100 Ways to Stay Cool and Beat the Heat in the UK

When the UK gets hit by a heatwave, many of us suddenly remember that our homes weren’t exactly designed for tropical temperatures. No matter if you are struggling to sleep, trying to work from home, or simply looking for ways to stay comfortable, a few clever tricks can make all the difference when you’re in a home built to retain heat rather than help you stay cool.

From simple cooling hacks to low-effort activities that help you avoid overheating, this list is packed with practical ideas to help you beat the heat and stay comfortable all summer long.

Keep Your Home Cool

1. Close curtains before direct sunlight hits your windows.
2. Keep blinds shut during the hottest part of the day.
3. Open windows early in the morning.
4. Open windows again once temperatures drop in the evening.
5. Create a cross-breeze by opening windows on opposite sides of your home.
6. Keep internal doors open to encourage airflow.
7. Use a fan to circulate air.
8. Place a bowl of ice in front of a fan.
9. Turn off unnecessary electronics.
10. Switch off lights when not needed.
11. Use energy-efficient bulbs that generate less heat.
12. Avoid using the oven during the hottest hours.
13. Cook outdoors if possible.
14. Use a slow cooker instead of the oven.
15. Keep loft hatches closed.
16. Move to the coolest room in the house.
17. Spend time downstairs if your upstairs gets too warm.
18. Keep windows closed when the air outside is hotter than inside.
19. Hang a damp sheet near an open window.
20. Use blackout curtains in sun-facing rooms.
21. Keep bedroom curtains closed throughout the day.
22. Use cotton bedding instead of synthetic fabrics.
23. Remove extra blankets from your bed.
24. Sleep with a lightweight sheet.
25. Freeze a hot water bottle and place it near your feet.

Stay Cool Outdoors

26. Seek out shady parks and gardens.
27. Walk in wooded areas where temperatures are lower.
28. Plan activities for the morning.
29. Save errands for the evening.
30. Sit under a tree with a book.
31. Visit a splash park.
32. Paddle in a stream.
33. Spend time near water.
34. Take regular breaks from direct sunlight.
35. Wear a wide-brimmed hat.
36. Carry a reusable water bottle.
37. Choose shaded walking routes.
38. Avoid strenuous exercise at midday.
39. Take advantage of cooler evening temperatures.
40. Enjoy outdoor activities after sunset.
41. Visit an air-conditioned museum.
42. Browse a shopping centre during peak heat.
43. Relax in a library.
44. Explore shaded nature reserves.
45. Find a bench beneath a large tree.
46. Visit a coastal location if possible.
47. Enjoy an evening picnic.
48. Watch the sunset rather than spending all day outdoors.
49. Choose covered seating areas.
50. Keep sunscreen topped up.

Cool Food and Drinks

51. Freeze grapes for a refreshing snack.
52. Make homemade ice lollies.
53. Enjoy watermelon straight from the fridge.
54. Eat more salads.
55. Prepare overnight oats.
56. Drink iced tea.
57. Make fruit-infused water.
58. Keep a jug of water in the fridge.
59. Freeze yoghurt for a cooling treat.
60. Blend fruit smoothies.
61. Eat lighter meals.
62. Enjoy cold pasta salads.
63. Snack on cucumber slices.
64. Freeze berries for summer snacks.
65. Add mint to cold drinks.
66. Try frozen banana slices.
67. Make iced coffee.
68. Freeze juice into ice cubes.
69. Keep healthy snacks chilled.
70. Stay hydrated throughout the day.
71. Eat little and often.
72. Enjoy gazpacho or other chilled soups.
73. Freeze orange segments.
74. Keep a cool drink beside you.
75. Avoid excessive alcohol in extreme heat.

Personal Cooling Hacks

76. Wear loose-fitting clothing.
77. Choose light colours.
78. Wear breathable cotton fabrics.
79. Keep a cooling towel in the fridge.
80. Run cool water over your wrists.
81. Cool your neck with a damp flannel.
82. Use a facial mist.
83. Take a lukewarm shower.
84. Keep your feet cool.
85. Store moisturiser in the fridge.
86. Use a cool pack wrapped in a towel.
87. Tie long hair up.
88. Carry a handheld fan.
89. Keep a spray bottle of water nearby.
90. Take regular breaks from physical activity.

Low-Energy Ways to Stay Cool

91. Read in the shade.
92. Listen to an audiobook.
93. Watch a film with the curtains closed.
94. Complete a jigsaw puzzle indoors.
95. Colour in an adult colouring book.
96. Journal in a cool room.
97. Listen to relaxing music.
98. Take an afternoon nap.
99. Sit quietly with a cold drink and do nothing at all.
100. Give yourself permission to slow down until the heat passes.

Final Thoughts

British summers can be wonderful, but they can also feel overwhelming when temperatures soar. Thankfully, staying cool doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Small changes to your routine, home, and activities can help make even the hottest days more comfortable.

Whether you’re dealing with a brief warm spell or a full-blown heatwave, these ideas should help you stay cool, safe, and make the most of summer.

Pin It