1. Wild swimming and strawberry picking.

Definitely one for when the weather gets so hot that even picking fruit leaves you hot and bothered. Aberbran Fawr campsite is just outside Brecon and guests are invited to pluck the likes of strawberries and blackcurrants from their field. They also happen to be situated right next to the River Usk, where a quick dip could prove the perfect antidote to the summer sun. www.aberbranfawr.co.uk

2. Try kayaking on the Wye.

Filly Farmhouse is a gorgeous stone farmhouse sleeping 10 just outside Hay on Wye in the Brecon Beacons. It also overlooks a lake, which gives guests plenty of opportunity for relaxed kayaking/canoeing sessions. Once you're done practicing in private you can then make the short trip to the River Wye, offering up mile upon mile of tranquil, sun-dappled waterway for your exploration. www.breconcottages.com/cottage-details/FILLY

3. Head for an underground cave.

As hot as it may get, one other sure fire way to escape the sun is to head underground, so why not learn a bit of history at the same time by visiting the National Showcaves Centre for Wales. There's plenty of scope to explore Bone Cave, where 42 human skeletons have been discovered so far, or wonder at Cathedral Cave's delicate formations. www.showcaves.co.uk

4. Cool down with an ice cream. 

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream. We've actually screamed ourselves hoarse for Llanfaes Dairy's massive selection of flavours that ranges all the way from Blackberry & Apple Crumble to Mandarin Cheesecake. This top quality artisan ice cream is created using a selection of local and authentic Italian ingredients, all of which are mixed by hand. Yum. www.llanfaesdairy.com

5. Put together an artisan picnic.

Chances are most people will be looking to put together their own picnic this summer, but you can put their sausage rolls and scotch eggs to shame by ordering a Black Mountains Smokery hamper. Slice up a side of oak roasted salmon, or add some smoked chicken breasts to a fresh salad, and you've got yourself an impressive (yet deceptively simple!) summer feast. www.smoked-foods.co.uk

6. Wander along the canal.

While many of Brecon's more dramatic walking routes might involve working up a sweat in the summer heat, a cool wander along the Brecon and Monmouthshire Canal will keep you nice and relaxed. You'll pass several locks along the way, not to mention a host of local pubs (such as the Star at Talybont) where you can pretend to yourself that you've worked up enough of a sweat to deserve a pint. www.starinntalybont.co.uk

7. Only venture out at night.

It is no secret that the national park is one of the very best places in Europe for gazing up at the night sky, so why not avoid the heat by shunning the daytime altogether? Book yourself into a secluded cottage for the chance to ponder the heavens from the comfort of your own terrace, or head out as part of a guided stargazing trip, such as this one offered by Good Day Out. www.gooddayout.co.uk/experiences/night-sky-observing

8. Fine dining at the River Café.

If even picnic preparation sounds like too much activity this summer you could always head on over to the River Café in Glasbury. Dishes range from linguine vongole to a homemade pesto papperdelle, all of which can be served on the decking overlooking the river. Water look too enticing to ignore? Hire a canoe from reception and head out… www.therivercafeglasbury.co.uk 

9. Head out onto Llangorse Lake.

Right at the heart of the Beacons sits Llangorse Lake, the single largest natural lake in South Wales. Famous for its coarse fishing and watersports, Llangorse is great for anyone looking to cool off by hiring canoes, dinghies, rowing boats and pedaloes. The more adventurous among you might also want to try out a little water-skiing. www.llangorselake.co.uk

10. Get lost in literature.
As home to the largest collection of second hand bookshops in the UK, Hay-on-Wye is the perfect place for literature lovers to come and escape the sun. As one of the biggest of the bunch, Booth's Bookshop even boasts its own café and cinema! With all that on offer you might even find that one day isn't long enough to get around to doing everything. www.boothbooks.co.uk 

-Ends-

For further information please contact:
Tom Watts
Tel: 02075 895 669
Email: tom@alexandramarr.com