Birmingham heatwave 2022: 7 ways to cool off - from ice cream in Sundaes Gelato to ice skating at Planet Ice

Large parts of England and Wales, including Birmingham, are being hit with sweltering temperatures this week and into next.

You might be wondering if there is any escape from the heat in Birmingham, and if you are stuck for options you’re in luck.

Here are seven ways you can keep your cool in Birmingham this coming week.

Grab an ice cream

The classic way to both keep cool and treat yourself to something sweet, take advantage of one of the many ice cream parlours and shops around the city.

From Sundaes Gelato on Cooperation Street, to The Waffle Project on the way out towards Shirley, there are plenty of ice cream shops around the city to drop in and cool off at.

Go for a dip in a swimming pool

Birmingham has plenty of swimming pools around, and they will all make for a great place to visit during the hot summer months.

When you have found your closest pool, make sure to check out their website for full details on opening times and admission.

Upon arrival remember two things - have fun and cool off.

Take in a film

This option would involve you getting out of the sun and heat completely, and heading to one of the many chain and independent cinemas located around the city.

There’s always plenty of choice when it comes to films, and with many cinemas coming equipped with air conditioning there aren’t many better places to cool off.

Go ice skating

The idea of ice skating in the middle of summer may seem odd, but what better way to spend a hot day than at an indoor ice rink?

Planet Ice in Solihull offers lessons and has public skating options throughout the week, head over to their website to get your session booked up.

Take a leisurely walk

The West Midlands has some fantastic scenery, from the inner city parks of Birmingham to the rolling hills of Worcestershire and beyond.

A casual walk in one of these parks, making sure you are fully prepared for a few hours in the sun, will be a great way to get out in the fresh air.

You might even want to just find a nice shaded spot and wait out the hottest of the sun in real comfort. For this, we recommend taking water, a blanket, and maybe a good book.

Take a trip to a beer garden

When done so responsibly, you can have a great time enjoying an alcoholic (or non alcoholic) beverage out of the sun.

There is a huge number of great beer gardens in Birmingham, the toughest choice you will have is deciding which one to visit.

Visit a beach

For those looking to escape it all and really make the most of the good weather, why not take a road trip to a beach and get away from the heat of the city.

Birmingham may be central, but we have a selection of beaches here that you can visit for the day or maybe even treat yourself to an overnight stay nearby.