‘Coolcations’ in the Lake District
Coolcations in the Lake District: Heatwave busting breaks in the Lakes
With the long, hot and dry summer of 2026 breaking weather records both in the UK and throughout Europe, more and more of us are becoming open to the concept of a “Coolcation” – a holiday or break away in a cooler more temperate climate.
And at the northernmost corner of England, the Lake District is the perfect coolcation destination which close to home and easily accessible for those living elsewhere in the UK.
It’s not just our location in the northwest of England which makes for the ideal “coolcation”, our fells provide fresh mountain air, our lakes and tarns are filled with fresh water to cool off with a wild-swim, our shaded valleys offer shelter from the glaring sun, and our rivers and waterfalls remain glacially cold all year round.
During a heatwave the structures, concrete and asphalt within cities and built up urban areas absorb heat and can be as much as 6 degrees warmed than the surrounding countryside. So escaping to the rural charms of the Lake District not only means you get to enjoy the incredible scenery, you can enjoy cooler outside temperatures too.
But it’s not just the outside temperatures that can be significantly cooler. While air conditioning is still a relatively rare commodity in homes and self-catering accommodation, centuries old stone-built cottages with small windows, like those found throughout the Lakes, are naturally adept at staying cool and warding off the heat, without the sustainability compromise associated with modern air-con.
Likewise many cottages are located next to or close to rivers and lakes, which provides both cooling air from the water – and the opportunity for refreshing dips from your front door.
Or you could choose to escape the heat by opting for a mountain cottage – a stone- built cottage situated high in the Cumbrian fells – with cool mountain air and crisp waterfalls pools practically on tap.
Looking for something a little different in terms of your holiday accommodation? Coniston Shepherd Hut Lodges are super-insulated – keeping the warmth in during the winter months and the heat out during the summer, making them another great choice for a Coolcation in the Lakes.
They also have the benefit of the Coppermines Waterfalls plus Coniston Water lakeshore within easy walking distance – offering a choice of different ways to keep cool during a heatwave.
At Coniston Water (shown opposite) you can hire a boat, go paddle-boarding, swimming or take a lake cruise and benefit from cool breezes whilst enjoying the extraordinary scenery all around you.
So whether you’re looking to stay cool by having fun on the water, by heading high into the hills or simply relaxing under a shaded tree in a pretty cottage garden, there are many ways to beat the heat on a ‘coolcation’ in the Lake District National Park.
