UK’s largest indoor waterpark that has tropical weather all year round – with 18 slides and record-breaking rides
THE largest indoor water park in the UK boasts balmy weather all year long, record-breaking slides and has been described as the “best family activity”.
Brits heading to Blackpool for a seaside getaway this summer might find themselves forced indoors by the unpredictable British weather.
But right by the beach is the perfect solution to a rainy day, with Sandcastle Water Park home to 18 different slides and rides, and kept a warm 28C all year round.
Among its attractions is the UK’s longest indoor water rollercoaster, Master Blaster, which the park’s website boasts has “more than 200m of adrenalin filled excitement”.
The Master Blaster is just one of several slides at the park described as “white knuckle” with others including sidewinder, the world’s first indoor half-pipe waterslide.
There’s also Montazooma, a high-speed ride with hairpin bends and 360 degree helixes on the way from top to bottom.
However, there’s still plenty of family fun as well, with younger visitors catered for too.
The Ushi Gushi River Creek takes park-goers on a ride that’s “full of surprises” along a flowing stream.
Meanwhile, the treetops water chutes and HMS Thundersplash are slides that little ones enjoy going on again and again.
In addition to the slides, there are treehouses and forts for kids to play in, as well as the country’s biggest water cannon.
While the kids are charging around, there are opportunities for adults to chill out, with the Sea Breeze Spa home to saunas, steam rooms, heated loungers and aromatherapy.
There are also private Tiki Cabanas that can be hired out for the day, which come with beer, wine, lunch and a TV, all in a seating area with a private hot tub.
For those who don’t need their own private area, the Waterfalls Cafe and Waters Edge kitchen serve plenty of dishes, while Cool Waves has a selection of ice creams and sweet treats.
The water park is open all year round, although only on weekends during the colder winter months.
Tickets start from £15.95 and go up to £24.95 depending on age and concessions.
Entrance includes access to a three-hour time slot, with the park open from 9am until 7pm.
Best things to do in Blackpool
Sandcastle Waterpark is just one of many tourist attractions that can be visited in Blackpool.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
One of the UK’s best-loved theme parks is also right next to the beach in Blackpool, with iconic rides like the Big One sitting alongside family friendly fun, like the Nickleodeon Land.
The park’s website boasts about being the most “ride intensive” park in the country, with more than 40 different attractions available for families to enjoy.
Blackpool Tower
Standing 380ft tall, the tower was built in 1894 and still welcomes guests to this day.
It was inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris and was the tallest man-made structure in the British Empire when it was first constructed.
Today it has a solid glass Skywalk and a 4D cinema as part of its features for visitors.
It offers stunning views as far away as the Lake District on a clear sunny day.
Its ballroom hosts concerts all year-round, while people can also book themselves in for afternoon tea and dancing.
The waterpark has thousands of five star reviews on TripAdvisor, with plenty of people delighted with their day out.
One wrote: “This is one excellent waterpark. All indoors so ideal for Northern English weather. Lots of interactive areas for the younger ones as well.”
Another said: “It’s really fun literally one of the best things to do, you’ll never be bored and don’t forget the amazing food options!”
A third added: “Wow, wow, wow! Best family activity we have ever done together.”
The UK's best indoor attractions
The UK's unpredictable weather means finding indoor activities is essential for parents treating their kids to a day out.
Here’s a list of some of the best attractions found firmly underneath a roof in the country.
Empire of the Sea Dragon Indoor Zone
This play area claims to be the biggest indoor play park in the UK.
The entertainment hub is home to five floors, with slides, rope bridges, swings, net towers and rides.
There’s also the Trauma Tower, which Empire of the Sea claim is the “best indoor ride in Devon” because of its huge 50ft drop.
Other indoor rides at the Devonshire-based indoor play area include a Ferris Wheel and a Submarine Ride.
Play Factore
This indoor play zone claims to have been designed especially “to provide families with a state of the art active indoor play arena to play in together”.
Included in its attractions are the tallest standing indoor slide in the UK, as well as a full indoor laser tag arena, interactive trampolines and zip wires.
In addition to the UK’s tallest indoor slide, it also has the country’s largest indoor play frame, made up of a network of tunnels, slides and obstacles, including giant bubble balls, spider nets and rollers.
What’s more, for kids more into playing ball sports, it has a football pitch and a basketball court built into the play frame.
Gravity Max
Gravity Max has sites in both the north and south of the UK, including in Liverpool, Castleford and Wandsworth.
It also recently opened a brand new one in East London at the Westfield Shopping Centre.
The main draw of the site is its E-karting super track, which runs on two separate tracks across multiple levels, offering various different racing experiences.
It also has Tokyo-style arcades covering almost an entire floor of their own upstairs.
There’s also a nine-hole Coca-Cola minigolf course, which requires players to tap their club in before starting, so each shot can be counted digitally, meaning no cheating is able to take place.
Meanwhile, upstairs, the Heineken sports bar is found, which has private booths to allow those who have booked them to have their own choice of music, as well as their own TV screens to watch their choice of sport.
Meanwhile, this is what it’s like to go down the world’s tallest and fastest waterslide.
And this award-winning waterpark has the UK’s biggest wave pool.