Gloucestershire &amp; Worcestershire


<p>It’s getting hot in here… so rather than take off all your clothes and stand in front of the fan (think of the neighbours) go in search of air con, ice-cream, lidos and cool caves.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arty-air-con">Arty air con</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://glosworcs.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2022/07/1-28.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-40924" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2022/07/1-28.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2022/07/1-28-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2022/07/1-28-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2022/07/1-28-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Bit sweaty? Head to your nearest art gallery. The great thing about museums and art spaces is that they tend to have air con.&nbsp;Go to <a href="https://www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk/museums/worcester-city-art-gallery-museum/">Worcester Art Gallery &amp; Museum</a>. The museum has loads of amazing things to see including a new dinosaur exhibition, a Worcestershire Sauce archive, a Roman mosaic and a Native American totem pole. When you&#8217;re done there go browsing at the Victorian Chemist Shop and grab a cool iced latte at Al&#8217;s Cafe on the Balcony. Over in Glos? Head for the <a href="https://coriniummuseum.org/">Corinium Museum</a>, a wonderland of Roman heritage with super cool (literally) rooms to explore.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-get-your-skates-on">Get your skates on</h2>



<p>Perfect your triple salchow (or just stumble a bit) at a fun and frankly freezing ice rink. <a href="https://www.icequest.co.uk/">Ice Quest</a> in Malvern has skating sessions on all week, and a fun Friday night skate too. Most of the skaters here are children and novice skaters so less chance of being mown down and just having a good time.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/08/1-21-1000x667.jpg" alt="ice skating " class="wp-image-62960" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/08/1-21-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/08/1-21-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/08/1-21-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/08/1-21.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The ice here is kept soft and snowy, to make a slower speed for skating for all the family and you can hire skates. Keen and more experienced? All sessions are £10 including skate hire. Ahh, icy coolness, come to mama! Or try <a href="https://planet-ice.co.uk/locations/bristol/">Planet Ice</a> in Bristol. As well public skating and skating lessons you can also sign up for an Ice Hockey taster lesson or do the Skate Disco in the evenings from 7pm.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-go-for-a-chilly-dip">Go for a chilly dip</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/08/4-4-1000x667.jpg" alt="man at aqua venture in cirencester" class="wp-image-62962" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/08/4-4-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/08/4-4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/08/4-4-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/08/4-4.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Pack the sunscreen and bucket and spade. <a href="https://glosworcs.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-cotswold-country-park-beach-cirencester/">Cotswold Country Park &amp; Beach</a> near Cirencester is the UK’s largest inland sandy beach, with a beautiful lagoon, water sports, boats, kayaks and SUP hire. Boasting golden sand imported from Padstow, it makes the perfect beach day in the middle of Gloucestershire, and for those with smaller toes the Mini Children’s Beach Lagoon is the place to cool off.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="720" height="428" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2018/03/Sandford-Parks-Lido-720x428.png" alt="open air swimming pool grass trees flags" class="wp-image-6647" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2018/03/Sandford-Parks-Lido-720x428.png 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2018/03/Sandford-Parks-Lido-150x89.png 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2018/03/Sandford-Parks-Lido-300x178.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2018/03/Sandford-Parks-Lido.png 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cheltenham&#8217;s open-air lido </figcaption></figure>



<p>Fancy a lido day? <a href="http://www.stratfordparklido.org/">Stratford Park Lido</a>, Stroud is a huge and unheated, 50 metre spring fed pool is a real beauty and open for 13 weeks over the summer. Escaping the heat feels so good in this pool (I&#8217;ve done it trust me, it&#8217;s cold!), jump in from noon until 7pm every day with public sessions for all ages and abilities. Or go for a more balmy but still refreshing dip at Cirencester Open air Pool, Sandford Park Lido in Cheltenham or Droitwich Spa Lido.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop-it-like-it-s-hot">Shop it like it&#8217;s hot</h2>



<p>Shopping will be the last thing on your mind, but just think of all those fridges, freezers and blasts of air con that you can enjoy. <a href="https://gloucesterservices.com/farmshop/">Gloucester Services</a> has an amazing award-winning farm shop and café, that sells everything from Wholly Gelato ice cream to fresh fish, meats cheese and gifts.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/08/1-22-1000x667.jpg" alt="Gloucester services " class="wp-image-62966" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/08/1-22-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/08/1-22-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/08/1-22-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/08/1-22.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Make it an event and head to Daylesford. The deli area has a wondrous cheese fridge to browse for that perfect garden party cheese platter, that gives of the most lovely of arctic breezes, but there’s also a Wine Shop that is air-conned and pretty awesome. </p>



<p>In Worcs? Pay a visit to <a href="https://glosworcs.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/st-peters-garden-centre-worcestershire/">Blake&#8217;s Farm Shop</a> at the brilliant St Peter&#8217;s Garden Centre in Worcester. Browse carefully selected produce from the very best local producers to International award winners. You&#8217;ll find locally sourced artisanal cheeses, handcrafted preserves, plenty of sweet treats. Have a refreshing drink or bite to eat at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stpetersgardencentre.co.uk/restaurant">The Potting Shed Restaurant</a> here, overlooking a beautiful lake.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-going-underground">Going underground</h2>



<p>Did you know that a secret shaded world lies beneath the trees where the whole family can mop the sweat off their brows? <a href="https://clearwellcaves.com/">Clearwell Caves</a> in the Forest of Dean is a great under the radar attraction tells the story of iron mining over thousands of years, from the frozen waterfall chamber to the old churn. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://glosworcs.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2022/07/2-8.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-40632" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2022/07/2-8.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2022/07/2-8-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2022/07/2-8-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2022/07/2-8-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>It takes around 45 minutes to an hour to explore, giving you ample time to cool down a few degrees (aided by an ice lolly or iced smoothie from the café).</p>



<p>Or head for the <a href="https://broadwaytower.co.uk/nuclear-bunker/">Nuclear Bunker at Broadway Tower</a> &#8211; yes this is actually a Cotswold attraction! Fifteen feet below ground this heritage relic from the Cold War is now a fascinating place to visit, and so right for this weather. Children over 10 are allowed in but must be accompanied by an adult. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/08/2-6-1000x667.jpg" alt="kids in a nuclear bunker " class="wp-image-62965" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/08/2-6-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/08/2-6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/08/2-6-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/08/2-6.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scream-for-ice-cream">Scream for ice-cream</h2>



<p>It’s a temporary fix, but who can resist a 99 in the sunshine. Find a shady spot and lick your way through the heatwave.&nbsp;Try <a href="https://dolcetti.net/">Dolcetti Ice Cream Factory &amp; Parlour</a> in Cirencester, for cow to cone in 24 hours and enjoy it in the air conditioned parlour. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="700" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2022/07/5-4.jpg" alt="ice cream " class="wp-image-40935" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2022/07/5-4.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2022/07/5-4-800x560.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2022/07/5-4-400x280.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2022/07/5-4-750x525.jpg 750w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Or go to the new <a href="https://lickgelato.com">Lick Gelato</a> on Cricklade Street for bold flavours. In Stroud, head for the legendary <a href="https://www.winstonesicecream.co.uk">Winston&#8217;s Ice Cream</a> on the Common, and sit in the shade on the beautiful hillside.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chilly-cathedrals">Chilly Cathedrals</h2>



<p>When the heat rises it&#8217;s an excuse to go see the spectacular <a href="https://gloucestercathedral.org.uk/">Gloucester Cathedral &amp; Crypt</a>,  is a brilliant and fascinating place to explore. As well as being the tomb of kings it has been used in many a famous film such as <em>Harry Potter</em>. Hours of cooling culture guaranteed in a lovely shady place. Over in Worcs, likewise go to <a href="https://www.worcestercathedral.org.uk/visit-us/highlights">Worcester Cathedral</a>, which has fascinating tours.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://glosworcs.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2022/07/4-9.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-40943" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2022/07/4-9.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2022/07/4-9-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2022/07/4-9-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2022/07/4-9-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



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Beat the heat! 16 places to keep your cool in Glos & Worcs

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