Summer is officially here, which means many of us will be using our well-deserved spare time taking part in outdoor activities. But with temperatures (hopefully) soaring, we might spend as much time cooling down as we are having fun. Luckily, there’s a way to do both simultaneously: a waterpark.
The UK is bursting with outdoor waterparks for those scorching hot days, as well as indoor ones suitable whatever the weather. So, whether you’re taking the whole family to a fun-filled splash pool or challenging yourself on one of the country’s steepest and fastest water slides, we have just the place for you. To help you plan your summer weekend or staycation, these are the best waterparks in the UK.
Splashdown Poole – Dorset
Splashdown Poole boasts 13 indoor and outdoor flume rides and three splash zones, making it a great choice for the whole family. Take the plunge on the 30-foot steep drop of Velocity, navigate your way through Mississippi Drifter on an inflatable tyre, or take the kids to Buccaneer Splash for their first starter flume experience for a complete day out. All rides are open in winter and many turn to outdoor slides for the summer months, making it the perfect waterpark all-year-round.
How to get there: Take the number 6 bus from Poole train station to Tower Park. The closest large station is Bournemouth, which is just a nine-minute train journey to Poole.
Must-do slide: The Screamer takes you through 40 metres of slide in under five seconds, making it an adrenaline junkie’s water ride dream.
Sandcastle Waterpark – Blackpool
As the home of the UK’s biggest rollercoaster, it makes sense that Blackpool can also brag about having the world’s longest indoor water slide. At 250 metres long, the Master Blaster is just one of many white-knuckle rides in . From record-breaking thrills to lazy rivers, wave pools to beginner flumes, the waterpark suits all ages. Its 28-degree, tropical indoor climate makes it the perfect family day out whatever the weather. If you’re a true adrenaline junkie, make sure you opt for the hyperzone wristband for entry to the park’s biggest thrills.
How to get there: Blackpool is easy to get to from many stations, including Preston Railway Station and even Manchester Piccadilly. From there, Pleasure Beach is just a 15-minute walk.
Must-do slide: If you have a bucket list of rides and slides, Master Blaster has to be ticked off.
Waterworld – Stoke-on-Trent
Tropical is the last thing that comes to mind when you think of Stoke-on-Trent, but with indoor temperatures reaching the high 20s, Waterworld brings the Maldives to the Midlands. One million gallons of water flow through over 30 rides and attractions in what’s billed as the UK’s largest waterpark. Whether it’s taking the sheer plunge of Thunderbolt head on or competing against friends and family on the Family Multislide, there’s a ride in Waterworld for everyone. Additional attractions like mini gold and a spa and fitness centre mean you can spend a whole day or weekend at this tropical paradise.
How to get there: You can take a number of 20-minute buses from Stoke-on-Trent train station directly to Waterworld.
Must-do slide: Thunderbolt is the UK’s first ever trap door drop water flume which sees you dropped (literally) to speeds of up to 25mph.
Aqua Park Rutland – East Midlands
Have you ever wanted to be a contestant on Total Wipeout? turns dream into reality with the UK’s largest collection of water obstacles. The course features 36 obstacles for you to work your way through, including the UK’s tallest: The Rutland Mammoth. Show off your skills or just try your best to slip, slide, and splash your way to the end with friends and family. If you’re looking to make a whole day of it, Aqua Park Rutland also hosts other water-based activities, like kayaking, windsurfing, swimming, and boating.
How to get there: The number 9 bus from Stamford train station takes around half an hour, followed by a short walk to Aqua Park.
Must-do slide: Show off your best tricks from The Rutland Mammoth’s 5 metre plunge. Or, if you’re not feeling up to it, take a dive on one of the giant slides.
Alton Towers Waterpark – Stoke-on-Trent
Not only is Alton Towers one of the best theme parks in the UK, but also home to one of the UK’s best waterparks. Alton Towers Waterpark – part of the Splash Landings Hotel – brings the Caribbean to Stoke-on-Trent, with a fun-filled selection of indoor water slides, adventure pools, and outdoor flumes. There are water cannons, wheels, and geysers around every corner, and the Wacky Waterworks is as crazy as it sounds. Alton Towers Waterpark is the perfect add-on for a weekend away at the theme park.
How to get there: Hop on a train to Stoke-on-Trent or Derby, and the 32X and X52 buses will take you directly to Alton Towers respectively.
Must-do slide: Master Blaster twists and turns around the whole waterpark at speeds most roller coaster aficionados would be proud of.
Alpamare – Scarborough
Alpamare is possibly the most complete waterpark in the UK, with plenty of activities suitable for all ages. You’ll find all the usual attractions, including four flume slides (The Black Run takes you on a ride in pitch-black darkness), a wave pool, and a regular swimming pool. But what makes Alpamare different is what you can do away from the fun; the 35-degree infinity pool is topped up with iodine water and overlooks the beach, while the spa offers a wide range of treatments, a hammam, and a sauna for good measure. Have a weekend away in the summer or winter, with or without the family at this must-visit waterpark.
How to get there: You can take a number of 15-minute buses from Scarborough train station directly to Alpamare.
Must-do slide: Take a group of up to four on Snow Storm, a dinghy ride which swirls you around in a vortex.
If you’re planning a trip to one of the UK’s best waterparks, don’t forget to book an Advance ticket via our website or our Train Tickets app. You can also find information on how to get cheaper train tickets via our special offers page. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
Written by Julia