IF you’re looking to escape the heat, there is a huge new indoor attraction that is the first of its kind in Europe.
Slick City in Nottingham opened earlier this year, with everything from slides to coasters.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
The attraction is the first Slick City in EuropeCredit: Slick CitySlick City in Nottingham opened back in MarchCredit: Slick City
For example, you could head on Royal Flush, where you’ll head down a sheer drop before being whizzed around a massive bowl – just like the motion of a flushing toilet.
Then there is Fast Lane, which is ideal for competitive families as it is a four-lane slide.
On Hyperloop, you’ll head through a number of twists and turns.
The attraction is the first Slick City in Europe and is also home to the world’s first UV AirGlider – a gravity-powered aerial coaster that creates the feeling of flying.
In between trying out the slides, visitors can test out the interactive games as well.
There’s a freestyle air court and sports court too, which has a cushioned, bouncy base ideal for parkour tricks.
Little ones aren’t left out either, as they can enjoy a soft play area.
While the kids are playing, parents can grab a bite to eat and a drink at the onsite cafe.
Though, Slick City isn’t just for kids – big kids (adults) can also have fun at one of the adults-only nights on the first Friday of every month.
The neon-lit attraction is for ages four and older and if you just want to watch you don’t have to pay entry.
There’s also the world’s first UV AirGlider – a gravity-powered aerial coaster that creates the feeling of flyingCredit: Slick CityThere’s a soft play for little ones as wellCredit: Slick City
There are a number of different ticket types available including ones for shorter 90 minute sessions and ones for longer two hour sessions.
Tickets cost £19.95 and £24.95 per person, respectively.
If you want to go on the AirGlider you’ll have to pay extra though – it’s £4 for one ride or £10 for three rides.
When at the attraction you also have to wear CitySocks, which cost £3 a pair – but you can keep and re-use them.
One recent visitor commented: “The slides are insane and it’s just so much fun.”
Another added: “Unique experience, such a great idea.
WE all know that Universal is building its very first European theme park right here in the UK.
While it’s setting up base in Bedford, it could have been somewhere else completely – and it happens to be the ‘coolest’ city in Britain.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
The Uk’s first Universal theme park could have been located in Milton KeynesCredit: Cover ImagesOne of Milton Keynes’ biggest attractions is Bletchley ParkCredit: Alamy
Planning documents revealed that Universal had previously considered building its upcoming theme park on the outskirts of Milton Keynes.
But when certain “terms could not be agreed”, a site in Bedford was picked instead.
Milton Keynes is just a half an hour drive away from Bedford but is completely different being a city, and in Buckinghamshire.
Last year, Milton Keynes was named one of the top ten destinations for Brits to visit in 2025 behind the likes of Milan, Rome and Tokyo.
As for what kind of themed lands and rides would open at the UK Universal, very little is known.
But there are rumours suggesting that some could be based on James Bond, Paddington, Lord of the Rings, Minions, Jurassic World, and Back to the Future.
There’s also expected to be hotels on-site as well as a new train station.
Restore will be the wellness area, with everything from steam rooms and saunas to cold punges and massage rooms.
Not only will there be hundreds of thousands of plants inside, but it will remain at around 30C all year round.
Inside will also be a huge dining area with restaurants and food spaces.
When it opens, it hopes to eventually welcome up to two million visitors.
It will have three themed zones as well as pools and waterslidesCredit: Therme SingaporeIt will be the size of nine football pitchesCredit: Therme Singapore
But if Singapore is a bit too far for you, you can get excited by these images as a similar one is opening in the UK.
Therme Manchester is also opening in 2030, and claims it will be the biggest paid for attraction in the UK with three million tourists a year.
The £500million indoor water resort will be across 28 aces, with similar Play, Restore and Relax zones like the one in Singapore.
This will include a indoor beach, year-round 33C temperatures as well as pools and slides.
David Russell, CEO of Therme UK said: “There won’t be anywhere in this country that has the facilities we have.”
Or catch one from Żyrardów taking about 20 minutes and running several times a day for £4.06 return.
Inside, the park really is huge with 18 pools, 35 slides and numerous saunas.
When it comes to the pools there are several featuring different minerals or chemical elements that have different healthbenefits.
For example, you could take a dip in the magnesium pool (34C), which is rumoured to help skin disorders as well as relax muscles.
A number of the pools feature mineral benefitsCredit: Suntago: Indoor Water Park
On the other hand, if you want to soothe dry skin then head to the calcium pool (34C).
Other mineral pools include a lithium pool to reduce stress, a potassium pool which can help with reducing blood pressure and a sulphur pool ideal for visitors who suffer with joint issues.
If you’re not into mineral pools though and would rather go for a swim, then you can head to the outdoor pool instead, with a swim-up bar for a tipple.
Another outdoor pool even has a hot tub and – instead of a lazy river – a ‘crazy river’.
Back inside, there’s a bubbling spring pool (32C) and a wave pool, both ideal for relaxing and having a splash.
Though for a bit more fun, make sure to head on the Mamba Adventure River that’s a 130-metre long pool through a cave-like area with glowing green lights.
Little ones aren’t left out either as there is a baby pool right next to a Pirates’ Playground.
And for those want it a bit of fun there are 35 different waterslidesCredit: Suntago: Indoor Water Park
But there is more fun for kids than this, with 35 different waterslides across five floors.
These include three snake-themed rides where you even come out of a snake’s mouth.
On Anaconda, for example, you’ll be launched nearly 20 metres before racing through a number of twists and bends.
If you are brave enough there is another waterslide called Teleport, which features a fast and unexpected drop.
Families wanting to stick together can try out Toucan and Arara in four-person rafts or get competitive on racing waterslides.
If all those pools and slides weren’t enough, there’s also more than 13 different heated rooms, including saunas and a frigidarium.
There are more than 10 saunas at the waterpark tooCredit: Suntago: Indoor Water Park
There’s a classic wooden sauna with a viking-themed twist, heated to a near-boiling 95C and an Egyptian Village where there are five saunas themed around different areas of Egypt including the Sahara Desert.
If you like the idea of a sauna but don’t want it too hot, head to the Korean Sauna, that is 38C and also plays calming music.
Or for something more exciting, head into the Aquarium Sauna with a number of fish tanks to watch.
You could also be transported to the Maldives in the Paradise Beach sauna or to Mont Blanc in the chilly frigidarium which is -7C.
One of the pools is set in a cave-like area as wellCredit: Suntago: Indoor Water Park
Last but not least, there is a salt grotto which has a “seaside-like microclimate” and blocks upon blocks of salt ideal for helping your nervous system.
If you want to level up your wellness experience, there is a spa onsite too.
After all the splashing about and relaxing, if you want a bite to eat there are a number of restaurants and cafes onsite.
You can make even it a whole weekend event by staying at the Suntago Village, just five minutes from the park.
Kids can only access the Jamango zone where you’ll find pools and the slides, costing from £20.10 a day.
On the other hand adults can access the Jamango zones, as well as the Relax and Saunaria zones from £33.30 a day.
You can stay in a number of disused train carriages in SuffolkCredit: Cottages/Brockford Railway SidingsThere are five different carriages at the siteCredit: Cottages/Brockford Railway Sidings
The first is Railway Carriage One, which has a living room, kitchen area and two bedrooms.
In Railway Carriage Two – which is a little bigger – guests will find two bedrooms as well as a further sofa bed and an open plan living area with an adjoining kitchen.
The third carriage is The Guard’s Van, which has two bedrooms, a living room, dining rooms and kitchen area.
The fourth option is staying in The Italian Carriage, which sleeps up to four people and boasts open plan seating in the centre of the carriage, as well as an outdoor patio.
And last but not least is Wilby Halt, which is described as a “quirky and unusual property is split over two restored railway carriages”.
The carriages are linked by a railway platform, with one carriage being home to the living space and kitchen and the other carriage being home to two bedrooms.
They also have living areas and kitchen spacesCredit: Cottages/Brockford Railway SidingsShared between the five carriages is a small play areaCredit: Cottages/Brockford Railway Sidings
All of the train carriages have views across the surrounding countryside.
Around the carriages, guests will find a children’s play area which is shared with other carriages also at the site.
And if you fancy a dip, there’s an indoor glasshouse with a swimmingpool, sauna and hot tub.
If you have a bigger group, you can even book out all of the carriages for up to 29 people, as well as the Station House, which sleeps up to six people.
Seven nights in one of the carriages costs from £469.
One recent visitor said: “Peaceful location and quirky accommodation with everything you needed.
And guests can also use the pool, as well as sauna and hot tubCredit: Cottages/Brockford Railway Sidings
“Good pubs near by for food, use of swimming pool a bonus.”
Another added: “We were welcomed with tea and cake and found the guards van to be very cosy and comfortable.
“We loved the quirkiness of it and the surrounding carriages.”
Surrounding the carriages, guests can venture down country lanes ideal for walks or cycle rides.
The closest village is Mendlesham, about 1.5miles away, where guests can find the Kings Head Inn Mendlesham, described as a “nice friendly village pub”.
Attached to the pub is also a post office and elsewhere in the village you can find a fish and chip shop.
A seven-night stay costs from £469Credit: Cottages/Brockford Railway Sidings
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.
Alpamare in Scarborough is an alpine-themed waterpark with rides named after ski runsCredit: TripAdvisorCoral Reef Waterworld in Bracknell has a pirate ship for kids to climb, plus a volcano-themed rideCredit: Coral Reef Waterworld
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.
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
Splashdown Waterpark in Poole has 13 waterslides including terrifying thrill ride The ScreamerCredit: TripAdvisor
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.
Calypso Cove in Barnsley is themed like a tropical island, with plenty to do for young kidsCredit: TripAdvisor
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 has six high-octane slides for families and thrill-seekers to tryCredit: TripAdvisor
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.
Ticketscost £15 per adult, £13 for children 11 and under and under ones go free.
Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool
Sandcastle Waterpark in Blackpool is the biggest indoor waterpark in the UKCredit: Sandcastle Waterpark Blackpool / Facebook
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 tobook onlinein advance, as same-day purchases here can cost you extra.
THE UK’s warm weather might seem like a thing of the past, but the rain doesn’t don’t mean you have to miss out on theme parks and amusement attractions.
And as the weather takes a turn for the worse across the UK the rest of this week and into the weekend, what better way to spend it than heading to one of these spots?
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Babylon Park in Camden is an indoor theme park and even has a rollercoasterCredit: Babylon Park
The UK is home to several, with most catering to the different age groups – even adults – so here are some of the best to check out.
Babylon Park in Camden, London
Theme parks are a lot of fun, but when it is rainy and all the rides are outside it can quickly become less fun.
However in Camden, London, you can head to Babylon Park which is a space-themed indoor amusement park with its own indoor rollercoaster.
Across different levels, there are a number of rides including a drop tower and there is also a soft play area from smaller kids.
There are several retro arcade games too including dance challenge machines and you can have a go at hooking a duck – though it is actually a hybrid unicorn-duck.
For adults, there’s a restaurant and bar to grab a drink in while the kids play.
The attraction is free to enter, but you will need to buy a £1 Babylon Card to pay for the attractions.
You then load credit onto the card via an app or at the attraction’s kiosk.
For reference, £15 will get you around 144 game coins and the attractions cost different amounts of game coins – for example, the rollercoaster costs 48 game coins.
Gravity Max in Liverpool, Cardiff and London
At Gravity Max, kids can get competitive with e-kartingCredit: Gravity MAX
For kids who love adrenaline and competitive fun, take them to Gravity Max either in Liverpool, Cardiff or a couple spots in London.
The parks feature e-karting across huge tracks that leave visitors feeling as if they have stepped into a real lifeMario Kart game.
The venues also have augmented reality bowling and immersive gaming zones.
Fancy a tipple? Don’t worry they have a bar as well.
Adult karting (visitors aged 14 or older) costs from £16 per person and junior karting (kids aged eight or older) costs from £15.25.
The Playhive, Stockeld Park in North Yorkshire
The Playhive in North Yorkshire is one of the biggest indoor playgrounds in the UKCredit: Refer to Source
The Playhive in North Yorkshire is thought to be one of the biggest indoor playgrounds in the UK with a “journey through four interconnected worlds of space, air, the jungle, and sea”, according to the attraction’s website.
Inside visitors will find spaceships, planes and submarines, which are all different play structures.
There are even jungle-themed climbing walls for kids to let out their inner Tarzan.
Toddlers get their own areas too with smaller climbing features and swings.
Parents who feel like chilling can hang out in the Playhive Pizzeria, where a variety of snacks, pizzas and drinks are served.
Sessions at the attraction allow visitors an hour-and-a-half of play time costing from £13.50.
Woodlands Family Theme Park, Devon
Woodlands theme park in Devon has a huge indoor soft playCredit: Alamy
Woodlands theme park in Devon is home to the county’s largest soft play area with drop slides, ball pits, climbing frames and obstacle course sections.
Dedicated to children over 90cm tall, it’s the ideal place to let your kids run around and burn some energy for hours on end.
There are two other areas for smaller kids – one for toddlers under 95cm and another for children up to 125cm tall.
And if that wasn’t enough, the Circus Dome Zone has more soft play and in another area – Big Top Soft Play – you’ll find stacking cubes and games for younger children.
Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding grew up nearby and visited many times – she said: “Woodlands is a great day out, especially when the weather takes a turn.
“After stepping foot inside the play area, my family knew they wouldn’t see me for hours on end and they only time they would is when I was worn out or wanting a drink after running around.”
Tickets to Woodlands cost from £23.31 per person.
Play Factore, Manchester
Play Factore in Manchester claims to be the biggest indoor family entertainment arena in the UKCredit: Play Factore
Claiming to be the biggest indoor family entertainment arena in the UK, Play Factore boasts the tallest standing indoor slide in the UK as well as a huge laser tag arena.
Little ones aren’t left out though, as there are two floors for kids under five-ears-old which include a soft play area and obstacle courses.
There’s even a football pitch and basketball court inside as well.
For six to 11-month-olds, it costs £3.95 each and then for one to four-year-old’s, it’s £12.95 each.
Kids aged between five and 16 years old cost £13.95 each and parents cost £5.25 each.
Riverside Hub, Northampton
Riverside Hub in Northampton has a number of different zones for different age groupsCredit: facbook
In Northampton, you could head to the Riverside Hub which has a number of zones including Role Play Villages where kids can explore an imaginary world with its own cafe, shop, witch’s house and tooth fairy dentist.
Older kids on the other hand can venture on a number of climbing activities, including a 10-metre beanstalk.
Toddlers can also test out a number of ball pits and activity walls.
And if that wasn’t enough, there’s also a giant play frame with slides, games and even a football pitch.
There is even a fake mini village for kids to role play iCredit: 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.”
Tickets cost £8.50 per adult, £14.50 per child aged one to three-ears-old and £17.50 for kids between four and 17-years-old
Flip Out, various locations
Flip Out has a number of venues across the UKCredit: Flipout
Flip Out has several locations across the UK including Bradford, Doncaster, Chichester and Coventry.
Each Flip Out boasts an indoor adventure and trampoline park, where visitors can bounce into foam pits and off of stunt walls.
In some of the more recent venues, such as Flip Out Canary Wharf, you can also have a go at laser quest or bumper cars.
And for football fans, some venues have interactive football.
Travel writer Catherine Lofthouse headed to Flip Out Coventry with her three children.
Inside each, there are usually slides, trampolines and a number of obstaclesCredit: Supplied
She said: “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.”
Prices vary depending on destination and session length.
A NEW pool is set to open in Warwickshire – and it is on the site of some medieval ruins.
Located at Abbey Fields in Kenilworth, the new multi-million attraction will feature two indoor pools, a changing area and a “conservatory-style” cafe.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
The new pools will open on July 11Credit: Warwick District CouncilInside, it features two pools – the main pool and a family poolCredit: http://www.everyoneactive.com
Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration@thesuntravel.
One pool will be the main training pool, measuring 25-metres-long and will host most of the swimming lessons, lane swimming, family swimming sessions and aqua fitness classes.
The other pool will be more family-friendly and accessible measuring 15metres by eight metres and will also have a movable floor that reaches a depth of 1.8metres.
For some added family fun, this pool will also have interactive spray and splash features.
In total, at least five buildings were discovered as well as ceramics, both dating back to the 13th century.
The new pool will open to the public on July 11 and be open each Monday to Friday from 7am to 9pm, and 7am to 5pm at weekends.
As for the cafe, visitors will be able to grab a range of drinks, snacks and light meals as well as sit outdoors looking over the parkland.
According to theBBC, Councillor Jim Sinnott said: “Having recently been shown round the new building and having seen the fantastic features and spec, I really can’t wait to see the new pools finally open for all in our community to enjoy.”
ONE of the UK’s oldest indoor swimming pools is getting a huge makeover after being forced to close three years ago.
Moseley Road Baths in Balsall Heath, Birmingham, opened back in 1907 but has been shut to the public since 2023.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Moseley Road Baths in Birmingham are getting a £16m makeoverCredit: Google maps /Moseley Road BathsThe baths feature three pools including the Gala Pool (pictured) which will be restoredCredit: Google maps /Moseley Road Baths
Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration@thesuntravel.
Now, the Grade II-listed Edwardian pool will be brought back to life with a new community health and wellbeing hub as well as restored main pool.
The baths are split into three main pools: the Gala Pool (which used to be for upper class men); the second class men’s pool and then the women’s baths.
The Gala Pool – which closed back in 2003 due to safety concerns – will be completely restored and reopened, as will the mezzanine gallery around the pool and there will be a new ground-floor viewing area too.
According to Visit Birmingham, the pool is “the grandest space in the building” with cast iron arches and viewing balconies on three sides of the pool.
The second pool onsite will then be converted into a flexible event space.
The Women’s Slipper Baths – which locals used to pay a small fee to bathe right up until 2004 – will be made into a community health and wellbeing hub and the Men’s Second Class Slipper Baths will be transformed into a community gym.
The former boiler room will then be made into another flexible studio space.
The other two pools will be transformed in to community spaces and a gymCredit: moseleyroadbaths.orgMany of the original features will be kept inside such ad the terrazzo floorsCredit: Alamy
Following all of the upgrades, the baths are expected to reopen in late 2028.
Previous restoration works started in September last year, of the roofs at the baths and the Balsall Heath Library, which is getting a new mezzanine level.
Many original features will be kept though throughout the building, such as the oak wood ticket offices and 30-metre Gothic Renaissance facade with red brick and terracotta.
Other original features include glazed bricks in ivory, turquoise and cream and terrazzo floors.
Joe Holyoak, Chair, Friends of Moseley Road Baths said: “For more than two decades, our community has fought to keep Moseley Road Baths open and to secure its future.
The historic red brick and terracotta facade will also be keptCredit: AlamyThe baths are expected to reopen in late 2028Credit: moseleyroadbaths.org
“Today’s news is a moment of immense pride.
“We will swim in the Gala Pool again, and this magnificent building will be a home for our community for generations to come.
“We’re hugely grateful to everyone who has played their part in making this happen, and to the swimmers who supported us along the way.”
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands said: “Moseley Road Baths is a real Birmingham icon and it’s now closer than ever to reopening to the public because local people never gave up on it.”
AN enormous indoor adventure park, fitted with inflatable obstacle courses and thrilling activities, has shut down with immediate effect.
The family-friendly attraction has been a hit with the community for over six years, welcoming 400,000 visitors during that time.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Ultimate Warriors adventure park in Gloucester has plunged into administrationCredit: Ultimate WarriorsThe site, fitted with obstacle courses, was enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of visitorsCredit: Ultimate Warriors
Ultimate Warriors, formerly Ninja Warrior UK, in Gloucester, shut down earlier this month.
This comes after the adventure park was plunged into administration, only a year after leaving the national Ninja Warrior group.
Ultimate Warriors hoped to sell the business, exploring every option to remain open.
Following a sale falling through last minute, they had no option but to close, nearly seven years after it opened in October 2019.
Only recently, Ultimate Warriors had refreshed its equipment and activities, running independently as a family-run business.
Ultimate Warriors Gloucester said on Facebook: “After six and a half wonderful years, it is with great sadness that we announce Ultimate Warriors has entered administration and has closed its doors.
“We explored every possible option to keep our much-loved venue open. Unfortunately, despite strong interest, we are devastated to have a sale fall through at the last minute.
“As a small business, we simply do not have the financial reserves to continue operating in such uncertain economic conditions, even with the incredible support and feedback we have received from our guests over the years.”
Ultimate Warriors was formerly part of the Ninja Warrior UK franchise, which owns 16 adventure parks across the UK, all based on the hit ITV show.
Similar to the Ninja Warrior UK set up, Ultimate Warriors in Gloucester had a variety of activities, including monkey bars, slides and climbing walls.
Now, the Ultimate Warriors team is supporting its staff get new jobs, including reaching out to Airhop Gloucester to possibly accommodate them.
Ultimate Warriors Gloucester said: “To everyone who visited us, celebrated with us, worked with us, or supported us along the way – thank you. Your support, loyalty, and memories will stay with us forever.”
WE ARE just six weeks away from the start of the World Cup and the UK’s capital is getting THREE fan attractions for watching the matches.
Launching across three London venues, Kick Off Club will open three new World Cup fanzones.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Kick Off Club will have three fanzones across LondonCredit: Kick off club
Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.
One will be at the Outernet on Tottenham Court Road, another will be at Electric Brixton in South London and the third will be at Colour Factory in Hackney Wick.
Each fanzone won’t have food for sale, but you will be able to get drinks, including drinks packages.
Outernet fanzone
At the Outernet fanzone, fans will find London’s largest indoor screen.
A NEW £11million attraction is opening in the UK next month, designed for every type of person.
Brits can expect all sorts of fun at the new Mega City, which will open in Slough on May 30.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Mega City will open in May with several different activities insideCredit: Mega CityThe £11million attraction will include bowling, arcades and laser tagCredit: Mega City
Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.
Across three floors, visitors can have a go at different games and tech-based activities.
For those who love arcades, there will be over 130 machines to explore.
And ideal for families, there will be 10 bowling lanes to get competitive on.
Don’t mind building up a sweat? The venue will also have a huge laser tag arena, where up to 24 players can play at one time.
It isn’t the only laser activity at the attraction though, as there will also be a laser raid and laser maze challenges.
Visitors wanting to try out their different sport skills will be able to have a go in batting cages as well as try augmented reality (AR) clay pigeon shooting and AR darts.
Gamers will be happy to hear there are also going to be virtual reality arenas.
If you prefer a traditional night out, the attraction has you covered with private party rooms, karaoke and pool tables.
In addition to all of this, there will be Flashpads – colourful interactive tiles on the floor where you carry out a number of games or challenges.
There will be a number of activities that use the latest tech too, such as AR and VRCredit: Mega CityAnd of course, if you get hungry there is a restaurant to grab food fromCredit: Mega City
There will also be the Total Football video game and a Digital Box Room for immersive gaming experiences.
The best thing is that the entire venue is indoors, so you won’t have to worry about the UK’s unpredictable weather.
Of course, the interior design matches the excitement of the activities, with neon lighting and a central atrium which connects each floor.
And after all the fun running around and getting competitive, visitors can eat in the restaurant, where the main focus is on comfort food – think loaded fries and huge chicken burgers.
Adults can also enjoy a tipple from the bar, which will serve everything from classic cocktails and beers to shakes and soft drinks.
The entire experience is cashless too, so visitors will either need to purchase credit at the site which is loaded onto a card that you then scan each time you go on a machine or into a laser experience.
There’s also a bar with cocktails and beersCredit: Mega CityThe attraction will open on May 30Credit: Mega City
The card will track your points from the games and challenges, which can then be redeemed for prizes – kind of like the tokens at traditional seaside piers.
Alternatively, visitors can book experiences and group games such as the bowling, laser tag, VR and AR activities online, where they will get a QR code that they scan when at the venue to activate their session.
Jeet, co-founder of Mega City said: “At its heart, Mega City is about bringing people together.
“We wanted to create a place where different generations can enjoy shared experiences, feel welcome and make real memories.”
The new attraction will be just an eight-minute walk from Slough Station which sits on the Elizabeth Line and is only 40 minutes from central London.
A HUGE new “world class new visit destination” is set to open in the UK.
Xanadoo is a new indoor attraction concept that has been designed by some of the people behind the Eden Project.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
A huge new ‘world class’ attraction is set to open in the UKCredit: XanadooXanadoo hopes to open in South Wales, and is being created by some of the former Eden Project teamCredit: XanadooInside will be art, science attractions and playgroundsCredit: Xanadoo
They claim it will be “unlike any other museum” with massive playgrounds, art areas and food halls, as well as being educational.
When guests arrive, the will be a market hall with food and drink stalls.
The first area is the “Road to Happiness” with a series of art installations along the way.
Then there is “The Gallery of Marvellous Situations” which they say will take people “back in time” using immersive experiences.
The Playground in the third area, with images showing slides, a huge helter skelter, climbing structures, mazes, and even a life-size snakes and ladders.
Then in the fourth area is “Tomorrow’s World” with futuristic designs showing the world in hundreds of years time.
“Call to Action” is the final area, which has a life-size “game” with levers and dials that show the impact on the current world.
The entire attraction ‘will bring “science and art” together, and be for all ages.
The cost of the project hasn’t been revealed, but it is thought that £840million will be brought to the local economy, they predict.
They hope it will encourage year-round visitors, including families and school trips as well as locals.
Where it will be built is also yet to be revealed, although they are looking at locations across South Wales.
Gaynor Coley, co-founder of the Eden Project, told local media: “We believe Xanadoo can do the same for South Wales as the Eden Project did for Cornwall.
“An economic impact assessment has just been carried out and it has bought £6 billion to Cornwall and the West Country which is more than the whole of European funding and we’d like to do the same for South Wales.
“It will bring sustainable tourism, support hospitality and creativity, storytelling, digital and health and wellbeing.”
There will also be market halls and space for traders and studentsCredit: XanadooTomorrow’s World will have experiences showing the world in hundreds of yearsCredit: XanadooThere is no confirmed opening date or location yetCredit: Xanadoo
FOR those waterpark fans amongst you, there are some exciting plans in the works with five more potentially coming to the UK.
From massive indoor resorts with beaches, to surfing lagoons, here’s everything you need to know.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Therme Manchester could become the largest water-based wellbeing destination in EuropeCredit: suppliedThe Chessington World of Adventures will be outside the Safari HotelCredit: Chessington World of Adventures
Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.
Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Chessington is known for its rides, zoo and aquarium, but is hoping to add waterpark fun to its offerings.
Back in 2024, the theme park submitted plans to build an African-themed waterpark with six water slides, two lazy rivers and rapids.
If given the go-ahead, it will have a kids wave pool, splash pad, spa pool, a safari beach, cafe and outdoor restaurants.
The plans are for it to be built opposite the Safari Hotel.
First-look images reveal a huge indoor waterpark with outdoor waterfalls and greenery surrounding the pool areas.
Little else is known about it right now, with the last update back in 2024.
Therme Manchester
When Therme Manchester opens, it will be the “largest water-based wellbeing destination in Europe“.
It’s set to cost £500million, and could welcome three million people a year to its indoor resort.
It will be every waterpark’s fan dream with spa and wellness facilities that will be split into three distinct zones – Play, Relax and Restore.
The Play zone will focus on ‘next-generation’ water slides, along with a wave pool, warm water pool, steam rooms, saunas and lounging and family dining experiences.
The Relax zone will be adults-only and there will be a “focus on premium wellbeing experiences”, as well as indoor and outdoor pools, waterfall showers, mineral baths, steam rooms, saunas and dining.
The last area is the Restore Zone and is also adults-only.
Here will be “industry leading health, nutrition and wellbeing therapies”, “sauna rituals”, experience showers, wellbeing consultations and dining.
Therme is due to open next to the Trafford Centre in late 2028.
Check out our favourite holidays to Greece – two have waterparks…
*If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue.
Blue Bay Beach Resort, Rhodes
The four-star Blue Bay Beach Resort sits a stone’s throw away from this beach, and has its own pools, splash park and water slides. Here you’re only a 15-minute drive away from Rhodes Old Town, where UNESCO-listed medieval streets wind through castle-like architecture. Make sure to check out the Street of the Knights, one of the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe.
Gouves Bay Hotel keeps things simple on a sunny Greek island location right by the sea. This hotel has a relaxed, family-friendly feel with two pools, a kids’ club and easy all-inclusive dining. And if you fancy a change of atmosphere, Gouves’ bars and tavernas are just a short walk away for your choice of evening drinks with a view.
The picturesque hotel is perched up high and surrounded by lush greenery in the historic harbour town of Kos. Here you’ll find a huge swimming pool and a waterpark, as well as activities like darts, tennis, football and more. There’s evening entertainment six days a week, and an on-site spa with a hot tub and sauna to unwind.
This mega resort with six pools and its own waterpark is rated five stars by TUI. In the main restaurant, you’ll see show cooking displays as you take your pick from an extensive international buffet. Plus, Kalives beach is on the doorstep of this hotel, with its strikingly blue water and soft golden sands.
Great Wolf Lodge is hoping to open its first resort in the UKCredit: GreatWolfuk.co.uk
Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge might not mean much to Brits, but it has 23 resorts acrossNorth AmericaandCanada, and wants to to open its very first UK site.
The company has submitted plans to built on the current site of Basingstoke Golf Centre on Worting Road in Hampshire.
The plans are for it to be transformed into a 50,000m² complex.
It will consist of three interconnected buildings – one will be a hotel, another an adventure park and the last, an indoor waterpark.
It will be lots of family-friendly pools, slides, rides and splash pads.
Planned activities inside the adventure park will be a children’s haven with a rope course, mini bowling, mini golf and a games arcade.
Seahive is a new proposed water attraction in KentCredit: Fabrick Agency / SWNS
Seahive
While not a waterpark per se, Seahive is set to be a huge new water attraction near Deal in Kent.
If it gets the go-ahead, Seahive would be the world’s firstsurfing wellness resortwith a dedicated surf lagoon for every skill level with waves ranging in size from 50cm to 2m.
The site will also have a relaxing wellness area, spa and gym.
There’s room for on-land activities too like a skate park for skateboards, bikes and scooters.
Also proposed for the site are 15 holiday lodges and a clubhouse with restaurants.
The Cove Resort is set to be a £75million new attraction in SouthportCredit: Sefton Council
The Cove Resort
Similar to Seahive, in Southport there will soon be Cove Resort which is a £75million new attraction with incredible views across the Irish Sea.
Visitors will be able to experience leisure activities like an outdoor lagoon with opportunities for surfing.
Other proposed facilities include a thermal spa – the resort will focus primarily on health and wellbeing.
The plans include the building of large 4-star hotel on site too.