The 800-year-old Cornish mansion now charging your EV

Cotehele near Saltash has become the first National Trust property in Cornwall to install electric vehicle chargers, letting visitors top up their cars while they explore the estate.

One of Cornwall’s most historic estates has quietly stepped into the 21st century. Eight new electric vehicle charging bays have been installed in the main car park at Cotehele, the National Trust’s medieval manor house nestled above the Tamar Valley near Saltash, making it the first National Trust property in Cornwall to offer the facility.

The chargers, installed in partnership with RAW Charging, accept contactless payment and are designed to allow visitors to charge their vehicles during their time at the estate rather than having to seek out a charging point elsewhere.

Greener travel to a historic site

The installation forms part of the National Trust’s wider work to reduce carbon emissions and make low-carbon travel more practical for people visiting its properties. The chargers are powered by a 100% renewable energy supply.

Rich Burrow, Visitor Experience Manager for the National Trust at Cotehele, said the upgrade was about looking ahead as much as looking back at the estate’s long history.

“Cotehele is known for its history and tranquillity, but it’s also a place that looks forward. Installing these EV chargers means visitors can power their cars while they recharge themselves, exploring the orchards, quay, house, mill and estate walks. It’s an important step in making greener travel choices easier for everyone.”

📷Exterior of the house at Cotehele, Cornwall

What the charging provider says

RAW Charging, which describes itself as one of the UK’s largest providers of electric vehicle charging solutions, partnered with the National Trust on the project. The company holds the Zapmap Best Network Award for 2026.

Jason Simpson, CEO at RAW Charging, said Cotehele was exactly the kind of destination the company looks to work with.

“Cotehele is a perfect example of the kind of amazing destinations we aim to connect with best-in-class EV infrastructure. This new installation delivers the reliability and convenience EV drivers expect, all in support of the National Trust’s sustainability goals.”

📷The medieval exterior of Cotehele, Cornwall

A first for Cornwall, but not the South West

While Cotehele is the first historic National Trust house in Cornwall to have EV charging points, other National Trust sites across Cornwall and the wider South West already have them, including Pentire, Arlington Court, Baggy Point, Barrington Court, Killerton and Montacute.

Visiting Cotehele

Cotehele is located at St Dominick, near Saltash, PL12 6TA.

The estate and quay are open every day from dawn to dusk. The garden, Barn Cafe, shop and gallery are open from 10am to 5pm. The house is open daily from 11am to 4pm, and the mill from 11am to 4.30pm.

More information is available at nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele.

📷Exterior of the house at Cotehele, Cornwall

📷Summer at Cotehele, August 2022.