With high temperatures forecast, here’s how you can beat the heat
Temperatures are set to soar in Bristol once again this weekend, with highs of 33 degrees forecast on Saturday(Image: PA)
Sweltering temperatures are forecast all weekend, peaking at a stonking 33C on Saturday (July 12), according to the latest from the Met Office. With a public health alert in place due to the heat, Bristolians will need to find somewhere with a bit of water to cool down.
Here is our list of the best places to take a dip, or at least splash around, in the city this weekend.
Bristol Harbourside – but not all of it.
Although most of Bristol Harbourside is off limits to swimmers, you can book a slot to take a dip in a designated area just in front of the Cottage Inn every Sunday in the summer months.
Due to boats and other marine vehicles passing by, you need to wear a brightly coloured swim hat and use a towfloat. Both of these can be rented. The swimming sessions run from 8.30am to 10.30am at a cost of £8 regardless of how long you want to spend in the water. Last entry is at 10.15am. Bookings are essential via the All Aboard Watersports website.
Nearby Underfall Cafe offers discounts to swimmers, for anyone looking to unwind with a coffee after a refreshing dip.
Millennium Square
The fountains and water features at Millennium Square are the perfect place to cool off, particularly for those with young children. Located right next to We Are The Curious and near to all the attractions Bristol Harbour has to offer, the fountains are a great place to base your day around. There are plenty of places nearby to treat yourself to an ice cream, too.
St Andrew’s Park paddling pool
The beloved neighbourhood park offers what could be Bristol’s only free public paddling pool. Parents should note the pool is unsupervised, so they’ll need to keep an eye on little ones themselves. With a sandpit, and plenty of space for picnics, why not spend the whole day in the park?
The Wave
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or complete beginner, this weekend’s heatwave is as good a time as any to pick up a surfboard and head to The Wave. Under new management, The Wave is not just for people looking to catch some waves. There is a “Play in the Bay” option targeted at younger children, while people of all ages can enjoy open water swimming at The Wave’s still lake.
Cribbs Causeway Water Garden
If you’re visiting the shopping mecca just north of Bristol this weekend, the Cribbs Water Garden is the perfect place for any hot and bothered little ones who might need to cool off. The water playground is full of fun features for kids, including a pirate ship, and is completely free of charge.
Hengrove Play Park
The large play park in South Bristol features a sand and water play area, suitable for young children, which is completely free of charge like everything else in the park. Hengrove is also home to an adventure playground, skatepark and cafe, meaning there should be plenty to keep kids of all ages entertained. If the temperature is too much and you really need to sit in a dark, airconditioned room, Cineworld is next door.
Bristol Lido, if you can get in
The stunning 24-metre outdoor pool in Bristol Lido in Clifton is a dream place to spend some time this weekend. However, at the time of writing it is fully booked every weekend until mid August. Worth keeping an eye on their website for any last minute cancellations.
West Country Water Park
This fun-filled water park in Bradley Stoke offers something for all the family, from an amazing aquatic obstacle course to open swimming and paddleboarding. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
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