Tourists head to coast to escape 'sweltering' heat

Beaches in St Ives are among those that have been busy this week

Many holiday related businesses are enjoying a boost as people from around the UK travel to Devon and Cornwall's coast to escape the "sweltering" heat, a tourism boss has said.

Tuesday was recorded as the hottest day of the year so far, with London reaching 32C (90F).

Malcolm Bell from Visit Cornwall said "all [people will] want to do is think about being on the coast" and added the region has been "plagued by late bookings".

He said so far it had been a "real boost" to hospitality businesses in Devon and Cornwall, and said "long may that boost last".

People have been visiting Goodrington Sands in Paignton

In Cornwall on Tuesday the top temperature reached 24C (75F) in Helston, with coastal areas often feeling cooler.

In Devon it reached a maximum of about 28C (82F) in Exeter.

Mr Bell said: "This year's been plagued by late bookings as people try and save money or thinking about it, so this weather coming good now [is good]."

He added: "A lot of people in the Midlands, London, Swindon, Bristol, it's sweltering at 30C.

"All they'll want to do is think about being on the coast. Hopefully that will give a real boost to late bookings as people decide there's nowhere better to be than the British coast in good weather.

"We've got a real advantage in the South West of having a choice of two coasts close together."

Dave Bamforth runs a food and drink kiosk in Paignton

Dave Bamforth, who runs North Sands Kiosk and Bar in Paignton, said the weather "couldn't have come at a better time" for businesses.

"First day of the school holidays was a bit of a wash out, as from Sunday and all of last week we're going great guns. [It's] really, really good."

The manager of a waterpark nearby said the sun has also made a difference to his business.

John Lees from Splashdown waterpark said: "Like everyone we're here and ready all the time just waiting for the sun.

"Because we're all outdoors and right by the beach we are a lot busier when it's sunny so we've just been here waiting for the weather to turn."

Karen Cocking runs a boutique in Cornwall and says it has been a late start to the year

Traders in towns across the region said they have been waiting for the summer weather.

Karen Cocking, from Porthmeor Beach Boutique in St Ives, said: "We've had two or three good days now and fingers crossed we're hoping the season elongates because we've had a very late start this year."

Jim Howarth runs homeware shop Gullz R Loud in St Ives and said: "We tend to stay open a little bit later and catch people as they're coming off the beach or going for meals.

"For us the weather is key, it has to be good weather to get the numbers in here. It's all about footfall."