Families escape city heatwave at water beauty spots

Rosy Bailey and and Matt Reeves enjoy an icecream with their daughter, Nancy, during the heatwave at Whitlingham Broad (Image: Archant)

At Whitlingham Broad in Trowse, on the edge of Norwich, children had fun on paddleboards and parents and youngsters enjoyed canoeing on the tranquil beauty spot.

James Davies, 8, has a go at kyaking with his dad, Jon, during the heatwave at Whitlingham Broad (Image: Archant)

Away from the water visitors stuck to the shady areas in the country park.

Elisha Soanes and Ollie Abrahams have a picnic in the sun at Whitlingham Broad (Image: Archant)

Among the people enjoying the natural haven were artists taking part in Paint Out Norwich, which encourages creatives to get inspired by the city's surroundings until July 22.

Lora Stimson paints from a shady spot at Whitlingham Broad as part of Paint Out Norwich (Image: Archant)

In the city centre shoppers were out and about and groups were meeting outside coffee shops, pubs and restaurants over the weekend.

Malik Endul, 7, and his sister Malika show off their armbands while paddling in the River Yare in Earlham Park (Image: Archant)

But it appeared people heeded medical advice including avoiding the sun at the hottest time of the day.

Arthur Orbell, 4, shows off a rock he found in the River Yare in Earlham Park with his dad, Sam, and dog, Indie. (Image: Archant)

At Earlham Park, near the University of East Anglia, lots of children and dogs were enjoying the shallow water of the River Yare.

Many other visitors were enjoying sunbathing, playing frisbee and football.