When the UK heatwave hits, there are two types of people: those who love the sun and those who melt faster than a 99 flake. If you’re in the latter camp—or you’re just trying to find a moment of peace away from sticky tube seats and sweltering top-floor flats—this is your ultimate free guide to staying cool this July.
These hand-picked, secret (and semi-secret) cool-down spots across the UK are refreshing, aesthetic, and totally free to enter. Think shady hideaways, splash zones, icy lidos, and breezy escapes designed for hot girl walks and chill-down afternoons. Let’s dive in—pun fully intended.
1. Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds – London
Why it’s iconic: The ponds are a rite of passage for Londoners during heatwaves. With separate men’s, women’s, and mixed ponds, this is wild swimming at its most urban and cool.
Expert tip: Head early morning for fewer crowds. The surrounding woodlands offer a blissfully shaded reading nook.
What’s free: Entry to the heath and shaded lounging zones. The ponds now operate on a pay-what-you-can model (suggested donation £4.25), but you won’t be turned away.
Stephi-style bonus: Bring a pastel-striped towel and a vintage novel for instant film energy.
2. Port Meadow – Oxford
Why it’s underrated: A vast expanse of meadowland with direct access to the River Thames. Locals flock here for picnics, paddle dips, and dreamy dog walks.
Expert find: The tree-lined banks near Godstow Lock have small natural coves perfect for cooling your feet while journaling or people-watching.
Why it matters in 2025: Nature-based coping strategies during heat spikes are trending on Google Trends—expect this to gain social traction.
3. St Dunstan-in-the-East – London
Secret garden escape: A semi-ruined church turned ethereal jungle. Think vines, gothic archways, and soft stone seating in the shade.
Cool-down factor: It’s consistently 2–3°C cooler than the surrounding City streets thanks to dense stone and greenery.
Local secret: It’s almost silent on weekday afternoons, with occasional violin buskers. Bring iced matcha and zone out.
4. Jesmond Dene – Newcastle upon Tyne
Why it’s magical: This hidden woodland gorge follows a fast-flowing stream, complete with waterfalls and mossy shade.
Great for: Family walks, photography, or walking meditations through the cool forest canopy.
Free perk: Wildlife-spotting is peak in July—look out for kingfishers and red squirrels.
5. Janet’s Foss Waterfall – Yorkshire Dales
Ultimate cool girl spot: This natural plunge pool is surrounded by lush woodland, and the waterfall mist will chill you instantly.
Local tip: Arrive early or mid-evening to avoid hikers. The trail from Malham village is short and scenic.
Viral moment alert: Trending under #wildswimminguk and #fossfalls – wear something linen and floaty for the ‘accidentally whimsical’ reel.
6. Cambridge Botanical Gardens – Cambridge
Botanical bliss: 40 acres of curated shade and lush pathways, with a microclimate that feels tropical without being stifling.
What’s free: Entry is usually paid, but the perimeter walk (aka the ‘cool circuit’) gives serious greenhouse-glow energy without a ticket.
Expert move: Stand near the irrigation fountains around golden hour—just misty enough to revive your brain.
7. Glasgow’s Pollok Country Park
Why it’s perfect: Woodlands, riverside trails, and vast shaded gardens.
Unique feature: Home to Highland cattle and a hidden art walk near the Burrell Collection.
Local secret: There’s a tiny glen near the river where you can dip your hands and feel the chill all the way to your elbows.
8. Bristol Harbourside Splash Areas
Why it’s fun: Central Bristol turns playful during heatwaves, and Millennium Square’s fountains are your free answer to city heat.
Great for: Kids, content creators, or anyone up for a spontaneous splash.
Pro tip: Sit under the shaded trees just east of the fountains with a frozen smoothie.
9. The Glen – Helensburgh, Scotland
Tucked-away trail: A densely wooded glen with cascading streams and natural bridges. Perfect for escaping urban heat.
Why it works: Scotland’s cool air + stream mist = nature’s AC system.
Photography note: Misty mornings or golden hour are dreamy for portraits.
10. Brockwell Park Lido Surrounds – London
Iconic energy: While the lido is ticketed, the shady park spaces around it are free and equally cooling.
Local hack: Use a hand-held fan and sit under the weeping willows with your feet in a splash pad. Hydrate and radiate.
Stephi bonus: Bring your cutest retro cooler bag filled with icy fruit and polaroids.
FAQ – How to Beat the Heatwave in the UK July 2025
Hampstead Heath Ponds are the go-to, with a pay-what-you-can model and beautiful nature.
Try St Dunstan-in-the-East in London, Jesmond Dene in Newcastle, or Janet’s Foss in Yorkshire.
Stick to known wild swimming spots and avoid fast-flowing or murky areas. Always check local advisories.
London, Newcastle, Cambridge, Liverpool and Glasgow offer excellent parks and gardens to cool off without spending money.
Millennium Square in Bristol or the shady glades of Pollok Park in Glasgow are fun and family-friendly.
Hot Take – The Free Cool-Down Economy
As heatwaves become more frequent in the UK, access to free, safe, and restorative cooling spaces is more important than ever. Public gardens, wild swimming, shaded heritage sites—these aren’t just luxuries anymore. They’re survival sanctuaries.
In 2025, expect even more people to romanticize their summer around these experiences. Being cool is no longer just aesthetic—it’s essential. And you don’t need a private pool or luxury villa to do it.
Hydrate. Recharge. Glow.