Weekend Getaway Ideas for Electric Car Owners in Devon
30 September 2026
Table of Contents
- Why Devon Works So Well for an Electric Car Weekend
- EV Charging Points in South Devon: What to Expect
- Electric Car Road Trip Planning for Devon: Routes and Stops
- Weekend Getaway Ideas for Electric Car Owners in Devon
- Luxury Self-Catering in Salcombe: A Base That Charges While You Sleep
- What to Pack and Plan Before You Set Off
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: September 29, 2026
Why Devon Works So Well for an Electric Car Weekend
Devon suits electric car owners better than most UK counties, and the reason is simple: the distances are short. A weekend getaway trip for electric car owners in Devon rarely involves more than 60 miles of driving a day. That matters because range anxiety fades fast when your next charge point is never far away.
This guide from Spring Barn at Bolberry Court covers the routes, the charging stops and the places worth your time. We're based in Bolberry, near Salcombe in South Devon, so we know these lanes well.
Devon's charging network has grown quickly. According to Zapmap's live UK charging statistics, thousands of connectors now operate across the South West, with new ones added every month.
The county also rewards slow travel. Narrow lanes, steep hills and coastal views make rushing pointless.
- Short daily drives mean fewer charging stops
- Most towns now have at least one public charge point
- Many cottages and barns offer overnight charging
EV Charging Points in South Devon: What to Expect
South Devon's charging network covers the main towns well, but the quiet lanes between them need planning. Salcombe, Kingsbridge, Dartmouth and Totnes all have public points. The villages in between mostly do not.
Charging speed varies by location:
| Charger type | Typical speed | Best for | Where you'll find them |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slow (3-7kW) | Overnight | Destination charging | Holiday cottages, hotels |
| Fast (7-22kW) | 2-4 hours | A top-up while you eat | Town car parks |
| Rapid (50kW+) | 30-60 minutes | Long journeys | A38 services, larger towns |
A common mistake is arriving with a nearly empty battery and no plan. Charge overnight wherever you're staying, then top up while you're out.
The UK government's guidance on electric vehicle charging explains connector types and payment rules if you're new to public charging.
Electric Car Road Trip Planning for Devon: Routes and Stops
Electric car road trip planning for Devon comes down to three habits: charge at your base, plan one top-up per day, and keep a backup option. That's it.
Most drivers arriving from the Midlands or the North come down the M5 and A38. Rapid chargers cluster around Exeter and the Devon Expressway services, so a 30-minute stop there covers the final leg into the South Hams.
Once you're off the main roads, drive gently. Devon's hills eat range faster than flat motorway miles, and regen braking helps on the way back down.
Weekend Getaway Ideas for Electric Car Owners in Devon
These three weekend getaway ideas for electric car owners in Devon all start from a single base, which keeps driving low and charging simple.
Bolberry Down and the South West Coast Path
Bolberry Down is National Trust land with flat clifftop paths and sea views in every direction. Parking is free, and the walks suit every age and ability.
From here you can follow the South West Coast Path towards Hope Cove or east towards Salcombe. Both routes are well signposted and rarely crowded outside summer.
There's no charger on the down itself, so charge at your accommodation beforehand. The round trip from most South Hams bases is short enough to do on a single overnight charge.
Salcombe and the Kingsbridge Estuary
Salcombe is the postcard version of Devon: steep streets, a sheltered estuary and boats bobbing at their moorings. The town has public charge points in its main car parks, so you can top up while you explore.
Take the passenger ferry across to East Portlemouth for quieter beaches. Or walk the Snapes Point loop for estuary views without the crowds.
Kingsbridge, at the head of the estuary, is worth an hour too. Its high street has independent shops and a long-standing market tradition.
Dartmoor's Quiet Lanes and Villages
Dartmoor rewards anyone willing to leave the main roads. Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Princetown and Postbridge all sit within easy reach of the A38, where rapid chargers are plentiful.
The lanes are narrow and the gradients steep, so plan a top-up before you climb onto the moor. Once you're up there, the driving is slow and the views are enormous.
Worth noting: mobile signal on the moor is patchy. Download your route before you set off.
Luxury Self-Catering in Salcombe: A Base That Charges While You Sleep
The best charging strategy for a Devon weekend is the simplest one: plug in where you sleep. The best charging strategy for a Devon weekend is the simplest one: plug in where you sleep.
Spring Barn at Bolberry Court is a converted barn in the hamlet of Bolberry, a few minutes from the coast path. It sleeps up to 10 people across spacious rooms, which suits multi-generational families or groups of friends.
The practical details matter here:
- An electric vehicle charging point on-site
- A fully enclosed garden, secure for dogs and safe for children
- Underfloor heating and a log burner for cooler months
- Direct booking, so you deal with the owners
If you've been burned by rentals that photograph well but disappoint in person, this is a 4 Star Gold rated property. You can book directly through Spring Barn and get in touch with any questions before you commit.
What to Pack and Plan Before You Set Off
A little prep makes a Devon EV weekend run smoothly. Most of it takes ten minutes.
- Check your charging apps and set up payment before you travel
- Download offline maps for Dartmoor and the coastal lanes
- Bring your own charging cable, plus a Type 2 cable if your car needs one
- Pack layers: coastal weather changes fast
- Book any table-worthy dinners ahead in Salcombe
- Charge to full at your base each evening
For families, Spring Barn at Bolberry Court provides stair gates and socket covers. It saves boot space and hassle.
Conclusion
Planning a low-stress electric weekend takes a bit of thought, but Devon makes it easy once you're here. Short drives, growing charging coverage and quiet lanes do most of the work for you.
Spring Barn at Bolberry Court is built for exactly this kind of trip. It sleeps up to 10, offers on-site EV charging, a fully enclosed garden and direct booking, all minutes from the South West Coast Path.
Get started with Spring Barn at Bolberry Court and base your next Devon weekend somewhere that charges while you sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there enough EV charging points in South Devon for a weekend trip?
Yes, for most weekend itineraries. South Devon has a growing network of public charge points in towns such as Kingsbridge, Totnes, Ivybridge and Salcombe, plus rapid chargers along the A38 corridor. The practical approach is to charge overnight at your accommodation and top up only if you plan a long day of driving. If your stay includes an on-site charger, as Spring Barn at Bolberry Court does, you can start each morning with a full battery and treat public points as a backup rather than a necessity.
What makes Bolberry a good location for an electric car holiday?
Bolberry sits in the South Hams between Salcombe and Hope Cove, so most local drives are short. You can reach the coast path, beaches and village pubs without draining the battery, and longer trips to Dartmoor or Plymouth are straightforward via the A38. Staying somewhere with its own charging point, such as Spring Barn at Bolberry Court, means the car refills while you sleep, so you spend your weekend walking and eating rather than queueing at public chargers.
Can I find luxury self-catering accommodation with EV charging in Salcombe?
Spring Barn at Bolberry Court, a four-star gold rated barn conversion a short drive from Salcombe, has an electric vehicle charging station on site, along with underfloor heating, a log burner and a fully enclosed garden. It sleeps up to 10 people, which suits multi-generational families or groups of friends splitting the cost. Book directly to confirm charging and arrival details in advance.
How do I plan an EV-friendly road trip along the South Devon coast?
Break the journey so charging fits around your stops rather than the other way round. If you are coming from the north, plan a rapid top-up near Exeter or on the A38, then arrive with enough charge to reach your accommodation. Once settled, keep daily drives short: Salcombe, Hope Cove, Thurlestone and Dartmoor are all within easy range. Charge overnight at your base, carry your own cable as a backup, and check charger status on an app before relying on a specific public point.