Visitors heading for the Lake District can now have a truly electrifying time, as a unique sheep-themed fleet of new electric cars are now available to explore the landscape of lakes and fells.

The ten head-turning electric Renault 'Twizys' are now available to hire out from tourism businesses in the Ullswater and Keswick areas. To make the funky two-seater vehicles distinctively Cumbrian, each has been branded with its own distinctive sheep personality and named in traditional dialect (a mix of Westmorland and Cumberland numbers).  

See the video of the Twizys flocking to the Lakes here.

The sheep-inspired Twizys will now be available for anyone to hire from a variety of visitor attractions and accommodation providers, as part of a partnership between the 'See More' sustainable travel programme and the national car sharing company Co-wheels Car Club.  

With no engines, exhausts or fuel systems, they can be driven at the push of a button and will allow visitors who arrive either without a car or in larger vehicles to explore the nooks and crannies of the Lake District in a silent, eco-friendly way.

The full list of businesses includes:

Keswick-Borrowdale –

• Hazel Bank Country House, Borrowdale (Yan)
• Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park, Keswick (Tyan)
• Keswick Brewing Company (Tethera)
• FSC Blencathra Centre, Threlkeld x 2 vehicles (Methera and Pip)

Penrith – Ullswater –

• The Quiet Site, Watermillock x 2 vehicles (Sethera and Lethera)
• Hillcroft Park, Pooley Bridge (Hovera)
• Waterfoot Park, Pooley Bridge (Dovera)
• Wayfarers Independent Hostel, Penrith (Dec)

Daniel Holder, Owner of the Quiet Site, says, “We run the whole business along sustainable lines and introducing a Twizy is a practical way to genuinely use sustainable transport too – rather than just talking about it! As well as being great for short journeys, it will be a real talking point and is bound to put a smile on people's faces!”

Gary McCrae, Co-owner of the Hazel Bank Country House Hotel, adds: “The Twizys make the seemingly inaccessible accessible! So much work has been done to protect this tranquil landscape and now we can say to our guests, why not leave your gas guzzling car behind for a few hours, take a packed lunch and explore our beautiful valley in a really unique way.” 

The Twizys are powered by high-tech lithium ion batteries, have a top speed of 50mph and can be plugged into any domestic three pin socket, with an on board 3 metre cable They can travel up to 40 miles on one charge, depending on driving conditions and styles.

The vehicles can be booked directly with the Twizy hosts. Drivers just need to provide a valid driving licence and National Insurance number. They cost £10 per hour, £30 for a half day (4 hours) or £45 for a full day (8 hours).

Notes to Editors:

There are five project strands within the See More Cumbria and the Lake District programme covering a wide range of activity, including enhanced visitor transport services, cycle route development, better information about travel options, comprehensive marketing and corridor travel planning activity.  For travel information visit www.golakestravel.co.uk

• Helping international visitors to use buses, trains and water transport, as well as walking, cycling and hiring low emissions vehicles will reduce the impact of their travel on the local environment and community, while making their trip to the area more enjoyable and relaxing.
• More information about the National Park and the Authority's work is available on their website www.lakedistrict.gov.uk
• For further information on visiting the Lake District and other parts of Cumbria visit www.golakes.co.uk

Co-wheels car club is providing and running the Twizy service, and operates pay-as-you-go car hire in over 50 locations across the UK. Members can choose fully electric, hybrid or low emission cars which are booked online and accessed with a smartcard.

For further information, please contact:

Heather Sewell
01539 825002 
hsewell@cumbriatourism.org