logo
Best UK waterparks for family fun this summer from indoor water coaster to mega slides

Best UK waterparks for family fun this summer from indoor water coaster to mega slides

Daily Mirror7 days ago
Forget passports and long-haul flights - the United Kingdom is home to some of the most exciting waterparks in the world, including high-speed flumes to lazy rivers
Nothing screams summer quite like splashing around in a waterpark. Whether you're after heart-racing drops, lazy lounging in warm waters, or a cooling day out for the kids, these UK waterparks offer the perfect family escape — no passport required.

Here's a round-up of the UK's most exciting waterparks, each offering a unique way to cool off and create unforgettable memories.

1. Alton Towers Waterpark – Staffordshire
Located within the Splash Landings Hotel, this waterpark mixes Caribbean-themed décor with a blend of indoor and outdoor attractions. Open year-round, it's the perfect pairing to a family weekend at Alton Towers Resort.

2. Sandcastle Waterpark – Blackpool
The UK's largest indoor waterpark is a tropical haven with 29C temperatures year-round. Inside, you'll find a maze of flumes, splash zones, and the world 's longest indoor water rollercoaster — measuring 250 metres.
Known for its family-friendly vibe, Sandcastle offers fun for all ages.

Prices (online): From £15.95 for children, £24.95 for adults
Parents say summer holidays more stressful than starting business or having baby
The best UK hotspots for adrenaline-junkie kids during school summer holidays

3. Aqua Park Lakeside – Essex
This inflatable water obstacle course is a must-visit for thrill-seekers. With more than 30 obstacles, giant trampolines, and slides, you'll have one hour to bounce, climb, and splash your way through the floating adventure.
Other locations include Slough and Milton Keynes.
Prices: From £21.45 per person.

4. Splashdown Poole – Dorset
With 13 different slides ranging from family-friendly to extreme, Splashdown Poole delivers high-speed excitement. Brave riders can try near-vertical drops, while parents can unwind in the "bubble bench" or jacuzzi.
Prices: From £19

5. Alpamare – Scarborough
Marketed as "unlike any waterpark you've seen before," Alpamare blends spa-like luxury with classic waterpark thrills. Think heated 35C infinity pools with sea views, a wave pool, flumes, and an on-site wellness spa.
Prices: From £12
6. Waterworld – Stoke-on-Trent
Filled with a million gallons of water, Waterworld is a tropical indoor paradise. Classic attractions like a lazy river and wave pool sit alongside adrenaline-pumping rides like the Black Hole, Python, and the Space Bowl — which spins you into a plunge pool finale.

Prices: From £24
7. Splashdown Quaywest – Paignton, Devon
Set against the scenic Devon coastline, this is the UK's largest outdoor waterpark. With eight thrilling rides, a beach bar, arcade, and ice cream hut, it's a must for summer staycations.
Prices: From £15
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Georgia Love makes VERY telling comment amid rumours her ex Lee Elliott has moved on with Carrie Bickmore
Georgia Love makes VERY telling comment amid rumours her ex Lee Elliott has moved on with Carrie Bickmore

Daily Mail​

time10 hours ago

  • Daily Mail​

Georgia Love makes VERY telling comment amid rumours her ex Lee Elliott has moved on with Carrie Bickmore

Georgia Love's ex-husband Lee Elliott recently fuelled speculation he is dating Carrie Bickmore following their shock split. And on Tuesday, the former Bachelorette star made a telling comment on Instagram about 'good and bad times' after jetting out of Australia. Georgia, 35, posted a photo of herself relaxing in a pool during a cruise around the Caribbean and said the holiday had helped her 'forget it all for a little while'. 'Sometimes will be good, some times will be bad, some times will be really, really hard but sometimes you also get to go on a cruise around the Caribbean and forget it all for a little while,' she wrote. 'So incredibly grateful to get this experience of a lifetime with @carnivalcruiselineau. 'Follow along for the next week, if not for yourself then for me to believe this is actually real!' Georgia posted a photo of herself relaxing in a pool during a cruise around the Caribbean and said the holiday had helped her 'forget it all for a little while' It comes amid rumours Georgia's ex Lee and radio star Carrie have been spending a lot of time together at Carrie's home. According to Woman's Day, the pair were introduced by mutual friends and the relationship is 'heating up quickly'. 'They've been trying hard to keep things under wraps. But there's definitely something romantic going on. They're a beautiful couple!' a source allegedly told the magazine. Lee is newly single after splitting from his wife, Georgia, earlier this year. He and Georgia, who first met on the 2016 season of The Bachelorette, announced their separation with identical posts to Instagram in May. 'After nine wonderful years together, including four as husband and wife, [we] have made the incredibly difficult decision to lovingly part ways,' they wrote. 'Our relationship has been so special and we will always cherish the memories, love, and laughter we've shared. 'There is no drama, no bad blood. Just two people who have grown in different directions while still holding deep respect and care for each other. It comes amid rumours Georgia's ex Lee Elliott (left) and radio star Carrie Bickmore (right) have been spending a lot of time together at Carrie's home 'We remain friends and we'd really appreciate our privacy as we navigate this next stage. Thank you.' Georgia and Lee had fuelled rumours they had split for some time, after having not been seen together for four months and ditching their wedding rings. Carrie, meanwhile, has long been linked to her Carrie & Tommy radio show co-star, Tommy Little. The pair, who share undeniable chemistry on their Hit Network radio show, have been at the centre of dating rumours for years. While they have never confirmed that they are a couple, fans continue to speculate about the true nature of their relationship.

Alton Towers three-month passes currently cost less than single day tickets
Alton Towers three-month passes currently cost less than single day tickets

Wales Online

time19 hours ago

  • Wales Online

Alton Towers three-month passes currently cost less than single day tickets

Alton Towers three-month passes currently cost less than single day tickets The UK's largest theme park, Alton Towers, is currently offering a three month pass for just £59 - which works out cheaper than a single day ticket which is currently priced at £68 (Image: Alton Towers Resort) Alton Towers is currently offering a deal that allows adrenaline enthusiasts to secure a three-month pass to the theme park for just £59. This is even cheaper than the single £68 entry fee ticket that visitors would pay if they turned up at the gates. The theme park, home to top attractions such as Oblivion, Nemesis and The Smiler, offers the three-month pass as an affordable and flexible option for families planning to visit the park this summer and into the autumn. It's particularly handy given the expected crowds during the peak summer holiday hours, with families having the opportunity to return at a quieter time to enjoy their favourite rides again. Alton Towers is the UK's largest theme park, outdoing competitors like Thorpe Park and Light Water Valley in terms of sheer size. It offers a wide range of attractions, catering to thrill-seekers with its heart-pounding rides as well as younger children with CBeebies Land. Alton Towers is the largest theme park in the UK. (Image: Alton Towers Resort) For parents with young children, the Parent and Toddler Pass has been reduced from £59 to £29, allowing entry on off-peak dates for one adult and a toddler (aged 5 or under). While this pass isn't valid on weekends or during school holidays, it does include access to CBeebies Land, and additional toddlers are charged an extra £5 per visit. For families seeking to prolong their summer escapades, Merlin offers a range of multi-visit passes for various UK attractions. At Alton Towers, the Discover Pass provides off-peak entry to most attractions on over 200 days a year for £99, while the Silver Merlin Pass offers free entry to Alton Towers Theme Park along with added benefits, including access to Scarefest (excluding Scare Mazes), discounted Waterpark admission and savings on meals and merchandise, for £179 annually, reports the Manchester Evening News. The Merlin Gold Annual Pass is currently one of the most sought-after tickets, offering access to a host of top attractions including Thorpe Park, Alton Towers, Legoland, the Dungeons, Madame Tussauds and even Cadbury World. This pass doesn't just get you in the door; it also includes free parking and discounts on food and more. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here These passes can be purchased online via the Alton Towers website. However, shoppers should note that the Seasonal Pass does not cover certain dates, such as the August Bank Holiday weekend and Halloween festivities. For those who fancy a single theme park getaway, Wowcher's Theme Park Breaks could be the perfect choice. They're currently promoting a Gulliver's Valley Resort Stay and Theme Park Entry deal starting at £139, with options available during school holidays for a family of four looking for an exciting break. If your family is keen on outdoor adventures, consider a National Trust Family Membership starting at £103 annually. Alton Towers receives glowing reviews on TripAdvisor, where guests have described it as "magical". One visitor commented: "Amazing. I have no words. If you want to have a fun day with family or friends or just on your own. Alton Towers is the place. It's a must!". Another guest praised their experience, saying: "What a fantastic day out with the family! ! ! Not been there in years but we have had the most fantastic time at the theme park. Clean and today and the kids absolutely had the most wonderful time on all the rides." Yet not every visitor was quite so impressed. One frustrated guest remarked: "As expected, when you go to a theme park they are very long queues. What you don't expect is no seating on a two hour queue. Waiting is not a problem, standing for two hours for one ride with no chance to sit down and rest your legs and back, really is!". Article continues below Tickets for Thorpe Park cost £66 if bought on the day but you can save in advance buying online. Tickets for Drayton Manor cost from £27.50 for adults.

First look at Norwegian Cruise Line's private Caribbean island upgrades, featuring giant waterslides and cliff drops
First look at Norwegian Cruise Line's private Caribbean island upgrades, featuring giant waterslides and cliff drops

The Independent

time21 hours ago

  • The Independent

First look at Norwegian Cruise Line's private Caribbean island upgrades, featuring giant waterslides and cliff drops

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has unveiled several upgrades to its private Bahamas private island Great Stirrup Cay, including a jet karting excursion, new bars and waterparks. The cruise line regularly visits the 270-acre private island during Caribbean itineraries and soon guests will have more features to enjoy, including an excursion that takes guests to a new mini aquatic racecourse with jet karts, combining elements of go-karting and jet skiing, and a new six-acre waterpark. There will also be a new heated pool, a multi-ship pier and an island-wide tram service that will make it easier to get around the island. David J. Herrera, president of NCL, said: "Great Stirrup Cay has always been an amazing part of the Norwegian Cruise Line guest experience and continues to be one of our highest rated destinations. 'With each phase of our enhancements, we're bringing ashore more of what our guests love about sailing with NCL.' Here is what NCL cruise passengers can expect. NCL has revealed plans for a Great Tides Waterpark to open in summer 2026. Guests can enjoy the 170-foot-high Tidal Tower featuring eight waterslides. Cliffside Cove will offer racer slides as well as two cliff jumps standing at 10 and 15 feet tall – a cruise industry first – as well as the Caribbean's only family slide, where four guests can slide down simultaneously. For those who prefer to enjoy from the sidelines, The Grotto Bar, a hidden cave bar tucked under the family slide, will offer the best people watching with a cocktail in hand. At the centre of Great Tides Waterpark will be a 9,000 square-foot kids splash zone featuring an oversized tipping bucket towering at more than 40 feet above the ground. The waterpark will also have an 800-foot-long immersive water experience with an accelerated current that is described as 'faster and more exciting than a typical lazy river.' New swimming pools A new 1.4-acre pool area will also debut later this year. It will include the Great Life Lagoon, which has its own private ocean and pool view cabanas and day villas (featuring their own bathrooms and facilities available to rent), as well as two swim-up bars, the Reef Bar and Waves Bar, offering kid-friendly drinks and adult-favourite cocktails. There will also be a 3,400 square foot complimentary Splash Harbor, with interactive water fountains, aquatic features and a shaded bar and lounge for the parents to relax in. A free-to-enter recreational area, Horizon Park, will feature activities such as lawn style games, pickleball courts, a nine-hole mini golf course and a sports court. Alternatively, there will be more than 50 hammocks at Hammock Bay, perfect for an afternoon nap and also close to the BBQ buffet. Adults can also escape to the kid-free Vibe Shore Club, which has a private bar, hanging day beds and premium lounge seating. Entrance to the adults-only area comes with the purchase of a day pass and includes an upgraded lounger and premium umbrella. Herrera added: 'Whether you want to relax by the huge new heated pool - complete with multiple swim up bars, are looking forward to racing down one of the 19 waterslides with your kids at Great Tides Waterpark, or you just want to enjoy the ocean breeze from one of the hammocks at Hammock Bay, Great Stirrup Cay will soon boast even more ways to escape to your 'great life' for a memorable vacation on and off the ship.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store