As the United Kingdom saw temperatures soar to record-breaking temperatures, many sought out ways to cool off.

But while Gravesend promenade is often the place to be on a sunny day – with its riverside setting, cool breezes, trees for shade and a cafe selling ice cream – yesterday many stayed away.

As the Met Office provisionally confirmed Tuesday had been the UK's hottest-ever day, with temperatures in some parts of the country hitting 40C, the town's Riverside Leisure Area was exceptionally quiet, with merely a few people out enjoying the sun.

On a hot day, you might expect ice cream parlours to be doing booming business.

However, the extremity of the heat meant that places like the Promenade Café were not that busy.

One member of staff, Graceson Oxley, 26, said: "It has been very quiet to be honest because I think people just don’t really want to come out.

“It’s so hot, I have to get a bottle of water with some ice in it and just spray it on myself.”

However, there were a few people out and about, enjoying the sunshine safely.

Jim and Jane, both 72 and from Gravesend, had donned hats and sun cream, found a shady spot under a tree and were enjoying an ice cream with their three-year-old grandson Dawson.

Jim said: "We really enjoy the sun because it's only here for a little while.

"You have to be careful, of course, but try and enjoy it."

On August 10, 2003, Gravesend was briefly crowned the hottest place on record in Britain when it was a sizzling 38.1C.