Come on in, the water's warm – for once
The quickest way to take off the heat is to dive into a deliciously cool swimming pool. Sadly Britain's outdoor pools are struggling to survive but a few, among them Lymington Sea Water Baths, Shaolstone Seawater Pool in Brixham Devon and Bude Sea Pool in Cornwall, are holding their heads above water, the latter two kept alive thanks to passionate local swimmers. Read Jenny Landreth's piece about touring these three lovely pools in the south west.
If there is no outdoor pool near you, there may well be a safe stretch of open water. In his book Wild Swimming, Daniel Start takes dips in 300 rivers, lakes and waterfalls in Britain. We feature 10 of them in this piece, all places where you can just turn up and jump straight in. Or find a secluded beach with his guide to Britain's hidden beaches.
If you prefer the camaraderie of swimming in a group, then joining a club, or even a swimming holiday, could be the answer. Britain's last river swimming club can be found in rural Wiltshire: the Farleigh and District Swimming Club. Lisa Allardice joined them for a bracing swim in the river Frome. "Wild" swimming has become so popular that a growing number of us are booking swimming holidays abroad, from island hopping in Greece to swimming along the Croatian coast, we round up some of the best. And finally, if you love the idea but can't get near the water anytime soon, check out this video series about swims in Britain's rivers and lakes. You'll feel cooler just watching it.
Head to a pub garden or rooftop
We don't often get the chance to enjoy pub gardens without needing an umbrella or coat, so when the sun shines it's our duty to make the most of it. Zoe Williams reveals her favourite pub gardens around the UK for a cheeky lunchtime pint, while Robin Turner picks the top five in London, or if you have a head for heights, head up to one of the capital's rooftop bars.
Publican Charlie McVeigh, who grew up in north Devon, lists his favourite in the area, while Martin Wainwright tells us where to find a great pint in north Yorkshire. If you've got a proper thirst on you, Cumbria is the place to be. The best beer garden in the world, according to Kevin Rushby, is Langdale where a host of new microbreweries mean that the eight pubs dotted about this valley serve some of the finest beer in the country. Readers have also told us about some cracking Lake District pubs – read the best here.
Eat ice-cream
You don't have to go to Italy taste delicious handmade ice-cream. We've got some wonderful ice-cream parlours right here in the UK, from the famous Italian ones in Scotland and Wales to farm shops and even a canal-side cafe in London – read about these and other great places recommended by food writers, including Guardian critic Marina O'Loughlin. And if you do happen to be heading to Italy and want to avoid forking out nearly £60 for a round of ice-creams as one hapless tourist did earlier this year, then check out our guide to some of the best ice-cream parlours in Rome.
Book a seaside break
If you were canny enough to look at the forecast and book a week off work during the current heatwave, you're in for a treat. No need to scour the web looking for a last-minute flight to warmer climes, just book into a seaside hotel on our own shores and enjoy cooling sea breezes and all of the above (pubs, ice cream, dips in the sea). Read our reviews of hotels and B&Bs in Fowey in Cornwall, Salcombe in Devon, Camber in Sussex, Whitby in Yorkshire, Oban in Scotland, or for something different, Carole Cadwalladr's review of a boat in a field by Cardigan Bay. Plus readers recommend their favourite coastal campsites.
If you're planning a day trip, our guide to some of the quietest beaches in the UK will help you steer clear of the sunseeking hordes. If you want more than just a beach we've also rounded up some of the loveliest spots along our coast, including fishing villages and towns with elegant Regency seafronts.
Have a watery adventure
You don't have to have hot weather to enjoy some of the watery activities offered by the UK's many adventure tour operators, but it helps. Make the most of the heatwave by canoeing down the river Bure in Norfolk, staying in riverside teepees en route, sea foraging by kayak in Pembrokeshire and exploring the west Highlands by kayak and on foot. Or if you're seeking new experiences, head to Cornwall to try out the latest surf craze: hand planing.
