Switching to an electric vehicle is a great way to lower your personal carbon footprint and help improve air quality. With a smoother drive, better acceleration and lower maintenance costs, EV’s make for easy driving. However, the one thing you do have to think about is where to charge. Swale’s Electric Vehicle Strategy 2022-2030 sets out the plan to make charging accessible for everyone, particularly overnight charging. If you are looking to charge further afield, there’s some fantastic destination charging opportunities in Swale, combining a day out with a top up to your charge.
Days Out
If you fancy a trip to Sheerness beach, parking at Rose Street Car Park in Sheerness is free, only having to pay for your charging. With 3 new twin 7kWh Pod Point charge points recently added to the existing 3 twin bays, you can leave your car to charge up while spending the day at the Blue Flag bathing beach or the busy market town.
If it’s not bikini weather, The Light Sittingbourne offers a range of entertainment while you’re charging at Bourne Place. With a cinema, bowling alley, arcade, pizzas and cocktails, there’s something for all the family to enjoy.
Through a parish charge point scheme from Kent County Council, a new charge point at Doddington Village Hall has recently opened. Take this opportunity to visit Doddington Place Gardens, open every Sunday, Wednesday and Bank Holiday Mondays. Enjoy over ten acres of beautiful landscaped gardens, including towering yews, a woodland walk, sunken garden and rock garden. Special events run through the year, including jazz in the gardens and a food & craft fair. With a falconry display in the gardens at 3pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays, and a tea room serving delicious homemade lunches, cakes and cream teas, Doddington Place Gardens is a wonderfully relaxing day out for all ages to enjoy.
If you’re looking for a good coffee, independent shops, a historical tour or just a good beer, Faversham Town Centre makes a leisurely day out, with EV charge points in two central car parks.
Places to Stay
Think of a proper seaside holiday, golden sand at Leysdown on Sea with all the classic, nostalgic memories and experiences including award winning beaches, ice cream and seaside holidays like they used to make them. For a family friendly stay on the Isle of Sheppey, Priory Hill Holiday Park, The Shurland Hotel and the Queen Phillippa Hotel all offer EV charging for their customers.
Somewhere to Eat
Another way to tie in charging with a lovely day out is at some fantastic local restaurants. At the Jenny Wren Pub, Sittingbourne you can share great pub grub with family and friends, with a stylish patio and a pizza kitchen, plus craft beers, and a great selection of wines from different locations. Classic pub meals, steaks, burgers, large pizzas, and specials are served every day.
The Rose & Crown, Lower Hartlip, is a small country pub and restaurant based in the Kent village of Hartlip and priding themselves on being welcoming to all customers old and new. Hartlip & the surrounding area has plenty of walks and trails if you want to spend time enjoying the countryside and local orchards.
The Red Lion, Faversham boasts a 100% gluten free kitchen, live music events and is even dog friendly! All set in the beautiful village of Badlesmere, the perfect blend of Pub and restaurant. You can also dine alfresco in the extensive picturesque child friendly garden.
Always remember to check Zap Map to find your nearest available charge point.
