With record-breaking temperatures sweeping across the UK, including a scorching 34.2 degrees Celsius in London on May 25th—the hottest May day since 1922—residents of Bath and North East Somerset are feeling the heat. Somerset itself has experienced highs of 32 degrees Celsius, and with the heatwave expected to continue through Friday, finding relief becomes essential.
Thankfully, Bath and North East Somerset offer a variety of designated cool spaces where you can relax, unwind, and escape the sun without spending a penny.
Alice Park
- Location: Gloucester Road, Bath, BA1 7BL
- Access: Open at all times
- Cost: Free
- Setting: Outdoor
Spanning eight acres, Alice Park provides shaded areas under mature trees, tennis courts for a cool game, and a café open daily from 9:15 AM to 5 PM.
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Bath Central Library
- Location: 19-23 The Podium, Northgate Street, Bath, BA1 5AN
- Access: Monday to Saturday
- Cost: Free
- Setting: Indoor
This air-conditioned space is perfect for cooling off while diving into a good book or using free Wi-Fi. Conveniently nearby are public toilets and a Waitrose café.
Bath & North East Somerset Council Offices
- Location: 3-4 Manvers Street, Bath, BA1 1JQ
- Access: Monday to Friday
- Cost: Free
- Setting: Indoor
Visitors can enjoy a cool indoor environment with access to free Wi-Fi and computers, alongside helpful council service advice.
Keynsham Library
- Location: Civic Centre, Market Walk, Keynsham, BS31 1FS
- Access: Monday to Saturday
- Cost: Free
- Setting: Indoor
A cool retreat featuring a comprehensive library collection, comfortable seating, and a charming café called Pam’s Pantry.
Midsomer Norton Library
- Location: The Hollies, High Street, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2DP
- Access: Monday to Saturday
- Cost: Free
- Setting: Indoor
Enjoy a cool indoor space with seating away from the sun, free Wi-Fi, and computer access.
Parade Gardens
- Location: Grand Parade, Bath, BA2 4DF
- Access: Open daily
- Cost: Free
- Setting: Outdoor
Relax under the canopy of trees or the shaded bandstand. The gardens provide a café and public toilets for your comfort.
St Mary’s Church, Saltford
- Location: Queen Square, Saltford, BS31 3EL
- Access: Hours vary
- Cost: Free
- Setting: Both indoor and outdoor
With its thick stone walls and high ceilings, St Mary’s Church naturally stays cool, and the surrounding grounds offer shaded spots beneath tree canopies.
Take advantage of these designated cool spaces across Bath and North East Somerset to stay refreshed and beat the heat during this intense heatwave.