THE longest outdoor tubing slide in the UK has finally opened at an adventure park – and it’s just in time for the summer holidays.
Families can now enjoy the new attraction, which offers visitors the chance to slide down 315ft on a doughnut-shaped inflatable.
All attractions are included in the price of entry to the 85-acre parkCredit: ROARR!The £300,000 ride was officially opened on Saturday by Gladiators’ Matty CampbellCredit: ROARR!
Located at Roarr! park in Norfolk, Fossil Falls is even bigger than the 288ft-long Forest Tubing experience, which opened at Heaton Park’s Zip World in May.
The £300,000 ride was officially opened on Saturday by Matty Campbell, better known as Bionic from Gladiators.
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He said: “It was amazing to see so many people turn out for the opening of Fossil Falls and the atmosphere has been incredible.
“I’m delighted to have been here to officially open it and see so many families enjoy it.”
Akaryn Hotel Group founder Anchalika Kijkanakorn said: “We designed it as a place where people can connect with each other and with themselves while still enjoying the pulse and possibilities of Bangkok.”
What are the rooms like?
The hotel’s ethos is to offer the best night sleep – with loads of features within the 100 rooms.
This means blackout curtain and even a “sleep butler” night time ritual.
My Deluxe room had a very comfortable king size bed, as well as a Smart TV, hair dryers, dressing gowns and a coffee making station.
Even in the muggy heat of Bangkok, I slept so well thanks to the easy-to-use air conditioning and the quiet location of the hotel.
Upgrade to Club and get early check in, late check out and a free evening drink and snacks.
The hotel restaurant is Med inspired with amazing breakfast, dinner and cocktailsCredit: APAISUWAN,SAMATCHASave time for the swimming pool tooCredit: APAISUWAN
What is there to eat and drink there?
The hotel restaurant E/R/N is where you will find everything from breakfast to dinner.
The extensive breakfast menu ranged from unique fantastic coffees to smoothies, as well as acai bowls and egg Florentine.
Dinner is Med inspired – I was seriously impressed by the massive juicy scallops, as well as my fruity house cocktail.
What else can you do there?
Wellness experiences can be booked for in your room, including massages and relaxing evening rituals.
You can also book experiences with the hotel from street food tours to canal boat trips.
Deals include free IV drips when staying two nights or more, or free signature experiences when staying three nights or more.
Make sure you save time for a dip in the swimmingpool too.
Is it family friendly?
The hotel has 18, two-bedroom family rooms with interconnected access.
Is the hotel accessible?
Yes, there is lift access and accessible rooms with more spacious layouts.
A HUGE new multi-million-pound attraction is set to transform one of London’s trending destinations.
Stratford Junction will become a major events hub when the development is complete.
Stratford is getting a flashy new cultural quarter with live entertainment and galleriesCredit: Hallmark Property Group / Stratford Junction | Stratford Junction
Over a decade on from the transformation of Stratford for the 2012 Olympics, another transformation is on the cards.
The proposed development will be called Stratford Junction, and will be on the site of a former coach park, which was used during the Olympics.
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It is enclosed, surrounded by railway tracks and now, new designs have been revealed by Hallmark Property Group.
The development has taken inspiration from areas like The Barbican and Spitalfields Market in London.
With so much going on and so many visitors, there will also be a hotel with as many as 1,600 rooms.
There will be 1,700sqm of new public space with green areas and a bustling piazzaCredit: Hallmark Property Group / Stratford Junction | Stratford JunctionNew skyscrapers are part of the plan tooCredit: Hallmark Property Group / Stratford Junction | Stratford Junction
Like most places in London, the site will also be getting taller with three towering skyscrapers set to be built.
YOU don’t need to board a flight for massive waterparks, thrilling rollercoasters and sunset open-air movie nights.
The UK is home to some incredible mega resorts that pack in all the entertainment your family could want.
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Unity Beach holiday park in Brean has its own theme park, water park and beach nearbyCredit: SuppliedYou can stay at Trecco Bay, the biggest UK holiday park, with Sun Hols from £9.50Credit: trecco bay
And the best part is that you can book them with Hols from £9.50.
Hundreds of new £9.50 holidays are set to land over at club950.co.uk this July.
Being able to book an entire day early can make all the difference, as popular parks and dates send to sell out fast. Sign up to Sun Club for £1.99 a month, and you’l be ahead of the booking crowds.
We’ve rounded up some of the biggest and best UK holiday parks with new dates dropping with the July £9.50 Hols top-up.
These include the UK’s biggest holiday park, and a popular beachfront resort with its own on-site theme park and waterpark.
Here’s our selection of the mega UK holiday parks you can book with Hols from £9.50 this July.
Unity Beach, Brean
Unity Beach in Somerset has its own theme park with fairground rides and rollercoastersCredit: Brean Theme Park
Unity Beach in Somerset is a huge award-winning resort with plenty to do for families, plus you’re just steps away from the seven mile stretch of beach at Brean Sands.
This park boasts its own theme park, Brean Theme Park, which the largest in the South West. It has over 40 attractions, including outdoor rollercoasters, classic dodgems and a log flume.
The park also has its own waterpark, Unity Splash, which is reopening this summer with new upgrades. There’s both an indoor and outdoor splash zone, with waterslides and rubber ring rides.
And if that’s not enough, there’s axe throwing, crossbow shooting, a trampoline park, indoor soft play and a nine hole golf course.
Billing Aquadrome, Northampton
Billing Aquadrome in Northampton has unique attractions like an inflatable course and alpaca farmCredit: meadow bay
Spread across 235 acres of parkland and lakes, Billing Aquadrome in Northamptonshire is a massive playground for family entertainment.
This newly-upgraded site is packed with unique activities, from a BMX pump track and alpaca feeding to paddleboard hire and its very own miniature railway.
The park puts on plenty of outdoor entertainment like silent discos and outdoor cinema shows, plus you can grab a bite at the on-site burger joint or dessert shop.
Then end your nights by retreating back to a cosy lakeside pod right on the water.
Golden Sands, Rhyl
Golden Sands in Rhyl sits on the North Wales coast near LlandudnoCredit: Alamy
Golden Sands Holiday Park in the traditional seaside town of Rhyl is the ideal base to explore North Wales.
This park puts you within short driving distance of legendary castles such as Gwyrch and Bodelwyddan, plus there’s beautiful nature spots like Dyserth Waterfall on your doorstep.
When you aren’t out exploring, on-site there’s a heated indoor pool, arcades, a sports court, plus a soft play area.
Plus there’s plenty of activities that kids will love such as slime workshops and NERF gun battles.
Grab some dinner from the site’s traditional fish and chip shop before settling down to watch the live entertainment kick off in the evening.
Trecco Bay, Porthcawl
Trecco Bay Holiday Park in Porthcawl is the largest in the UKCredit: Parkdean Resorts
As one of Europe’s largest holiday parks, and the biggest in the UK, it’s no surprise that there’s no shortage of things to do at Trecco Bay.
Explore the sprawling pool with aqua jets that help you twist and turn under the water, or hop in an aqua paddler mini boat or inflatable jet ski and take in the views from up top.
Back on dry land there’s bumper zorbing and an outdoor battlefield for NERF guns, plus pirate-themed golf and a Make a Bear zone where kids can create their own cuddly friend to take home.
When it comes to food and drink, you can pick from well known eateries like Papa Johns pizza, Burger King, Thunderbird Fried Chicken and sip on Costa Coffee.
Plus the town of Porthcawl is right on your doorstep, with multiple Blue Flag beaches, a scenic promenade to stroll and a funfair to enjoy.
Lighthouse Leisure, Dumfries
Stay at Lighthouse Leisure for stunning scenery and family attractions in nearby DumfriesCredit: Hoseasons
Just a stone’s throw away from the local beach and its landmark lighthouse, Lighthouse Leisure is a coastal, family-run park with a warm and friendly feel.
Entertainment here offers all the holiday park classics from kids evening discos to bingo, karaoke and race nights.
The site also has a heated indoor pool perfect for rainy days, plus an outdoor adventure playground that kids love to climb.
From here it’s a 28 minute drive to Dumfries, where you can take the kids to meet the animals at Dalscone Farm Fun or explore the massive ruins of Caerlaverock Castle.
All the ways to book your holiday from £9.50
There are six ways to book our Holidays From £9.50 – however Sun Club members gain access an entire day early
Book with Sun Club: Join Sun Club for £1.99 per month. Then go to the Sun Club Offers hub and find the Hols from £9.50 page. You do not need to collect any code words or Sun Savers codes. Sun Club members can book from 00:01 on Tuesday, July 7 2026.
Collect codes then book online: Simply collect five out of 20 code words printed in The Sun daily from Saturday July 4 to Thursday, July 23, 2026. Then enter them at thesun.co.uk/holidays to unlock booking. Code collectors will be able to book from Wednesday, July 8.
12-Page pullout – Gather codes from the pullout on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Then enter them at thesun.co.uk/holidays to unlock booking.
Book with Sun Savers: Download the Sun Savers app or register at sunsavers.co.uk. Then go to the ‘Offers’ section of Sun Savers and click ‘Start Collecting’ on the ‘Hols From £9.50’ page. Collect five Sun Savers codes from those printed at the bottom of the Sun Savers page in the newspapers from Saturday, July 4, 2026. Then enter or scan the codes on Sun Savers to unlock booking from Wednesday, July 8.
Book by post: Collect five of the code words printed in The Sun each day fromSaturday July 4 to Thursday, July 23, 2026. Cut the code word out and send it back with the booking form – found in paper onor online at thesun.co.uk/holidays.
Book with The Sun Digital Newspaper: Sign up to The Sun Digital Newspaper at thesun.co.uk/newspaper. Then download the Sun Savers app or sign up at sunsavers.co.uk, log in to Sun Savers with your Sun account details (the same email and password you use for your Digital Newspaper) and enjoy automatic access to Hols, without the need to collect Sun Savers codes daily. Digital Newspaper subscribers can book fromWednesday, July 8.
Activists have used thermal cameras to show the extreme temperatures outdoor workers are facing during Europe’s summer heatwaves, with one construction worker shown enduring surface temperatures above 65°C.
Earnings Call Insights: Outdoor Holding Company (POWW) Q4 fiscal 2026
Management view
“Net sales were $13.9 million, an increase of over 10%,” CEO & Chairman Steven Urvan said, adding that “gross margin remained strong for the quarter at 87.6%” and GMV “increased to $229 million.”
Seeking Alpha’s Disclaimer:This article was automatically generated by an AI tool based on content available on the Seeking Alpha website, and has not been curated or reviewed by humans. Due to inherent limitations in using AI-based tools, the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of such articles cannot be guaranteed. This article is intended for informational purposes only. Seeking Alpha does not take account of your objectives or your financial situation and does not offer any personalized investment advice. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank.
THE longest outdoor tubing slide in the UK is due to open at an adventure park this summer.
Families will be able to enjoy the new attraction just as the school holidays kick off.
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The launch of the mega ride coincides with the start of the summer holidaysCredit: UnknownThe new ride is part of a £250,000 investment in the parkCredit: Unknown
Spanning 315ft, Fossil Falls in Norfolk is even bigger than the 288ft-long Forest Tubing experience, which opened at Heaton Park’s Zip World in May.
Fossil Falls will be officially opened by Matty Campbell, better known as TV Gladiator Bionic.
Matty will cut the ribbon to the ride at ROARR! Dinosaur Park in Lenwade on July 18.
The launch of the mega ride will kick off the summer holidays with an action-packed day for families, who will also have the chance to meet the star.
With another heatwave on the way, which could see temperatures hit 30C, Brits can find their nearest outdoor pool or lido using our interactive map
10:01, 19 Jun 2026Updated 10:01, 19 Jun 2026
Outdoor swimming venues include the stunning Jubilee Pool in Penzance(Image: Hugh R Hastings/Getty Images)
While the weather is looking pretty damp and miserable across the UK right now, the Met Office has predicted a return to summer very soon.
By the end of this week, it’s forecast that parts of the country will be seeing 30C temperatures again, and the UK is set to be hotter than Ibiza on Father’s Day. So, you might be wondering where you can go to enjoy a cooling dip in a safe environment, and luckily, there are lots of incredible outdoor pools and lidos that’ll give you holiday vibes right on your doorstep.
Our interactive map, based on data from the swimming enthusiasts from allthelidos.co.uk, shows a huge variety of places where you can get some lane swimming in, or just go for a splash around with the kids.
Before you set off, make sure you check the official website of the pool facility you’re visiting. While most outdoor pools are now open for the summer, some have reduced opening hours until the peak times of July and August.
Included on the map are lidos such as the Sea Lanes in Brighton, an outdoor pool opened in 2023 which offers views of the seaside town’s shingle beaches while you swim. The complex also includes a wellness hub and a selection of food and drink outlets.
If you’re in the south east, an option that’ll make you feel like you’re on holiday is the Strand Lido in Gillingham, Kent. It has drawn comparisons with pools in the Mediterranean thanks to its bright white colour scheme and fun waterslides.
Over in Cornwall, the Jubilee Pool in Penzance makes for an unforgettable swim. This classic Art Deco-style lido first opened in 1935, and it’s the UK’s largest seawater pool. Naturally heated by the ocean, it’s usually a couple of degrees warmer than taking a dip on the beach, and there’s also a Geothermal Pool that can reach 28 to 30C.
Inverclyde Leisure Gourock Outdoor Pool has the distinction of being Scotland’s oldest outdoor heated pool, and indie music fans may recognise it from the cover of Blur’s 2023 album The Ballad of Darren. The pool uses heated water from the Firth of Clyde, which is filtered and kept at a temperature of around 29C. The facility also has a kids’ pool and gym.
Many UK lidos have fallen into disrepair in the past few years, only to be brought back to life with investments from local councils that have turned them into major community hubs.
One such success story is Hilsea Lido near Portsmouth, which closed its doors to swimmers in 2022 before getting a £7.75 million renovation. In addition to its pool., the centre built a new sauna for post-swim sessions, new changing rooms and toilets, plus an ice cream parlour and food van. The pool’s operator told the BBC: “We want it to feel like a holiday at home for the local community.”
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The incredible lift ascends 153 metres (502 feet) in under a minute
Europe’s highest outdoor lift is used by 40,000 people a year
Some of the world’s most jaw-dropping lifts can be found in luxury hotels, including the highest outdoor lift in Europe, nestled in Lucerne, Switzerland. The Bürgenstock Resort is home to the remarkable Hammetschwand lift, offering stunning views of Lake Lucerne.
The Hammetschwand lift was built between 1900 and 1905 by pioneering hotelier Franz Josef Bucher, at a cost of 500,000 Swiss francs (around £470,000). It remains the quickest route up to the viewpoint, climbing 153 metres (502 feet) in under a minute.
Those planning a visit should bear in mind that to reach the foot of the lift, you’ll need to walk the breathtaking Felsenweg cliff path.
It is estimated that over 40,000 people use the Hammetschwand lift annually, and around 200 to 250 riders per day.
On Tripadvisor, one visitor advised choosing “the perfect sunny day to enjoy the view.” They went on to say: “This is a fantastic view, the elevator is just too quick, but still worth a visit.”
Another said: “You do the Burgenstock track to the lift and it is already by itself stunning!!! Nobody talks about it. It’s a hidden gem in Switzerland!
“Then you arrive at that special spit where the lakes of the four cantons connect, and it’s breathtaking. A bit ahead, there’s the lift and the adventure to one of the most beautiful views ever. It’s easy, it’s accessible, it’s unbelievably beautiful. I will do it again.”
Among other remarkable examples is the Hotel Santa Caterina’s lift in Amalfi, Italy, which boasts breathtaking views. Carved into the rugged cliffside, the glass-fronted elevator takes guests down to the exclusive Beach Club and the hotel’s Italian seafood restaurant.
In Greece, the Corfu Holiday Palace features a stunning lift that transports guests down the cliffside to the beach in just moments, treating them to gorgeous views across the bay while providing far easier access to the white sands below.
The Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas, United States, is home to one of the most iconic lifts on the planet. Given the hotel’s striking pyramid shape, the lifts travel between floors at a diagonal 39-degree angle, treating guests to a spectacular outlook over the atrium as they make their way to one of the hotel’s 4,407 rooms.
A UK waterpark has closed suddenly as the country experiences 33C heat.
Blackpill Lido in Swansea, Wales, is a popular spot that is free for visitors – and is even more popular with the current heat the UK is experiencing and the half-term holidays.
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Blackpill Lido in Swansea has closed after damage to the pool floor was foundCredit: Supplied
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However, Swansea Council was forced to drain the lido yesterday after the pool floor became damaged.
It is the pool’s second closure in the past month, following sprinklers being stolen from the lido earlier this month.
According to Swansea Bay News, the council revealed that they had been forced to drain the pool on Tuesday after parts of the pool flooring came away.
A spokesperson for the council said: “Sadly the Lido at Blackpill will be closed for a number of days due to a technical issue.
“Sincere apologies for any inconvenience this has caused and thank you for your understanding.”
In a later update, a council spokesperson added: “Unfortunately, the lido’s flooring has come away in some areas and we’re looking into how it happened.
“We’re aiming to get it fixed as quickly as possible over the coming days and then we’ll refill the lido.”
The council also revealed that even once repair works are complete, it could take a number of days to refill the lido, which will prolong the closure.
Currently, no expected reopening date has been announced.
Blackpill Lido underwent refurbishment in recent years, including launching new water features.
Tucked inside the downtown skyline, four floors and 50 feet above Olive Street, the Rooftop Cinema Club is hosting daily summer showings of cult classics, blockbusters and an occasional art-house piece. Each ticket holder is provided a pair of wireless headphones, and sunglasses are recommended for earlier showtimes.
Cost: $21 to $27 for patio chairs. $32 to $36 for cushioned loveseat. Parking rates below the building range from $10 to $12.
Next film: “Saved!” on May 14, 8:15 p.m.
Other films: “Twilight,” “Josie and the Pussycats,” “Past Lives,” “10 Things I Hate About You.”
Food options: Outside food and drinks are not allowed. Concession stands carry popcorn, nachos, pretzels and other snacks. Full bar with cocktails, beer and wine.
Dog-friendly? Pets not allowed.
Things to note: Bring-your-own-blanket policy for cold nights. Age requirements vary; most showings are 16+, but select films are 18+ and 21+. If weather conditions become too extreme, showings may be canceled.
THE best family-friendly campsite in the country has been revealed, and it has a heated outdoor swimming pool and games room.
Trefach Holiday Park tucked away in Pembrokeshire topped the ranks when it came to the most family-friendly campsite in the UK – and it’s not hard to see why.
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Trefach Holiday Park has been revealed to be the most family-friendly campsiteCredit: UnknownFor entertainment, the holiday park has a heated swimming poolCredit: Unknown
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Pitchup.com, the UK’s leading outdoor accommodation website, has found the best campsites for families across the country.
The rankings are based on ‘child-friendly’ ratings from nearly 200,000 customer reviews.
Trefach Holiday Park is tucked away in the Pembrokeshire valley, but is well-worth a visit for any families this summer and scored 9.3 for ‘child-friendliness’.
When it comes to entertainment during the summer, Trefach Holiday Park’s star of the show is definitely its swimmingpool.
The outdoor that’s heated pool makes for a refreshing dip in the summer and is open between May 25 and September 4.
Adults can watch as their children splash about from the courtyard terrace.
There’s also a children’s play area and an arcadeCredit: Unknown
One visitor said: “The pool was a big hit with the kids and kept them entertained for hours.”
Another described the campsite as a “little gem” which was great for their “family trip.”
On-site is its own restaurant and cafe which in the high season (July and August) is open every day from 10am until late for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
It also has a play area, games room, TV room, laundrette as well as toilet blocks and showers.
The heated pool is open between May 25 and September 4Credit: hoseasonsThere’s an on-site bar and restaurant for campers tooCredit: Hoseasons
Location-wise, the campsite is close to the hills of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park so it’s a great base for those who like to take scenic walks or want to explore seaside villages.
The nearest fishing villages are the likes of Tenby and Fishguard, it’s also close to the town of Cardigan.
Pitch types vary from electric grass tent and touring pitches to electric gravel motorhome pitches. Tent pitches can sleep up to six people for £46 per night – or £7.60pppn.
Here are the top 10 campsites for families….
Trefach Holiday Park, Pembrokeshire (scored 9.3 for child-friendliness)
Jubilee Camping, Hampshire (scored 9.2 for child-friendliness)
Panoramic Camping and Glamping, Swansea (scored 8.9 for child-friendliness)
Little Thornham Holidays, Wiltshire (scored 8.9 for child-friendliness)
Magical Malpas PYO Farm, Cheshire (scored 8.8 for child-friendliness)
Auchingarrich Wildlife Park, Perthshire (scored 8.8 for child-friendliness)
Puddleduck Glamping, Lancashire (scored 8.8 for child-friendliness)
South Ford Farm Camping, Devon (scored 8.8 for child-friendliness)
Poplar Grove Farm Caravan Park, Lancashire (scored 8.7 for child-friendliness)
Riverside Holiday Village, Somerset (scored 8.7 for child-friendliness)
Holiday park’s across the UK have been ranked by the best for child-friendliness and the top 10 showcases sites with incredible facilities from outdoor heated pools to highly rated kids’ club
15:47, 13 May 2026Updated 15:48, 13 May 2026
Many sites on the top 10 list have swimming pools for families(Image: pitchup)
Fresh rankings have unveiled the top family campsites across the UK, and their locations hidden in the most peaceful corners of the countryside make them a tempting treat.
As more families ditch overseas holidays in favour of budget-friendly breaks closer to home, outdoor getaways have surged in popularity. But with young children in mind, not just any campsite will do — parents often seek out sites with top-notch facilities and plenty of entertainment to make the trip that little bit smoother.
A standout site in Pembrokeshire has been crowned Britain’s finest, according to new data from Pitchup.com, which analysed nearly 200,000 verified customer reviews to compile its top ten list.
The rankings reveal that the highest-scoring site for ‘child-friendliness’ is Trefach Holiday Park in Mynachlog-ddu, Clunderwen, Pembrokeshire, which earned an impressive 9.3/10 from guest reviews.
One delighted visitor wrote: “I was recommended this site by a friend and we were not disappointed. It has a heated pool which we all thoroughly enjoyed on our stay. Fantastic food there. The whole site was so clean and tidy, and it was a very peaceful site. I would highly recommend it, and we will definitely be returning next year for a stay.”
What sets the park apart as a premier destination is its outdoor heated pool, where parents can unwind on the terrace with a cold drink while watching the kids splash about. For those looking to keep little ones occupied, there is also a highly regarded kids’ club alongside a wealth of entertainment facilities, including a play area and games room.
Also featuring on the list of the UK’s finest family-friendly campsites is Jubilee Camping in Hampshire at number two, and Panoramic Camping and Glamping in Swansea at number three. The Swansea site is a peaceful, rural retreat just a 10-minute stroll from a local pub, offering a back-to-basics camping experience. It also features its own bar and pizza oven on site.
Another standout, on the other end of the UK to the winners, is Riverside Holiday Village in Somerset at number 10, with a score of 8.7 for its child-friendliness.
The campsite is beloved for its tranquil setting along the river’s bend in Bleadon, and its convenient location, set a mere 10 minute drive from the bustling seaside town of Weston-super-Mare. Another being the huge amount of fun and entertainment for children with a games arcade and a heated indoor swimming pool on site.
It’s evident that the UK is brimming with outstanding camping destinations, with family-friendly sites spanning the length and breadth of the country — from Somerset and Devon to Swansea, Cheshire and Wiltshire.
Dan Yates, founder of Pitchup.com, said: “Camping and glamping holidays continue to be a popular choice for families looking to spend quality time together outdoors, particularly as more people seek flexible and affordable UK breaks. The sites featured in these rankings stood out for creating welcoming, family-friendly experiences that give children the freedom to explore while helping parents relax and unwind.
“We’re seeing families place increasing value on outdoor space, nature and simple shared experiences, whether that’s wildlife watching, campfires or easy access to beaches and walking routes. The variety of sites featured across the UK also shows there’s strong demand for family-friendly stays in every corner of Great Britain.”
You don’t have to go abroad to enjoy a day at a waterpark as the UK’s largest outdoor park has 18 slides and heaps of fun for the whole family
The waterpark has a huge variety of slides(Image: Splashdown Waterpark Quaywest )
With its twisting maze of colourful slides that overlook the sea, Splashdown Quaywest Waterpark looks like it could be part of a Mediterranean resort.
But you don’t need to head to the airport to enjoy the resort’s 18 waterslides, heated pool, or kid-friendly splash park. You’ll find it perched on the sands of the English Riviera. Splashdown Quaywest Waterpark is set on Goodrington Sands in Paignton, Devon, a hugely popular seaside resort that often has milder weather than the rest of the UK thanks to the Riviera’s microclimate.
From twisting tyre rides to the 65ft vertical Devil’s Drop, the waterpark has a wide variety of rides to try, depending on how brave you are. The Screamer is a short yet intense slide that pushes you through like a bullet at a 60-degree angle, while Wild Kamikaze is 60-metres long and has three steep drops one after another, which is bound to get your adrenaline going.
For younger kids, there’s Shipwreck Island, a pirate-themed interactive water play zone that has seven gentle waterslides, a tipping bucket, and lots of other kid-friendly features. There’s also a 20 metre long heated swimming pool, cafés, and restaurants, so there’s everything you need for a day out.
The waterpark re-opened last weekend, and at the moment is only open for weekends. However, it’ll be open daily from 10am to 5pm during half-term, and for extended hours in July and August. You can book tickets in advance for slots from two to four hours, or all-day admission from £31 for an adult ticket.
Many visitors combine their trip to the waterpark with some time on the beach at Goodrington. This Blue Flag beach has a stretch of soft golden sand that goes on for half a mile, and its waters are clear and shallow for paddling and swimming. Its promenade is part of the popular South West Coast Path, and you’ll find stalls selling pastries and ice cream, pubs, and hotels along this stretch.
Follow the path north and you can walk along Roundham Head, a popular coastal walking spot offering spectacular views of the English Riviera and pretty parkland trails. Further on, you’ll get to Paignton Beach, another Devon destination attracts the crowds on sunny days. Take a trip to Paignton Pier for wholesome family-fun such as fairground rides, noisy amusements, and dinosaur-themed adventure golf.
Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is another fun day out for families, and is home to over 1,600 animals including giraffes, flamingos, tigers, and gorillas, all housed in enclosures that match their natural habitat. It also features a vast colourful botanical garden with over 1,600 species of plants that change with the seasons making it an incredible place to visit year-round.
From Paignton, you can also hop on the Dartmouth Steam Railway and chug along the coast in a vintage train. Combine your train ride with a trip on an old-fashioned paddle steamer and you can explore the coast from dry land before heading to sea to spot sights such as waterfront castles and Agatha Christie’s former holiday home which overlooks the River Dart.
Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com