The chances are that you’re not going abroad this summer, and staycations are going to come at a premium, which means that anyone with children is already looking at those yawningly long summer holidays and wondering how on earth they’re going to keep children entertained at home.
Well one sure-fire vote-winner is to pile in the car and head to a water park. We’ve gathered together a selection that are, in our opinion, flumin’ amazing…
Alton Towers Waterpark
Think of Alton Towers and you’re probably imagining Oblivion or Nemesis. You’re probably not thinking about water flumes and paddling. Which is where you’re going wrong.
Let’s face it, the Staffordshire theme park ain’t cheap for a family visit, but how about spending a second day at the attached waterpark? It’s covered (coz British weather), relatively affordable and fun.
Where: Farley Lane, Alton, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST10 4DB
Website:www.altontowers.com
Splashdown Poole
Poole by name, pool by nature. The Dorset waterpark boasts 13 colour-coded rides, with summer and winter settings allowing for some out-of-doors action when the weather permits.
With names like ‘Infinity’, ‘Screamer’ and ‘The Zambezi Drop’ you’re in for a thrill. There are sun terraces and a cafe (ideal for the parents), plus you’re in Dorset so plenty to do when you’re done.
Where: Tower Park, Poole, Dorset, BH12 4NY
Website:www.splashdownwaterparks.co.uk
Sandcastle Waterpark
Blackpool plays host to the biggest water park in the UK. Close to the Pleasure Beach, of Jim’ll Fix It boy-scout rollercoaster fame.
Sandcastle features the world’s longest Indoor Roller Coaster waterslide, so put that in your pipe and slide down it.
It’s also in Blackpool, the hen party capital of Britain but when the willy straws aren’t draw also highly child friendly, from the ‘loominations to the Tower to the Pleasure Beach.
Where: Promenade, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY4 1BB
Website: www.sandcastle-waterpark.co.uk
The LC Swansea
Head to The LC in Swansea for some watery fun. Located in the Maritime Quarter, close to the seafront, The LC (which stands for Leisure Centre) includes rapids, flumes and, rather excitingly, a surf simulator.
The latter is very cool, and recreates a white-topped wave for perfecting your surfer dude/dudette moves.
Where: Oystermouth Road, Swansea, SA1 3ST
Website: www.thelcswansea.com
Splashdown Quaywest
Another waterpark, another Splashdown. The Splashdown at Quaywest might sound (and with the right filters look) like it’s on the Florida coast, but the sister park to Poole’s Splashdown, this time down in Paignton Devon.
A waterpark in the most traditional sense, with plenty of outdoor flumes, this is the perfect summer waterpark experience.
Where: Goodrington Sands, Tanners Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6LN
Website: www.splashdownwaterparks.co.uk
