The UK’s best leisure centres that are more like waterparks from inflatable discos to indoor pirate ships
THE UK is getting hot again, and with the sunny weather what better way to keep yourself cool than by heading to a leisure centre.
And gone are the days where leisure centres just have big pools – there are now many across the UK that boast flumes, water coasters and sunken pirate ships.
What makes them even better? They don’t cost as much to visit as a waterpark.
Here are some of the best leisure centres across the UK:
Coral Reef Waterworld, Berkshire
Coral Reef Waterworld in Bracknell is home to a giant indoor pool with a pirate ship and flumes.
Unlike your usual leisure centre, Coral Reef Waterworld is one of the largest “interactive water worlds in England“.
Read more on travel inspo
Slides include Aqua Splash, which is ideal for smaller children thanks to its gentler water.
Though if you do fancy something that is a little more thrilling, then head to Storm Chaser, which haschoppiery water and rocks riders from side to side.
Then there’s also Poseidon’s Peril, themed around the Greek God of the sea, where you hop into an inflatable, two-person raft and head down into a “super crater” with lots of flashing lights.
Adult tickets cost from £20.55 per person, kids’ tickets cost from £14.55.
LC Swansea
Over in Wales, you could head to the LC Swansea, which is a large indoor pool with a surf simulator and even a water coaster.
In addition to a large pool, families can relax on the lazy river or have a go on the slides.
Or if you want to have a go at something new, there is the Boardrider – a wave machine ideal for those wanting to learn to surf or bodyboard.
There’s also the MasterBlaster water coaster, where you ride on a rubber ring before being splashed into the pool.
There’s also a water-themed Climb and Play area with four storeys of obstacles.
Tickets start at £5.31 per adult or child for a General Splash session, with infant tickets for ages one to three starting at £2.97 each.
Water Meadows Complex, Nottinghamshire
Water Meadows Complex in Mansfield has its own pirate pool, alongside splash pads and flumes.
For little ones, there is the Clock Fun Pool, which is specifically designed for those aged under five.
The Pirate Pool is then suitable for all ages, but if you want more of a thrill there are a few different flumes to enjoy, including the Twister Flume, which stretches 50 metre, s and the Fast Drop Flume, which has a plunging drop.
Twice per hour you can also enjoy waves in the pool.
Tickets cost from £9.95 per person – but you’ll need to sign up to a pay as you go membership to book a session, which is free to do.
Guildford Spectrum, Surrey
In Guildford, you could head to the Guildford Spectrum, which reopens tomorrow after a refurb.
For adrenaline junkies, there are water slides as well as a wave machine.
The slides include Surf, which boasts three lanes and is ideal for competitive families or even siblings.
But little ones can enjoy the splash area with tipping buckets, spinning wheels and water sprayers.
One of the newer features at the attraction is a new inflatable obstacle course.
Tickets cost from £13.13 per adult and £10.50 per child.
Waterfront Leisure Centre, London
If you are in the capital, make sure to visit Waterfront Leisure Centre in Woolwich.
Inside you’ll find a 65 metre snake slide, lazy river and can enjoy ‘Wet and Wild’ sessions.
Toddlers can enjoy the training pool and splash zone as well.
Or for adults who want to chill out, there is also a hot tub.
Tickets cost from £9.70 per adult and £7.05 per child.
The Pavilion, London
Also in London, but this time in Bromley, you could drop into The Pavilion, which boasts a wave machine with a gradual entry pool, ideal for all age groups.
In addition to the large wave pool, there is a toddler splash area with shallow water, ideal for those getting confident in the water.
On some days, there is also a large inflatable obstacle course on the water.
Adult tickets cost from £9.55 per person and kids’ tickets cost from £6.85 per person.
Lagoon Leisure Centre, Scotland
If you are based in Scotland, you can visit the Lagoon Leisure Centre in Paisley.
For small kids, there is even a beach-style walk-in teaching pool.
As for the main pool, every so often a wave machine will be turned on.
You’ll also find a flume at the leisure centre.
Tickets cost from £5.65 per adult and £2.80 per child.
Waves Leisure Pool, Devon
Down in the southern county of Devon, you could drop by Waves Leisure Pool in Torquay, with a wave machine, flume and inflatable obstacle course.
Having grown up nearby, Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding said: “Growing up, my parents would often take me to the Waves Leisure Pool on the English Riviera.
“Set not too far from the beach, it was the ideal day out.
“Every half-an-hour the waves will run and depending where you are in the pool, they range from a gentle bob to waves that throw you up in the air.
“It is heated to 29C year-round and has a sloped entry floor so is ideal for little ones too.
“The waterslide adds some fun, with many twists and turns and for toddlers, there is a splash area with enough to keep them occupied for hours on end.”
Tickets cost from £7.40 per adult and £6.10 per child.
London Aquatics Centre
In Stratford you could head to the London Aquatics Centre and while the venue doesn’t boast flumes, it does have an inflatable course with climbing walls and slides.
You can even opt to do an inflatable disco session with giant floats on the water as well.
These sessions cost from £10.50 per adult and £7.35 per child.