As the UK prepares for its first heatwave of the year, with temperatures expected to soar over the Bank Holiday weekend, we've compiled a list of some of the best places in the UK to spend the day during the British heatwave.
Jugs of Pimm's, fired-up barbecues and tomato red sunburns are on the cards this weekend, as the UK is set to face temperatures as high as 31C. Britain is preparing for its first heatwave of the year with temperatures expected to soar over the Bank Holiday weekend, following an unusually cool May so far.
With sunshine on the horizon - and an extra day off - naturally many Brits will be seeking entertainment and outdoor activities to fill their time. From building sandcastles on some of Britain's best beaches to swimming lidos, fun pop ups and open-air exhibitions, there's something for everyone from tiny toddlers to grandparents charged with their care, and everyone in between.
Here, we've compiled a list of some of the best places in the UK to spend the day during the British heatwave to inspire you... Cheltenham Lido, Cheltenham Spa Want to splash around over the Bank Holiday? Head to Cheltenham Lido If 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. RHS Chelsea Flower Show, London RHS Chelsea Flower Show is a highlight of the UK annual calendar - and continues this weekend RHS Chelsea Flower Show might conjure up images of wealthy Londoners strolling around dressed to the nines with fancy top hats, but in reality it's far more down to earth than that.
It's where the best of the best in horticulture put their creations on display, from flower shows to inspiring plant combinations and cutting-edge landscaping. You can also enjoy a relaxed picnic in Ranelagh Gardens as well as genius urban gardens and floral art displays. The show ends on 23 May. London's largest free flower festival, Chelsea in Bloom, is also on this weekend.
Doncaster Aqua Park Doncaster Aqua Park is a great way to entertain fun-loving kids and teens Are you a fan of Total Wipeout? Well, now 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, is set to open on Saturday, 23 May - just in time for the heatwave.
During a 60-minute session, those aged seven and up can explore the inflatable water park obstacles. Tickets start from £21 per person. Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire The Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire is great for adventure and walks ... and breathe. The 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.
Filey Beach, Yorkshire Filey Beach has been voted one of the UK's best beaches - and is perfect for the Bank Holiday Filey Beach in Yorkshire was recently ranked as the UK’s highest-scoring beach in a study by LNER - performing strongly across accessibility, sunshine levels and nearby food options. As such, it's a great place to head this Bank Holiday weekend.
Situated in North Yorkshire, the five-mile stretch of beach has all the best features of a UK coastal town: golden sands, pretty promenades, fish and chips. You can also explore walks in the region, and the magnificent bay of Filey Brigg.
The Outside Art Project, Coal Drops Yard, London Coal Drops Yard is a cultural haven in the heart of the UK capital One of the largest outdoor gallery spaces in London, the Outside Art Project at Coal Drops Yard displays various artworks for free throughout the year. So, what's on this weekend? Start with David Bowie: Live Performances Outdoor Art Exhibition before exploring the King’s Cross Super Nature family trail and a charity pop-up market.
Few places in London combine shopping, eating, art and green space as well as Coal Drops Yard. Located just five minutes from King's Cross station and on the banks of the Regent's Canal, it's centrally located and perfect for an afternoon of mooching. In terms of dining, there's everything from Italian restaurants to Asian cuisine and street food. There's even a tiny bookshop located on a houseboat, called Word on the Water.
Tinside Lido, Plymouth Tinside Lido is considered one of the best open-air swim spots in the UK With a superb view over the dark blue waters of Plymouth Hoe, Tinside Lido is a large salt water pool that's ginormous by UK lido standards: 55 metres 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. It opens this weekend - perfect timing. Seaford, Sussex Seaford is a coastal haven that's perfect for exploring the Seven Sister chalk cliffs A calmer alternative to Brighton, situated just 45 minutes away via rail, Seaford offers a laid-back atmosphere and easy access to the iconic Seven Sisters cliffs.
A popular option is the walk up to Seaford Head for sweeping views, or a longer hike towards Birling Gap. Visitors heading there for the day can either bring along a picnic or pick up a bite to eat at a local spot - and enjoy one of the UK's most breathtaking coastlines for free.
Cuckmere Haven in Seaford, which has been used in many films and TV shows, including Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves, Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire and Atonement, is also nearby - and is a great place to explore on foot, by bicycle or by canoe if you're feeling adventurous. Ullswater Scenic views are everywhere you look in Ullswater in the Lake District You don't have to catch a flight to bask in views of dramatic mountain scenery like you might find in the likes of Switzerland or Spain.
Ullswater in Cumbria offers the type of lake-and-mountain trip many people seek out when the weather gets nice - and it provides all the beauty one might expect from the Lake District. If you're heading to this part of the UK, pay a visit to Aira Force, a scenic lookout spot, and mountain peak Hallin Fell – which has an impressive 4.9 stars on Google.
One delighted visitor wrote: 'Takes around 30 minutes to get to the top including short breaks to catch your breath. The reward once you get to the top is amazing views of Ullswater and beyond.
' Clovelly, North Devon Inside the scenic fishing village of Clovelly, North Devon, visitors must pay £10.90 to enter Clovelly - a seaside village set within the North Devon Coast National Landscape - remains one of the few privately owned villages in the UK, and is so well-preserved that it still runs how it once did centuries ago. The village, which dates back to the 11th century, is located on a steep, 400-ft cliffside.
Its narrow streets make driving impossible - leading to a complete ban on road vehicles. However, tourism is strictly managed, with all adult visitors charged a £10.90 fee to enter, or £6.25 for children aged between seven and 16. Once inside, visitors are free to explore its cosy lanes, hidden passageways, craft workshops, and cafés such as Clovelly Tea Rooms.
As well as entry to the village, entrance fees include access to Clovelly Court Gardens, Fisherman's Cottage and Kingsley Museum, general facilities and surrounding walks and picnic spots. The village also sits above the picturesque, 14th-century Clovelly Quay and its sheltered bay, where small fleets of fishing boats dock in emerald-blue waters that spill onto a pebbled beach.
Harbour Beach Club Hotel & Spa, Salcombe Harbour Beach Club Hotel & Spa in Salcombe is a beachside paradise - the ideal location from which to enjoy a cocktail Harbour Beach Club Hotel & Spa in Salcombe, Devon has been voted among the UK's best hotels - and is a great place to spend a bank holiday weekend, even for drinks at the fabulous bar. Looking out over Kingsbridge Estuary, the outdoor area has plush sofas and a quiet beach across the road - perfect for soaking up some rays and sipping on an ice-cold drink.
It's walking distance from Salcombe centre - but far enough away that it's quieter, without the hustle and bustle of tourists. You can also easily reach it from Salcombe harbour, with a ferry every half hour. There's a spa, too, if you fancy getting away from it all over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Trefach Holiday Park, Pembrokeshire The number one family-friendly site is Trefach Holiday Park, and it's perfect for the Bank Holiday weekend Visit the UK's best family-friendly camping site Trefach Holiday Park in Pembrokeshire for a weekend immersed in nature. Featuring an outdoor heated swimming pool, bar and restaurant on site, as well as a courtyard terrace, the campsite has a luxurious feel - and you'd be forgiven for forgetting you're in the UK, in fact just minutes from Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
It also boasts a calm, quiet ambience, with a remote location and plenty of walks to enjoy in the surrounding area. Nearby attractions include the Castell Henllys Iron Age Village and The Dinosaur Park Tenby, but the real appeal in this part of the UK is the range of animal activities on offer. From the Pembrokeshire Llamas to Folly Farm Adventure Park & Zoo and Manor Wildlife Park, there's no shortage of wildlife fun in the area.
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