Britain's best places to cool down during the heatwave, from refreshing lidos to beachside beer gardens

Britons across the UK have been struggling with the hot weather in recent weeks, with some areas seeing unprecedented highs of up to 35C (95F). Better known for grey skies and drizzly rain, the UK is arguably ill-equipped for such temperatures. Fewer than 10 per cent of homes are installed with air conditioning, and our buildings are designed with cold winters in mind, rather than scorching summers.Fortunately, though, there are some spots to cool down – from breezy coastal areas to refreshing lidos – and they can be found throughout the UK.Check out our list of some of the best places to enjoy shade or cool water during the hot weather.Best beaches Bournemouth Beach Bournemouth Beach is England's best rated on Tripadvisor and boasts seven miles of sand to enjoy in the sunRated as England's number one beach on Tripadvisor, Bournemouth boasts seven miles of gorgeous sand to enjoy. The coastal gem has plenty of cafes nearby to grab a refreshing drink in the sun, and there are beach huts to hire for those seeking shade. Deckchairs, sunbeds, windbreaks and parasols can also be rented so you can properly relax and enjoy your time on these golden sands. Elie Beach Elie Beach can be found in Scotland, which is often cooler than the rest of the UKScotland is generally colder than the rest of the UK, so heading to one of its best beaches might be a good way to enjoy the sea and sand without the heat. Located in Fife, Elie Beach was named in Scotland's Beach Awards 2026..The sheltered spot boasts golden sands with a charming harbour area and village to explore.Beer gardensBest beer garden The Anchor Inn has the best beer garden in the country, according to Locals Insider For many, sipping a cold pint in a beer garden is one of the best ways to spend a balmy afternoon in the sun. The Anchor Inn, set in the aptly named village of Beer, in Devon, was recently crowned the top beer garden by travel site Locals Insider.The cliffside establishment looks out over the Jurassic Coast and Lyme Bay.It earned the number one spot for its incredible sea views and traditional fishing village charm. Beachside beer garden Tŷ Coch Inn, in North Wales, is a beachfront establishment for those wanting to enjoy a pint accompanied by sea breeze on a hot dayLooking for both a beach and a beer garden? Tŷ Coch Inn offers the best of both worlds.The beachfront pub, in North Wales, offers stunning views of Cardigan Bay and is conveniently placed right by the sand. Situated in Porthdinllaen, the beer garden can be reached via a coastal walk or by boat. LidosCheltenham Lido, Cheltenham Spa Cheltenham Lido is the perfect place to make a splash during the hot weatherIf you're keen to dive straight into some water to cool off amid the scorching temperatures, a lido is exactly what you need.Cheltenham Lido's 50m heated outdoor pool is only part of the appeal – it is also home to a sauna, cafe and even yoga and fitness classes, making it an ideal day out for the whole family.The lido's Olympic-size swimming pool is one of the UK’s largest outdoor pools, while a smaller shallow children's pool is also available for younger visitors – and even boasts a slide.Adults will pay £8.20 to enter, and group tickets can be purchased, including for a family of four for £18.50.Tinside Lido, Plymouth Tinside Lido has a refeshing saltwater pool that's 55m in diameterWith a superb view over the dark blue waters of Plymouth Hoe, Tinside Lido is a large saltwater pool that's ginormous by UK lido standards: 55m in diameter. A trio of fountains provide a constant cascade of fresh water to drench yourself under, and the tiled stripes on the bottom exude classic art deco symmetry.There's a cafe on site serving hot drinks, snacks and ice cream. Outdoor waterparksDoncaster Aqua Park For action-packed fun while you cool down, head to Doncaster Aqua Park Are you a fan of Total Wipeout? Well, you can put your own skills to the test at this inflatable attraction.Doncaster Aqua Park, the crown jewel of Hatfield Outdoor Activity Centre & Campsite, offers 60-minute sessions on the water.With tickets starting from £21 per person, the inflatable water park obstacles can be enjoyed by those aged seven and above.Dorset Adventure Park Dorset Adventure Park also boasts an impressive waterpark set across two lakesIf you're down south for the summer, Dorset Adventure Park could be a fun and action-packed way to cool down. The waterpark is set across two lakes: Woodland Lake and Castle Lake, which overlooks Corfe Castle. Each one has obstacles to tackle stretching over 200m.Suitable for ages six and over, participants must also be able to swim 25m unaided.The course takes around 60 minutes to complete and tickets are priced from £22 per person.ForestsSherwood Forest Escape the sun under the ancient trees in Sherwood ForestLooking for shade and a local legend to explore? Sherwood Forest ticks both boxes.Situated in Nottinghamshire, the 450-acre site is said to have been the home of Robin Hood.There are hundreds of ancient oak trees to provide shelter from the sun and plenty of walking trails. Parking costs £7 for non RSPB members and entry is free, making it an affordable day out as well as an enjoyable one.Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire The Forest of Dean even boasts an 'ancient magical forest' area to exploreThe Forest of Dean's shaded branches will give you some much-needed respite from the heatwave.There is so much to explore here – including an 'ancient magical forest'.The enchanting woodland area, named Puzzlewood, is thought to have inspired J R R Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings.Situated in the Forest of Dean, the fairy-tale location boasts winding paths and beautiful wooded areas.