To keep you feeling happy and safe under the sun, we’ve compiled a list of sun-safe tips leaving you prepared and free to enjoy that glorious, sunny summer holiday.

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  1. WEAR SUN SCREEN.  If you’re going to be brave the rays, make sure you wear proper sun block – at least factor 25 – and remember to reapply after swimming. Sun block should be applied at least 15 minutes before going outside. This gives your skin enough time to absorb it properly. Also, make sure your skin is dry before applying sun block. If you apply it to a sweaty or wet face, it will dilute and rub off . The risks – skin cancer, sun spots, cataracts, dehydration – far out way that browned look.
  2. DRINK DRINK DRINK.  Remember to pack water and juice on days when you’ll be out in the sun. Your body needs fluids to cool itself down. If you don’t sweat enough, your body temperature will rocket and this can quickly lead to dehydration or heat stroke. Both conditions are serious if left untreated and can mean the end of a fun holiday in the sun.
  3. TAKE A SIESTA. Make like a continental European and retreat indoors for a cheeky snooze during the hottest part of the day (between 11am and 2pm). Alternatively, relax in the shade during these peak sun hours – bring an umbrella with you for guaranteed cool, or visit the shops, go to a gallery or explore the local castle. Breaking up your time in the sun will reduce the risk of fatigue, sun burn and dehydration.
  4. DRESS TO PROTECT. Wearing the right clothing in the sun can keep you cool and burn free. If you’re sightseeing under the sun, stick to light cotton or linen shirts, shorts and a wide brim hat. Light clothing that covers your neck and shoulders will also save sensitive areas from getting burned.
  5. DRESS YOUR EYES. A pair of decent sunnies will block out the sun’s UV rays, which can cause cataracts, pterygiums and muscular degeneration, particularly in older people. Not only will sunglasses protect you from ultra violet radiation, they improve vision in bright conditions and block out the glare – perfect if you’re driving or induldging in a bit of watersport fun.
  6. BEWARE THE GLARE. Sunlight reflects off the water, snow and sand. This glare reflects up to 12 times as much light intensity as normal UV rays. If you go anywhere near these surfaces make sure you’re wearing sun block, donning those UV-protective sunglasses and covering up!
  7. TAKE A BREAK. Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, sunburn strikes. If it happens to you, be strict and stay out of the sun altogether until your skin recovers.
  8. THINK OF THE CHILDREN. Make sure you don’t forget to slap the sunscreen on the kids, reapply regularly, pop a hat on their heads and make sure they’re well covered up while building sandcastles. Children’s skin is far more sensitive to the sun’s harmful UV rays than adult skin and deserves a bit of extra TLC.
  9. MISTRUST CLOUDS. Just because it’s cloudy, does’t mean the sun can’t reach you. Cloud cover does reduce the risk of getting burnt, but only by a fraction and UV rays can happily penetrate cloud cover. Never treat a cloudy day as an opportunity to give sun block a miss!

…reasons to stay at Fountain View

1. Stylish, clean and comfortable accommodation

2. Perfectly located to explore all the Cotswolds has to offer

3. Activities available for ALL ages

4. Lots of FREE leisure facilities just steps away from the lodge

5. Tranquil and relaxing setting make it a perfect retreat

6. FREE fishing onsite

7. Fully equipped for your self catering holiday – including FREE WIFI

8. Price Match Promise – we are 10-20% cheaper than our competitors

9. Exceptional customer service & very high standards

10. Fountain View is special – read our guest reviews to see why!

CHILDREN across the Cotswolds have a holiday full of fun events to look forward to when school’s out for summer.

The Summer off the Streets programme is being distributed to local schools this month and contains details of activities from circus skills to African drumming for children and young people to enjoy until August.

Events also include craft and dance activities, family fun days and Scratch & Skate festivals, and have been funded by the district council and Cirencester Town Council.

Jane Manning, of local arts organisation World Jungle which is managing the programme, said there was much on offer this year such as one-off workshops offering youngsters the opportunity to try something new.

“Event organisers are now raring to go, and we hope to repeat the success of previous years,” she added. “Whatever the weather we aim to deliver another great summer of fun.

“One of the many highlights will be when we join up with the London 2012 Olympic Inspire Programme to present a fun afternoon of circus activities at the Abbey Grounds, Cirencester, on Monday, July 23.

“We’re helping to celebrate National Play Day with a free family fun day event in the same location on August 1.”

She said the team had tried to make the programme accessible to all but, if a child has additional needs, parents should make contact as early as possible so extra support can be arranged.

For more information and to book call 01285 623407 or go to worldjungle.org.uk