The best free water attractions in UK cities for kids to cool down in the heat – from Cardiff to London

The Sun

14-07-2025

MANY UK cities may not be near the beach, but lots do offer free places for kids to have a splash and cool down in the hot weather.
Here's a list of the top free water attractions in cities across the country.
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London
When it comes to the capital, there are many places to play in water or have a dip - despite it being nowhere near the coast.
One such location is Kensington Memorial Park - which is home to a number of different activities including a water play area.
Open every day from 10am to 6pm, children can splash about in a number of different water features.
Alternatively head to Jeppe Hein 'Appearing Rooms' on the Southbank.
This destination features a number of shooting jets, that essentially create 'rooms' for a couple of seconds before they then disappear.
The water feature was designed by the Danish Artist Jeppe Hein and originally was commissioned for the garden of Villa Manin in Italy.
Similarly, fountains can also be found in Elephant and Castle and in Granary Square, King's Cross.
Over in Greenwich Park playground, there is a water and sand play feature to explore, with slides too.
London is home to a number of free paddling pools and splash parks, like in Clissold Park, Ruskin Park and Nyatt's Field.
Derby
Markeaton Park has a paddling pool located within the Mundy Place Centre and is free to use.
The pool was also recently resurfaced and is open daily through the summer from 10:30am to 4pm.
In the wider park area, there are a number of other things to explore like woodland trails and a tree house trek high ropes course.
Birmingham
Whilst not by the sea, Birmingham does have a pop-up beach for the summer, until the end of August.
The beach is free to enter and is open each day from 12pm.
There are also a number of funfair rides at the beach spot, all costing £3.50 or less.
Deckchairs are also available for free.
Manchester
Located just outside the city is Stamford Park, which features rows of water fountains for children to play in.
In total, there are 29 jets that make the shape of a leaf.
The fountains are switched on each day between 11am and 5:45pm.
The public can also take part in paddle-boarding sessions at the park, or have a spin on a pedalo.
Chester
Located on the banks of the River Dee, Sandy Lane Aqua Park boasts free outdoor water play for children throughout the summer.
The park has 10 water features including sprinklers, jet sprays, tipping buckets, and a geyser squirter.
The water play area is open from May to September.
Just opposite, is also a play area for families to explore.
Norwich
Heading to Norwich, families can find a water play area at Waterloo Park Splash Pad.
The Splash Pad itself is set within the play park, which has 75 features for children aged between zero and 12-years-old.
Some of the different features include a rope swing and a sensory den and dome.
Brighton
Whilst Brighton does have the beach you can head to, there is also a popular seafront pool in the seaside city.
Kings Road Paddling Pool was recently repaired in time for the summer holidays and is located close to the West Pier.
The paddling pool itself is large and shallow - making it a great place to allow little ones to explore the water but under supervision.
Also in Brighton, is The Level - a set of water fountains open each day between 10am and 1pm and 2pm and 6pm.
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Cambridge
Located in the historic city of Cambridge is Lammas Land - a popular park about half a mile from the city centre.
Here visitors can find a large play area with a pool, great for shallow water play.
Also in Cambridge is another paddling pool and splashpad at Coleridge Recreation Ground.
Whilst the splashpad is currently closed, the paddling pool is still open and is fenced off to provide a safe area to play.
There are also other facilities in the park including a tennis court, football field and table tennis.
Cherry Hinton Hall also has a water play area in its grounds, with two paddling pools.
Both pools have a maximum depth of 40cm and there is also a picnic area close-by.
Oxford
Over in Oxford, a new splash park opened in April at Hinksey Park.
The new water play area features a splash pad with jets and fountains.
The splash park is free to use and will be open everyday until the end of summer.
Hinksey Park also has a large outdoor swimming pool, play area, tennis courts, a lake and grassy areas.
Reading
Located in Reading, Woodford Park Paddling pool is suitable for children aged five and over.
It is free for public use during the summer months and is usually open between 11am and 6pm.
Portsmouth
In Portsmouth you'll find Hilsea Jubilee Splash Pool, which is an open-access pool area for children aged eight and under.
The destination has two shallow pools - no deeper than five inches - and many play features.
There is a free car park at the site too.
Cardiff
Located in Cardiff 's Grade 2 historic Victoria Park, the Splashpad play area has 33 features including sprays, jets, a tipping water bucket and tunnel.
The park also has beach volleyball, tennis courts and a little kiosk serving refreshments.
The Splashpad is open on weekdays between 11am and 6:45pm and at weekends between 10am and 6:45pm.
Nottingham
The Embankment Children's Paddling Pool in Nottingham was recently restored with modern features.
The pool was originally built 1928 and is open daily from 10am to 6pm.
Free lidos across the UK
Blackpill Lido in Swansea: Located in Swansea, this lido is free for all visitors and does not require booking.
It also features a children's play area, paddling pool, climbing rock, and picnic area.
Shoalstone Seawater Pool in Brixham, Devon: This 53-metre seawater pool is a free alternative to traditional lidos and is one of the few remaining tidal pools in the country.
It's set within The English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark.
Bude Sea Pool in Cornwall: A semi-natural tidal pool on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, Bude Sea Pool is also free for all to use.
Hampstead Heath Paddling Pools in London: Hampstead Heath Paddling Pools reopened on May 24 and include a shallow pool ideal for young children.
Stoke Park Paddling Pool in Guildford: This is another large, free paddling pool option and also has wheelchair access.
All the lidos in the UK have also been mapped and there are ones with water slides, cocktail bars and some are even free to enter.
Plus, one of the UK's best seaside towns is set to get new tidal lido on the beach.
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