It has been a long summer of high temperatures and cloudless skies, and it’s still not over! While that may not be great for the amount you’re spending on deodorant and ice creams, it can mean squeezing in a few more adventures.

If you’re planning a day trip, it is probably a good idea to seek out destinations with sea breezes, shaded woodland trails or refreshing stretches of water to increase your chances of enjoying yourself. Here are 30 places that tick those boxes…

The Grade II listed saltwater pool, opened in 1935, continues to be a favourite for locals and tourists alike. The Art Deco bath is positioned to perfectly overlook Plymouth Sound, making it a beautiful place to do some lengths and benefit from the breeze. The sun terrace and café mean the day doesn’t have to end when you’re done cosplaying as Michael Phelps. Adults from £6.60, from £5.95; tinsidelido.co.uk

The Nothe Fort, Weymouth, Dorset

Originally built as a fortress to protect the coastline, it is now a fascinating museum with cool underground tunnels to explore. Once back outside, you can look out at views of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast stretching away either side. Adults £11, children £4.50; nothefort.org.uk

As the beach is just outside central Weymouth, you’ll find fewer crowds fighting to lay down their towels, but you still have turquoise waters and earthy-toned pebbles among which to make yourself at home for the day.

Seven Sisters Country Park, East Sussex

The Seven Sisters Country Park has become a bit of a TikTok phenomenon, with groups descending on the area for a walk. Cuckmere River with its open-water sport or the pebble beach at Cuckmere Haven are ideal if you don’t fancy doing the full route, but still want to take in the picturesque chalk cliffs and blue waters. Free; sevensisters.org.uk

During the summer, routes are created off the usual beaten track so that even year-round regulars can discover new parts of the forest. The towering canopies provide a welcome sanctuary as you explore the world’s largest collection of conifers. Free (parking charges apply); forestryengland.uk/bedgebury

The National Trust site wholeheartedly embraces natural and varied scenery, so there are many unexpected treats, from the water lilies floating across the moat surrounding the castle to the wildflowers flourishing on the grassy banks. Roll out your picnic blanket under a tree at the top of the garden to enjoy a picture-perfect view of the castle. Adults £22, children over 5 £11; nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/scotney-castle

It may be less famous than some of London’s other parks, but Beckenham Place Park has plenty going for it. Its formal gardens are home to a bar serving Aperol Spritz on tap, while live music fills the park every Sunday. Then there’s London’s first purpose-built swimming lake, where visitors can try everything from wild swimming to stand-up paddleboard yoga. Just don’t forget your Dryrobe. £7 per hour for lake access; beckenhamplacepark.com

The capital has got itself a new lido to further cater for the city-dwellers looking for water to escape to on warm days. The 50-metre pool in the middle of the towers of Canary Wharf is as much about the poolside offerings too – saunas, great food and drink, and plenty of decking to lay your towel on. From £10; sealanescanarywharf.co.uk

East of England

When Kate Moss asked, “Why can’t I have fun all the time?”, she raised an interesting psychological question and set herself a challenge. If she’s ever struggling to keep her pursuit going, then Alton Water’s man-made reservoir is a great option. The highlight is a giant inflatable assault course where you can slide, zip, splash, leap and race, while looking out at the seemingly endless greenery. Aqua Park 1-hour session £20pp; anglianwaterparks.co.uk/alton-water

Pastel-coloured houses, gently swaying boats and a gorgeous pebble beach make Aldeburgh the kind of idyllic day at the seaside that Cliff Richard tends to sing about. Lunch has to be fish and chips, with vendors cooking in the same traditional beef dripping since 1967, and it’s basically law you eat from the paper while looking out to the horizon. Free; aldeburghsuffolk.com

Although sadly you won’t see Chris Hemsworth here, you can be consoled by the cathedral-esque limestone arch that protrudes over Manifold Valley. The cave entrance is reached via a 10-minute path. It is quite steep, so unless you have superpowers, we recommend suitable shoes. Free; peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/places-to-visit/thors-cave

The medieval market town is famously the birthplace of William Shakespeare, so naturally has plenty of historic landmarks to explore as well as being home to the Royal Shakespeare Company. But on a hot day, head straight to River Avon, where you can hire a rowing boat and glide past the swans. A romantic experience that Romeo and Juliet themselves would have adored. From £11 for boat hire; visitstratforduponavon.co.uk

Yorkshire and the Humber

Helmsley Open Air Swimming Pool, Helmsley, York

Yorkshire’s only 25-metre heated outdoor pool is located at the edge of North York Moors National Park and sheltered beneath the remains of a medieval castle, making it a countryside gem. If the warmer evenings have become the bane of your life, a moonlight swim here could change everything. £6.75 for adults and £4.15 for children; helmsleyopenairpool.org

Hamsterley Forest, Bishop Auckland, County Durham

Taking off your shoes and socks to wade in a stream surrounded by tall pine trees that sprawl along a sheltered valley is a postcard-perfect summer’s day. It can be easily achieved at Hamsterley Forest. Free (car parking charges apply); forestryengland.uk/hamsterley-forest

The largest capacity man-made lake in the UK holds 200 billion litres of water, so that should be just enough to help you cope in a heatwave. Situated inside an expansive forest park, you can enjoy sailing, boat tours, kayaking and canoeing. Otherwise, you can explore the flat terrain on a leisurely cycle or glacial walk. Free; visitkielder.com

Cathedral Quarry, Little Langdale, Cumbria

In 1929, Beatrix Potter gifted the disused slate quarry to the National Trust, which has taken good care of it for the past nine decades. It is only accessible by foot, and a 2-3km walk from the nearest car parks. Once there, the shortest route takes just 15 minutes to reach the deep stone chambers, which include shaded underground tunnels that provide a refreshing refuge. Free; nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/the-langdales/a-guide-to-visiting-cathedral-quarry

When you think of Liverpool, gorgeous beaches aren’t necessarily the first thing that comes to mind, but they are competing with The Beatles, so it is to be expected. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t exist – the golden Formby Beach is evidence. Backed by high dunes and pine woodlands, it’s the ideal place to actually enjoy the sun. Free (charges at National Trust car park; nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/liverpool-lancashire/formby)

Borrowdale Temperate Rainforest, Lake District

This magical part of Cumbria remains largely untouched, making it feel like a secret world tucked away. With rare moss-draped oak trees and natural high moisture levels, it is a shaded microclimate, ideal for hiking and spotting wildlife. Keep your eye out for red squirrels and birds of prey. Free; nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/borrowdale-and-derwent-water/borrowdale-nnr

In the scenic town, the rugged mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) frame the gorgeous sandy beaches of Cardigan Bay and the Mawddach Estuary. This provides a mix of alpine and seaside that is as rare as it is beautiful. With a refreshing breeze coming in from the Irish Sea, you are less likely to be sweating over your sandcastles.

The River Dee flows through North Wales and Cheshire, and the section that meanders through Llangollen has plenty of activities to lure passers-by onto the water. On a hot day, you can paddle across on one of the popular canoe tours or join a white water-rafting session for a more thrilling afternoon. Prices start from £55; llangollen.org.uk

The three-tiered waterfall cascading down a cliff face is a spectacular natural sight, and so it is unsurprisingly considered one of the Seven Wonders of Wales. The shallow pool is a popular spot for a bit of cold-water immersion – you’re likely to want a refreshing dip, rather than a long soak – and the rocky terrain can be uneven, so wear aqua shoes if you can. Free; visitmidwales.co.uk

The picturesque village of Tintern is surrounded by the woodlands of the Wye Valley, making it a shady patch of greenery. Stroll the riverbanks for an extra cooling breeze, visit the ruins of Tintern Abbey (immortalised by Wordsworth) and stop at The Old Station, a 10-acre Victorian railway station, featuring restored carriages, a tea room and a miniature railway. Free; visitmonmouthshire.com (admission fee to Abbey; cadw.gov.wales)

Originally opened in 1927, this Grade II listed lido was greatly missed during its 14-year restoration before reopening in 2015. They’ve managed to keep charming original details, such as wooden cubicles and old turnstiles, while upgrading the facilities. Situated in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, three outdoor pools ensure that there’s room for all, whether you’re a serious swimmer or someone looking to frolic with a noodle. From £3.50; rctcbc.gov.uk

Falls of Falloch, Stirling

The story goes that 18th century Scottish outlaw and folk hero Rob Roy MacGregor used the plunge pool filled with icy mountain water as a hiding spot, which earned it the nickname Rob Roy’s Bathtub. You can follow in his strokes and enjoy the delights under a 30ft waterfall – just a short woodland walk stands between you and a refreshing dip. Free; lochlomond-trossachs.org

One of the largest sea cave entrances in mainland Britain encloses a hidden waterfall and three natural limestone caverns. Entry to the main cavern is completely free, but to get even further inside, you can board a boat and explore the pitch-black inner chamber. Boat ride is £15 for adults, £5 for children – cash only; smoocavetours.com

Inchcailloch, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Southern Highlands

After just a five-minute ferry ride from Balmaha, you’ll find shaded trails, peaceful coves and the ruins of a historic church on the beautiful island of Inchcailloch. A special part of Scotland’s second national park that not everyone takes the time to explore. Boat ride is £10 for adults, £5 for children; lochlomond-trossachs.org; Ferry: balmahaboatyard.co.uk

With the cool waters of the Atlantic and westerly winds, temperatures in Paisley rarely exceed 25°C, so it has become an increasingly popular escape from the heat. Take time to marvel at the delightful 14th century Gothic architecture of Paisley Abbey before a stroll through Barshaw Park, home to the Paisley Model Yacht Club, who have used the scenic pond since 1895. Come at the right time, and you can feel like you’re living out the opening scene of (without a talking mouse). Free; paisley.is

A curved sandy beach is cradled between two rocky points, making it a secluded spot for relaxing, reading a good book or eating a picnic. There is plenty of wildlife to spot, from otters to butterflies, but it is the cows that garner the most attention. The herd belongs to a local farmer who rents out the land for grazing, and the incongruity of the situation has meant they have become a famous sight in their own right. Free (charges at National Trust car park; nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/white-park-bay)

Surrounded by lush trees and local wildlife, a magical waterfall is hidden inside a mossy gorge, looks like something from a fairy tale. The whimsical spot is just 100ft from the charming village of Gleno, so after marvelling at the natural beauty, you can take yourself to farm shop, The Dairy, for lunch and ice cream. Free (charges at National Trust car park; nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/glenoe)

The park, which was donated by philanthropist Lady Dixon in 1959, has plenty of woodland, gardens and meadows with shaded benches for breaks. The highlight is perhaps the thousands of roses still blooming, making it a beautiful experience for the eyes, nose and your Instagram grid. With the sun beating, a long walk may be off the to-do list, but in the grounds, visitors will find three trails all under two miles. Perfect, perfect, perfect. Free; belfastcity.gov.uk