Are you looking to make a splash at the best water parks in the UK? Water parks are a great day out for the whole family as no matter what the weather outside you can enjoy splash zones and the fastest flume rides all year round.
Swimming has always been a great family activity but if you are looking for more fun pools then we have you covered with this ultimate round up of the 16 best water parks the UK has to offer.
Water parks make a great day out during the school holidays and are a great place to spend a day laughing with your kids. I have found that water parks are still a popular day out for teenagers and it is one family outing they often still like to do with their siblings. Whilst most towns have a leisure centre complex that has an indoor pool, not all towns have water parks, and it is the water parks where the most fun is to be had therefore I have been researching just where you can find the best waterparks.
Where Can You Find the Biggest Indoor Waterpark?
Each of the following waterparks is much more than just a swimming pool. They have a range of flumes, wave machines and splashdown areas to entertain the whole family. The biggest waterpark is Sandcastle Waterpark in Blackpool with over 18 slides but all the others have great offerings too.
1. The Alton Towers WaterPark, Staffordshire
Another excellent option nearby in Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, is the Alton Towers Water Park. This park has an impressive faux-beach layout and gives you the unique feeling of holidaying on a tropical beach- without the extortionate airfare. It features thrilling water flumes and an outdoor area with a relaxing bubble pool that opens in the summer.
There’s plenty for older children and adults to enjoy here including the impressive water wheels. Still, there’s also a gentler area for small children called the Wacky Waterworks with less adventurous activities like water cannons and fountains. You’ll need to book and pay for the water park separately from your visit to Alton Towers Theme Park, but it’s a great addition if you’re heading there for a short break.
2. The Wave, Coventry
This award-winning indoor water park is home to the largest wave pool in the UK, holding 20 million litres of water! The Reef is great for young children, with mini slides and jets, while bigger kids have the choice of six slides, a wave pool and The Lazy River for when they need to wind down. Afterwards, you can pop along to Cofa’s Cafe, which offers a range of hot and cold snacks and drinks. Whether you’re a thrill or chill seeker, The Wave has something for everyone and its easily accessible for those living in the Midlands.
3. Blue Lagoon Water Park, Wales
Blue Lagoon is located in Narbeth in Pembrokeshire in Wales. It boasts an enormous glass ceiling that allows you to relax on your back in the water and enjoy a view of the clouds. The entire complex is exceptionally eco-friendly and uses local biomass to keep it warm. The Blue Lagoon is part of the Bluestone holiday complex.
There’s plenty to do at Blue Lagoon for both children and adults, including four exciting water chutes and a wave pool. There’s also an open-air spa and a soothing bubble pool where you can chill out and unwind.
4. WaterWorld Stoke, Staffordshire
WaterWorld in Stoke on Trent in Staffordshire is one of the best locations for thrill-seeking families who want plenty of water rides while visiting a swimming pool. The site is huge and contains around a million gallons of water, and there are traditional flumes and more unusual offerings. The more intense rides, such as the Space Bowl that propels you into a bowl-shaped structure where you spin until you’re plunged into the pool below, are perfect for older children and teenagers looking for an adrenaline rush.
The Thunderbolt is a devil’s drop (or vertical drop) and the scariest of all rides!
There are also plenty of activities for younger adventurers as well, including a wave pool and a lazy river. The park has an exotic, tropical ambience that will make you feel like you’re on holiday, even if you’re only there for the day. Another great find for those based in the midlands or who can travel there easily.
5. Coral Reef Waterworld, Bracknell
Coral Reef Waterworld in Bracknell, Berkshire, is an enjoyable destination for adults and kids alike. The park boasts numerous exciting waterslides and an impressive pirate ship for children to explore. There’s even a volcano that erupts periodically. Grown-ups seeking rest and relaxation can chill out in the soothing open-air coral spa, although please note that this is adults only.
Bracknell is easily accessible for those in London or the Reading area.
6. SC2 Rhyl
The Anaconda is the fastest flume in the park, this is a high-speed wave ride which zooms through complete darkness and out of a snake’s gaping jaws. Just watch out for those fangs! Ideal for daredevils and for thrill seekers, you’ll want to go again and again. Please note: This slide is in complete darkness. For older, more adventurous visitors, higher levels of Piranha Play provide all the fun you need. Children can explore the structure and have endless fun soaking themselves and their friends with water cannons, tipping troughs and jets. The lower levels are designed for younger guests making this ideal for the whole family.
7. Sandcastle Water Park, Blackpool
Blackpool, Lancashire, is a perennial favourite holiday destination for families with children, and it’s also home to the UK’s largest water park. Sandcastle Water Park features a shopping 18 slides and has a fun, tropical theme, complete with a warm climate. There are plenty of white-knuckle options for teens and older kids with gentler shallow areas for little ones.
This is further north and ideal for those visiting Blackpool for a seaside break too.
8. Splashdown Water Park, Poole
Poole in Dorset is a popular holiday destination for families, and a day out at Splashdown Water Park is the perfect way to inject a little excitement into your trip. This park features a whopping 13 thrilling rides, including a near-vertical flume that older kids are sure to love.
One feature that makes Splashdown unusual is that its rides extend outdoors during the warmer months, letting you enjoy the open air and impressive views of the entire park as you whizz along.
9. Splash World, Southport
Splash World is located in the popular coastal town of Southport in Merseyside. It features a pleasant tropical climate and is perfect for a day out in any weather. There are plenty of exciting flumes and river rides and a new, state-of-the-art toddler play facility with fountains and other engaging equipment. There’s also a calming bubble pool to catch up on some much-needed relaxation after a busy day.
10. Calypso Cove Waterpark, Barnsley
Another northern contender is Calypso Cove Waterpark just a short drive from the Barnsley interchange, this South Yorkshire water park has an incredible range of flumes and slides. The beautifully-executed pirate theme is a real novelty and bound to be a hit with kids of all ages.
This park also has a dedicated under-8s area called Barnacle Bay, where younger children can enjoy playing in the water and a mini slide. A restaurant called the Hideout serves food and drinks and is a great location for kids’ parties.
11. Guildford Spectrum
Make a splash at Guildford Spectrum! The Leisure Pool is perfect for thrill seekers with 8 amazing water slides, a crazy wave machine and an interactive children’s section. To avoid disappointment you are advised that you pre-book your Leisure Pool session online. After you’ve tested out the slides don’t forget to ride the wave machine, which operates every 30 minutes! If you’ve brought the little ones with you then there is an extensive range of high and low-level interactive water features, from tipping buckets, to spinning wheels and sprays for them to enjoy. All swimmers are guaranteed an hour and a half of pool time.
12. Swansea LC
You can enjoy all the fun the Waterpark has to offer with your family whilst swimming in the wave pool, floating around the lazy river ride, taking on the thrilling slides or jumping through the waves. The younger children will enjoy the volcano bay area complete with a slide and interactive play area at LC Swansea.
Holiday Resorts with Amazing Aqua Park Facilities
In addition to the above waterparks, there are a few holiday parks that need a mention when it comes to the best water parks UK, here you can have a great time when on holiday. If waterparks are a key requirement for your mini break then these are the best places we would recommend.
13. Center Parcs
Center Parcs are well known for its water parks and water rides. The subtropical swimming paradise is the highlight of the resort and although each center parcs is slightly different the pool acts as a focal point for the activities.
We always stay at Longleat Forest and the swimming pool includes an outdoor pool and outdoor rapids. There is an ice plunge pool and a number of flumes and slides. Although the pool is only for guests staying on the resort, there is a sneaky trick you can use to gain access! If you know anyone staying onsite then you can purchase a day ticket whilst they are there. This can be a way of getting in without staying!
14. Butlins
Butlins also has great waterparks available for guests and these are included in the cost of your minibreak. You can get some great bargains for Butlins so it is worth keeping an eye out.
15. Haven
There are also some Haven sites that have great water parks including Hafan Y Môr which is home to their second Splashaway Bay on the picturesque Welsh coast, just a stone’s throw from Snowdonia and the lovely Ceredigion Bay. Another one of the UK’s best water parks, it’s an aqua paradise with endless options to keep all members of the family entertained. You’ll be spoilt for choice, with a multi-lane water slide and flumes providing that all-important adrenaline rush.
16. The second Haven site worth mentioning is Primrose Valley’s stellar swimming pool. One of Yorkshire’s premier water parks, it’s the showpiece of Primrose and a constant favourite amongst guests. A generous space for all generations, there’s an adventure for everyone here. The heated indoor pool is joined by a three-lane water slide that serves up fun throughout the day. Do check out Haven Offers for mini breaks and family holidays in the UK.
Let us know which water parks you enjoy and where you have had great fun.
