Cooler temperature travel

Where's 'cool' in the UK this summer?

Below we’ve compiled a list of places that are cool by all definitions - experiencing less than hot weather conditions, and providing plenty of fun activities and things to do.

To find the coolest of them all, we did some digging into which areas of the UK have experienced heatwave conditions over the past five years. The Met Office defines a heatwave as a period of at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold. Accurate heatwave data is tricky to obtain as there are variations in regional temperature thresholds, but generally the counties below have experienced heatwave conditions since 2020.

Greater London, Essex, Kent, Surrey, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire

In some cases, such as in 2022, these locations have seen temperatures above 40C!

So now we know the 'hot' spots, let's find out where to go for cooler temperatures in the UK:

• The Highlands

• Alnmouth, Northumberland

• Buxton, Peak District

• Alston, Cumbria

• Bala, Snowdonia

The Highlands 

What’s the weather like in The Highlands?

The Highlands featuring on our list of coolest places might not come as a surprise, given that this landscape is synonymous with snowy mountains and highland cattle with thick winter coats! 

Braemar in the Cairngorms, and Dalwhinnie, just east of Fort William, are known to be the coolest places in Scotland. The cooler temperatures are caused by the area’s geography, with the surrounding mountains causing a bowl effect that traps cooler air. The altitude here helps too - Dalwhinnie for example has an altitude of 351 metres above sea level! And for more shocking stats, Braemar dropped to a chilly 27C one chilly January day in 1982. Now of course winter is a different kettle of fish to summer, but records show that both of these locations are consistently cool throughout the year, and the trend is replicated across most of The Highlands. These reliable conditions mean that the highest temperature ever recorded in Braemar was 30C in the 1970s, while in recent years the highest typical temperature has been a pleasant 18C. This cooler temperature doesn’t stop Braemar from being a sunny and green spot however, with nearby Aberdeen being recorded as having the most sunlight hours in Scotland, and the area offering lush green surroundings, including pine forests.

What should I do in The Highlands? 

There’s plenty to do in the Highlands, and especially when the weather is balmy and pleasant but not too hot! Our hot pick (or cool pick, if you’d rather!) is wild swimming at the Linn of Dee. This area was a favourite of Queen Victoria, and the rocky outcrops here are a sight to behold. For the best swimming conditions, make sure to stay downstream of the Gothic style bridge as this is where the water is shallower and a more pleasant temperature. 

You could also try your hand at some Highland games. There are events held throughout the summer months, traditionally from May to September and there are plenty of amateur opportunities at these events too. Now’s your time to try out the caber toss, or why not don your robes for some lively Highland dancing! Highland games events are found across a wide range of towns in the Highlands and if you don’t fancy taking part in the activities, you can enjoy the stalls selling local crafts and produce. 

Other Highland activity insights:

Balmoral Castle - visit the famous home of the Royal family! - 9 miles outside Braemar 

Royal Lochnagar Distillery - when in Rome, taste the country's biggest export where it's made - 10 miles outside Braemar

Glenshee Ski Centre - keep cool and hit the slopes for a fun day out -10 miles outside Braemar

For even more inspiration, read our guide to the Scottish Highlands.

Where should I stay in The Highlands?

Calvine Holiday Park in Pitlochry, Southern Highlands | Hoseasons 

Make sure to explore holidays in all the Highland regions we've mentioned, from the Cairngorms, to Fort William.

Alnmouth, Northumberland

What’s the weather like in Northumberland?

This list wouldn’t be complete without a slice of Northumberland. One of our favourite stretches of England, this county in the North East has the charm and beauty of Cornwall, but with less of the heat! While temperatures have been known to rise here, the hottest being 37C in July 2022 when much of England saw sweltering conditions, there are some key spots to avoid the uncomfortable conditions. Your best bets are Druridge Bay and Alnmouth, two spots that are less sheltered from the wind coming across the North Sea and so enjoy the cooling impact of the water. The beauty of these two locations is unmatched - you can spend hours watching the water move across the estuary at Alnmouth and fill up the rock pools that line the shore. You might be lucky to spot a starfish or two!

Northumberland is a beautiful county and has been said to offer every weather condition in one day, as well as every type of landscape. From stunning golden sands on the coast, to the lush green and mountainous areas of the Northumberland National Park and Cheviot hills. Flocks of visitors enjoy the hiking routes of this area, and on clear evenings, experience the wonder of the dark sky too. At Kielder, you’ll find an observatory to make the most of the exceptional starry nights. Northumberland National Park is a Dark Sky Park, recognised for its efforts to minimise light pollution and maximise on dark sky viewing.

What should I do in Northumberland?

It’s well worth a short journey to Craster when staying in Alnmouth. As well as being cooling, you might also catch the scent of Craster’s famous kippers on the sea breeze - it’s enough to make tummies rumble! And as we said, rock pooling at Alnmouth is a wonderful way to while away the hours. 

When staying in this area, we'd suggest a further drive up the coast to Seahouses where you can catch a boat out to the Farne Islands for a chance to see the puffins that inhabit the island. The tours are operated by Billy Shiel, and a bonus is that dogs are welcome on the trips! They aren’t allowed on Inner Farne in order to protect the precious habitat of the birds. Dogs are also welcome on a number of Northumberland’s beaches, including the famous Bamburgh beach. 

Looking for dog-friendly accommodation? Check out our dog-friendly holidays in Northumberland!

Other Northumberland activity insights: 

The Alnwick Garden - explore everything from sweet cherry blossoms, to a poison garden full of nasties! 4 miles outside Alnmouth

Northumberland’s Castles - There are over 70 castles in the county, but you won’t want to miss Dunstanburgh Castle ruins and Harry Potter star Alnwick Castle. From 4 miles outside Alnmouth.

Where should I stay in Northumberland?

Percy Wood Country Park in Morpeth, Northumberland | Hoseasons

And there's plenty more where that came from, with our full collection of Northumberland holidays!

Buxton, Peak District

What’s the weather like in the Peak District?

It might seem unusual that a landlocked location would make this list, given that we’ve talked so much about how proximity to a large body of water is a major cooling factor. You might be even more surprised to find Buxton on this list then given that it is home to a geothermal spring! 

Bear with us on this - the warm and healing waters that make Buxton a famous spa town have nothing to do with keeping things cool. Buxton is able to keep temperatures on the cooler side due to its lofty elevation and location within a bowl-shaped area. Being so close to the Peak District national park is also a major factor, as it is known that trees and green landscape have a cooling effect. The area is also famous for its mysterious cave systems, some of which have been excavated and are now open to the public to explore. One of the caves, Peak Cavern in Castleton, is home to a cinema so visitors can enjoy films in a truly majestic setting! The caves are cool places to be, with temperatures typically around 9C. Most underground places are cooler as a general rule, except for the London Underground which is famously dug out of clay and so traps hot air. It has been getting hotter and hotter since its construction in the 1860s!

What should I do in the Peak District?

As well as geothermal springs, the area also has a number of mineral rich springs that come down from the Peaks. These springs have led to the creation of stunning clear water pools, perfect for wild swimming! Chee Dale, close to Buxton, is a prime example of a gorge walk with dramatic panoramic views. It has stepping stones to guide you across the River Wye, or for a more up-close experience, take a dip in the water. 

We’d also recommend a visit to Scrivener’s Bookshop in Buxton. This whopping bookshop covers five floors and is estimated to house over forty thousand books! All secondhand, and ranging across different topics, you’re sure to find something to read whilst you’re on holiday. Even if you’re not a bookworm, the character and history of the bookshop is well worth visiting - there’s a harmonium you can play, and a tiny museum to explore! 

Other Peak District activity insights:

Naze View Alpaca Experience - for animal encounters you’ll never forget! 8 miles outside Buxton

Cable Cars at the Heights of Abraham - see this beautiful part of the world from above. 22 miles outside Buxton. 

Where should I stay in the Peak District?

Lime Tree Park in Buxton, Peak District | Hoseasons

And don't miss out on exploring our full collection of Buxton holidays!

Alston, Cumbria  

What’s the weather like in Alston?

Much like a number of the locations on this list, Alston benefits from the cooling effect of the nearby Lake District mountains. As well as this, Alston is in the North Pennines National landscape and close to the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), which is one of the snowiest places in England! Copley, a small town east of Alston, sees an average of 53 days of snowfall per year. Alston itself is England’s highest market town, at 1043 feet above sea level.

The area is home to an expanse of heather moorland, peatland, some woodland, dales and hay meadows and due to this exposed environment, winds can be high, helping to keep things cool. There are a number of rivers sourced in the North Pennines given its high elevation and so plenty of watery spots to cool down in! Ashgill Force is a favourite because of its beautiful limestone and dramatic waterfall. The experience is heightened by the sight of dragonflies, which are often seen hovering above the water. For another stunning waterfall experience, visit Slitt Wood falls, an enchanting spot on the site of a former mine and deep within the woodland of Weardale. 

What should I do in Alston?

A must visit when in Alston is the Nent Head Mines, which gives you a real insight into the rich industrial history of the area. While the area seems like a peaceful patch of natural beauty, for many years it was a hive of industrial activity with the landscape littered with machinery, spoil heaps and transportation tracks. Nearby you’ll also find Nent Force Level, an underground canal that was originally constructed to remove floodwaters from the lead mines beneath Alston Moor, as well as a way to explore other mineral extraction opportunities in the area. During the Victorian era, visitors flocked to boats carrying passengers through the canal to get a glimpse of the murky world beneath the moor! Unfortunately the canal is currently closed to the public, but the mines themselves are run by a charity and open to the public.

If Britain's waterways are up your street, make sure to check out our guide to best canal routes.

Epiacum Roman Fort also known as Whitley Castle, is found just a five minute drive from Alston and is a chance to see ancient history up close! While no evidence of mining has been uncovered here, the fort played a key role in controlling the mining activities in the area, as well as being a garrison for hundreds of soldiers, and living quarters for their families. For a different kind of day out with history, visit the South Tynedale Railway to see the steam and diesel locomotives. Dogs are welcome on the trains so you can bring the whole family along for a journey through to Kirkhaugh, Lintley Halt, Slaggyford and back again!

Other Cumbria activity insights:

Long Meg and Her Daughters - this stone circle in Husonby is a chance to explore a different level of history in Cumbria! 15 miles outside Alston. 

Haltwhistle - if the Epicaum Roman fort piqued your interest, head to Haltwhistle to see more Roman remnants, including Hadrian's Wall. 15 miles outside Alston. 

Where should I stay in Cumbria?

Parmontley Hall Lodges in Whitfield, Hexham, Northumberland | Hoseasons

But that's not all, we've got plenty more holidays in Cumbria where that came from!

Bala, Snowdonia

What’s the weather like in Snowdonia?

Also known as Eyri, this beautiful national park has a lot going for it in terms of keeping cool. With its high elevation and proximity to a vast body of water, Bala Lake, there are a number of factors keeping the temperatures down. While the area can reach higher temperatures, the wind chill factor in higher spots often brings the temperature down by at least a few degrees. The summit can even be around freezing during the summer, and is generally around 10C cooler than the base.

Wales is often considered to be a very rainy country, and this is due to moist air coming in from the Atlantic Ocean. The summit of Snowdon sees an average of 5,000mm of rain, while the surrounding towns are closer to 3,000mm. What could be more cooling than being caught in a shower!

What should I do in Snowdonia?

Bala Lake should definitely be on your list of places to visit whilst you are in the area. The lake is a peaceful spot for a picnic, and is home to a wide range of rare fish species. You’ll also find people enjoying the water on canoes and kayaks! For more adrenaline pumping watersports, try out white-water rafting on one of the rivers that feeds Bala Lake. 

If you’d like to experience Snowdon up close but don’t fancy the almighty hike, it’s a great idea to hop on the Snowdon mountain railway which takes you right to the top, across the rocky terrain and past the sheep that live on the mountain! You’ll find plenty of spots to take photos here.

Other Snowdonia activity insights:

Bodnant Gardens - this National trust garden has an abundance of plants, and a dazzling waterfall. 35 miles from Bala.

Fairy Glen - There’s something truly magical about this rocky gorge in Betws-y-Coed, and it’s the perfect wild swimming spot. 23 miles from Bala. 

Wales' castles - we've pulled together a list of our favourite Welsh castles to visit!

Where should I stay in Snowdonia?

Pen-y-Garth Lodges in Bala, Wales | Hoseasons 

We have a whole collection of holidays in North Wales, whether you want to stay as close to the mountain as possible, or explore the wider Snowdonia area.

Plan your adventure to the coolest spots in the UK

We hope this list has helped inspire your UK staycation this summer, and made it clear that there's plenty to do in spots away from the heat. From dips in cooling waters, to boat trips and train rides, there's so much on offer whatever the weather!

If we haven't quite convinced you, and a trip during the cooler months sounds more appealing, make sure to take advantage of our offer, and book your 2026 trip from just £25!

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