Stay Cool This Summer: Why the Coast is the Ultimate Heatwave Escape

With the UK basking in a summer scorcher, there’s no better place to beat the heat than by the coast. While cities swelter, sea breezes, shaded promenades, and cool, salty air make the coastline the most refreshing escape—and Anchor Bay Holidays has you covered for the perfect getaway.

Whether you’re booking a spontaneous break or preparing for your summer holiday, here’s why our coastal holiday cottages (and a bit of seaside planning) will keep you cool, calm and collected.

Why the Coast is the Best Place to Be

The beauty of a beachside holiday is that the sea naturally moderates the temperature. That fresh breeze rolling in off the North Sea? Blissful. Strolls along shaded cliff paths, early morning beach walks, and mid-afternoon dips in the sea all beat the heat far better than a stuffy urban flat.

From Filey to Scarborough, our coastal cottages are perfectly placed to enjoy that cooler microclimate. Even at the height of summer, there’s always somewhere to escape the heat, whether that’s a shady patch in the dunes, a coastal woodland walk, or a breezy clifftop bench with an ice cream in hand.

Keeping Cool at Your Coastal Holiday Cottage

At Anchor Bay Holidays, we’ve made sure our properties are equipped to help you relax in comfort even during the hottest days:

• Britannia House at The Bay, Filey features full air conditioning for that instant chill.
• Other homes come with portable fans for every room.
• The Beach Houses at The Bay include ceiling fans, bringing a gentle breeze inside, ideal after a day in the sun.
• Many of our cottages are built with thick stone walls or shaded positioning to keep naturally cooler in the heat.

Quick tips on arrival:

• Pop drinks, fruit and water bottles straight into the fridge.
• Store ice lollies or ice cube trays in the freezer (you’ll thank yourself later).
• Shut the blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day to keep the temperature down indoors.
• Keep a chilled jug of water or herbal tea topped up and ready to go!

What to Pack for a Hot Weather Coastal Getaway

To make the most of your seaside break, a little planning goes a long way.

Here’s a handy checklist:

• Sun hats, lightweight clothing, and UV sunglasses
• High-factor sunscreen for all the family
• Cool bags or boxes for picnics or storing pet food
• Cooling mats, vests or bandanas for dogs (most of our cottages are pet-friendly!)
• Beach essentials: umbrellas, windbreaks, pop-up tents for shade
• A small cooling spray, misting fan or water spritzer for instant refreshment

Pet-Friendly Cooling Tips

We know pets are part of the family, and in hot weather, they need just as much care as we do, if not more.

• At the property: Many cottages have cool floors and shaded areas. Lay down cooling mats, provide fresh water, and never leave dogs in cars, even with the windows open.
• On the beach: Bring a collapsible water bowl, avoid the midday sun, and stick to early morning or evening walks (remembering to check the tide times).
• On walks: Coastal paths offer breezier, shadier strolls, plus access to water for a quick paddle.

And don’t forget, wetting your dog’s coat with cool (not cold) water can be a great way to keep their body temperature down.

Best Time of Day for Beach Fun

Beat the midday heat by planning your beach time smartly:

• Early mornings are perfect for sunrise walks and calm paddles before the sun hits its peak.
• Late afternoons offer golden light, quieter sands, and cooler air for relaxing or letting the kids (and dogs!) run wild.
• Remember to plan your beach time around the tide times.

Stay Cool, Stay Coastal

When it’s hot in the UK, heading to the coast isn’t just a luxury—it’s the most sensible escape. Whether you’re lounging in Britannia House with air con, enjoying sea breezes at The Beach House, or cooling off under a fan in one of our many charming cottages, you’ll find comfort, shade, and style by the sea.

Ready to feel the breeze for yourself?

Book your Anchor Bay Holidays today, the sea is calling, and it’s cooler than ever.