For years, one of the biggest criticisms levelled at electric cars has been that stopping to recharge takes longer than filling up with petrol or diesel. Charging speeds are increasing – fast – and rapid chargers are more commonplace, but what if charging stops became one of the best parts of the journey?

With more than 120,000 public charge points now dotted around the UK – twice the number of fuel pumps – many EV chargers are in places you’d happily spend half an hour exploring anyway. That means topping up your battery can become the perfect excuse to take in spectacular scenery, enjoy a decent coffee or simply pause and appreciate somewhere you might otherwise have driven straight past.

Better still, finding them has never been easier. Apps such as Octopus Electroverse bring together thousands of charge points from dozens of different charging networks into a single account, allowing drivers to locate, activate and pay for charging across much of the UK’s public charging infrastructure with one app or RFID card instead of juggling multiple accounts. So, road trips can be planned around the places you want to visit, rather than worrying about which charging network you’ll find when you get there.

Here are 10 charging stops that prove recharging your car doesn’t have to be the boring bit of the journey.

1. Pennan, Aberdeenshire (AB43 6JB)

Fans of the classic film Local Hero will instantly recognise Pennan, the tiny fishing village tucked beneath towering cliffs on Scotland’s north-east coast. The nearest rapid charger is only a short drive away, making it easy to visit one of Britain’s prettiest harbours before continuing your journey.

2. Calgary Bay, Isle of Mull (PA75 6NR)

White sand, turquoise water and barely another soul in sight – Calgary Bay feels more Caribbean than you’d ever expect to find in Scotland. Public charging on Mull makes one of Britain’s finest beaches surprisingly accessible in an electric car.

3. Kilchurn Castle, Loch Awe (PA32 8YY)

Few Scottish castles enjoy a more dramatic setting than Kilchurn Castle, sitting proudly on the edge of Loch Awe with mountains rising behind it. It’s one of Scotland’s most photographed landmarks and well worth lingering over while your battery tops up nearby.

4. Crinan Canal, Argyll (PA31 8QN)

Often described as Britain’s most beautiful shortcut, the Crinan Canal links the Atlantic with Scotland’s west-coast lochs. Yachts drift through the locks while cafes and waterside walks make this an ideal place to spend half an hour before getting back behind the wheel.

5. Windermere, Cumbria (LA23 1QA)

The Lake District is one of Britain’s great road-trip destinations and the InstaVolt hub in Windermere puts rapid charging within easy reach of England’s largest lake. Whether you take a stroll to the waterfront, enjoy an ice cream or simply admire the surrounding fells, it’s a charging stop that’s unlikely to feel like a chore.

6. Glasson Dock, Lancashire (FY6 0EA)

This historic dock on the River Lune estuary is a peaceful place to break a journey. Fishing boats, waterside cafes and wide estuary views provide a relaxing change of pace before heading back onto the road.

7. Llanberis, Eryri (LL57 3LZ)

Nestled beneath Yr Wyddfa, Llanberis has long been a favourite with walkers, cyclists and climbers. Even if you’re not tackling Wales’ highest mountain, the views across Llyn Padarn and the surrounding peaks make this one of the UK’s most memorable charging stops.

8. Bwch Moch Cafe, Tremadog, near Porthmadog (LL49 9SN)

With dramatic mountains rising directly behind the chargers, this site on the edge of Eryri National Park could hardly have a more spectacular backdrop. Add in a popular cafe just a few steps away and it shows how charging hubs are becoming destinations rather than simply somewhere to plug in.

9. Dungeness, Kent (TN29 0RJ)

Nowhere else in Britain quite looks like Dungeness. Its vast shingle landscape, iconic lighthouse, fishing boats and famously quirky cottages create an almost otherworldly setting that has attracted artists and photographers for decades. It’s the perfect place for a slower-paced charging stop.

10. Portland Bill, Dorset (DT5 1DX)

You’d struggle to find many charging locations with a better sea view than Portland Bill. Sitting close to the famous lighthouse and overlooking the English Channel, it’s an ideal stopping point for anyone exploring the Jurassic Coast, with fresh sea air replacing the usual motorway services experience.

The growing number of scenic charging locations also reflects how quickly Britain’s charging infrastructure has matured. Delvin Lane, CEO of one of the UK’s biggest charging networks, InstaVolt, told The Independent: “As more people head off on summer holidays in their EVs, one of the biggest changes is just how easy it’s become to reach some of the UK’s most scenic destinations and travel routes.

“With rapid charging now available in more places than ever, drivers can stop somewhere with a great view, grab a decent coffee and stretch their legs. Having a reliable network in these locations gives people more choice and confidence to enjoy the journey, knowing they can recharge at some of the country's most beautiful spots along the way.”

The best road trips have always been about the places you discover along the way, not just the destination. Britain’s expanding charging network is making that easier than ever, turning what was once seen as an inconvenience into the perfect excuse to explore a fishing village, wander around a castle, take in a mountain view or simply enjoy a great cup of coffee. That’s a pretty good reason to hope your car needs charging.