We’ve been blessed with an almost unprecedented period of warm weather here in Gloucestershire this past fortnight and the sunshine looks set to continue for the rest of the week. Here’s a list of things to get up to in Gloucestershire when the temperatures soar.

Cool off at Sandford Parks Lido

When the sun is out, and the humidity is unbearable, the best way of cooling off is to pay a visit to one of the best outdoor swimming pools in the country. Sandford Parks Lido is the place to be when the temperatures soar. With dedicated swimming lanes the 50-metre pool is perfect if you’re looking to exercise or work on your technique. Children are well catered for as well, with a smaller pool complete with slides and a paddling pool.

Pick your own fruit at Primrose Vale

The current heatwave shows no signs of stopping which is great news for the team at Primrose Vale whose fruit and vegetables get to bask in glorious summer sunshine. Primrose Vale is located on the outskirts of Cheltenham and gives visitors the chance to pick their own fruit, with strawberries and raspberries the most popular. There’s also an extensive collection of gooseberries, blackberries, blackcurrants, as well as apples and pears that ripe for the picking later in the summer.

Get out of the sun at Hopewell Colliery

What better way to avoid sunburn than exploring an underground mine? Guided tours are available at the former working mine, giving visitors the chance to see how miners lived and worked. The colliery is also home to a mining museum complete with a collection of mining articles, photographs and equipment.

Pay a visit to one of England’s most famous castles

Set amongst the beautiful Cotswold countryside, Sudeley Castle is steeped in history. King Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and Richard III have all played a part in Sudeley’s story. It is the only private castle in England to have a queen buried within its grounds – Katherine Parr, the last wife of the notorious Henry VIII. As well as the stunning castle, Sudeley is home to a collection of award-winning gardens.

Meet farm animals at Cotswold Farm Park

The Cotswold Farm Park is home to a superb collection of farm animals as well as rare breeds that have been born and raised on the farm. Visitors can get up-close to sheep, pigs, cows, goats, chickens and many more animals that are lovingly cared for by the staff at the farm. There’s plenty to get up to, with educational talks, wildlife walks, a farm shop and café plus a park for children to enjoy.

Travel in style on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway

What better way to take in some of the most stunning Gloucestershire countryside than on board a mighty steam engine? The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway operates steam and heritage diesel trains between the station at Cheltenham Racecourse and the recently opened station at Broadway.

Visit one of Gloucestershire’s most magnificent ancient buildings

Tewkesbury Abbey was founded by Robert Fitzhamon, second cousin of William the Conqueror, in 1102. One of the most striking features of the abbey is its stunning collection of stained glass windows, with the enormous west window depicting Christ’s journey from birth to ascension being the most impressive. The abbey hosts a number of concerts throughout the year, with local orchestras and choirs given the chance to perform at one of the most stunning buildings in Gloucestershire.

Learn more about one of Gloucestershire’s oldest towns

After you’ve visited Tewkesbury Abbey why not pop into the town’s museum to learn more about the history of Tewkesbury, its people, trades, buildings, institutions and of course, its battle. Tewkesbury Museum has a vast collection of objects, images and archives relating to all periods of history, with one of the largest collections commemorating the battle of Tewkesbury that took place in 1471.

Take a walk in the Forest of Dean

Sometimes it’s nice to escape the intense sunshine and head for a bit of shade. The Forest of Dean offers walkers a great number of varied routes to explore the ancient woodland, with inexperienced and less able walkers sure to find a route to enjoy. Make sure to keep a look out for animals during your walk, the Forest of Dean hosts the largest collection of wild boar in the country.

Get your wetsuit on and head to Cotswold Water Park

The Cotswold Water Park is home to 150 lakes with visitors able to get involved in several exciting watersports, including windsurfing, kayaking, sailing and swimming. Located in South Cerney, between Cirencester and Cricklade, the Cotswold Water Park is the ideal place to spend a day on the water or simply relaxing at one of the numerous picnic sites or nature reserves.