The heatwave continues to dominate the UK on Tuesday, with Scotland recording its hottest day on record with a high of over 34C.
In a unique turn of events, Scots are currently seeking ways to keep cool. As popular holiday destinations like Spain and Portugal see scorching heat and airports experience flight delays, cancellations and general chaos, many people are looking to holiday closer to home this summer.
To help holidaymakers beat the heat, Cofton Holidays have examined Met Office data to find the UK's staycation ‘cool spots’ where travellers are most likely to find the lowest average temperatures - and two of these chilly holiday spots are right here in Scotland.
A study of UK weather records, carried out by the holiday park, shows that the Scottish Highlands is the second best getaway spot for chances of cooler weather, with maximum temperatures averaging at 11C annually. The capital city of Edinburgh was also named as a chillier destination.
Research further analysed the latest weather records to determine the UK’s most popular holiday destinations. Their study found the Yorkshire Dales to be the coolest destination for those looking to dodge the summer heat, with an average yearly maximum temperature of just 10.81C.
If you're in need of ideas for a cooling staycation, check out the full list below, including each location's maximum average temperature.
These are the top 10 coolest staycation destinations in the UK
1. Yorkshire Dales - North Yorkshire, England (10.81C)
The Yorkshire Dales National Park encompasses thousands of square miles of moors, valleys, hills and villages. As well as acres of beauty, you'll find plenty of history as the Bolton Abbey Estate on the River Wharfe, including the ruins of a 12th-century monastery.
Holidaymakers will love this outdoor destination and its cool weather is a nice alternative to the searing heat.
2. Scottish Highlands - Northwest Scotland (11.23C)
The Scottish Highlands offers a mountain of activities, all in cool temperatures. At the centre you'll find Loch Ness, known for the mythical "Nessie" monster and overlooked by the ruins of medieval Urquhart Castle.
Northeast, near the city of Inverness, dolphins swim in the Moray Firth. Southwest, in the Western Highlands, you can walk the winding trails of Ben Nevis, the U.K.’s highest peak.
3. Scarborough - North Sea Coast, England (11.46C)
The resort town of Scarborough hosts two bays with sandy beaches, which are split by a headland bearing the 12th-century Scarborough Castle. The Victorian Central Tramway funicular train links the town centre with South Bay and its harbour.
You can familiarise yourself with local geology at the Rotunda Museum. The Scarborough Sea Life Sanctuary is full of displays of local marine life.
4. Lake District - Cumbria, north-west England (11.77C)
A popular vacation destination, the Lake District is known for its glacial ribbon lakes, rugged fell mountains and historic literary associations. Market towns such as Kendal, Ambleside and Keswick on scenic Derwentwater are bases for exploring the area and home to traditional inns and galleries of local art.
5. Leeds - West Yorkshire, England (12.05C)
Once an Industrial city, Leeds has evolved into a chic, modern city that is quickly becoming one of England's most visited cities. The redeveloped industrial area around Call Lane is famed for bars and live music venues under converted railway arches. Leeds Kirkgate Market features hundreds of indoor and outdoor stalls, making it the perfect location for those looking for a city break.
6. Newcastle Upon Tyne - Northeast England (12.29C)
Newcastle upon Tyne is a university city on the River Tyne. With its twin city, Gateshead, it was a major shipbuilding and manufacturing hub during the Industrial Revolution and is now a centre of business, arts and sciences. It is renowned for it's vibrant night-life, breathtaking scenery and is home to a range of restaurants serving delicious food.
7. Snowdonia - Northern Wales (12.31C)
Snowdonia is the perfect staycation destination for those looking for a more peaceful break. It is home to the mountains and glacial landforms of massive Snowdonia National Park. The park's historic Snowdon Mountain Railway climbs to the summit of Wales's highest mountain, Mount Snowdon, offering views across the sea to Ireland. The park is also home to an extensive network of trails, over 100 lakes and craggy peaks like Cader Idris and Tryfan.
8. Edinburgh - Southeastern Scotland (12.96C)
Scotland's capital city is steeped in history, with plenty of attractions to please any history-lover. It has a medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town with gardens and neoclassical buildings.
Looming over the city is Edinburgh Castle, home to Scotland’s crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny, used in the coronation of Scottish rulers. Arthur’s Seat is an imposing peak in Holyrood Park with sweeping views, and Calton Hill is topped with monuments and memorials.
Home of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the city is home to endless cultural activities, as well as cosy pubs and restaurants, making it the perfect staycation for those who like variety.
9. The Peak District - Derbyshire, England (13.41C)
Peak District National Park is home to steep limestone valleys like Dovedale, with its famed stepping stones. The northern part of the park, known as the Dark Peak area has dramatic gritstone ridges and stark moorland plateaus like Kinder Scout, the park’s highest point. The nearby village of Edale marks one end of the iconic Pennine Way footpath.
10. Blackpool - Lancashire, England (13.42C)
Spend the day at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, an old-school amusement park with vintage wooden roller coasters. Take a sea-side stroll or build a sand castle at Blackpool South Beach, one of England's best beaches. It is the perfect coastal spot to keep cool, while enjoying the weather.
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