When you get to Britain, the summer heat and humidity will have preceded you. Here are five reasons to head 'across the pond' for a cool summer break.

The Shetland Islands crown the northern-most part of the British Isles, offering an average maximum daily temperature of just 57 degrees (Fahrenheit) in August, but with almost continuous daylight!

The evocative island landscapes can be reached by flying into Glasgow and then taking a short internal flight north; or by taking a two-and-a-half hour flight from London.

Cooling sea winds make this a great summer vacation choice, located at the meeting point of the Arctic and Atlantic oceans and the North Sea. The rugged coastlines of the islands offer invigorating walks, and the freshly caught seafood is not to be missed.

The enjoyment of london

Visitors enjoy London throughout the year, with the many free museums, large green parks, historic homes and palaces making it a 'must-see' city.

To chill out in the summer, head to the Tower of London, where the towers provide shade and cool spaces within the walls, which are 15 feet thick in some cases.

The Mediaeval Palace of King Henry III and Edward I has re-opened following restoration, and now takes visitors back in time with replica furniture, textiles as well as sounds and scents.

Just onehour by train from London lies the seaside city of Brighton with its popular boardwalk, chic shopping opportunities, vibrant nightlife and stunning Regency heritage - a perfect day trip from London, or stay overnight at one of Brighton's contemporary boutique hotels.

North-east of London - and within a short drive of London Stansted Airport for travellers flying with new airlines Maxjet or Eos from New York - lies the Norfolk Broads.

This network of picturesque waterways offers relaxing boat trips and cruises, taking in tranquil landscapes.

Great atmosphere

Enjoy a cold beer at a waterside pub, and visit the cool interiors of mediaeval churches such as St. Helen's at Ranworth - where visitors can also climb the tower for breathtaking views.

In Wales, the Snowdonia National Park is the natural choice for cooling off high in the mountains, even offering a steam train to the summit of Mount Snowdon. But travellers can also keep cool by venturing below ground.

The Electric Mountain, in the town of Llanberis, is an attraction taking visitors on an underground tour of the hydroelectric power station hidden deep inside a mountain to see one of man's greatest engineering achievements.

Also in Llanberis, visitors can explore the National Slate Museum, which features restored terraced houses dating from 1860, demonstrations and tours of the workshops, and the largest working waterwheel in Britain.

Llanberis is less than two hours drive from Manchester Airport, with flights from American Airlines, British Airways and Continental Airlines from New York.

In south-west England, a sub- tropical garden may not, at first glance, seem the coldest of destinations. However, set in a valley, Trebah Gardens is a spectacular 26-acre paradise offering cool shade beneath the palm-tree canopies, and also boasts a private and secluded beach on the Helford River.

One-hundred-year-old tree ferns are among the many rare and exotic plants, trees and shrubs at Trebah Garden, which is located close to the pretty Cornish fishing towns of Newquay, Falmouth, and St. Ives.

From New York, fly into Bristol, London or Manchester airports and then take a short (low-cost) connecting flight with Air Southwest to Newquay Airport.

For more information on summer vacations in Britain log on towww.visitbritain.com.