London heatwave 2022: 7 ways to cool off from the Magic Garden beer garden to ice skating at Alexandra Palace

London, like many other parts of the country, has been issued with an amber warning for extreme heat.

There is also a 30 percent chance that this Sunday (17 July) could also become the hottest day in recorded history in Britain.

With the temperature set to exceed 30C in London, peaking at around 34C this upcoming Monday, here’s seven different ways to cool off in London for the upcoming heatwave and what looks to be one of the hottest summers we have experienced.

Beckenham Place Park

One of the best things to do in the summer is to have a nice swim or dip in the pool to cool off, and you can here!

In 2019, a £6.8 million renovation project brought an open swimming lake to the park which will be open all year round from Tuesday to Sunday for swimming and boating.

And safety isn’t a worry either, with lifeguards on hand in the summer.

The price for a three-hour swim is £3.

For more information on the park, including other available activities visit the website.

Beckenham Hill Rd, Beckenham BR3 1SY, Openspaces/parks/beckenham-place-park

Vue Cinema Piccadilly

Situated near the likes of M&M world, McDonalds and more, this cinema is in the heart of London and is near to many underground stations.

Not only would this be great fun with yourself, your friends, family and more, cinemas have air conditioning in every theatre room, so you can watch a movie whilst also having cool air fill up the room.

It’s also a great time for going to the movies, with movies such as The Minions: Rise of Gru and more currently available for you to watch.

19 Lower, Regent St., London SW1Y 4LR, myvue.com/cinema/piccadilly/whats-on

Kaspas Desserts

One of the biggest dessert chains is Kaspas, with multiple locations in London such as Battersea, Bexley Heath, Brixton and more, you’re spoilt for choice in the capital.

It’s a myth that having a hot drink or meal will cool you down, when that isn’t entirely true. It’s best to stay hydrated and enjoy cooler things, such as Ice cream which can be purchased at Kaspas.

You can have a cone, a bowl or have some more toppings on top of a waffle at your chosen location.

Opening hours: Mon - Sun: 12pm - 11pm

159-161 The Broadway, Bexleyheath DA6 7EZ, kaspas.co.uk

Visit a local park

Getting some shade is vital to cool off, and you can enjoy the nice breeze without the sun beating down on you.

London is home to many award-winning, royal parks and overall, you’re spoilt for choice!

Our pick is the iconic Hyde Park, which has played host to Adele and Justin Bieber just to name a couple, and covers over 350 acres, home to some stunning lakes too.

So, take a book, a notepad or just take in the atmosphere of one of London’s best and biggest parks.

Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH - https://www.royalparks.org.uk/

Have a pint in a beer garden

Like parks, there’s a plethora of beer gardens in London, most of which have parasols to avoid the risk of sunburn and potentially more.

One of the ones that catches the eye immediately is The Magic Garden.

The Magic Garden has a wonderful outside garden, equipped with fairy lights to set a really nice intimate, relaxed atmosphere.

They also regularly stage live music and have ‘featured events’, which can be found on The Magic Garden website.

This place is sometimes referred to as a “festival in a pub” with the weekends being the best time to go.

Opening hours: Mon - Thurs, Sun: 10:30am - 12am - Fri - Sat: 10:30am - 2am

231 Battersea Park Rd, London SW11 4LG, www.magicgardenpub.com

Take a leisurely walk

A nice stroll is not only one of the best things to do during the hot weather, it can be beneficial to staying cool, if you’re in the right place.

With no sea breeze to keep yourself cool in the hustle and bustle of London, taking a nice walk along the River Thames is the next best thing, with the whole journey surprisingly not that busy.

It’s especially nice when you walk through the vibrancy of Southbank, which has some nice restaurants, bars and street food. It’s also a fairly shaded area which is nice.

The walk will also take you past the London Eye and allow you to view some more iconic London landmarks.

Belvedere Road; London, SE1; United Kingdom, tfl.gov.uk/modes/walking/thames-path

Alexandra Palace Ice Rink

The Alexandra Palace is truly a multi-purpose event, with the darts, music and even ice skating there.

Ice is the ultimate way to cool down, whether you press some ice to your head or add some ice cubes to your drink, it’s definitely a favoured method.

Normally falling over ice skating is the only thing people try and avoid, but it might not be so bad this time!

A standard ticket is £9.50 off peak and £10 during peak times, with under 16s being £8.50 off peak and £9 during peak times.

Other price categories can be found on the website.

Opening times: Mon -  Thurs: 11am - 5:30pm, Fri: 11am - 5pm, Sat - Sun: 11am - 4:30pm

Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY, Alexandrapalace.com/the-ice-rink