Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular across Yorkshire, and the Yorkshire Dales are no exception. Whether you’re a local resident, a day visitor, or touring the National Park on holiday, you’ll find a growing number of EV charging options across towns, villages, car parks, and visitor attractions.
This guide explains where you can charge, what types of chargers to expect, and how to plan an EV‑friendly trip through the Dales.
Is the Yorkshire Dales Good for EV Drivers?
Yes — the Yorkshire Dales has made steady progress in expanding EV infrastructure. While the area is rural and chargers can be more spread out than in cities, most major Dales towns now offer:
- Public car‑park chargers
- Destination chargers at hotels, pubs, and campsites
- Fast chargers on main approach roads
- A growing number of rapid chargers in market towns
For visitors, this means you can confidently explore the Dales with an electric vehicle as long as you plan your charging stops.
Where to Charge Your EV in the Yorkshire Dales
Below is an accurate overview of the types of charging locations you’ll find across the National Park and surrounding towns.
1. Market Towns (Best for Rapid & Fast Charging)
The main Dales gateway towns typically offer the most reliable charging options, including fast (7–22kW) and, in some cases, rapid (50kW+) chargers.
Skipton
As the southern gateway to the Dales, Skipton has multiple public chargers in car parks and retail areas. It’s one of the best places to top up before heading deeper into the National Park. Information on visiting Skipton.
Settle
Settle offers public chargers in central car parks, making it a convenient stop for visitors heading towards Ribblesdale, Malhamdale, or Ingleborough.
Richmond
On the eastern side of the Dales, Richmond provides several charging options, including fast chargers in public car parks. Read our Richmond Visitor Guide.
Leyburn
A useful charging stop for visitors exploring Wensleydale, with chargers available in central parking areas.
2. Popular Dales Villages (Mostly Fast Destination Chargers)
Many villages now offer 7kW destination chargers, often located at:
- Hotels
- Pubs
- Inns
- B&Bs
- Campsites
- Visitor centres
These are ideal for overnight stays or longer walks.
Grassington
A popular base for walkers, with chargers available in or near the village car park and at some accommodation providers. Read our Grassington Town Guide.
Hawes
The home of Wensleydale Creamery has several destination chargers, plus additional options at local accommodation.
Reeth
A good stop in Swaledale, with chargers available at local businesses and accommodation.
Malham
While limited, Malham has access to nearby chargers in surrounding villages and accommodation providers.
3. Visitor Centres & National Park Facilities
Several Yorkshire Dales National Park visitor centres now offer EV charging, typically 7kW fast chargers.
These locations are ideal because you can charge while:
- Visiting exhibitions
- Getting maps and information
- Using facilities
- Starting a walk
Visitor centres with chargers typically include:
- Aysgarth Falls Visitor Centre
- Malham National Park Centre
- Grassington National Park Centre
(Exact availability can vary — always check your charging app before travelling.)
4. Hotels, Pubs & Campsites With EV Chargers
Many accommodation providers across the Dales now offer destination charging, often via:
- Pod Point
- Tesla Destination
- Rolec
- BP Pulse
- Independent chargers
These are perfect for:
- Overnight charging
- Long lunch stops
- Walks starting from the property
If you’re booking accommodation, it’s worth checking whether EV charging is available on‑site.
Types of Chargers You’ll Find in the Dales
7kW Fast Chargers
The most common type in rural areas. Ideal for:
- Overnight stays
- Long walks
- Visitor centre stops
22kW Fast Chargers
Available in some car parks and hotels. Useful for shorter top‑ups.
50kW+ Rapid Chargers
Found mainly in:
- Skipton
- Richmond
- Larger service areas on the edges of the Dales
These are best for quick top‑ups during a day trip.
Which Charging Apps Should You Use?
Because the Dales uses a mix of networks, it’s best to have several apps installed.
Most EV drivers use Zap‑Map or PlugShare to check live availability.
The most commonly used networks include:
- Pod Point
- BP Pulse
- InstaVolt
- ChargePlace Scotland (near the northern edges)
- Tesla Destination (open to some non‑Tesla vehicles)
- Mer
- Osprey (in surrounding towns)
Tips for EV Drivers Visiting the Yorkshire Dales
1. Plan your route in advance
Rural chargers can be spaced out — check availability before setting off.
2. Charge in gateway towns
Skipton, Settle, Richmond, and Leyburn are the most reliable places to top up.
3. Use destination chargers overnight
Hotels, pubs, and campsites are ideal for slow, steady charging.
4. Don’t rely solely on rapid chargers
They exist, but they’re not as common as in urban areas.
5. Expect varied mobile signal
Some chargers require app activation — download apps before you arrive.
Is the Yorkshire Dales EV‑Friendly?
Yes — and it’s improving every year.
While the Dales is a rural National Park, the combination of:
- growing public charging
- reliable chargers in gateway towns
- destination charging at accommodation
- visitor centre chargers
- improved EV infrastructure across Yorkshire
…means EV drivers can explore confidently with sensible planning.
The region’s shift towards greener transport — including wider Yorkshire investment in hydrogen, renewables, and EV infrastructure — is making the Dales more accessible than ever for electric vehicle owners.