Witness the world's largest trebuchet, experience the biggest vertical drop in the UK, marvel at a giant pick ‘n’ mix, or enjoy playtime at the National Trust’s largest adventure playground – a new list reveals the top family adventures to enjoy in the Midlands while charging an electric vehicle (EV) for free this World EV Day.

For the fifth year running, we’re celebrating World EV Day (Tuesday, September 9) with free charging at destinations across the network – and have compiled a list of the most wonderful things to do while powering up in the Midlands.

Included in the list are family favourite adventure locations such as Alton Towers in Stoke-on-Trent, where it’s possible to ride one of only ten wooden roller coasters in the UK, Wicker Man, or experience the biggest vertical drop in the country on Oblivion – a 180-foot plunge.

Warwick Castle offers the chance to witness the world’s largest trebuchet in action or watch the UK’s largest bird of prey display, featuring over 60 birds.

History lovers can step back in time at Attingham Park in Shropshire to see World War II remains, including concrete pads, bunkers and buildings from RAF Atcham, a WW2 fighter station. There’s also the opportunity to explore Charlecote Park in Warwickshire, where William Shakespeare was supposedly caught poaching deer.

For those with a sweet tooth, West Midlands Designer Outlet is home to a giant pick ‘n’ mix at the Haribo store, while East Midlands Designer Outlet in Derbyshire offers award-winning soufflé pancakes at the brand-new Fluffy Fluffy.

And for anyone with a flair for the arts, Pretty Pots at West Midlands Designer Outlet invites guests to design their own ceramics, paired with famous afternoon teas that have taken the internet by storm.

This list has been compiled to celebrate destinations now offering EV charging to visitors, making it easier to enjoy the journey and every stop along the way.

MIDLANDS LIST:

1. Visit the ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ of the Cotswolds and explore the unusual collection of items on display – from mechanical doorbells to suits of armour – Snowshill (Broadway)

2. Step into legend and explore where William Shakespeare was supposedly caught poaching deer. Marvel at the fallow deer park and discover many species of insects and bugs – Charlecote Park (Warwick)

3. Step back in time and see the World War II remains, including concrete pads, bunkers and buildings from RAF Atcham. View a 700-year-old tree – Attingham Park (Shropshire)

4. Go on a miniature world tour through themed gardens representing China, Egypt and Italy. Visit the oldest golden larch in Britain and the country’s oldest stumpery – Biddulph Grange Garden (Staffordshire)

5. Sample award-winning soufflé pancakes and discover crispy croffles at Fluffy Fluffy – East Midlands Designer Outlet (Alfreton)

6. Ride one of only ten wooden roller coasters in the UK, Wicker Man, and experience the biggest vertical drop in the UK on Oblivion – Alton Towers

7. Witness the world’s largest trebuchet – Warwick Castle (Warwick)

8. Visit an ‘un-stately’ home where rooms are deliberately left in a state of decline, showcasing how country houses fell into disrepair. See the “Old Man of Calke,” a 1,200-year-old tree – Calke Abbey (Derbyshire)

9. Explore the longest double avenue of lime trees in Europe, stretching over three miles and containing 1,296 trees – Clumber Park (Nottinghamshire)

10. Design your own ceramics with famous afternoon teas at Pretty Pots or enjoy a giant pick ‘n’ mix at the Haribo store – West Midlands Designer Outlet

Jason Simpson, CEO, said:
“The growing network of EV chargers across the UK means drivers no longer have to worry about range anxiety or whether they’ll be able to get home.

“With so many more options available for charging, it’s now possible to enjoy the journey and make the most of every stop. Whether you're exploring family-friendly attractions, enjoying scenic hikes, or shopping till you drop, there are countless exciting activities to do while your EV charges – making the trip even more enjoyable.

“And this World EV Day, you can even charge for free.”