Sweltering summer temperatures at home mean that more British holidaymakers are swapping Greece for Gloucestershire and the Côte d’Azur for Cornwall this year. Here are the best UK places to holiday and escape the blistering summer heat.
Ok, what exactly is a coolcation?
It doesn’t take a genius to work it out: coolcation is a portmanteau of cool and vacation. As climate change, heatwaves and wildfires are causing chaos across Europe, holidaymakers are turning to cooler climes for their summer getaway.
So where can you go on a coolcation?
Fancy a coolcation? The Nordic countries, the British Isles and Canada are among the tempting new options for international travellers, as places like Spain, Italy, Greece and Portugal are feeling the effects of the heatwaves.
But rather than fly over to another cooler country, why not visit somewhere in the British Isles? Preferably somewhere you could travel to on public transport? After all, not all of the UK is currently sweltering – lots of coastal spots have a lovely sea breeze, mountain ranges have higher altitudes with cooler temperatures, while much of Scotland and the North of England boast deep, chilled lakes and shady forests and woodlands.
Best UK coolcation destinations to escape the heat
1. Scottish Highlands
Thanks to its mountainous landscape, the Cairngorms has remained one of the coolest parts of the UK this summer. In fact, the Cairngorms experience the lowest overall year-round temperature averages due to the high altitude and wind chill.
2. Lake District
The Lake District National Park is made up of a stunning 912 square miles of high mountains, lakes, rivers and coastline. That said, it’s one of the most popular national parks in Britain – so you’re likely to see a few other holidaymakers on your travels. But don’t worry, there are hundreds of miles of footpaths in the Lake District, so you’ll be able to enjoy some alone time too. Plus, you can always cool off in a lake after a day in the fells.
Temperatures in the Lake District this summer have averaged between 17°C and 19°C in the valleys, with cooler temperatures felt at the higher fell tops.
3. Northumberland
With open moorland, wild woodland and epic waterfalls, Northumberland National Park is the perfect place to go to get away from the intense heat. Hugging the border between England and Scotland, Northumberland benefits from much cooler climates during heatwaves in the rest of England. As well as the classic walk along Hadrian’s Wall, there are plenty of other walks to explore in Northumberland National Park. Plus, you could head out to the coast and go for a dip in the North Sea. That’ll cool you off good and proper.
Temperatures in Northumberland this summer have averaged between 18°C and 19°C during the days.
4. Eryri (Snowdonia)
To make the most of the cooler nights, why not stay in one of Snowdonia’s bothies? The mountainous region of Snowdonia is famed for its peaks, but it also boasts around 35 beautiful beaches too, so you can air your toes after a long day in the hills.
Temperatures in Snowdonia this summer have averaged between 16°C and 17°C at elevation, while lower valleys have sat around 20°C and 21°C.
5. Peak District
In England’s Peak District National Park, you’ll have a full 555 square miles of hills, dales, rivers and streams to romp around in.
Temperatures in the Peak District this summer have averaged between 17°C and 19°C.
6. Outer Hebrides
While the photos of the crystal-clear waters and wide, sandy beaches of the Outer Hebrides might suggest you’re heading to a tropical paradise, you’re unlikely to be able to sit and tan in a bikini for very long in the far northern reaches of Scotland. The Western Isles are some of the most stunning and ecologically rich lands of the UK, with peatlands, lochs and mountains to discover.
Temperatures in the Outer Hebrides have averaged between 16°C and 18°C, but with many of the islands exposed to the direct path of the powerful transatlantic storm track, it’s rare that you’ll ever be too hot here.
