What is a ‘Coolcation’? 3 Cooler UK Holiday Destinations for Summer

A coolcation is a holiday in a destination with a milder summer climate. As heatwaves become more frequent across Europe, choosing somewhere comfortably warm rather than somewhere uncomfortably hot is becoming a priority for many travellers. So, if you’re tired of the beating European heat and want something a bit easier on the temperature, a staycation on British waters might be the answer.  

Here’s what a 'coolcation' means, where the term came from, and the best cooler destinations in the UK to avoid extreme heat this summer. 

What does ‘coolcation’ mean? 

The term ‘coolcation’ comes from a blend of the words ‘cool’ and ‘vacation’, referring to a holiday in a place with a cooler climate. One of the first appearances of the term came from a Conde Nast Traveller holiday trends article for 2024, highlighting how the rise of heatwaves is leaving people in search of milder weather, particularly those travelling with their families.  

Why are coolcations becoming popular? 

Coolcations are growing in popularity as travellers actively seek out cooler, less crowded destinations where they can relax without extreme and unpredictable heat.  

With the last three years (2023 to 2025) being ranked as the warmest on record, according to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), it’s no wonder why people are looking for trips where they won’t be subject to prolonged heat.  

Data from Booking.com highlighted 42% of travellers now prefer to travel to cooler locations, while the European Travel Commission (ETC) found that 28% of travellers are reconsidering the time they plan to travel over the next two years to avoid crowds, save money, and escape extreme heat.   

The Met Office has linked rising UK temperatures to human-induced climate change, which has prompted many travellers to rethink both where and how they holiday. Cooler, lower-impact trips closer to home are more appealing now than they ever have been.   

That’s where canal boat holidays come in. Cruising through the countryside naturally feels cooler thanks to open water, tree-lined towpaths and shaded moorings, while also offering a lower-impact alternative to flying abroad. 

What can you do on a coolcation?  

Instead of struggling in the heat, you can enjoy countryside walks after mooring up on the canals, following quintessential trails, or exploring one of the seven wonders of the waterways to admire Britain’s historic canal engineering. You can also go kayaking in the morning and relax with on-board activities in the evening, all in the comfort of milder temperatures. 

Why should you choose a coolcation? 

There are five reasons why choosing a canal boat holiday should be your next coolcation choice:

• Enjoy manageable, cooler summer temperatures instead of blistering heat 

• Explore hidden gems across the UK without the faff of travelling abroad 

• Avoid crowded resorts by venturing to quieter towns, villages and cities 

• Embrace the beauty of British landscapes at a pace that suits you 

• Uncover centuries of industrial heritage and history along the waterways 
  
  

Canal boat holidays combine cooler climates with slower travel, scenic views and flexible itineraries.  

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Coolcation destinations in the UK 

Based on Met Office data from summer 2025, some of the coolest temperatures in the UK can be found in: 

• Central and Western Scotland 

• Northwest England 

• North Wales 
  
  

Central and Western Scotland  

Western Scotland stood out as a cooler region in the UK, recording an average maximum temperature of 18.2ºC and a mean temperature of 14.4ºC. This is noticeably lower than the 22ºC-24ºC average highs recorded across parts of England, showing that Scotland is one of the UK’s more comfortably mild summer destinations.  

Perched between the two largest Scottish cities, Glasgow and Edinburgh, is the Falkirk Canal. It sits within Scotland’s cooler climate, where average summer highs remain below 19ºC, making it an ideal base for a holiday without intense heat.  

Northwest England 

Stretching from Cumbria in the north down to Cheshire near the Midlands, Northwest England includes five counties, Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, and Cheshire, that recorded cooler summer averages than much of southern and eastern England.  

Some of the best cooler summer cruising routes in the region include: 

• The Llangollen Canal 

• The Shropshire Union Canal 
  
  

North Wales and the Welsh Borders 

North Wales and parts of the Welsh borders recorded average summer highs below 20ºC, making them cooler than much of southern England. Locations such as Goytre Wharf offer access to scenic, sheltered waterways ideal for a milder summer break.  

Want to book a holiday in a cooler region of the UK? Browse our featured canal boat routes here.  

Temperature comparison for British and European cities 

Even though summer 2025 was officially the warmest UK summer on record, which broke the record from 2018, the UK is still cooler on average than most Western European countries.  

These figures reflect national average annual temperatures from Trading Economics, highlighting how the UK’s overall climate is cooler than much of western and southern Europe.  

Britain sits in Europe’s cooler tier with an average temperature of 9.88ºC, compared to: 

• France: 12.65ºC 

• Germany: 11.19ºC 

• Belgium and Netherlands: 11.77ºC 

• Ireland: 10.25ºC 

• Denmark: 10.03ºC 

On the other hand, many central and southern European countries have higher average temperatures:

• Malta: 20.63ºC 

• Cyprus: 20.18ºC 

• Portugal: 16.92ºC 

• Greece: 16.05ºC 

• Spain: 15.10ºC 

• Italy: 14.58ºC 

• Croatia: 13.82ºC 

• Turkey: 13.16ºC 

There are only a few European countries, like the Nordics, which offer cooler escapes than the UK:

• Sweden: 4.19ºC 

• Finland: 3.59ºC 

• Norway: 3.11ºC 

• Iceland: 1.24ºC 

Northern European countries are cooler overall than the UK, on average, with four countries recording lower national average temperatures. Although these destinations are considerably cooler year-round, the UK offers a balanced middle ground, being milder than Scandinavia but far less intense than southern Europe in summer.  

Here’s a look at some of the most popular cities and their temperatures, with average summer mean temperatures from June to August: 

Want to go on a coolcation in the UK? 

ABC Boat Hire’s canal boat routes wind through some of the UK’s cooler summer regions, from the Midlands to the Welsh borders and even southern Scotland, offering fresh air, open water, and comfortable summer cruising conditions, even during peak summer.  

Ready to book? Fill out a booking form at the top of the page for your ideal dates, or speak with our friendly booking team today.