Whether it's floating obstacle courses to make you feel like you're taking on 'Total Wipeout', intertwining slides, or a classic wave machine, you can't beat a water park in the summer!
Emmeline Banks - Junior Staff Writer•
With summer truly on its way, many will be looking for ways to cool down in the blazing heat (hopefully), and planning activities for the kids over the holidays. It’s often said that the one thing Manchester doesn’t have is a beach…. but we’ll settle for a water park, and we have plenty of those in and around the city! Whether you love an adrenaline-filled day out with mates or want to keep the family happy with a huge variety of splashing activities, here’s our guide to the best water parks in and around Manchester.
1. Wild Shore Delamere
Bustling with Total Wipeout obstacles and wild water sports, Wild Shore Delamere is the mega water park in Northwich keeping families happy this summer. The park boasts a massive floating obstacle course, the Aqua Chimp floating ropes course, Ringo inflatable rides, paddleboarding, wakeboarding and open water swimming, so there’s truly something for everyone! The park is currently open three days a week, in addition to bank holiday Mondays, and will be open all summer holiday long – so book here before the slots disappear! Wild Shore Delamere, Delamere Lake Sailing & Holiday Park, Chester Road (A556), Oakmere, Northwich, CW8 2JL | What3Words: usage.dimension.lamppost.
2. Hyde Leisure Pool
For those much too regular rainy days, Hyde Leisure Pool offers an indoor arena of fun-filled splash activities. From relaxing bubble beds to let the aches and pains of a hard day get washed away, to wild water rapids, and a classic wave machine to the twisty Red Ripster slide, Hyde Leisure Pool is bound to keep the whole family entertained. What’s more, the water park has its very own Fuel cafe to catch your breath after a wild water session, or for those who prefer to observe the fun from a distance, coffee in hand. Book a Swim, Slide and Waves session at Hyde Leisure Pool here. Hyde Leisure Pool, Walker Ln, Hyde, SK14 5PL.
3. Waterworld Stoke
The UK’s No.1 tropical indoor aqua park, Waterworld is located less than an hour from Manchester in Stoke-on-Trent, housing a staggering 30 different rides and attractions including Thunderbolt, the UK’s first trap door drop waterslide! Open all year round, Waterworld Aqua Park is an epic adventure for the whole family to enjoy, with an outdoor pool for those looking to enjoy some sunshine in the summer months. With all the water rides you could ever dream of, Waterworld is definitely worth the trip, and the complex even boasts Adventure Mini Golf with two 18-hole, tiki-themed mini golf courses, and the new M Club Spa and Fitness facility – great for extending the activities of the day. Get your ticket here. Waterworld, Festival Park, Festival Way, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 5PU.
4. Wild Shore Liverpool
Another endeavour from Wild Shore, the aqua park is Liverpool’s bounciest outdoor water park, boasting a giant inflatable obstacle course on the water. Located in the heart of Liverpool’s beautiful waterfront at Duke’s Dock, the Wild Shore course will have you swooshing down inflatable free-fall slides, hopping on trampolines, and tumbling along rafts and barriers. Of course, there are also watersports available, just like Delamere, with the likes of paddleboarding, wakeboarding and Ringo rides. Details have not yet been announced for the 2023 season, so keep an eye out on the Wild Shore social media for details and announcements. Wild Shore Liverpool, Gower St Dukes Dock, Albert Dock, Liverpool, L3 4AD.
5. Gulliver’s Splash Zone Warrington
Gulliver’s World has always been a family favourite theme park in Warrington, but some will know it also boasts one of the closest water parks to Manchester in the form of Gulliver’s Splash Zone. Get ready for sprays, streams and super slides at Splash Zone, located indoors and heated to the perfect temperature. With six brand new waterslides at the Warrington park, it’s great fun for all the family, and a fun-filled extension if you’ve spent the morning at the adjacent theme park! Again, details have not yet been announced for this year’s summer season, but keep an eye on the Gulliver’s Splash Zone website for details of summer openings. Gulliver’s Splash Zone, Shackleton Cl, Old Hall, Warrington, WA5 9YZ.
6. Pendle Wavelengths
With a twisty over 130ft long waterslide and epic wave machine, Pendle Wavelengths is more than just a swimming pool. The leisure centre offers all sorts of fitness and swimming sessions for all the family, but the obstacle course on the water takes the biscuit! An affordable day out at a local facility is always a great option to have, and it’ll most certainly tire the kids out for a while! Book a slot for your desired activity here. Pendle Wavelengths, 60 Leeds Rd, Nelson, BB9 9TD.
7. Sandcastle Blackpool
Perhaps one of the most well-known water parks around the Manchester region, Sandcastle Water Park in Blackpool is the UK’s largest indoor water park, with over 18 slides and attractions including thrilling white knuckle slides and fun pools. There are great water-based play structures for younger guests, so don’t be afraid to take all ages for a day out. For all you thrill-seekers, Sandcastle offers the Master Blaster, the world’s longest Indoor Roller Coaster waterslide, Aztec Falls, Sidewinder and more. Families and younger guests will love the Typhoon Lagoon wave pool, Treetops water chutes, the Caribbean Storm Treehouse, Fort Riptide and much more. It’s truly the cherry on top of a wonderful Blackpool day out, so find your tickets here.Sandcastle Water Park, Promenade, Blackpool, FY4 1BB.
Read more: 18 Fantastic Festivals Happening Across Greater Manchester This Summer
