in Windermere
Windermere offers a solid range of chargers that meet most requirements, from quick stops to full charges.
With ongoing expansions like the InstaVolt upgrades and council strategies, the area will see even more options soon. Keep apps updated for the latest info.
Enjoy your visit and support green travel in this beautiful region.
