Charming European cities with 21°C highs soar in popularity as more Britons opt for coolcations

British holidaymakers are ditching the usual sun-drenched getaways this summer in favour of something a bit different — cooler European city breaks where temperatures hover in the pleasant low 20s, according to new research.

It showed the capital of Estonia as the most popular pick when it comes to 'coolcations', where summer temperatures reach around 21°C.

After weeks of record-breaking heat hitting both the UK and popular Mediterranean spots, some travellers are rethinking their plans entirely.

Fresh data from online travel agent loveholidays shows last-minute bookings to cooler destinations have shot up since heatwave conditions took hold across Britain on June 19.

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Rather than baking on a beach in southern Europe, Britons are now flocking to northern cities where they can actually enjoy being outdoors.

Top 5 trending "coolcations"

1. Tallinn, Estonia — average summer high of 21°C, bookings up 110%
2. Copenhagen, Denmark — average summer high of 21°C, bookings up 107%
3. Oslo, Norway — average summer high of 22°C, bookings up 106%
4. Stockholm, Sweden — average summer high of 23°C, bookings up 39%
5. Amsterdam, the Netherlands — average summer high of 22°C, bookings up 33%

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The Estonian capital is the clear frontrunner, with holiday bookings for departures before the end of summer more than doubling since the June heatwave began.

Scandinavian cities aren't far behind, with Copenhagen and Oslo both seeing demand roughly double compared to the same period in 2025.

Chief marketing and supply officer at loveholidays, Al Murray, said: "Brits have always chased the sun, but this summer a lot of us are chasing the shade instead.

"Unusually high temperatures here in the UK and across a number of Mediterranean hotspots are clearly influencing travel choices, and we're seeing significant growth in summer bookings to cooler city break destinations as a result. With more hot weather on the way in August, this is a trend we're confident we'll continue to see play out."

So what can holidaymakers actually expect when they arrive at the top pick destinations? Tallinn offers walkable streets, a brilliant café culture and easy access to the Baltic coastline — perfect for a relaxed city break with a coastal twist.

The Scandinavian trio of Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm all boast wonderfully long daylight hours and are surrounded by nature, making them ideal for outdoor adventures without breaking a sweat.

Finally, Britons are considering Amsterdam. Visitors can drift along the canals by boat, cycle through leafy neighbourhoods or simply enjoy a picnic in one of the city's many parks. Not a bad way to escape the heat at all.

loveholidays’ top last-minute deals for Brits wanting to beat the heat:

• Tallinn, Estonia: 4 nights at Mövenpick Hotel Tallinn flying from London Luton, from £379pp in August 2026
• Copenhagen, Denmark: 4 nights at Hotel Mayfair flying from London Stansted, from £409pp in August 2026
• Oslo, Norway: 4 nights at Clarion Hotel The Hub flying from London Stansted, from £509pp in August 2026
• Stockholm, Sweden: 4 nights at The Red Boat flying from London Stansted, from £289pp in August 2026
• Amsterdam, the Netherlands: 4 nights at NH Amsterdam Noord flying from Bristol, from £359pp in August 2026

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