Indoor waterparks across the UK with VIP spas, mega slides and 30C tropical climates as UK temps dip
AS RAIN starts pouring in the UK and temperatures dip, you might be craving some warmth and somewhere to take the family that feels like a holiday.
But you don’t need to jet off abroad to escape the British weather.
Across the country, high-tech, indoor aqua parks are offering an oasis away from the rain – with tropical 30C climates, record-breaking wave pools and adrenaline-pumping speed slides.
From waterparks with their own VIP hot tubs and thermal spas for adults, to multi-lane racing chutes for kids, these are the ultimate indoor waterparks that guarantee a fun day out while the British weather does its worst.
Alpamare, Scarborough
Alpamare describes itself as “unlike any waterpark you’ve seen before”, and they might just be right.
This alpine-themed water world has four massive waterslides named after ski runs: the Cresta Run, Olympic Run, Black Run and Snowstorm.
Race down these thrilling water rides through twists, turns and even stops to spin around giant funnel bowls.
There’s also a massive wave pool which erupts with waves every 30 minutes. Or for something more chilled, there’s a huge main indoor pool and even a heated outdoor infinity pool for when the weather picks up.
The relaxation doesn’t stop there – this waterpark has its own spa with a ‘Sauna World’, hammam and health bar.
Inside the Sauna World you’ll find a panoramic Finnish sauna, LED ice showers, a reflexology foot bath and even a unique ‘Hay Bath’.
Here you can lay back on a lounger in a wooden relaxation area packed with fresh hay harvested from the fields of North Yorkshire – a unique form of aromatherapy.
Tickets start at £10 per adult, £7.50 per child and £2.50 per toddler. Book ahead online for the best rates.
Coral Reef Waterworld, Bracknell
One of England’s biggest indoor water worlds, Coral Reef Waterworld is ideal for a family rainy day out with plenty of fun including a giant pirate ship and erupting water volcano.
Indoors, expect tropical temperatures at 30C and a rapid river, bubble pool and children’s splash zone.
The pirate-themed splash area houses a pirate ship called The Coralina, surrounded by water cannons and interactive water features for kids of all ages.
There are also five high-tech waterslides, including The Cannon, which launches riders down a 67 metre-long chute like a cannonball.
Another popular ride is Poseidon’s Peril, where two people are attached to an inflatable raft as it rotates and swirls through colour-changing lights.
Grown-ups can head to the Coral Spa to unwind.
It has heated loungers, three saunas and even a Japanese steam room.
Adult tickets cost £20.55 and children’s cost £14.55. Book tickets ahead online.
Splashdown Waterpark, Poole
Home to some of the UK’s wildest waterslides, Splashdown Waterpark in Poole is a total paradise for adrenaline junkies.
This action-packed waterpark boasts 13 indoor and outdoor flumes that operate whatever the weather.
Daredevils can conquer The Screamer, which plummets you through a near-vertical 40-meter drop in under five seconds, or dive into the pitch-black Black Thunder.
If you want a party with your plunge, the Infinity waterslide plays funky tunes alongside a flashing laser show as you whirl around a giant bowl.
Little ones aren’t left out either, with the interactive water cannons at Buccaneer Splash keeping younger kids safely entertained.
Admission for three hours costs £23 per person, £9 for 1-4-year-olds and £6 for children under 1.
Child tickets include entry for a companion adult.
Make sure to book tickets online in advance.
Calypso Cove, Barnsley
Inside the Barnsley Metrodome, Calypso Cove is the North’s ultimate indoor waterpark.
It’s designed to look like a tropical island paradise, making it a huge hit for family days out when the British weather misbehaves.
There are some high-energy water rides here to enjoy, like Terror Torrent, one of the UK’s fastest indoor water flumes.
This thrilling slide hurls riders through tight twists and turns before dropping them out into the pool.
There’s also The Eruption, a volcano-themed ride that spins you around a large bowl before dropping you out at the bottom.
Families with younger kids can climb onto the decks of the large pirate ship play area, while parents with babies and toddlers can enjoy the shallow waters and gentle water fountains of Barnacle Bay.
For a bite to eat, head to The Hideout poolside cafe. Here you can break up your swimming session by walking straight out of the water to grab burgers, chips, and drinks in your swimwear before heading straight back to the slides.
Adult tickets cost £16, under 10s tickets cost £13 and under 3s tickets cost £4. All tickets must be booked in advance online.
The Wave, Coventry
The Wave in Coventry is a giant indoor waterpark home to the largest wave pool in the UK.
Jump into the huge pool where the wave machine churns more than 20 million litres of water per day, or drift along in the lazy river.
There are six waterslides for thrill-seekers to brave, including The Riptide, a half-pipe slide that blasts riders in a rubber ring down a near-90-degree drop.
There is also The Cyclone, which spins swimmers around a giant open bowl before dropping you through the middle.
For younger children, The Reef is a vibrant splash pad with its own miniature slides and water fountains safely tucked away from the big flumes.
Meanwhile, grown-ups looking for some me-time can head to the Mana Spa.
There you can swim in a quieter spa pool, unwind in the aromatherapy room and relax in the sauna or steam room.
Tickets cost £15 per adult, £13 for children 11 and under and under ones go free.
Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool
Sandcastle Waterpark is the UK’s largest indoor waterpark, sitting on the South Promenade opposite popular theme park Pleasure Beach.
This water world packs 18 slides and attractions into a tropical 29C environment, making it the ultimate rainy day saviour.
Take your pick from white-knuckle rides like The Master Blaster, the UK’s longest water rollercoaster, or Montazooma, a head-spinning slide of twists and turns.
There’s also Aztec Falls, a water ride that plunges you into darkness before spinning you around a giant bowl.
The Caribbean Storm Treehouse is a hit with kids, featuring a giant climbing frame topped with a huge coconut that unleashes 600 gallons of water on swimmers below.
Little ones can also challenge each other on the multi-lane Treetops Water Chutes or explore the interactive HMS Thunder Splash pirate ship.
When you need a break from the noise, the adult-only Sea Breeze Spa offers a relaxing escape.
A £7 upgrade secures a three-hour session to unwind across the saunas, steam rooms, foot baths, and aromatherapy lounge.
And if you really want to splash out, the park offers premium Tiki Cabanas for adults.
Priced at £60pp, this VIP package bundles full-day waterpark entry and a free meal with your own private area with a hot tub, flatscreen TV and a fridge stocked with cold drinks.
Tickets start from £25.50 for ages 8+ and £16.50 for kids aged 3-7, with under 3s going free. Make sure to book online in advance, as same-day purchases here can cost you extra.
