To help residents make the most of the sunshine safely, Swindon24 has picked out five places and activities across the borough where you can escape the worst of the heat.
1. Cool off at Coate Water Splash Park
One of the most obvious places to head during a heatwave is Coate Water Splash Park.
The recently refurbished attraction offers families a free way to cool down while children can enjoy the water features throughout the day.
Fiona Kirigo said:
“The fact that it’s free means that it’s accessible to many people. It’s ideal for children who want to have fun and parents who need to find a way to manage the heat themselves whilst looking after their children.”
The splash park is expected to be one of the borough’s busiest destinations as temperatures rise.
2. Take a break in Swindon’s Welcome Spaces
For those looking to escape the heat altogether, Swindon Borough Council is encouraging residents to make use of its network of Welcome Spaces.
Originally established during the Covid pandemic and later expanded during the cost-of-living crisis, the spaces are now being promoted as places where people can cool down during the heatwave.
Locations include Central Library, North Swindon Library and a number of parish council buildings across the borough.
Councillor Vinay Manro, Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, said:
“There will be drinks available and people can sit in the shade in an air-conditioned environment and have a welcome rest.”
Residents can find their nearest Welcome Space on the council’s website.
3. Enjoy the shade at Lydiard Park
Not every heatwave activity has to involve water. Lydiard Park offers plenty of shaded woodland walks, making it one of the cooler outdoor locations in Swindon during the hottest part of the day.
Visitors can also take on the high ropes course, enjoy a walk through the woods, or stop for refreshments at the Forest Café and Coach House Tea Rooms.
For dog walkers, families and those simply looking for a gentle stroll, the park provides a welcome escape from the concrete heat of the town centre.
4. Catch a film at the cinema
Sometimes the best place to be during a heatwave is indoors.
Swindon’s cinemas offer air-cooled or air-conditioned comfort, allowing residents to escape the soaring temperatures for a couple of hours.
With family blockbusters including Toy Story 5 showing this summer, a trip to the cinema provides a cool alternative to spending the afternoon outdoors.
Other air-conditioned venues across the borough include the Designer Outlet, libraries, shopping centres, pubs and restaurants.
5. Go ice skating at the Link Centre
If temperatures really do approach 40°C, there may be no cooler place in Swindon than the ice rink at the Link Centre.
While much of the town swelters outside, visitors can enjoy skating in conditions more associated with winter than summer.
The rink offers a unique way to stay active while avoiding the hottest conditions of the day and is likely to prove a popular option for families looking for something different during the heatwave.
Stay safe in the heat
Councillor Vinay Manro has urged residents not to underestimate the impact extreme temperatures can have on their health.
“We don’t always realise the impact of heat and how it impacts our bodies,” he said.
Residents are advised to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, avoid prolonged periods outdoors between 1pm and 4pm where possible, and check on elderly relatives, neighbours and anyone who may be vulnerable during the heatwave.
While the sunshine is welcome, temperatures of this level remain unusual for the UK, making it important to enjoy the weather safely and responsibly.
