When the sun shines in the UK, locals are in a good mood to enjoy the weather, and the city is full of life and energy. Incredibly, the temperature in the UK can reach up to 34 degrees in the summer!
Of course, many people are unwilling to stay indoors to cool off, and most choose to enjoy wonderful outdoor activities. Want to know how to spend a hot day in the UK? From beaches, forests, parks, and historical sites to trendy summer party spots, this article summarises the most worthwhile things to do in the UK on a hot day.
Electricity is essential in outdoor activities, so we highly recommend Jackery Solar Generators (a combination of solar panels and portable power stations) to charge all necessary devices, such as your phone, portable fan, camera, and portable cooler, without noise and pollutants.
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Key Takeaways: |
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Going outside in hot weather can reduce anxiety, boost immunity, improve sleep and promote social interaction. Here are six activities worth doing in the UK during hot weather. It's hard to stay outdoors in the heat without some preparation. High temperatures can seriously affect your health; follow these tips to keep yourself safe on a hot day. We highly recommend using a Jackery Explorer 300 Plus or 500 portable power station to charge your devices conveniently. |
Why Go Outdoors on A Hot Day?
Generally speaking, it's hot to be outside in the summer. So many people want to stay indoors during the summer to escape the heat.
While it's nice to relax in an air-conditioned room sometimes, you should still go out and enjoy the sunshine and vitality of the outdoors in the summer. Here are a few reasons why it's recommended to go outside when the weather is hot:
Reduce Anxiety: Spending time outdoors in the sun can lower the potential for anxiety and depression while also improving overall mood. Scientifically proven, regularly spending time in nature can help reduce stress and relieve anxiety. Spending more often outdoors when the weather is hot can improve your overall well-being.
Supplement Vitamin D: You can exercise indoors, but exercising outdoors in the summer can enjoy many additional health benefits. The body needs vitamin D to stay healthy. Safely exposing your skin outdoors can help you get enough vitamin D to keep your muscles healthy and prevent osteoporosis.
Boost Immunity: Spending time outdoors in the summer can positively impact your immune system, protecting us from bacteria, viruses, and fungal infections. When you breathe in the fresh air produced by plants, your white blood cell levels will increase, which improves immune system function and fights off diseases.
Stay Away from Electronic Products: Excessive use of electronic products dramatically impacts our health, and outdoor activities can help limit the time we are exposed to electronic products. Spending time outdoors will also reduce your exposure to blue light, giving your eyes a break and clearing your mind.
Studies on young children have shown that playing outside during the summer vacation can reduce the incidence of myopia. Children who play outdoors during recess have a significantly lower prevalence of myopia than those who do not play outdoors.
Improve Sleep: Exposure to natural light has been shown to help regulate sleep and wake cycles. A certain amount of sun exposure daily can improve sleep problems, enhance the quality of rest, and promote good sleep for you and your family.
Promote Social Interaction: Even on hot days, being outdoors instead of staying at home can promote social interaction between people, which is suitable for people of all ages.
Top 6 Things To Do on A Hot Day Outside
The sun is shining, and the great outdoors are calling! Beautiful beaches, dense forests, prehistoric monuments, country estates, famous landscapes, etc., are all great destinations for outdoor activities in summer. So, with so many outdoor destinations to choose from, how do you choose? You can refer to the following list of things to do on a hot day in the UK.
1. Sea Watching at Cape Blakeney
Location: The Quay, Blakeney, Holt NR25 7NF, United Kingdom (Open with Google Maps)
Phone: +44 1263 740792
Website: nationaltrust.org.uk
Opening hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m
Blakeney Head in Norfolk is home to England's largest grey seal colony, and seeing these beautiful animals is one of the best things to do in the UK during the summer. The best time to see seals at Blakeney Head is late October and January.
Boat trips depart from Moston Pier and offer great views of the Norfolk coast, local history and the migratory seabirds that call Blakeney Head home.
2. Visit Stonehenge
Location: Salisbury SP4 7DE, United Kingdom (Open with Google Maps)
Phone: +44 370 333 1181
Website: english-heritage.org.uk
Opening hours: 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m
Stonehenge in Wiltshire dates back 5,000 years. Nearly 800,000 visitors visit Stonehenge each year. This summer must-see attraction also hosts numerous events, including an impromptu planetarium, archaeological digs for children, and solstice events in summer and winter. Alternatively, you can book a unique Stonehenge experience that allows you to step into the heart of the stones.
3. Visit New Forest National Park
Location: on the south-central coast of England in Hampshire (Open with Google Maps)
Phone: +44 1590 646600
Website: thenewforest.co.uk
Opening hours: open 24 hours
Famous for its incredible scenery and wild horses, New Forest National Park is a haven for outdoor lovers. In New Forest National Park, you can explore the park's 140 miles of trails on foot, bike, or horseback.
Alternatively, you can get out on the water with stand-up paddleboards and kayaks at New Forest National Park's water parks. New Forest National Park also has 43 miles of coastline to visit Milford Sea, Lepe, and Calshot Beach.
4. Relax at Ruislip Beach
Location: HHQC+85, Ruislip HA4 7TX, United Kingdom (Open with Google Maps)
Phone: +44 1895 556000
Website: hillingdon.gov.uk
Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m
The beach at Ruislip Lido is the only beach that can be reached by metro. The great thing is that you can overlook the 60-acre lake and the trees in the distance from Ruislip Beach. However, for safety reasons, you can't go in the water.
However, Ruislip Beach is still a great place to go in the summer. You can sunbathe at Ruislip Beach and walk through the forest behind the lake. In addition, there are many shaded paths for you to walk in the ancient woodland of Ruislip Woods National Nature Reserve.
5. Visit Hyde Park
Location: park in the borough of Westminster, London (Open with Google Maps)
Phone: +44 300 061 2000
Website: royalparks.org.uk
Opening hours: 5 a.m. to 12 a.m
Hyde Park in central London has more trees than any other park in London, making it a great place to take a break outdoors. There are many supermarkets and delicatessens on the streets on both sides of the park and a bar restaurant.
So you can picnic in the shade of the trees and enjoy the beautiful view of the Serpentine Lake. If the weather is too hot, you can swim in the open-air pool by the lake or dip your feet into the shallow water of the Diana Memorial Fountain to cool down.
6. Soak Up the Beauty of Godrevy Beach
Location: Gwithian, Hayle TR27 5ED, United Kingdom (Open with Google Maps)
Phone: 01 539 558 556
Website: visitcornwall
Opening hours: open 24 hours
When you think of summer, many people think of the beach. Godrevy Beach near St Ives is often considered one of the best beaches in Cornwall. From Godrevy Beach, you can see St Ives and Godrevy Lighthouse. Of course, you can sunbathe on the golden sands of Godrevy Beach, build sandcastles on the shore, or dip in the sea.
In addition, there are idyllic coastal walks behind the spectacular Godrevy Beach. Here, you can explore the Portreath Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and enjoy unparalleled views of the Cornish coast.
How to Prepare for Outdoor Activities on A Hot Day?
The hot summer sun can be unbearable for many people. Record heat has been set worldwide recently, with relentless heatwaves sweeping the UK. As summer heat gets more intense, it can be hard to stay outdoors if we don't do something to prepare for outdoor activities.
Step 1: Plan Carefully
It's essential to plan when it comes to outdoor activities in extreme heat. Whether camping or hiking on a hot summer day, know your route and how long you plan to be away. Plan any physically demanding activities for more excellent times of the day, away from the intense sun.
Step 2: Check the Weather
Check the weather on the day of your outdoor activity to ensure you know what to wear, what activities you can do, and what extra supplies you'll need. Check the weather conditions at your destination in advance and make a complete plan, preferably with a backup plan.
Remember that the weather can change unpredictably, so be prepared for it when going outdoors is essential. You may even need to wear warm clothes in the summer, as the temperature drops quickly at night in some places.
Step 3: What To Pack
Even if you don't plan to be outdoors for a long time, it's essential to be prepared for changing weather or being out longer than expected. If you're going to be doing an outdoor activity that's long or demanding, bring extra resources you may need, including food, water, and clothing.
Like any packing list, what you need will change based on where you're going and what you plan to do. Here are some tips for packing things on a hot day activity:
- Don't bring too much! Travelling to warm places is excellent because you won't need much.
- Bring extra pants because they get worn out the fastest in the heat.
- Pack clothes that are light and airy for everything you bring.
- Bring light clothes to cover up when you get off the beach if you're going somewhere more conservative.
- Choose UPF clothes to help protect yourself from UV rays when you can.
Electricity is essential in any outdoor activity on a hot day. The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus and 500 are great power sources for charging your devices, such as your phone, portable fan, portable cooler, camera, and more.
Step 4: Stay Hydrated
During the summer, hydration is vital, as hot weather causes fluid loss. To prevent dehydration, drink water regularly. If you're engaging in prolonged or intense activity, consider drinking a drink with electrolytes to replace essential minerals lost through sweating.
Step 5: Sun Protection
When outdoors in the heat, take as much sun protection as possible, including sun-protective clothing, a sun hat, and sunscreen.
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Sun Protection Checklist |
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Sun Protection Clothing |
Loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing allows air to circulate and cool the skin underneath. Field shirts are great for regulating body temperature in hot weather, providing full sun and fly protection for the upper body. Field shirt collars can be turned up to protect the neck from the sun. |
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Sun Hats |
The skin of the human skull is covered with dense microscopic blood vessels, which have a limited ability to expand to dissipate heat in the heat. Therefore, it is essential to keep your head cool in hot weather. |
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Sunscreen |
Even if you wear clothing, a hat, and sunglasses, it is still essential to wear sunscreen on exposed skin. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against UVA (UVA radiation can cause skin damage and skin cancer.) and UVB radiation, so try to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. |
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Sunglasses |
Wear polarised sunglasses with complete UV protection to protect your eyes. Polarised sunglasses can eliminate glare from reflective surfaces such as water and snow. |
Jackery Portable Power Stations Explained
Portable power stations, especially Jackery Portable Power Stations, are now must-haves for outdoor enthusiasts because they provide stable and easy access to power in remote or off-grid areas. This is why they're essential:
- Powering Important Devices
To stay online and take pictures, charge your phones, tablets, laptops, and cameras.
It powers lights, fans, and other necessary camping gear for extra relaxation.
You may need to use devices like CPAP machines or insulin pumps in an emergency.
- Being Ready for Emergencies
This should be a stable power source in case the main power goes out or there is a natural disaster. Ensure there is power for communication, medical tools, and other things people may need in an emergency.
- Trips on A Hot Day
Use this to power your gear when you're far from a standard power source, like hiking, camping, or fishing.
It allows people to be self-sufficient and independent when doing things outside.
Using outdoors to charge summer appliances, such as portable fans, ceiling fans, AC, and coolers, is convenient.
- Easy to Use and Portability
They are portable and small enough to store, making them perfect for outdoor activities. It can be charged by solar panels, car chargers, or wall outlets from various power sources.
Jackery Explorer 300 Plus
The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus features a LiFePO4 battery, rendering it more lightweight than competing devices, with a weight of only 3.75kg, facilitating effortless mobility for outdoor activities, particularly on hot days.
The Explorer 300 Plus is a portable power station featuring a 300W AC Pure Sine Wave Inverter (600W Surge Peak) and a capacity 288Wh. It can charge up to four devices concurrently, facilitated by one AC, USB-A, and USB-C output, enabling rapid and effortless charging of multiple devices. Furthermore, it is lightweight and sufficiently compact to fit in a rucksack, facilitating convenient transport.
The MPPT technique guarantees 99% efficiency in solar charging. A complete wall charge requires 2 hours, whereas solar charging with a single SolarSaga 200W panel necessitates 4 hours. With car charging capabilities, concerns over power disruptions will be alleviated.
Jackery Explorer 500
The Jackery Explorer 500 is a portable power station with a capacity of 518Wh lithium. It is among the lightest and most portable rechargeable lithium battery generators available.
The Jackery Explorer 500 features a 518-watt-hour (24Ah, 21.6V) lithium-ion battery pack and a pure sine wave inverter. It includes one AC outlet (230V 500W 1000W peak), three USB-A connections, two DC connectors, and one carport to operate low to high-power appliances, such as a portable fan, portable cooler, and more.The Jackery Explorer 500 portable power station has approximately the dimensions of a basketball and features a robust grip. The Jackery Explorer 500's lightweight and small design makes it ideal for road trips, RV camping, picnicking, and additional activities.
Beat The Heat in The UK
After knowing the things to do on a hot day in the UK, it is time to understand the risks of heat. High temperatures can seriously affect your health, especially during heatwaves, so watching for signs of heatstroke is essential.
In 2022, temperatures in the UK will reach 40 degrees for the first time. Hot days and heatwaves are expected to become more prolonged and extreme in the coming decades.
What Effects Does Exposure To Extreme Heat Have on the Body?
The body normally cools itself down by sweating. But in some cases, sweating isn't enough, so a person's body temperature rises rapidly. Heatstroke, or heat cramps, occur when body temperature rises to dangerous levels, and the body can no longer cool itself down.
Heat Stroke
Typically, the body temperature may increase to 106°F or higher after a heat stroke within 10 to 15 minutes. Warning Signs of Heat Stroke:
- Extremely high body temperature (greater than 103°F)
- Red, warm, dry skin (without sweating)
- Confusion or loss of consciousness
- Dizziness
- Throbbing headache
- Nausea
- Muscle cramps
What to do if you have heat stroke:
- Get to the shade and rest as soon as possible.
- Immerse in a basin of cool water or take a cold shower.
- Rehydrate as soon as possible.
- Seek medical help as soon as possible.
Heat Cramps
Heat cramps are muscle pains or cramps, usually in the abdomen, arms, or legs, that may be associated with strenuous activity. Because sweating depletes the body of salt and water, low muscle salt levels can cause painful cramps. What to do if you have a heat cramp:
- Sit quietly in a cool place.
- Rehydrate with water or sports drinks.
- Avoid strenuous activity for several hours after the cramps subside.
- See a doctor if the heat cramps don't subside within 1 hour.
Who Is More Vulnerable to Hot Days?
Several factors affect the body's ability to cool down in scorching weather. For example, humidity, age, and physical condition. So, people who are most vulnerable to heat waves include:
- Infants and children under four years old
- People aged 65 and over
- Overweight people
- Pregnant women
- People with chronic medical conditions
- People living in urban areas and on the top floors of buildings
Tips for Dealing with Hot Days in the UK
You never know how long hot weather will last or how severe its effects will be - adhere to these tips to ensure your safety and mitigate health repercussions upon arrival.
Weather Watch: Stay updated on hot weather and stay alert.
Avoid the Heat: Avoid the hottest part of the day, usually between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Rest in the shade or do outdoor activities if you can't avoid it.
Check That Electrical Appliances Are Working Properly: Check that refrigerators, freezers, fans, and air conditioning units work correctly. If your home has a ventilation system, check that it is turned on and working correctly.
Watch Out for More Vulnerable People and Animals: Infants, children, pets, people with underlying health conditions, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable in hot weather, so find out if anyone around you needs extra care. Don't travel with pets when the weather is scorching.
First Aid Skills: When it's hot outside, it can be dangerous to do things like swim in open water. So, learning how to swim and basic first aid skills is essential. Learning basic first aid skills for conditions like heat stroke and cramps is also necessary.
Acclimate Gradually: Give your body time to adjust to hot weather. Acclimatising to hot weather helps your body regulate its temperature better, improves your endurance and reduces your risk of heat-related illness.
Things To Do on A Hot Day FAQs
The following are the frequently asked questions about the things to do on a hot day in the UK:
- How much water should I drink on a hot day?
On a hot day, you must increase your fluid intake regardless of your activity level. Remember not to wait until thirsty to drink water; you must drink a certain amount regularly to keep your urine colour and volume regular. In addition, avoid drinking alcoholic fluids during strenuous exercise on a hot day.
- Can eating ice cream effectively cool you down on a hot day?
Generally speaking, eating ice cream on a hot day to cool you down is not recommended.
Ice cream may have a short-term cooling effect, but its impact may backfire over time. Ice cream is made mainly of milk, fat, and sugar, so it takes a lot of energy to break down.
Breaking down ice cream in the body releases heat, a process called diet-induced thermogenesis. So, eating ice cream on a hot day may generate extra calories and fail to achieve a cooling effect.
- What kind of clothing is best for a hot day?
On a hot day, wear light, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing. In addition, a wide-brimmed hat can block the sun and keep your head cool.
Sunburn affects the body's ability to cool itself and causes fluid loss, which can also cause pain and skin damage. So, if you must go out, apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out and reapply according to the instructions.
Final Thoughts
When the summer heat hits the UK, hiding in a dark room in front of a fan or lying in the cool shade of a tree in a park may seem like the only reasonable option. But if you want to take advantage of the excellent weather, there are plenty of other options.
We've listed the top 6 things to do on a hot day in the UK and gave some practical tips and advice for dealing with the risks of hot weather. Of course, staying hydrated and avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun are essential.
