The top 10 water parks in London, UK with thrilling rides and family-friendly attractions
When it’s time for another family day out, we often look for activities that both the adults and the kids will enjoy. We celebrate occasions at restaurants where everyone loves the food, watch a movie suitable for all ages, or plan a trip to the seaside in the summer.
We also have the parks—Hyde Park, Richmond Park, or Regent’s Park—for picnics and playground adventures. Not to mention theme parks that let the little ones share their interests with their parents, aunts, and uncles.
Ten spots you’ll definitely want to add to your list are the best water parks in London, UK. With their thrilling rides and family-friendly attractions, plus our essential visitor tips, a splashing good time truly awaits.
1. Alton Towers Water Park
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Website: https://www.altontowers.com/explore/waterpark/
Address: Alton Towers, Alton
Contact details: +44 1538 704096
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 AM – 4 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM – 6 PM
A combination of indoor and outdoor fun, Alton Towers Water Park treats visitors to over 40 rides and attractions year-round. From £18 per person or £23 for parent-and-toddler, you’ll be able to enjoy the lazy rivers, interactive play areas, and heart-pounding water slides.
Feel the rush on the Congo River Rapids, Master Blaster, and Rush ‘N’ Rampage. In summertime, slather on the sunblock and head outside to experience the spring-like Bubbly Wubbly Pool or Flash Floods, where outdoor slides plunge you into a tropical pool.
The Wacky Waterworks Treehouse—packed with water cannons, buckets, pull ropes, and wheels—and the calm Calypso Creek are worth a try, too. And speaking of Calypso, you can grab cheeseburgers, mozzarella sticks, and chicken tenders at the Calypso Cave.
All this is right in the heart of the Splash Landings Hotel at Alton Towers Resort, easily accessible by train (Uttoxeter is the nearest station), car (on-site parking available), or bus on the X41 and 32X routes. Once there, this waterpark map can help you get around.
| Pro tips: Booking: To guarantee entry, we recommend booking your tickets online in advance. Prices start at £18 per person for a Waterpark Pass, £23 for the Midweek Parent & Toddler Special, and £14.40 for Merlin Annual Pass holders. Adult-to-child ratio: Alton Towers Waterpark operates under a strict adult-to-child ratio of one adult (aged 16+) to one child aged 4 or under. It can also be one adult for every two children ages 5, 6, or 7. Swimwear and buoyancy aids: Keep in mind that for hygiene purposes, the waterpark requires guests of all ages to wear appropriate swimwear. And in case you’re not a strong swimmer, buoyancy aids are offered at the poolside for free. |
2. Thorpe Lakes Aqua Park
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Website: https://thorpelakeswatersports.co.uk/
Address: Thorpe Lakes, Thorpe Road
Contact details: +44 1932 579750
Operating hours: Saturday and Sunday – 11 AM – 6 PM
Nothing says floating water park quite like Thorpe Lakes. Its thrilling obstacle course—complete with slides, climbing walls, rope swings, balance beams, and more—sits right on the water, making it the perfect spot to cool off with the family during hot summer months.
Adding to the splash are Thorpe Lakes’ perks as a premier watersports facility. Don’t miss the chance to try wakeboarding or waterskiing for the first time, with trained staff on hand to guide beginners from age 6 and ensure everyone feels safe and welcome.
If you’re visiting from out of town, the aqua park is within easy reach of London Waterloo by train to Staines. And you can always pair your adventure with an overnight stay at local hotels like Travelodge Staines or The Boleyn Hotel, both just minutes from the park.
A standard 55-minute aqua park pass costs £20 per person, with an optional wetsuit hire from £5 to £6. Feel free to explore other activities such as the Cable Wake Park, Boat Tow, and Ringo Ride, each running age-specific sessions.
| Pro tip: Take advantage of Thorpe Lakes’ party packages and private hire options for birthdays, corporate events, and intimate celebrations with family and friends. Here’s a quick look at the categories, pricing, and inclusions: Kid’s Parties – Choose from the Neptune (£20/person) or Poseidon (£28/person) packages, with a minimum of 8 guests. Each party includes a 55-minute aqua park session, life jacket, and wetsuit, plus optional party food from £6 per person. Corporate Activity Days – Have a memorable team-building event for 10 to 500 people. The Activity Day package features an hour of wakeboarding (£28.50), aqua park (£20), and pizza platters, while Hospitality Day serves up BBQ, drinks, and a DJ. Private Function & Event Hire – For £300, reserve Thorpe Lakes’ indoor bar and covered tent within the parkland area. The venue seats 100 to 125 guests, and while you can bring your own caterers, a minimum bar spend of £2,000 is required. |
3. Barking Splash Park
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Website: https://splashparkbarking.com/
Address: Barking Park, Longbridge Road Inside
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours: Saturday and Sunday – 12 PM – 4 PM
In a world of playgrounds filled with swings, seesaws, and sandpits, Barking Splash Park stands out for its dancing water fountains, cheerful blue mascot ‘Splashy,’ and summer walk-on-water balls. Parents can either relax on deck chairs or join the kids in the fun.
Located in the middle of Barking Park next to the cafe, buses 5, EL1, and EL2 or Barking station (c2c, Overground, District Line) will bring you within walking distance. After the journey, enjoy a peaceful boat ride on The Magical Unicorn Lake or let loose at the inflatable Bounsea Land.
Ticket prices start at £22 for a family of two adults and two children, or £26 for one adult and three children. Admission covers 90 minutes in the Splash Park, 45 minutes in Bounsea, 20 or 40 minutes on The Magical Unicorn Lake, or a 105-minute Bounce and Splash combo.
While you’re welcome to pack your own lunch or snacks, know that the park has a kiosk where you can stop by for delicious ice creams and refreshing cold drinks. You’ll also find changing rooms with six spacious cubicles for added convenience.
| Pro tip: Splash Park’s opening is weather-dependent, so whether you’re visiting from out of town or nearby in London, be sure to check the forecast before heading out with your booked ticket. You can reschedule for free up to two hours prior to your chosen timeslot. |
4. Coral Reef Bracknell’s Waterworld
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Website: https://www.everyoneactive.com/centre/coral-reef-waterworld/
Address: Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell
Contact details: +44 1344 862525
Operating hours:
- Monday and Friday – 9 AM – 8:45 PM
- Thursday – 10:30 AM – 8:45 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 8 AM – 8 PM
Rainy days do little to stop the fun at the indoor Coral Reef Waterworld. Open year-round, it’s a place where your family can bond over a pirate ship play area, giant waterslides like Storm Chaser and Poseidon’s Peril, and the erupting volcano that shoots water instead of lava.
Shallower pools and smaller slides or splash features are set aside for younger children aged five and under. Meanwhile, adults can unwind in the saunas, Japanese steam rooms, and heated sun loungers within the complex.
Tickets are available as Adult Flexi (ages 16-63) from £15.80, Junior Flexi (ages 5-15) from £11.20, Under-5s free, and Family Flexi (2 adults + 2 juniors or 1 adult + 3 juniors) from £46. All options include access to the pools and waterslides.
If you’re taking public transport, the nearest train station is Bracknell, with local buses running from Bracknell Bus Station to the area. For drivers, there’s a car park on site—just provide your vehicle registration when booking to get a virtual permit for free parking.
| Pro tips: Sessions run for 1.5 hours, and we recommend arriving 10 minutes before your booked slot to check in and get changed. During busy periods like weekends and holidays, it’s better to be 15 minutes early to secure a parking spot and avoid queues for the slides. There are also comfortable non-swim zones, including cafes and viewing areas, where you can take a break or relax if not everyone wants to go on the slides. In case anyone forgets their swimwear, Coral Reef has a retail area selling swim gear and goggles from £10. |
5. Leyton Leisure Centre
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Website: https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/waltham-forest/leyton-leisure-centre
Address: 763 High Rd. Leyton
Contact details: +44 20 8558 8858
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 6:30 AM – 10 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 8 AM – 6 PM
Leyton Leisure Centre captures the essence of a water park through its variety of swimming pools. The 25-meter, four-lane main leisure pool hosts swimming sessions, such as Family Fun Swim and Swim for All, keeping families active together.
There’s also the Aqua Play pool for children up to 8 years old—and their parents, since the area isn’t supervised by lifeguards. It’s a splash zone where adults can play alongside the kids, taking on waterslides, tipping buckets, and other fun water features.
Besides adventure and enjoyment, you might want to try the Swim For Fitness experience for a low-impact, full body workout. Off the poolside, why not hit the fully equipped gym or reserve a table at the tennis court for a friendly match?
As for transportation, the nearest Tube stop is Leyton Underground (Central Line), about one station away from Leyton High Road, while buses that drop nearby include 55, 56, and 69. Those driving can find the center’s own car park right next door.
| Pro tip: Check the pool timetable online to find a session that best suits you. And when you happen to catch the Flume, a fast tube slide that only runs on weekends and school holidays, it’s worth adding to your plans. Also, remember that peak sessions—weekdays before 9 AM and after 7 PM—come with higher rates (£3.10 for juniors, £6.55 for adults). Off-peak, from 9 AM to 4 PM on weekdays and after 1 PM on weekends, are a little cheaper at £5.60 for adults and the same for juniors. |
6. Elephant Springs
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Website: https://www.elephantpark.co.uk/natural-play-area/
Address: 21 Ash Ave, Elephant Park
Contact details: Contact form
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM – 6 PM
It’s a celebration of water, rock, and sand elements at Elephant Park’s Elephant Springs. Located in the busy South London neighborhood of Elephant & Castle, it gives families a little ‘urban oasis’ to splash, play, and take a breather from city life.
Imagine water cascading over rock formations and babbling streams, allowing children to dam or redirect the water’s flow for an exploratory experience. Don’t forget the hand-operated pumps and motion-activated jets that dance, surprise, and soak around every corner.
For some sensory fun, guide your little ones to the surrounding sand pits, where they can shape the sand with their own hands or buckets and spades. As they do, you can sit back and relax by the edge—amidst trees and plants—feeling at one with nature.
With limited parking nearby, public transport is often more convenient. By Tube, Elephant & Castle (Bakerloo and Northern Lines) is just a five-minute walk to the park, and by bus, routes such as 1, 12, 35, 68, and 188 serve the area.
| Pro tips: The best time to visit is during the dry season (May to September), when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities. Before you go, dress comfortably and pack sunscreen and swimwear for the water activities. It’s also a good idea to check the website regularly for any maintenance announcements, as this means the play features will be switched off. If you’re already at the park when this happens, cheer up and visit the nearby Borough Market for fresh produce and gourmet treats. |
7. Oasis Sports Centre
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Website: https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/camden/oasis-sports-centre
Address: 32 Endell St
Contact details: +44 20 7831 1804
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 6:30 AM – 10 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 9:30 AM – 6 PM
Oasis Sports Centre may not boast towering slides or tipping buckets, but its 27.5-meter heated outdoor pool is worth the visit. Sitting on a raised terrace, you’ll find patios and a sunbathing deck surrounding the pool—truly an inviting hidden escape in the heart of Camden.
Complementing this is the 25-meter indoor pool, open to swimmers of all levels, and you can pop into the sauna before or after your swim for some extra relaxation. Children under five swim for free, while adults and juniors aged 5 to 15 pay £5.80 and £2.30, respectively.
Adult and junior fitness enthusiasts can also check out the gym, equipped with cardiovascular machines, a large free weights area, and more. If you still have energy, try a game of squash in one of the three courts.
Bus routes 8, 188, N1, N68, N171, and N242 serve the centre; Tube riders can reach it in five minutes from Tottenham Court Road (Central and Piccadilly Lines). Upon arrival, it’s good etiquette to shower thoroughly with soap in the toilet facilities before entering the pool.
| Pro tips: Booking and essentials: Reserve your preferred swimming activity in advance to secure your spot. For a comfortable visit, don’t forget to pack your swimwear, towels, and sunscreen, especially if you plan to sunbathe. Sunbathe & Stay pass: For £20, this ticket gives you full-day access to the sun terrace and pool. You can come and go as you please, as long as you keep the wristband provided with your pass on. Safety: Children under eight and all non-swimmers should remain in shallow water or use appropriate buoyancy aids. If you, yourself, are a competent adult swimmer in the family, then you must accompany them in the water at all times. |
8. Serpentine Lido
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Website: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/hyde-park/serpentine-lido
Address: Hyde Park
Contact details: +44 7941 846566
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM – 6 PM
Open seasonally from May to September, Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park is the perfect spot for family summer fun. Partitioned from the main body of Serpentine Lake by a perimeter of buoys, it lets you swim safely in a natural, invigorating setting.
Your little ones can have the time of their lives at the Children’s Paddling Pool, a chlorinated area designed for younger swimmers. Afterwards, relax together on the sun terrace, rent a lounger on site to soak up some sun, or spread out a towel on the grassy banks to dry off.
A full-day pass costs £8 for adults, £4 for children aged 3-15, and £17 for families of two adults and up to four kids. During your stay, take a moment to dine on Lido Cafe Bar’s waterside tables and share a snack, meal, or even a glass of wine with the family.
| Pro tips: Save time by booking your Lido swimming session before you arrive. If you’re planning a short visit, four-hour sessions are available (10 AM – 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM – 6 PM), starting at £4.50 for adults, £1.65 for children, and £11.30 for families. Be mindful not to cross the buoy boundary while swimming. The only suitable swimwear and gear allowed are swimming costumes, shorts, trunks, wet suits, Lycra-based leggings, swimmers’ caps, goggles, and snorkels. |
9. Guildford Spectrum
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Website: https://www.guildfordspectrum.co.uk/
Address: Parkway, Guildford
Contact details: +44 1483 443322
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 6:30 AM – 10 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 7:30 AM – 10 PM
If you’ve been visiting Guildford Spectrum for years, you’ll know that its much-loved pirate ship splash pad is now the bright and colorful Specky’s Island. Set within the Leisure Pool, it turns family outings into memorable adventures with water jets, interactive panels, and sprays.
That’s not all—the three-lane Surf slide invites a fun race down the pool, while the Tyre Ride has you grabbing a rubber ring and hanging on as you plunge down. And every 30 minutes, the wave machine kicks in, giving you the thrill of riding the waves at sea.
Let’s not forget the dedicated Toddler Splash sessions, filled with water wheels, tipping buckets, fish squirts, and a shark shower. Designed to stimulate the senses, encourage play, and build water confidence, they’re a gentle introduction for your little ones.
For an educational twist, try the Family Bubble Swim, where up to six family members get 45 minutes of splash time in their own section of what the complex calls the Teaching Pool. Here, water-safe toys from home are allowed, except large inflatables.
| Pro tip: To avoid disappointment, pre-book your session online—on arrival, make use of the designated family cubicles and lockers (requiring a £1 coin). Each Leisure Pool booking lasts 1.5 hours, with tickets starting at £8.50 for adults and £6.25 for children aged 3–15. |
10. Splashdown Poole
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Website: https://poole.splashdownwaterparks.co.uk/
Address: Tower Pk
Contact details: +44 1202 716000
Operating hours: 10 AM – 6 PM; 10 AM – 5 PM; 10 AM – 7 PM (days vary by booking)
Home to 13 thrilling water slides and two indoor splash zones for under-fives, Splashdown is hard to miss at Tower Park. You have all of early May through the October half-term—and sometimes November—to enjoy the outdoor rides.
Let’s start with the easy ones, like Buccaneer Splash—an interactive play area with water cannons and a small slide. Another gentle favorite is the Red River Roller, where little ones can drift side to side along 91 meters of slow twists and turns.
Water daredevils can get right on The Screamer (a 40-meter high-speed slide), Velocity (a steep 30-foot drop), or Baron’s Revenge (a short but sharp shock slide). Taking it down a notch are the Mississippi Drifter and the Colorado Coaster, which are both rated Medium in difficulty.
From Central London, allow about two hours by car and make it a family day trip. It also won’t hurt to keep the park’s interactive map handy to find the slides and changing areas more easily, especially with kids in tow.
| Pro tip: All tickets must be booked online in advance only—£19 for two hours, £22 for three, and £20 for four or the Sunset Splash. Remember that when booking, tickets that appear sold out may become available again, so it’s worth checking back later. |