Splashdown, Poole
Located on the outskirts of Poole and Bournemouth, Splashdown has long been a family favourite for over 120 years, with plenty of fun, indoor waterslides and an outdoor sun terrace for the summer months.
Waterpark Holidays UK
A Guide To UK Waterpark Holidays
There's nothing quite like the fun and excitement of hurtling down a scary waterslide, or swooshing around some water rapids in the forest, which is why UK waterpark holidays in 2024 and 2025 are such a great idea for all the family. From indoor waterparks with wave pools to hotels with splash parks and everything in between, there's so much choice in the UK and abroad, but choose wisely to avoid disappointment. Some waterpark hotels only have a swimming pool and a slide or two, but you might be better off booking a waterpark and then booking a separate hotel nearby.
Four Of The Best UK Waterparks
Alton Towers Waterpark
The waterpark at Alton Towers Resort offers lots of water slides and attractions whether you're after a day pass or staying overnight at one of the resorts fantastic hotels and combining with the theme park.
Alpamare
Located close to North Bay Beach in Scarborough, Alpamare waterpark has four main slides, a wave pool, outdoor infinity pool and an Elemis Wellness Suite if you prefer to relax and unwind while the kids are enjoying the slides.
Sandcastle Waterpark
Enjoying a fab location on Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Sandcastle has loads of fun rides and attractions, including thrilling water chutes, a wave pool and even a Caribbean treehouse for younger children.
Indoor Waterpark Holidays
We don't always have the best weather here in the UK, so indoor water park holidays can be a great option. Those that open during the winter months will often have a heated indoor pool along with other attractions and water activities. The Subtropical Paradise at Center Parcs, for example, is heated to 29.5C year round, with wild rapids and heated outdoor pools.
Places like Alton Towers Resort and Center Parcs offer packages which include accommodation either at hotels or in woodland lodges (Center Parcs), although day passes can also be bought if you live local or are staying in a nearby hotel. This can sometimes be a cheaper option, depending on your budget and what other facilities you'll be using at the complex.
Waterpark Hotels
Currently there is really only one main water park hotel which is Alton Towers Resort. Here, you can stay at one of several on-site hotels and get access to their fantastic waterpark with outdoor steam pool. You can also combine your stay with a visit to the main Alton Towers theme park.
Alternatively, Center Parcs is a popular, albeit pricey option, allowing you to stay in the hotel or lodges, and book into their Subtropical Swimming Paradise at each of their venues. Accommodation is generally self catering, but they have a supermarket on each site, as well as restaurants to make the most of. To save money, do a big shop at a supermarket nearby and bring all your food in.
A great way to save money is actually to book a cheap hotel near a water park and buy your day passes separately. This can be especially effective if you are taking the family or a large group and want multiple rooms.
Holiday Parks With Waterslides
Some of the popular UK holiday parks may also have water parks or several waterslides within their leisure complex. For example, Haven Holidays has water slides at many of its parks around the UK, including Craig Tara in Scotland and Hafen y Mor in Wales which are home to Splashaway Bay, an exciting indoor park with lots to do, ensuring plenty of family fun with a multi lane water slide, lazy river and splash pool for babies. There's also an adventure pool at Haven Primrose Valley in Yorkshire.
Butlins is another great option, and great accommodation options too. For the best waterpark holidays in the UK for adults, try out their adults only Big Weekenders. These 18+ dedicated weekends are exclusively for adults and are often themed or have pool parties, meaning lots of poolside fun without the kids. Prices start from £69 per person so is perfect for an adult only budget break.
There are so many fantastic caravan parks with waterslides so take a look at what facilities are available at your favourites, and more importantly, check to see if they are open when you're due to visit. Some of the outdoor swimming pools aren't open during the winter, early spring or late autumn so check with your specific holiday park to find out opening times.
Check out our top 10 favourite holiday parks with waterslides here.
Center Parcs
If you've never been to one of Center Parcs water parks, then you definitely should if you can. These subtropical paradises are warm and balming, even in winter, making for a fantastic UK holiday throughout the year, with both indoor and outdoor pools. In fact, in winter, there's something quite special about enjoying a relaxing time in the steaming outdoor pool, before heading down the rapids, dipping in and out of the cold air and warm water. Then there's the lazy river, water slides, and the ever-so-memorable Tarzan call to announce the wave pool starting!
Booking Your Holiday
Travelling in the UK doesn't pose the same risks as missing flights, but you may want to get travel insurance, or add it on to your booking to cover yourself. You can often also get flexible options with low deposits on waterpark holidays in the UK, allowing you to secure your booking, but not pay straight away. This can also be useful if you need to cancel closer to your arrival (if their cancellation policy permits).
Your only option may be to book directly with the hotel or operator, or depending on where you are visiting, you might want to book your hotel nearby separately through the likes of Booking.com, Hotels.com or Expedia, or even Airbnb, and then book waterpark tickets, theme park tickets and multi-use passes separately.
Free Child Places
UK venues, don't usually give free child places, however, you can often get discounts for children, either on attraction tickets, or when staying with adults. For example, children and infants will usually get cheaper prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UK's largest indoor water park?
The largest UK indoor water park is Sandcastle Waterpark in Blackpool, however, a bigger, 25-acre waterpark is being built near the Trafford Centre in Manchester and is expected to open in 2025.
Which Haven holiday parks have lazy rivers?
The following Haven sites have lazy rivers: Marton Mere, Blackpool Perran Sands, Cornwall Presthaven, North Wales Reighton Sands, Yorkshire Thorpe Park, Lincolnshire Weymouth Bay, Dorset Craig Tara, Ayrshire Hafan y Mor, North Wales
How many water parks are in the UK?
There are 10 main water parks in the UK, with many more hotels and holiday parks offering waterslides and attractions when staying.
UK Water Parks Map
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