Summer finally comes to Britain – in pictures

Sunrise near Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland as the UK enjoys an Indian summer Photograph: Owen Humphreys / PA

Enjoying the unseasonably hot weather in the sight of Eastbourne pier, West Sussex Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Making the most of it, also in Eastbourne Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Scotland wasn't left out either – this is St Andrews beach, where temperatures have been comfortably in the mid-20s Photograph: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

And this is St James's Park in London, where everyone is having a lovely time Photograph: Tony Kyriacou/Rex Features

A wider shot of Eastbourne, filled with happy retirees Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Girls jump into the sea on the Cullercoats, north Tyneside on England's north east coast. It must be hot if people are doing things like that Photograph: Owen Humphreys/PA

And it's not just women jumping into the sea in Cullercoats: here are some young men doing it too Photograph: Owen Humphreys/PA

This sensible Brighton sunbather opted to cover up and protect herself from the sun Photograph: Gareth Fuller / PA

And how better to enjoy a spot of warm weather than with an ice-cream? Alyssa Golding, aged two, in Folkestone, Kent has the right idea Photograph: Gareth Fuller / PA

Some clouds lurk over the South Downs, West Sussex but not enough to stop these walkers enjoying themselves Photograph: Steve Speller / Alamy

The quintessential British summer photo – taken in late September: Helen Mitchell from Newcastle smells a rose in Regents Park Photograph: Dan Kitwood / Getty Images

Everyone in Regents Park is making the most of the sun Photograph: Dan Kitwood / Getty Images

The sun sets over the Angel Of The North in Gateshead but with hopes for another warm day Photograph: Owen Humphreys / PA