Nothing excites the country - including Coventry - like a heatwave.

Last weekend, the city was saturated in sunshine as residents and revellers enjoyed the warm weather.

We are approaching yet more hot weather in the city - and residents of Coventry, like most British people, have a set pattern of behaviour when the sun comes out.

Among the city's favourite pastimes during the sunny weather are clearing out local supermarkets of all ice and meat products, erecting a gazebo/barbecue/paddling pool (delete as applicable) in their garden, and stocking up on cheap cider.

Below are 20 things we are used to doing, seeing and hearing during the summer months in Coventry

1. Talk about the weather

"Have you been outside today?

"It's warm.

"It's really warm.

"Summer's here, isn't it?

"It'll soon be Christmas, mind."

The Two Boats Inn

2. Celebrate the weather - by heading to a beer garden!

There's some unbelievably tranquil and picturesque pub gardens throughout Coventry and Warwickshire. No matter where you're regular watering hole is, you'll find establishments with lush gardens and friendly atmospheres all across the region.

Check out our ultimate list here.

Alternatively, take the dog for a walk and head to a pub which is pet-friendly, or take the kids to a play area. You can even try your hand at a canalside and riverside pub.

Put that fan back away!
Put that fan back away!

3. ... and then complain about the weather

"I don't know about you, but it's too hot.

"I'm sick of this now. I want a nice breeze.

"Have we got a fan anywhere in the house?"

4. Plan a day at the beach!

With Fillongley's man-made beach gone, you'll be forced to plan a day trip to somewhere where your toes can touch the sea.

5. Search for sea and sand

Coventry is said to be further from the coast than any other city in the UK.

While Coventry looks glorious in the sun, the one thing we are missing is the sound of seagulls and the waves crashing against rocks.

We don't have so much as a grain of sand in sight around here, but that doesn't mean you can't indulge in a road-trip to one of Britain's more recognised coastal towns.

So where is Coventry’s nearest beach?

Find out by clicking here.

6. Get excited when the ice-cream truck comes by

The unbridled joy that permeates every crevice of your body when you hear those familiar chimes is not to be underestimated.

7. Before fuming about the price of a 99...

"I remember the days when a 99 cost 99p. Three quid fifty? And no strawberry sauce? I best get a flake otherwise there'll be hell to pay here, I'm telling you."

8. ... and heading somewhere else!

Use our guide to make your own ice-cream, or if you want somebody else to buy it, look at our top ten list of ice cream purveyors in Coventry.

Check out 13 mouth-watering desserts you can get in Coventry right now by clicking here.

9. Plan a spontaneous BBQ

Ah, what a treat. Nothing says it's summer like the smell of charred meat. No doubt you'll head to the nearest supermarket to pick up charcoal for your barbecue, or a gas cylinder.

We've got a handy list of where to get them here.

10. Feel useless when you fail to light it

"This thing won't work. It's not my fault. I'm telling you it's not my fault. There's something wrong with it.

"Have you got the receipt from Tesco? Right, come on, get in the car. We're getting a refund."

11. Get some suncream on

Despite it being England and the temperature never truly reaching above 25 degrees, you'd be a fool for ignoring your protection needs.

Find out which SPF suits you here.

12. ... and undoubtedly miss a spot

Or draw a rude body part on your mate when they get you to do their back.

13. Make a daisy chain

A childhood classic, of course.

14. Before your day becomes ruined by hay fever

Manage your hay fever symptoms with these clever tips and tricks from experts.

We've rounded up nine useful hacks.

weather

15. Engage in a water fight

Load up on Super Soakers and balloons, and fill your boots by targeting your mates or neighbours with water bombs.

A traditional water fight is one of the best parts of being a child in summer.

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16. Sunbathe in the garden

Get the iPhone station out, and play some tunes through your speakers while relaxing with the summer warmth all around you.

You might choose to read a book, or nod off to sleep, but there's few finer things in life than the smell of freshly mown grass and sound of birds during the summer months.

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17. Splash about in the War Memorial Park water feature

The water feature at War Memorial Park will open at the end of the month, it has been revealed.

Coventry City Council confirmed the news on Twitter, after eager city residents got in touch to request opening dates for the 36-jet splash area park.

The water feature at Coventry Memorial Park
The water feature at Coventry Memorial Park

18. ... or a city swimming pool!

Nothing quite beats swimming in summer, and if you fancy getting your hair wet this year, we've got some great ideas on where to do so.

Click here for five of the best places to take a dip - from extravagant hotels, to Olympic-sized city centre baths.

19. Struggle to fall asleep

Tossing and turning all night long, with the muggy air surrounding you. You'll fight for the duvet, or just be done with it all together and throw it onto the carpet.

You'll sweat, you'll struggle, and you'll be tired when you eventually wake up after barely catching a wink...

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20. Moan the next day

"Oh, I just couldn't sleep last night. It was too hot. Were you too hot? Yeah, I was too hot. I had the window open, no cover, and three fans. Still too hot."