Discover this ultimate list of outdoor water attractions throughout the UK.

Attractions that are listed below are open, but it is really important to visit their website or telephone in advance to get all the latest details before visiting.

Almost all the attractions must be booked in advance. Numbers are limited to keep everyone safe.

North West
Cheshire

Manley Mere – Cheshire Aqua Park inflatable obstacle course will operating at Manley Mere this summer, offering a super soaking for families with children over 7 years. Manley Mere is also great for paddle boarding, canoeing and wild swimming.

Greater Manchester

Trafford Water Sports Centre – make a splash at the outdoor centre located at Sale Water Park, Trafford Watersports Centre offers canoeing, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, and stand-up-paddle boarding.

Merseyside

Hilbre Island – find your patch of dry sand at West Kirby for a beach picnic or head out to Hilbre Island spotting the seabirds along the way. See how many shells you can identify on the beach and watch the grey seals bobbing about in the sea water, don’t forget your binoculars if you have them. Check the tide times before you make your plans to make sure you make your trip at low tide.

Lancashire

Sandcastle Water Park – look forward to a splashing adventure at the water park in Lancashire. The park has been awarded the ‘Good to Go’ industry standard for your safety. Your little fish will love to try the white-knuckle water rides that will add plenty of fun to the summer holidays.

WWT Martin Mere – take the canoe safari and uncover the wildlife that make the wetlands their home. Try pond dipping for a close up inspection of some weird and wonderful water creatures and look up to the skies to spot the birdlife.

Cumbria & The Lake District

Keswick Launch – explore Derwent Water under your own steam this summer. Sail around the islands and discover little inlets and beaches when you hire a rowing boat or self-drive cabin cruiser motor boat. Hire a family size boat for up to two hours, no boating experience is necessary and full safety instruction and life jackets for everyone on board will be provided. Pre-booking is not required.

Brockhole on Windermere – keep active and busy with fun activities at the Lake District adventure centre. Get out on the water when you choose kayaking, paddle-boarding, rowing boat hire, canoeing or motorboats. Try the new Woodland Faerie Trail, archery, laser clay shooting, crazi-bugz karts, mini-golf and an adventure playground to keep energetic children occupied.

Aira Force – the natural beauty of Aira Force and Ullswater lake is breathtaking and offers an unforgettable family adventure. Plan your walk to the 65 feet high waterfall from the National Trust car parks (charges apply) on the new one-way trails. The tea room and kiosk are now open for refreshments.

Yorkshire

The Deep – enjoy an exciting day out at one of the UK’s most important aquariums. The new one-way system in place will allow you to take a close and personal look at all the amazing sea life that reside at The Deep in Hull, East Yorkshire.

Lightwater Valley Theme Park – if water fun is your thing check out the thrills and spills on the water rides at the theme park in North Yorkshire. Head to the Splash Falls, Wild River Rapids, dragon boats or swan boats when you visit with the kids. This summer there is a selected range of rides focusing on younger children, Ultimate, Raptor Attack and Apollo are currently closed.

Calyspso Cove – The fantastic water park at the Metrodome Leisure Complex is a must for all families in the South Yorkshire area. You will have gushing loads of fun at the island paradise with fantastic flumes, sensational slides and wonderful waves. Older kids will want to head for Terror Torrent, Eruption and Walk the Plank. Younger ones will enjoy the interactive toddler splash zone ‘Barnacle Bay’, this under 8’s splash zone is bursting with brilliant water features, tipping buckets and a mini slide.

North East
Tyne and Wear

WWT Washington – the wetlands centre has been awarded the ‘Good to Go’ certificate for your safety. Spot the flamingos, otters, cranes and more on the one-way paths.

Northumberland

Bamburgh Castle – this majestic castle provides you with the most magnificent views across the beach at Northumberland’s area of outstanding natural beauty. Visit the castle and Norman fortress that dates back 1400 years. Take a picnic and then have a go at building your own unique sandcastle on the beach.

East Midlands
Derbyshire

Carsington Water – take a stroll around the large reservoir in Derbyshire or choose an adventure from the activities offered at the water sports centre.

Tittesworth Water – take a leisurely stroll with the family on one of the two marked routes around Tittesworth Reservoir set in the stunning Peak District National Park. Choose from the shorter 1.5 mile route or the longer 5 mile trail, which has stunning views of The Roaches. Check out the current boating and water sport activities available and pre-book an adventure session such as paddle boarding or kayaking before you go.

Leicestershire

Twinlakes – Set sail on a new ride Pilgrim Pedallers when you plan a perfect family fun day out packed with variety, adventure and entertainment for all ages. It’s 3 in 1 day out with theme park, farm park and water park! The Water Park is operating on a first come first served basis so pre-book your session when you arrive at the park.

Bosworth Water Trust – Bosworth Water Park has everything you could want for a perfect day of fun with the kids. Choose from a great selection of things to do including sailing, boating, fishing, canoeing, pedalo boating, Pirate Island crazy golf, Black Pearl Adventure playground, sandcastle building on Blue Lagoon beach and more.

Nottinghamshire

Wheelgate Park – fun for all the family in Nottinghamshire including farm park, outdoor attractions and rides. Visit the Splash Play desk to book your slot before to ensure you don’t miss out on all the water fun in Robin Hood’s Water Park.

National Water Sports Centre – the centre has re-opened offering a selected range of adventure activities including white water rafting, sky trail high ropes, mini-golf and the natural activities in the country park.

Lincolnshire

Waters Edge Country Park – Explore 110 acres of country park and nature reserve, discover how green you are with our interactive displays or just chill out by the ponds and feed the ducks. Little ones will love Kids Corner as well as the outdoor children’s play areas and pottery workshops.

Lincolnshire Aqua Park – book early for your exciting session at the inflatable aqua park course in Mablethorpe. The family friendly course is suitable for children over 5 years. Check out the website and book your splashtastic session.

Northamptonshire

Stanwick Lakes – the huge countryside attraction and nature reserve located in the heart of Northamptonshire’s Nene Valley has an adventure playground, open spaces, walking and cycling paths, lakeside wildlife and more.

Northampton Active Nene White Water Centre – book your water adventure activity with the centre. There is a brand-new Parents and Tots session starting on 12th August, running on Wednesdays each week when you can learn how to use a water craft such as paddleboards, kayaks or canoes with a fully qualified instructor. Suitable for ages 2 to 4 years.

West Midlands
Herefordshire

Symonds Yat Canoe Hire – Why not leave the car behind and discover the beautiful Wye Valley by canoe? There is a choice of boats and trips available with something to suit all ages. Look out for wildlife such as kingfishers, herons and otters as you paddle slowly down the river.

Shropshire

Alderford Lake – Treat the family to a 40-minute session at Alderford’s Aqua Park and bounce, climb and slide your way around the inflatable obstacle course. Also available is canoe, kayak and stand-up paddle board hire, wild swimming and a maize maze. Plan a day out by the water for the summer holidays.

Staffordshire

Alton Towers Waterpark – High-speed water slides, interactive play areas, flumes, Master Blaster water coaster, the relaxing Bubby Wubbly pool and more. Check out the Wacky Waterworks Treehouse with water cannons, water wheels, pull ropes and buckets! Watery fun for the whole family.

Waterworld – This tropical aqua park in Stoke-on-Trent has rides and attractions for all the family, from daredevils to toddlers. Pluck up your courage for white knuckle rides such as Thunderbolt, try the flumes, chill out in the bubble pool and enjoy the waves in the wave pool.

Warwickshire

Avon Boating – Kids love boat trips! Forty-minute public river cruises start from Bancroft Gardens in Stratford-upon-Avon. If you would rather explore at your own pace, hire a motorboat, electric launch, rowing boat or a large Cambridge punt.

Warwick Boats – Hire a swan or dragon pedalo, an electric motorboat, rowing boat, stand-up paddleboard, canoe or kayak for a fun trip on the River Avon. Then spend the rest of your day out enjoying the other attractions in St Nicholas Park.

West Midlands

Dudley Canal & Tunnel Trust – Underground Cavern Trips take passengers into a magical subterranean world. A great boat trip for families with sound and light shows, historic recreations and live commentary. Seating areas have been divided into pods with a protective screen or the recommended social distancing between each.

The Wave Coventry – Fit in a visit to the UK’s newest indoor waterpark this summer. With six exhilarating slides, a huge wave pool, lazy river and The Reef – a splash zone for younger visitors, it is sure to be a highlight of the summer holidays!

Worcestershire

Droitwich Spa Lido – Enjoy a dip in one of the last remaining inland, outdoor, saltwater swimming pools in the UK. Sessions are currently limited to two hours so plan to explore the surrounding Lido Park afterwards.

Worcestershire Aqua Park at Aztec Adventure – Brilliant fun for over 6s (and for grown-ups!). How far will you get before falling off the floating inflatable obstacle course at Aztec Adventure’s Upton Warren site? The site is also open for other water-based activities including sit-on-top kayak hire and multi-activity days for kids.

East of England
Cambridgeshire

Grafham Water Centre – Grafham Water is England’s third largest reservoir and is set in 1500-acres of beautiful countryside, great for family strolls. Try your hand at some water-sports at the centre, on Pay and Play dates or join in the Discovery Club. It’s also a great place for camping.

Let’s Go Punting – Have a very special family day out on a chauffeur-led, return tour for 45 to 50 minutes.  The tour covers the length of the Cambridge College backs, between Magdalene College and Silver Street Bridge. Choose from a socially distanced shared tour, or a private one.

Essex

Aqua Bounce UK at Fairlop Waters – Get out onto the water and have lots of fun at this giant obstacle course, with monkey bars, a football court, giant slides, rope swings, blast bags and more! Suitable for children over 6 years of age and their families.

Norfolk

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden – Spend a great day out at this vast, organic woodland and water garden, with its own private broad. Stroll through the garden and spend time at the waters-edge. It may be possible to go on a canoe trail or to have a go at paddle boarding.

The Broads National Park – Made up of over 60 open areas of water, this is a wonderful place for a day out or even a short staycation. It is also home to a huge variety of the rarest wildlife. Spend time boating or fishing on the 200km of inland waterways, or building sandcastles on the beaches.

Suffolk

Beccles Lido – Visitors are welcome to book tickets in advance and spend time at this open-air swimming pool by the beautiful River Waveney. There’s a separate toddler and paddling pool, and the water is heated to 27 degrees. The main pool has a springboard and slide.

Gorleston-on-Sea Beach –Have a great day out at this sandy beach, with a promenade, overlooking a stunning bay. Children can enjoy the yacht pond and splash pad, with fountain sprays, jet streams and buckets of tipping water!

Lackford Lakes Nature Reserve – This wildlife oasis offers a calming and enjoyable day out. Walk the trails through a landscape of lakes, reeds, meadow and woodland. Takeaway catering is available. Look out for some amazing wildlife.

South West
Bristol

Bristol Packet Boat Trips – City Dock Tours last about 45 minutes and leave from the ticket office by the SS Great Britain. With an entertaining live commentary, these tours are a great way to learn more about Bristol’s Floating Harbour. Weather permitting, trips are scheduled to run daily during the school holidays.

The Wave Bristol – Include a visit to The Wave in your plans for the summer. This inland surf destination offers surfers of all levels, from beginners to experts, the chance to enjoy consistent waves all year round. Lessons are available for ages six years and upwards with boards and wetsuits included.

Gloucestershire

Cotswold Country Park & Beach –A perfect family day out by the water. There is a sandy beach, paddling area, swimming lagoon, watersports such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, boat hire and Aquaventure, a giant inflatable waterpark with lots of amazing obstacles.

Somerset

Bath Boating Station – For a family treat, hire a rowing boat, punt or a Canadian canoe for an hour or two and explore the beautiful River Avon under your own steam. This Victorian Boating Station is easily reached on foot from the city centre.

Wiltshire

Kennet and Avon Canal Trust Boat Trips – A fun option for all ages, from toddlers to grandparents. A wide variety of trips leaves from Bradford-on-Avon and Devizes. The schedule for Bradford-on-Avon includes several shorter trips which are especially suitable for younger children including ‘Pirates Ahoy!’ and ‘I Spy’ trips over the summer.

Cornwall

Adrenaline Quarry – Climb, jump, slide, bounce and have lots of fun at Cornwall’s most extreme outdoor Aquapark. The Aquapark (for ages 6 and over) is a huge inflatable, watery playground! There are also opportunities to go on the zip line, The Giant Swing or have a go at karting. Age restrictions apply.

Jubilee Pool – This well-known Art Deco, seawater lido is famous for being the largest in the country, containing 5 million litres of seawater!  With a toddler pool, lifeguards and incredible views across the Atlantic, it’s a great place for a day out with the family.

Devon

Becky Falls Woodland Park – Head off on the Red Trail and Boulder Scramble for beautiful views of the main falls, within 50 acres of woodland and streams. The waterfall is 70ft high and over 35ft wide in parts and there are many smaller falls along the way.

River Dart Country Park – Enjoy lots of water and land-side adventure at this Country Park filled with exciting activities!  Little ones can have hours of fun at the Toddler Beach while older children can enjoy the Adventure Playgrounds and Dare Devils (restrictions may apply). Extend your stay and go camping.

Dorset

Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park – This magical underwater world is waiting to welcome families to enjoy everything on offer. Be amazed at over 2,000 fascinating creatures, from magnificent Sharks to colourful Clownfish, Penguins, Otters, Sea Turtles and more. Leave time to have more fun at the Pirate Adventure Golf!

South East
Berkshire

Dinton Pastures Country Park – Boat hire is available throughout the summer holidays so choose from pedaloes, sit-on-top kayaks, canoes or stand-up paddleboards for a family trip on the 94-acre lake. For a special treat, check out the evening guided New Moon Kayak/SUP Tour around the Lake on 19th August (minimum age for the tour is eight years).

French Brothers Ltd – Take the family boating on the Thames. There is a choice of public boat trips starting from Windsor Promenade and Runnymede. Trips are an exciting way to discover the area and offer great views of Windsor Castle, Eton College, bridges, wildlife and more.

Oxfordshire

Oxford Wet ‘n’ Wild Aqua Park – Family fun on the water at Queenford Lakes Watersports Centre between Oxford and Wallingford. Slip and slide your way around the outdoor inflatable obstacle course and see how long it takes for you all to fall in! If you have any energy left, there are pedaloes, stand-up paddle boards and kayaks to hire. Age restrictions apply.

Hampshire

New Forest Aqua Park – Enjoy fantastic outdoor water fun at this park filled with trampolines, monkey bars, flippers, slides, hurdles, springboard, rockers, rollers, an overhang climbing wall, even a giant iceberg and much more! Beat the obstacles and take on your family and friends.

Hurst Castle – Visit this interesting fortress on the sea! Spot some amazing wildlife whilst on the leisurely ferry ride to the castle, and take in the panoramic sea views all the way to the Isle of Wight. There is lots to see and do at this former artillery fortress.

Kent

Stone Bay – Have a great day out at this beach near Broadstairs. Stone Bay is a little more secluded and has a lovely arc of sand for making some great sandcastles. With pretty coloured beach huts as a background, it’s perfect for rock-pooling at low tide. Steps lead down to the beach.

The White Cliffs of Dover – This breath-taking National Trust property has opened its carpark for families to enjoy the sights across the sea, over and beyond the iconic cliffs. Enjoy the family-friendly walking routes and the pushchair-friendly walk to the viewing point. Parking fees apply.

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Sussex

Arundel Lido – Open until the 13th September, this area of heated pools is situated in lovely grounds. There is a large children’s paddling pool with beach type entry, lifeguards are on duty and the pools are heated. Take a picnic and enjoy a great day in and out of the water.

Surrey

Chertsey Meads Marine Boat Hire –Go boating on the River Thames! You can hire a variety of vessels for your own ‘bubble’. Locks are unmanned so there’s lots of fun opening them yourselves with a push button! Visit their website to see the different boats on offer.

Walks on the River Wey Towpath – Go for a beautiful, self-led walk along the River Wey. Take in the fun at the Locks and get to heights that allow far-reaching views of the North Downs. Choose from several routes. Walks along the towpath are usually flat and easy.

Wales
North Wales

Horse Drawn Boat Trips – A leisurely 45-minute horse-drawn boat trip from Llangollen Wharf takes passengers along the canal, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sit back and enjoy the local wildlife and plants.

SC2 Rhyl – The Outdoor Splash Pad is due to reopen from Monday 17th August and the Indoor Waterpark from Monday 24th August. Fit in a visit before the end of the summer holidays and discover a fabulous range of indoor and outdoor water play for all ages with flume rides, slides, beach-style paddling and more.

Seacoast Safaris – Board a cruise boat in Beaumaris for an 80-minute trip to see Puffin Island, now a bird sanctuary. Enjoy spectacular scenery and look out for wildlife such as Atlantic grey seals and seabirds. Please note that puffins are only seen during the breeding season (April to July).

Whitewater Active – Why not treat the thrill seekers in the family to a whitewater rafting session on the River Dee around Llangollen? There will be an individual safety briefing before each two and a half hour session and the minimum age is eight years.

Mid Wales

Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips – A fun and educational experience for wildlife enthusiasts of all ages! Partly covered boats sail out of New Quay harbour and cruise along the Ceredigion coast. One or two hour trips offer a wonderful opportunity to see marine wildlife such as dolphins, seals and seabirds.

Dragon Fly Cruises – These public boat trips on the beautiful Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal have plenty to interest families as they pass through a canal lock and over an aqueduct. Keep your eyes open for wildlife as you enjoy fine views of the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Elan Valley Lodge – Take to the water in a two-person kayak on a day out in the beautiful Elan Valley near Rhayader this summer. On selected dates over 8s and their families can join a guided paddle around the Caban Coch Reservoir. Each session will start with instruction.

South Wales

Aquabus Cardiff Bay Cruises – Forty-five minute tours leave Mermaid Quay and call at the Penarth end of the Barrage, offering fabulous views of the Bay, the Barrage itself and the rivers Taff and Ely. Why not add to the fun by hopping off in Penarth to explore on foot and then catching a later boat back?

Porthcawl Surf School – Keen to try surfing? It is a great sport to enjoy on many of Wales fabulous beaches. Get the family started with a two-hour lesson at Rest Bay and everyone will be catching waves in no time. Beginner lessons include tuition and hire of wetsuits and boards.

Preseli Venture – Book a Family Adventure Day with Preseli Venture and make the most of the wonderful Pembrokeshire beaches and coastline. Have a go at coasteering, try sea kayaking or learn to surf together. Minimum age restrictions apply.

Liked this feature? Drop us a line and let us know what else you’d like to see from us at letsgo.info@boomerangfamily.co.uk.

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