Unseasonably high temperatures have swept across the UK this week, breaking records for both daytime and overnight heat.
Tuesday marked the hottest ever day in May recorded, with temperatures soaring to more than 30 degrees.
Although slightly cooler weather is expected over the weekend, temperatures are set to creep back up on Thursday and Friday.
So if you're looking for somewhere cool to ride out the rest of this heatwave, we've got you covered.
Cambridgeshire offers a range of options for beating the heat, from outdoor pools and splash parks, to shady green spaces.
Here's a list of eight of the best rated places to cool off this week, complete with Tripadvisor and Google Review scores.
1. Jesus Green Lido
Jesus Green Lido is one of the longest outdoor pools in the UK, offering cold, invigorating lane swimming and a spacious sunbathing lawn beside leafy avenue trees.
Visitors highlight the lido’s clean water, retro character and uncrowded early‑morning sessions as a perfect antidote to hot city streets.
It currently boasts a rating of 4 out of 5 on Tripadvisor and 4.6 out of 5 stars based off more than 470 Google reviews.
2. Wicken Fen Nature Reserve
Wicken Fen’s boardwalks thread through reed beds, ditches and grazing marsh, where breezes across the open fen and watery vistas offer natural cooling.
Reviews praise the peaceful atmosphere, wildlife sightings and boat trips, making it a favourite summer escape for walkers and families.
It currently boasts a rating of 4.5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor and 4.6 out of 5 stars based off more than 2,400 Google reviews.
3. Grafham Water
Grafham Water is a vast reservoir popular for water sports, shoreline walks and picnics, with constant airflow over the open water providing a natural chill.
Many visitors rate it highly for cycling trails, family‑friendly play areas and plenty of space to sit by the shore and cool down.
It currently has a rating of 3.4 out of 5 on Tripadvisor and 4.5 out of 5 stars based off more than 520 Google reviews.
4. Jubilee Gardens
Ely’s riverside offers cooling walks along the Great Ouse, where boats, waterside pubs and grassy Jubilee Gardens create a relaxed, breezy setting.
Reviews highlight the pretty views, easy mooching between park, river and city centre, and how pleasant it feels to sit by the water with an ice cream.
It currently boasts a rating of 4.1 out of 5 on Tripadvisor and 4.5 out of 5 stars based off more than 630 Google reviews.
5. Anglesey Abbey
Anglesey Abbey’s extensive gardens include woodland walks, a mill stream and formal lawns, all offering cooler pockets of shade even on the warmest days.
Visitors consistently rate it highly for its beautifully kept grounds, riverside paths and peaceful corners ideal for escaping the heat.
It currently boasts a rating of 4.5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor and 4.7 out of 5 stars based off more than 7,900 Google reviews.
6. Hinchingbrooke Country Park
Hinchingbrooke Country Park features a central lake, wooded trails and open meadow, making it a popular choice for breezy walks and waterside picnics in summer.
Reviews describe it as a well‑kept, family‑friendly park with plenty of space to wander, watch wildlife and cool off by the water.
It currently boasts a rating of 4.4 out of 5 on Tripadvisor and 4.7 out of 5 stars based off more than 2,100 Google reviews.
7. St Neots Splash Park
A new, inclusive water play space on the former outdoor pool site off Huntingdon Road, bringing the much‑missed lido back to life for local families.
Expect leaping water arches, spray features and plenty of free, safe fun that’s perfect for children to cool down on hot summer days.
It currently boasts a rating of 4 stars out of 5 based off more five Google reviews.
8. Fenland Aqua Park
Whittlesey’s Fenland Aqua Park at Gildenburgh Water is packed with inflatable obstacles, slides and climbing walls, giving a constant splashy workout that keeps everyone deliciously cool.
Tripadvisor reviewers love the crystal‑clear lake, friendly lifeguards and well‑organised sessions, calling it “awesome” family fun and a brilliant way to beat the heat.
It currently boasts a rating of 5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor and 4.9 out of 5 stars based off more than 150 Google reviews.
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