Prices and info checked in January 2022. Please always check details with venues direct when making plans and before heading out. There are (ad) affiliate links in this post.
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| Credit Calypso Cove |
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To access all of these features, you do need to 'sign up' to my website which is quick and easy to do the first time you click the button. You should stay signed in once you have signed up. There will also be a prompt to sign up to my new monthly newsletter which will focus on key ideas for this to do in the upcoming school holidays. I really hope you sign up and make the most of these features.
I first shared this post as lots of people ask 'where is our closest water park?' in our North East Days Out Facebook group and I wanted to put together a post with a list of suggestions.
Whenever I share it though, it seems like this post in particular triggers a lot of people and I receive some kind of backlash.
Some people complain that these places are not in the North East. That's because sadly, we don't have any waterparks in the North East now. If we did, believe me, I'd be sharing their details regularly as it is something I'm asked about a lot.
Some people complain that these places are not in the North East. That's because sadly, we don't have any waterparks in the North East now. If we did, believe me, I'd be sharing their details regularly as it is something I'm asked about a lot.
I still hold out hope that someone will buy and refurbish Wet n Wild but I don't see that happening anytime soon.
If you're looking for somewhere closer to home, Prudhoe Waterworld and Berwick Swimming Pool both have slides or you could try Haven Point in South Shields.
Don't forget to check out this post too: 10 of the Best Swimming Pools in North East England
Another complaint I receive from people when they read the post is that they can't drive or don't have access to a car so I have added in some quick public transport info to each pool although usually, public transport will take longer than 3 hours.
And another complaint is that 3 hours is too far to drive for a day out. That may be the case for you but for some, a 3 hour drive is acceptable.
If you're looking for somewhere closer to home, Prudhoe Waterworld and Berwick Swimming Pool both have slides or you could try Haven Point in South Shields.
Don't forget to check out this post too: 10 of the Best Swimming Pools in North East England
Another complaint I receive from people when they read the post is that they can't drive or don't have access to a car so I have added in some quick public transport info to each pool although usually, public transport will take longer than 3 hours.
And another complaint is that 3 hours is too far to drive for a day out. That may be the case for you but for some, a 3 hour drive is acceptable.
Again, I have to reiterate. It's not my fault that there aren't any waterparks which are closer to us. If there were, I would share them. If you're looking to make a weekend of it, why not book one of these Haven Holiday Parks which have the best swimming pools and water parks.
I have also recommended hotels and places to stay nearby so there is also the option to make a weekend or short break of it and just visit the waterpark as part of a wider weekend away.
I have also recommended hotels and places to stay nearby so there is also the option to make a weekend or short break of it and just visit the waterpark as part of a wider weekend away.
Nobody is forcing you to drive 3 hours (or less) if you don't want to.
I would recommend booking sessions in advance of your visit if required and reading through all of the safety/guidance on their website before you do.
Click on any of the photos to zoom in.
One last thing before we jump in, if you are looking for outdoor swimming pools near Newcastle, check out this link: Outdoor Swimming Pools near Newcastle
Or how about: North East Splash Pads, Water Play Areas & Outdoor Pools
Sandcastle Waterpark is the UK's largest indoor waterpark with more than 18 slides and attractions including the world's largest indoor roller coaster waterslide, wave pool and master blaster.
Admission covers a 3 hour session and is £12-£22 per person. Under 3s go free. You can check opening times here.
Supervision is as follows:
Blackpool Pleasure Beach is just across the road and the Big Blue Hotel is super convenient if you wish to make a weekend of it. You can read my full guide to visiting Blackpool here.
Alpamare Scarborough is a popular waterpark with followers and somewhere I see recommended time and time again. It is part indoor, part outdoor but the outdoor area is heated and I've heard it's fine in all weathers.
Waterpark admission (peak) is as follows:
There are lots of facilities to enjoy including a wave pool, warm outdoor pool, splash pool, infinity pool plus 4 big waterslides and a bar and cafe. There is a spa on site but this is chargeable separately.
We love visiting Scarborough and would recommend the Sands Apartments which are next to the swimming pool or the Camping and Caravanning Club Campsite which is a very short drive (or walk). We stayed in their Ready Camp tents a few years ago.
If you are looking for somewhere cheap and cheerful, Premier Inn rooms are available from around £35 for a family of 4 (Scarborough North Bay is the closest) and there are three Haven Holiday sites to choose from which are a short drive / bus ride away (I recommend Blue Dolphin, Primrose Valley or Reighton Sands.
You can read my guide featuring other things to do in North Bay Scarborough here.
Calypso Cove claim they have some of the fastest waterslides in the UK. The theme park is pirate themed and you can walk the plank, race your mates on splash ahoy or choose your own music when you ride the kraken. There is also a cafe on site.
If you are looking for somewhere to stay, this Premier Inn is a 0.5 mile walk from Barnsley Town Centre / the waterpark and is available from £35 per room per night. Interconnecting rooms are also available.
There is lots to enjoy at Time Capsule including 10m high storm chasers, a lazy river with rapids at the end and a tornado wave pool. Younger kids will enjoy cove island where little ones can splash around and enjoy smaller slides.
There is also a 25m swimming pool and an ice rink, soft play and cafe on site (chargeable separately).
Admission is super reasonable. I can't find out how long sessions are - I assume they are an hour in length but this has not been confirmed.
Admission policy is as follows:
If you are looking for somewhere to stay nearby, this Premier Inn is less than 3 miles away and offers free parking. You are only 20 miles from Falkirk too if you fancy making a weekend of it. Check out this post featuring 50+ things to do in Falkirk for more ideas.
Huddersfield Leisure Centre Splash Park
If your kids really love waterparks, you could also book Center Parcs where you can enjoy unlimited access to their waterpark when you book a break there.
We have booked a Center Parcs break soon and will be making the most of this. January is usually the cheapest time to go.
Don't forget to check out our guide to outdoor Swimming Pools near Newcastle too.
Read next:
I would recommend booking sessions in advance of your visit if required and reading through all of the safety/guidance on their website before you do.
Click on any of the photos to zoom in.
One last thing before we jump in, if you are looking for outdoor swimming pools near Newcastle, check out this link: Outdoor Swimming Pools near Newcastle
Or how about: North East Splash Pads, Water Play Areas & Outdoor Pools
Swimming Pool Essentials
- These dry robe towels are brilliant for drying and getting changed - no having to try and hold onto your towl as you change.
- If your budget doesn't stretch to dry robes or you are travelling light, microfibre towels are brilliant. They take up less room and are more absorbent. Check out this range from £9.
- If you don't want to leave valuables by the poolside or want to take some snaps in the pool (observing local rules and privacy of course), check out these waterproof phone cases
- Need swimming goggles in a hurry? Some of these options are available with next and same day delivery.
- A range of swim bags
- Check that toys are allowed and if they are, here is a decent range including dive sticks, floats and pool games
- Post swim, I recommend a tangle teezer and detangling spray if your kids have long hair
- This 3 in 1 Swim Shampoo for Kids is brilliant
Blackpool Sandcastle
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| Credit : Sandcastle Waterpark |
Admission covers a 3 hour session and is £12-£22 per person. Under 3s go free. You can check opening times here.
- All children under the age of 11 need to be supervised by an adult
- 1 adult can supervise one child aged 3 years or younger
- 1 adult can supervise 2 children aged 3-7 years
- 1 adult can supervise 2 children over the age of 8 who are weak or non-swimmers (cannot swim 25m)
Blackpool Pleasure Beach is just across the road and the Big Blue Hotel is super convenient if you wish to make a weekend of it. You can read my full guide to visiting Blackpool here.
- 154 miles from Newcastle
- 2 hours 47 minutes drive time
- Website: https://www.sandcastle-waterpark.co.uk/
- How to reach by public transport: Bus or Train to Blackpool. The train takes around 3 hours 30 mins from Newcastle-Blackpool with two changes.
Alpamare Scarborough
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| Credit. : Alpamare |
Waterpark admission (peak) is as follows:
- Swimmers aged 16+ - £18
- Spectator - £10
- Child aged 6-15 - £14
- Child aged 1-5 - £5
- Child under 1 - Free
Sessions last for 3 hours. I can't seem to find any info re: their supervision policy - please let you know if you spot this and I will add the info to my post.
We love visiting Scarborough and would recommend the Sands Apartments which are next to the swimming pool or the Camping and Caravanning Club Campsite which is a very short drive (or walk). We stayed in their Ready Camp tents a few years ago.
If you are looking for somewhere cheap and cheerful, Premier Inn rooms are available from around £35 for a family of 4 (Scarborough North Bay is the closest) and there are three Haven Holiday sites to choose from which are a short drive / bus ride away (I recommend Blue Dolphin, Primrose Valley or Reighton Sands.
You can read my guide featuring other things to do in North Bay Scarborough here.
- 89 miles from Newcastle
- 2 hours 2 minutes drive time
- Website: https://www.alpamare.co.uk/
- How to reach by public transport : Bus or train to Scarborough. The X11 Bus runs from Newcaslte-Scarborough in the summer months and takes around 3 hours. By train it should take around 2 hours 50 minutes with one change.
Calypso Cove Waterpark Barnsley
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| Credit : Calypso Cove |
Calypso Cove claim they have some of the fastest waterslides in the UK. The theme park is pirate themed and you can walk the plank, race your mates on splash ahoy or choose your own music when you ride the kraken. There is also a cafe on site.
Prices are pretty reasonable but sessions are only for 1.5 hours. A family swim is £25-£29. Their admissions policy is as follows:
- All children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by someone aged 16+ in the water
- Under 4 years - one adult can accompany one child who is not wearing buoyancy aids or two children who are wearing buoyancy aids.
- 4-7 years - one adult can accompany two children (with or without buoyancy aids)
- Mixed ages (aged 8 or under) - one adult can accompany two children if both are wearing buoyancy aids or one is wearing a buoyancy aid and the other can swim 50m
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| Credit : Calypso Cove |
If you are looking for somewhere to stay, this Premier Inn is a 0.5 mile walk from Barnsley Town Centre / the waterpark and is available from £35 per room per night. Interconnecting rooms are also available.
- 118 miles from Newcastle
- 2 hours 6 minutes drive time
- Website: https://calypsocove.metrodome.org.uk/opening-times
- How to reach by public transport: The quickest way is by train. Newcastle-Barnsley should take around 3 hours 30 minutes with two changes.
Time Capsule Waterpark (Lanarkshire)
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| Credit : Time Capsule |
There is also a 25m swimming pool and an ice rink, soft play and cafe on site (chargeable separately).
Admission is super reasonable. I can't find out how long sessions are - I assume they are an hour in length but this has not been confirmed.
- Adults : £8.10
- Junior (aged 5+) : £6.10
- Junior (3 & 4 years) : £3.40
- Seniors : £4.50
Admission policy is as follows:
- All children under the age of 8 must be accompanied in the water by someone aged 16+ at all times
- Children under 4 must be accompanied in the water by an adult on a 1:1 basis
- Two children aged 4-7 can be supervised by one adult in the water
- 145 miles from Newcastle
- 2 hours 42 minutes drive time
- Website: https://www.nlleisure.co.uk/time-capsule/water/waterpark
- How to reach by public transport : The quickest way is by train. Newcastle - Coatbridge Sunniside should take around 2 hours 45 minutes with one change.
Huddersfield Leisure Centre Splash Park
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| Credit : Huddersfield Leisure |
This waterpark features a range of slides for all ages alongside water buckets, water jets, a lazy river and fun pool.
Sessions last for 60 minutes and there is an option to book a session specifically aimed at families with children under 5 too.
Sessions last for 60 minutes and there is an option to book a session specifically aimed at families with children under 5 too.
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| Credit: Huddersfield Leisure |
Prices are super reasonable at £18.95 for a family pass with slides (2 adults and 1 child/1 adult and 3 children).
Admissions policy is as follows....
All children under the age of 8 should be accompanied by someone aged 16+
Within the main pool:
All children under the age of 8 should be accompanied by someone aged 16+
Within the main pool:
- One adult should accompany two children aged 4-8 years (non swimmers should wear buoyancy aids)
- One adult should accompany one child under the age of 4
Within the small pool:
If you are looking for somewhere to stay, this Premier Inn is around 1 mile from the leisure centre, has family rooms from £35 with free parking. Interconnecting rooms are also available and it looks like a nice location overlooking the canal.
- One adult can accompany two children under the age of 4
- One adult can accompany two children where one is under the age of 4 and one is aged 4-8 years if they are both wearing buoyancy aids
- On adult can accompany three children aged 4-8 years if they are all wearing buoyancy aids
- 121 miles from Newcastle
- 2 hours 17 minutes drive time
- Website: https://www.yeahdaysout.co.uk/splash-park
- How to reach by public transport: The quickest way is by train. Newcastle - Huddersfield should take around 3 hours 30 minutes with one change.
Splash Landings Alton Towers
A big emission from this list is Splash Landings at Alton Towers, however it takes 3.5-4 hours to get there so is a little too far to be included. I couldn't not mention it in this post though as so many people recommend it whenever I share this post.
It might be worth checking out Alton Towers Short Breaks here as they often have good deals, especially in winter when the main theme park is closed and you can still access the waterpark.
It might be worth checking out Alton Towers Short Breaks here as they often have good deals, especially in winter when the main theme park is closed and you can still access the waterpark.
If your kids really love waterparks, you could also book Center Parcs where you can enjoy unlimited access to their waterpark when you book a break there.
We have booked a Center Parcs break soon and will be making the most of this. January is usually the cheapest time to go.
Don't forget to check out our guide to outdoor Swimming Pools near Newcastle too.
Read next:
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Alpamare is a great 3 hours out. Plenty of space for everyone at peak times. A great big wave pool, two outdoor heated pools with water features and 4 slides for ages 6+
ReplyDeleteThe cafe is well stocked and reasonably priced but it’s a little odd to see people drinking lattes in a pool! 😁
Iv been to the 1 at Scarborough and its and absolute rip off. From entry to everything in there
ReplyDeleteThe article should be ‘why do we need to travel long distance to go to a indoor water park in the north east?’ Surely it’s time one was built in the north east. Wet n wild has been closed for years. At it’s height it was a fantastic place to go with the family but it just was not maintained!
ReplyDeleteThe Dome in Doncaster is great and is less than 3 hours drive!
ReplyDelete