The ongoing partnership between conservation charity National Trust and CPO RAW Charging continues, with the pair announcing the successful installation of EV chargers at three National Trust destinations in Devon – Castle Drogo, Parke and Lydford Gorge. The rollout continues across the country in the coming weeks, with more than 90 additional fast charging bays scheduled for National Trust sites elsewhere in the UK, including Lacock Abbey, Felbrigg Hall, Croome Court, and Hidcote.
Accessible EV charging comes to beauty spots across Devon
Castle Drogo, overlooking Dartmoor and the Teign Gorge, was the first of the three new sites to go live. Its hub features eight fast-charging bays designed with accessibility in mind, as the chargers sit on level ground with no kerbs, directly opposite existing accessible parking and nearby to the visitor centre entrance. The bays feature a smooth tarmac surface, with hatching on both sides giving ample room for wheelchair users, families with pushchairs, and those using walking aids.
Parke and Lydford Gorge have also received fresh EV chargers in the partnership between National Trust and RAW Charging. Both sites now offer two 50kW DC rapid charging bays, aimed at shorter stays of one to two hours, alongside two 22kW AC chargers suited to visits of three hours or more.
The installations arrive just in time for the school holidays, when National Trust sites are typically at their busiest. For EV-driving families, it means a full day out and a charged car at the end of it, without the potential need to stop at a charge point on the way home.
RAW Charging has partnered up with a number of firms already, bringing EV charging to key destinations and UK institutions. This also includes a partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society to bring chargers to popular UK gardens, as well as chargers located at shopping outlets, pubs, and more.
Heather Kay, National Trust General Manager overseeing the three Devon sites, commented:
“We want every visitor to feel welcome and for their journey here to be as enjoyable as the castle itself. These new charging bays are a fantastic addition, allowing our visitors to relax and explore the Teign Gorge and our gardens, knowing that sustainable travel is made easy and accessible for everyone. And with the installations in Parke and Lydford Gorge now added as part of the rollout, there’s no better time for eco-conscious EV drivers to pay us a visit.”
Jason Simpson, CEO of RAW Charging, added:
“We’re proud to support the National Trust in delivering high-quality charging infrastructure across multiple Devon sites. From the fully accessible hub at Castle Drogo to flexible charging options at Parke and Lydford Gorge, these installations demonstrate how EV charging can be thoughtfully integrated into unique environments, ensuring a seamless experience for every visitor.”
