Most UK homes do not have built-in air conditioning, so during a serious heatwave it can help to leave the house for part of the day and spend time somewhere cooler.

The best option is usually close, easy to reach and somewhere you can sit down without rushing.

Good places to try

  • Cafes and coffee shops: useful in the morning or early afternoon, especially if you need somewhere to work quietly.
  • Pubs and bars: often better later in the day, but check opening times before walking there in the heat.
  • Restaurants: useful if you are planning to eat out anyway, but they can be busy during hot evenings.
  • Libraries: often overlooked, usually calm, and a good option if you need a free place to sit.
  • Shopping centres and larger stores: good for short cooling breaks, especially when travelling.
  • Cinemas and galleries: more expensive, but often reliably cool for a couple of hours.

Use the UK Aircon Map to look for nearby pubs, cafes, restaurants and bars where air conditioning has been reported.

Check before you travel

Venue details can change. Air conditioning may be broken, switched off, or only available in part of the building. If cooling is essential because you are elderly, unwell, pregnant, with young children, or caring for someone vulnerable, phone ahead where possible.

Also think about the journey. A cool venue is less useful if getting there means a long walk in direct sun.

When to go

The hottest part of the day is usually the afternoon into early evening. If your home overheats, leaving before it becomes uncomfortable can work better than waiting until you feel unwell.

Take water with you, wear light clothing, and avoid unnecessary exertion between 11am and 3pm.

What if you cannot leave home?

If you need to stay indoors, focus on reducing heat gain:

  • close curtains and blinds on sunny windows
  • avoid using the oven
  • use a fan across your body rather than trying to cool an empty room
  • keep drinking water
  • move to the coolest room in the house

For more practical steps, see how to keep your bedroom cool and the fan running cost calculator.

Related: UK Aircon Map · Current UK heatwave status · UK heatwave tips

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. For medical advice about heat-related illness, consult the NHS website or your GP. For official heatwave warnings, visit the Met Office.