Free EV charging at RHS Garden Wisley
Electric vehicle drivers in Surrey can charge their cars for free from Monday, August 24, to Friday, August 28, 2026, as RHS Garden Wisley celebrates the opening of its new charging hub. The facility, launched in partnership with RAW Charging, is now operational and will provide complimentary charging throughout the launch week, as reported by both the Daily Express and the Surrey Advertiser.
The initiative is designed "to reward environmentally conscious drivers and make it easier for local members and day-trippers to top up while enjoying one of the UK's most iconic gardens," according to reports. The hub is among the largest destination EV charging sites in the Guildford and Wisley area, located just off Junction 10 of the M25.
Charging facilities and specifications
The new hub features 32 dedicated bays, comprising 24 fast-charging bays capable of up to 22kW, suited for visitors spending several hours at the garden, and eight rapid-charging bays delivering up to 50kW for quicker top-ups. The installation is part of a broader rollout providing 90 charging bays across the five UK RHS gardens, marking a step toward the RHS's goal of becoming "climate positive" by 2030, as detailed in both outlets' coverage.
How to access the free charging offer
While the charging bays typically accept contactless payment, the free charging offer is available exclusively through the RAW Rewards programme. Charging is accessed via the ChargePoint App, and contactless payment is not accepted for the free period, according to the Surrey Advertiser's report. The offer runs for the specified five-day window, with drivers encouraged to use the app to redeem the complimentary power.
Statements from RHS and RAW Charging
Malcolm Anderson, head of sustainability at the RHS, said: "RHS Garden Wisley is one of the UK's most visited and best-loved gardens. This major new charging facility reflects our commitment to making sustainable travel easier and more accessible for visitors." He added that alongside the new EV chargers, the RHS is improving active travel and public transport access to Wisley by enhancing public rights of way and local bus services in partnership with Surrey County Council and public transport operators, noting that these improvements support lower-carbon travel and enhance the experience for environmentally conscious visitors.
Jason Simpson, CEO of RAW Charging, said: "RHS Garden Wisley is a perfect example of the kind of amazing destinations we're proud to connect with best-in-class EV infrastructure. This new flagship installation represents one of the largest destination charging hubs in the region, delivering the reliability and convenience visitors expect – all in support of the RHS's sustainability goals."
Broader context
The charging hub is part of RAW Charging's "Connecting Amazing Places" campaign, which also includes installing charging bays at sites operated by the National Trust and Merlin Entertainments, such as Alton Towers and Chessington World of Adventures, as noted in both reports. The initiative aligns with the RHS's ambition to achieve "climate positive" status by 2030, a target highlighted in the coverage of the launch.