Escape to caves or a waterfall
Translating as Fall of Snow, the Sgwd yr Eira waterfalls in the Welsh Brecon Beacons provide refreshing relief. Visit the caves and waterfalls in the surrounding area and don't miss Devil's Glen valley situated just below Sgwd yr Eira. The Visit Wales website has more about the landscape and getting there. Smuggler's Adventure at Hastings is a trip for the family back in time through 18th-century smugglers' caves. Or for a more bracing exploration try caving - but you might want to start out at a caving school.
Swim in a lido
Originating in Venice, these open-air swimming pools can be found aplenty in the UK. Choose a a lido near you. Or for something a little out of the ordinary, Ashburton Bathing Lake - set in a in Victorian Parkland on the River Dart - is a glorious way to cool down. It costs £30pp to enter the park but other activities on offer include boating on the Dart Estuary. Or you might choose a more conventional lido in the heart of Cheltenham.
Go for a surf
The sun and sea are not complete without the surf, and the stunning North Devon coast is the perfect place to have a go. A half-day lesson for beginners costs £18 including wetsuit and surfboard with Surfseekers. Tynemouth in the north-east is another great surfer haven with the added advantage of having some of Britain's more secluded beaches.
Cruise the inland waterways
Instead of hitting the frenzied beaches, why not hire a boat and leisurely cruise along Britain's canals and rivers. On the Norfolk Broads a double-berth on a short break costs between £300 and £450 (excluding fuel), depending on when you travel. Seafarers can find good advice on waterscape.com.
Sail at the coast
Shetland has lovely natural harbours with well-charted danger spots. Don't worry if you don't live by the sea, London's largest reservoir in West London is home to Queen Mary's Sailing Club, where you can try a Sailing Day for £110.
Go paragliding or hang-gliding
Is this the summer to take the leap? Feel that glorious breeze and take in an aerial view of the Lake District, it might be just the thing to give you a new perspective. Prices start at £80 for a half-hour session of tandem paragliding in Keswick. The British Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association website lists schools offering short introductory courses in hill, tow and power gliding
Chill in a forest
If the thought of the kids hundreds of metres up leaves you in a cold sweat, then keep your feet firmly on the shaded woodland ground. For a fiver, children can enjoy five days of archery, laser clay, skateboarding, tri-golf, stone painting, kite-making and orienteering at the Midlands National Forest.
· If you know of a great place to cool down for the summer then post your tips at Been There or email been.there@theguardian.com.
