Best Waterparks in the UK

Summer is officially here, which means many of us will be using our well-deserved days-off enjoying getting out and about to enjoy the sunshine. With temperatures soaring, it’s important to find activities that help you to stay cool whilst having fun. There is no better way to enjoy the sun whilst staying cool than heading to a waterpark!

The UK is bursting with outdoor waterparks for those scorching hot days, as well as indoor splash parks 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 UK’s fastest water slides, we have the perfect places for you to explore. To help you plan your summer days, these are the best waterparks in the UK.

Splashdown, Poole

Splashdown in Poole boasts thirteen indoor and outdoor flume rides, as well as three splash zones, making this the perfect waterpark for the whole family to enjoy. Take the plunge on the 30-foot drop of Velocity; navigate your way through the Mississippi Drifter on an inflatable tyre; and take the kids to Buccaneer Splash for their first flume experience. All rides are open in winter, and many become outdoor slides during the summer months – so it is a waterpark you can enjoy all year-round.

How to get to Splashdown by train:

Travel to Bournemouth station with CrossCountry, and from there you can get to Splashdown with a 9-minute onward service to Poole station followed by a 25-minute bus journey.

Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool

As the home of the UK’s biggest rollercoaster, it feels right that Blackpool is also home to the world’s longest indoor waterslide. At 250m long, the Master Blaster is just one of many white-knuckle rides at Sandcastle Waterpark. 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 an adrenaline junkie, riding the Master Blaster at Sandcastle Waterpark must feature on your bucket list.

How to get to Sandcastle Waterpark by train:

Blackpool is easy to get to from a range of stations, including Manchester Piccadilly. From Blackpool station, Pleasure Beach and Sandcastle Waterpark are just a 15-minute walk.

Waterworld, Stoke-on-Trent

You might not ordinarily think of Stoke-on-Trent as tropical, but the fabulously warm indoor temperatures at Waterworld bring the Maldives to the Midlands. One million gallons of water flow through more than thirty rides and attractions in one of the UK’s biggest waterparks. 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 the rapids, a spa, and fitness centre means you can spend a whole day or weekend at this tropical paradise.

How to get to the Waterworld by train:

Take a CrossCountry train to Stoke-on-Trent station, and from here you can hop on a bus for 20-minutes to reach Waterworld directly.

Victoria Park Splashpad, Cardiff

When you’re lucky enough to have great weather in Cardiff, there is no better option than to head for the Victoria Park Splashpad. Kitted out with more than thirty splash features and designed to reflect the natural history of Victoria Park, kids are sure to have a great time splashing around in the sun. There are a number of different zones to enjoy which each cater to different age groups, so the whole family can be entertained by sprayers, fountains, and tipping buckets. The best bit? It’s completely free!

How to get to Victoria Park Splashpad by train:

Situated in the centre of Cardiff, you can get from Cardiff Central station to Victoria Park with a 20-minute bus journey.

Aqua Park Rutland, East Midlands

Have you ever wanted to be a contestant on Total Wipeout? Aqua Park in Rutland turns dream into reality with the UK’s largest collection of water obstacles. The course features more than thirty obstacles for you to work your way through, including Tornado Tower and the Summit. 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 to Aqua Park by train:

Travel to Stamford station with CrossCountry. From here you can hop on a bus, followed by a short walk to Aqua Park.

Alpamare, Scarborough

Alpamare is one of the UK’s best waterparks owing to its fantastic variety. You’ll find all the usual attractions, including four flume slides (the Black Run takes you on a ride in complete darkness), a wave pool, and a regular swimming pool.

But what makes Alpamare special is what you can do away from the thrills; the 35-degree infinity pool is topped up with iodine water and overlooks the beach, while the spa offers a wide range of treatments, tranquil facilities, 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 to Alpamare by train:

Travel to Scarborough station, where you can take a 15-minute bus journey to Alpamare.

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 the CrossCountry app. If you need more information, you can contact us here.