Then there is also the Ice Palace, which is split into two sections – one for toddlers under 95cm and one for children up to 125cm.
In the Circus Drome Zone at Woodlands there is even more soft play with the Big Top Soft Play where there are stacking cubes, soft play blocks and interactive puzzlers for kids under 110cm.
In this zone there is a Circus Bouncy Castle too and the Acrobats Challenge with nets, rope swings, ball pools and slides for kids between 90cm and 140cm.
And finally, in the Toddler’s Village Zone, there is a Mermaids Ball Pool with slides.
An adult or child under 92cm costs £16.50 to enter and children under 92cm tall are free.
Play Factore, Manchester
Play Factore in Manchester claims to be the biggest indoor family entertainment arena in the UK.
Inside, visitors can head on the tallest standing indoor slide in the UK as well as head to a laser tag arena.
Kids can enjoy a bounce on the interactive ValoJump trampolines too and a zip wire.
In the Toddler Area, there are two floors of play designed for kids under the age of five.
Another spot is Play Factore in Manchester, which claims to be the biggest indoor family entertainment arena in the UKCredit: Play Factore
It is safety gated as well so no running off moments occur.
Inside the Toddler Zone, there are tunnels, three different slides, soft play areas, an immersive interactive room, balance mats, touch screens and obstacles.
For older kids, between five-years-old and 16, there is a play frame, which is dubbed to be the largest in the UK.
Inside there is a network of tunnels, slides and obstacles including bubble balls and spider nets.
Sporty kids can head on the inbuilt football pitch or basketballcourt too.
Peak general admission varies depending on the age of a visitor.
For six to 11-month-olds, it costs £3.95 each and then for one to four-year-olds it is £12.95 each.
Kids aged between five and 16-year-old cost £17.95 each and parents cost £5.25 each.
There is a specific toddler section with tunnels, obstacles, slides and balance matsCredit: facbook
Riverside Hub, Northampton
The Riverside Hub in Northampton has several different zones for visitors to explore.
For example, there are the Role Play Villages where kids can use their imagination to explore a make-believe world, with a cafe, shop, witches house and tooth fairy dentist.
For kids a little older and braver, there are a number of climbing activities including a beginner-friendly oak tree and a 10-metre beanstalk.
In the Toddlers at Riverside zone, there are a number of ball pits, activity walls and a gentle waterbed.
There’s a giant play frame as well with four levels featuring slides, games, themed zones and even a football pitch.
Ticket prices usually cost £7.50 per adult and children between one and three-year-old are £12 and finally, kids between four-year-old and 17, cost £15 each.
The Riverside Hub in Northampton has Role Play Villages where kids can use their imagination to explore a make-believe worldCredit: facbook
Travel writer Catherine Lofthouse said: “There’s so much to do here that it’s a struggle to fit it into the two and a half hours that each session is allocated.
“We could have happily spent the whole day and still have gone back for more.
“With three boys aged between five and 12, it can sometimes be difficult to find somewhere that has enough to keep all ages happy as the older two are getting a bit big for soft play, but that certainly wasn’t a problem here.
“Laser tag, crazy golf, two climbing poles, go-karts and even arcade machines all included in the price.
“There’s a mezzanine floor with extra seating that’s perfect for cheering your little climbers on as they get to the top.
“Downstairs, my sons really loved being able to take on the free arcade machines that would be pay per play elsewhere.
“And the go-karts were a big hit too, with short queue times despite how busy the venue was.”
Flip Out has various venues across the country to choose fromCredit: Flip Out
Flip Out, various
There are several Flip Out locations across the UK – which means you likely have one near you.
These indoor adventure and trampoline parks feature interconnected trampolines, foam pits and stunt walls making them ideal for burning energy.
Some of the newer locations, such as Canary Wharf, also have other attractions such as laser quest, bumper cars and interactive football.
Keep an eye out for special events too, as sometimes there are After Dark DJ nights for teens and Mini Flippers sessions for kids under the age of five.
Travel writer Catherine Lofthouse headed to Flip Out Coventry with her three children.
She said: “Based in a former department store in a city centre shopping mall, you enter through a hall of mirrors and an arcade before exploring 13 attractions set over two floors of fun.
The Coventry venue has a roller rink and football zoneCredit: Flip Out
“With a ninja warrior course, laser tag, bumper cars and drift trikes, I hardly saw the older two while we were there.
“I think the dark space and graffiti vibe of the upper floor really appealed to my 11-year-old and 13-year-old, feeling a bit more grown-up than the bright lights and primary colours of soft plays aimed at younger children.
“But there was still lots to love for primary aged children here too.
“My six-year-old enjoyed the inflatables, roller rink and football zone.
“For little ones, there’s a dedicated toddler soft play next to the cafe area, so they can play in safety while tired parents have a rest nearby, hot drink in hand.”
Family tickets for two hours are normally £65 for four people or £80 for five.
The Playhive at Stockeld Park in North Yorkshire is one of the country’s largest indoor playgroundsCredit: The Playhive
The Playhive, North Yorkshire
The Playhive at Stockeld Park in North Yorkshire is one of the country’s largest indoor playgrounds – and claims to be one of the biggest in Europe.
While the attraction is not your typical soft play venue, it does features soft play elements.
For example, there is a Baby Bee Play Area for little ones under two-years-old that features soft play.
There is also a bouncy castle.
However, most of the other features are for older children such as the jungle-themed climbing walls.
The whole attraction is heavily themed too, so there are rocket walkways, spaceships, submarines and planes.
A 90-minute session starts from £13.50 or you can also purchase a ticket with access to the full Adventure Park, including outdoor attractions, from £23.50.
Scotland’s Paul Foster and Alex Marshall have become World Indoor Bowls pairs champions together for the fifth time.
They defeated compatriots and two-time winners Stuart Anderson and Darren Burnett 11-5 12-7 in a final between four players who have all won the world singles title.
It is Foster and Marshall’s first pairs title since 2019 and leaves them one behind England’s Tony Allcock and David Bryant, who won it six times between 1986 and 1992.
Asked about their continuing success, Foster told BBC Sport: “My hunger will not change and Alex is the same.
“Age is just a number and I’m just delighted to win this again.
“Stuart and Darren probably didn’t play as well as they can, but their record is formidable.”
Marshall, who has now won the pairs seven times to his partner’s six, paid tribute to Foster, saying he was “absolutely phenomenal”.
Anderson had been given a fright earlier in the day before winning his first-round singles game 2-1 against fellow Scotsman Martyn Rice but was not using that as excuse for his pairs defeat.
Burnett, meanwhile, said of Foster and Marshall, “they were exceptional”.
All four pairs finalists are through to the second round of the singles.
The UK’s longest indoor ski slope is set to be built after councillors approved plans for the resort which will also include a water park, up to 418 hotel rooms and woodland lodges.
Mia O’Hare Senior Spare Time Reporter and Anthony Lewis
11:51, 12 Jan 2026
The resort is set to transform the town(Image: Mike Powell via Getty Images)
One UK town is poised to become home to the longest indoor snow centre after plans were given the green light. The bold proposal for a new indoor ski slope and leisure complex in Merthyr Tydfil has been approved by councillors following the Welsh Government’s decision not to step in.
This means the Rhydycar West development can now move forward. The scheme, situated south west of the A470/A4102 roundabout, includes an indoor ski slope, water park, indoor and outdoor activity centres, up to 418 hotel rooms, as many as 30 woodland lodge units, and up to 830 car parking spaces.
The facility is expected to serve as the official training base for the GB and Welsh national, Olympic and Paralympic snow sports teams. The project took a significant step forward when it received backing from Merthyr Tydfil Council’s planning committee on Wednesday, January 7.
Councillor Andrew Barry stressed that their main priority is the wellbeing of local residents. He told council that to tackle deprivation in Merthyr “we need positive economic solutions”, reports Wales Online.
He argued that growth could be delivered through developments of this magnitude. Cllr Barry underscored the potential for small business creation and inspiring ambition among locals.
He also emphasised the advantages to the supply chain from the development, as well as the boost to the local economy and wider region. He declared: “We have the opportunity to change the whole socio-economic dynamic of Merthyr here.”
Cllr Brent Carter hailed this project as “ground breaking” and a “complete game changer for Merthyr Tydfil”. He voiced his immense support and enthusiasm for the project, asserting it would “massively support and boost our economy in Merthyr Tydfil”.
He saw it as a prime opportunity to position Merthyr Tydfil as a “world class destination of choice”, adding: “Merthyr Tydfil needs Rhydycar West.”
Cllr Julia Jenkins expressed that they’ve been overlooked for too long and that Bike Park Wales has contributed greatly to the area. She predicted a surge of visitors and implored: “We must grab this opportunity with both hands.”
The Welsh Government had previously directed the council not to approve planning permission for the application, pending further consideration as to whether the application should be referred to the Welsh ministers for their decision.
In March 2025, the planning committee voted against officer recommendations to reject the application. In November 2025, the council was notified by the Welsh Government that the application would not be called in by Welsh ministers.
The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning concluded that while there are conflicts with national policy, they are of a scale and complexity that she is comfortable for the local planning authority to handle.
The committee’s report on 7 January indicates that the Welsh Government has acknowledged conflicts with national planning policy. However, the original recommendation to the committee remains unaltered.
The report further highlighted that since members have chosen not to accept the officer’s recommendation, it now falls to them to approve the application subject to conditions and the terms of a Section 106 agreement.
The proposed development also encompasses associated earthworks, access routes, drainage systems, service and utility connections, and infrastructure.
A FAMOUS market in a UK city has started a £9million revamp project.
Grainger Market in Newcastle is being renovated in hopes of rivalling the best of Europe‘s indoor markets, such as Grand Bazaar in Istanbul and Foodhallen in Amsterdam.
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Grainger Market in Newcastle is undergoing a £9million refurbCredit: Alamy
Works on the market include creating a pavilion upstairs and adding new flooring, according to the BBC.
There will also be new toilets at the venue as well as seating areas to eventually host gigs and plays.
Hand-painted signs and ceramic tiles with street names on the floor will make navigating around the market easier too.
The project is expected to be completed in the first part of this year.
For example, you can pick up fresh meat or fish, cheese and baked goods.
There are a number of street food options at the market as well such as tapas and pizza.
After eating, have a mooch around some of the shops too, which sell locally crafted clothes, gifts and jewellery.
The market also features the original Marks & Spencer Penny Bazaar stall.
Today it is the last surviving example of a Penny Bazaar, which used to be a fixed-price shop, and has a cherry-red exterior with golden signage from when it first opened in 1895.
One recent visitor of the market said: “If you love food then Grainger Market is a must do.
“We had Korean dumplings and buns, chicken wings, a Cuban sandwich (the Cubanos), a pizza slice, a sausage on a stick and shucked oysters from one of the fishmongers.
“There were other establishments that we did not get to and will certainly be visiting again.”
Another visitor added: “One of the best places in town by far.
“A really cool market, indoors, and in a classic 19th Century environment, a truly beautiful building.”
Work on the market is set to be completed this yearCredit: Newcastle City Council
The market is open from 9am to 5:30pm, Monday to Saturday.
The Grade I listed market opened back in 1835 and was a part of the 19th century Neoclassical redevelopment of the city.
The market was designed by John Dobson and replaced some older markets that had been demolished.
The first women’s edition of the indoor league launched by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy will take place at the end of 2026.
The inaugural men’s TGL season was held in 2025, with founders Woods and McIlroy saying they wanted to help take golf “into the 21st century”.
The world’s best women golfers will compete in a season of team matchplay in the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
In WTGL, teams of players will hit shots at a five-storey-high simulator screen before moving to a green that can rotate 360 degrees, creating hole-to-hole variations.
“Partnering with [TGL organisers] TMRW Sports on WTGL reflects our belief that innovation can help the game reach new fans and create greater visibility for LPGA athletes,” LPGA chief Craig Kessler said.
“It creates another global stage for our athletes – one that helps fans connect more deeply with them and continues to elevate the visibility and growth of women’s golf.”
The Atlanta team of Patrick Cantlay, Billy Horschel, Justin Thomas and Lucas Glover split £6.93m in prize money, with New York’s Cameron Young, Xander Schauffele, Rickie Fowler and Matt Fitzpatrick sharing £3.46m.
KEEPING the kids occupied over weekends and half term holidays can be difficult in the colder months.
So we’ve rounded up the best indoor waterparks across the UK.
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Indoor waterparks make for a great family day out, no matter the weather – like Sandcastle Waterpark in BlackpoolCredit: Sandcastle
With a mix of high-thrill slides and rides, relaxing spa treatments and adults-only zones, these waterparks are the perfect place to spend a day indoors.
The famous Thunderbolt ride is known for being the UK’s first trap door drop waterslide – a water flume which shoots you down at 25mph.
Meanwhile one of the newest rides, Hurricane, descends at 17mph with spooky lightning effects.
The popular Python ride has also been recently refurbished, with slithery twists and turns gentle enough for toddlers.
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There’s also calming bubble pools, relaxation areas, and a restaurant serving up pizza, bubble waffles and milkshakes.
And if you visit in the warmer months, there’s an outdoor pool and loungers to soak in the rays.
The waterpark is within Waterworld Leisure Resort, which is also home to the tiki-themed Adventure Mini Golf and the new M Club Spa and Fitness facility.
General entry starts at £24.00.
The Wave is a UK award-winning indoor waterparkCredit: The WaveThe lazy river is a more chilled option at this indoor waterparkCredit: The Wave
The Wave, Coventry
This indoor waterpark in Coventry holds the record for the largest wave pool in the UK.
The famous wave pool churns a whopping 20 million litres of water per day, with waves that deepen gradually as you wade in.
The indoor waterpark also has six slides, ranging from The Rapids water coaster to The Riptide – a rubber ring ride set at an exhilarating 90° angle.
The Cyclone is one of the waterpark’s fastest rides, swirling riders around in an open bowl before falling into the pool.
The Wave is also home to a lazy river which whisks swimmers around a winding path, as well as a splash zone for younger children named The Reef.
Adults visiting can enjoy a dedicated pool for lane swimming, fitness centre or a trip to the dedicated spa.
The Mana Spa has a steam room, sauna and offers a variety of massages and facials.
Tickets for ages 12+ start at £14.50 (off peak). Junior tickets start at £12.50, and infants aged 1 and under go free.
Sandcastle Waterpark is one of the UK’s top indoor waterparksCredit: Sandcastle Waterpark
Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool
This indoor waterpark is the UK’s largest, with your pick of waterslides and flumes for the kids, as well as a spa for the adults to unwind.
Here you can treat yourself to a tropical holiday in Blackpool, as this waterpark is set in a tropical 84° climate.
The park boasts 18 waterslides, including the UK’s longest indoor rollercoaster.
Family friendly slides range from the Treetops Water Chutes, multi-lane slides perfect for little ones, to the pirate-themed HMS Thunder Splash.
The waterpark is also home to 5 record-breaking “white-knuckle rides” – exciting options for the thrill-seekers in the family.
The Sidewinder is the world’s first Indoor half-pipe waterslide, whilst the Masterblaster has been named the UK’s longest indoor rollercoaster waterslide.
The Caribbean Storm Treehouse, on the other hand, is an interactive water climbing frame – complete with a giant coconut that pours 600 gallons of water onto unsuspecting swimmers every few minutes!
And if you want a break from all the screaming and laughter, the Sea Breeze Spa has a sauna, steam room, foot spas and even an aromatherapy room.
The spa costs £7 per person and must be booked alongside an admission ticket.
There’s also a “Tiki Cabana” experience for ultimate relaxation.
For £60 per person adults can unwind in a private area with a flatscreen TV, fridge stocked with cold drinks, and a private hot tub.
The price also included full-day admission, lunch and access to the spa.
General entry starts from £24.95 for ages 12+, £15.95 for kids aged 3 – 7, and under 3s go free.
You can see the winding slides from outside of the attractionCredit: Sandcastle
The world’s largest indoor beach can be found inside the Tropical Island Resort in Krausnick, Germany, which is an hour drive from Berlin where Brits can fly to in under two hours
Liam McInerney Content Editor
09:41, 01 Jan 2026Updated 10:19, 01 Jan 2026
The Tropical Island Resort in Krausnick in Germany (Image: ullstein bild via Getty Images)
The world’s largest indoor beach is double the length of a Premier League football pitch – and it is 26C all-year-round.
The man-made sandy beach stretches 200 metres and is dotted with palm trees and sunloungers. It is nestled inside the Tropical Island Resort in Krausnick, Germany, which is also home to the largest indoor swimming pool and one of the biggest indoor rainforests.
Brits can book return flights to its nearest airport – Berlin Brandenburg Airport – for as little as £47 from London Stansted Airport.
The mammoth indoor waterpark, once the biggest in Europe, is an hour drive from Berlin, and it was built in 2004.
The 10,000sqm space includes four attractions which are Water Worlds, Tropical Rainforest, the outdoor Amazonia area and the Tropical Village where visitors can buy food, drinks and gifts.
The complex is so large that it can accommodate 6,000 visitors at a time who can even take air balloon rides inside the unique resort that is inside a gigantic dome hangar.
Being a balmy 26C no matter the season, there are 900 sunbeds available, and the giant swimming pool in the Water Worlds section is the size of three Olympic sized ones. There is also Bali-style huts that surround a water lagoon while kids can play in a Jungle Splash water playground.
The resort is also home to a sizable slide tower that stands at 27 metres (equivalent to a four-storey building) and a power turbo slide reaches speeds of 43mph. And if that wasn’t enough excitement, there is a huge twisty water slide that is 149 metres long.
Some 50,000 plants can be found inside the Tropical Rainforest also boasting butterflies, flamingos and turtles. There are also mini golf games and a Balinese-inspired village.
Adults can also take advantage of the spa and sauna complex where there are seven spa areas in total while there are also caves inspired by Cambodia, Australia and Malaysia.
Visitors can choose to stay in rooms inside the resort or there are tents available to hire for overnight stays too.
Last year, the Hawaiian themed Ohana Town was constructed, where visitors can stay overnight in lodges, play bowling, eat in a restaurant and sing their hearts out in karaoke.
Day tickets for adults start from around £30, children between four and 12 from £26 while kids three and younger are free.
In a recent review on TripAdvisor, one person wrote: “Prices rise annually. It’s starting to be quite expensive fun. In winter still good, because you feel like on holiday.”
Another called it “beach paradise for families with children” before adding: “Large, warm pools and several waterslides for those who like it.
“Lots of sunbeds but they get busy very quickly so if you want these you need to come early in the morning, then they dibs all day.”
