Best water park holidays in the UK

The best water park holidays in the UK pair on-site pools, watersports and family activities with nearby water parks - think Tattershall Lakes in Lincolnshire, Retallack Resort in Cornwall, Sandy Balls in Hampshire and Whitecliff Bay on the Isle of Wight.

Imagine lounging by the pool with the book you’ve been meaning to read for months. Watching the kids splash around for hours. Trying your luck at kayaking and somehow not falling in. If this sounds like your ideal summer family getaway, then you’ll love a water park holiday in the UK.

Whether you’re after tranquility, adventure, quality family time, or the perfect blend of all three, we’ve rounded up some of the best UK water park holiday destinations within just a stone’s throw of some of the country’s most prized water parks.

Key takeaways

Retallack Resort in Cornwall is best for watersport enthusiasts, just a short drive away from three major water parks.
Sandy Balls in Hampshire is the ideal choice for families looking for countryside quietness as well as water park fun.
Whitecliff Bay on the Isle of Wight offers direct sea views, less than an hour’s drive from the island’s highly praised water park.
Tattershall Lakes in Lincolnshire has the most water park energy on-site, featuring some of the best selections of watersports, pools and activities.
Book a lakeside lodge to secure the perfect spot to relax your weary bones.

How to pick the best water park holiday

There is no shortage of family water park holidays in the UK. But picking the right one for your family’s needs? That’s a whole different challenge.

From on-site watersports to luxury accommodation and all-ages entertainment , the best UK water park holidays have it all:

Indoor and outdoor swimming pools for all-weather splashing
Fishing lakes for the angler-lovers of the family
Watersports for the adventurers and adrenaline-junkies
Access to lakeside lidos, local beaches, and some of the country’s top water park facilities
Accommodation that helps you tap into that relaxed state of mind

The best water park holidays in the UK

Here are four of the top UK water park holidays, each offering a different balance of on-site amenities and nearby water park access.

Tattershall Lakes, Lincolnshire

Tattershall Lakes is best for watersport lovers wanting everything on-site, offering jet skiing, paddle boarding, an inflatable aqua park, lakeside hot tub lodges, fishing lakes, zip wires, and its very own lido. At the end of a high-energy day with the family, unwind with your tipple of choice at the bar as you soak up the breathtaking waterside views.

But if Tattershall Lakes’ own amenities aren’t quite enough to keep you busy, there’s plenty more nearby:

Lincoln Water Park (45 minute drive)
Lincolnshire Aqua Park (50 minute drive)

A photo of two people paddle boarding in the calm lake at our Tattershall Lakes holiday park.

Whitecliff Bay, Isle of Wight

Whitecliff Bay is best for families wanting sea views and non-stop entertainment. A hidden gem on the Isle of Wight, Whitecliff Bay has direct beach access, and also boasts hot tub accommodation (yes please!), on-site crazy golf, an indoor and outdoor pool, and an arcade featuring everything from retro classics to the latest video game tech. Just don’t miss the buzzing family entertainment nights - they’re a must-see!

And as for local water parks? You’re just a 40 minute drive from the Isle of Wight’s Tapnell Farm aqua park.

Retallack Resort, Cornwall

Retallack Resort in the heart of the North Cornwall countryside is best for watersport fanatics and families wanting adventure as well as relaxation. Just some of its plentiful amenities include:

Luxury barn-style accommodation with hot tub access
Indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools
An on-site aqua park for the whole family to enjoy
Cornwall’s only surf simulator, FlowRider
ESYA spa - great for parents and couples that need a few minutes (or hours!) to decompress

And the cherry on top? It’s just a short drive from some of the best water parks and beaches in the country, including:

Giant Slip and Slide Cornwall (4 minute drive)
Perranporth Beach (34 minute drive)
Oasis Fun Pools (20 minute drive)

A young male is surfing on a wave stimulator with two other males watching from the sideline.

Sandy Balls, Hampshire

Sandy Balls, set in the New Forest National Park, is best for families wanting countryside quiet alongside water park excitement. It offers luxury lodges, caravan camping, hot tub stays, family entertainment and spa facilities, plus an on-site indoor and outdoor pool, kids and adults alike can splash around to their heart’s content.

But if that’s not quite enough to satiate the water park appetite, you’re in luck, because Sandy Balls is just around the corner from two hugely popular water parks in Hampshire.

New Forest Water Park (5-10 minute drive)
Splashdown Waterpark (45 minute drive)

Getting the most out of your water park holiday

The best water park holidays aren’t all go, go, go (unless that’s your vibe, in which case go wild!). It’s just as much about quality family time and long overdue relaxation. Here are some tips to help ensure you get the most out of your water park break:

Book a lakeside lodge: Spacious interiors, stunning views. What’s not to love? With a lakeside lodge, you get the perfect accommodation to relax in after a long day enjoying the water park. Even better if you book a lodge with a hot tub!
Bring sunscreen: Look, we get it. UK holidays get a bad rap in the weather department. But you’d be surprised just how easily you can burn when you’re out on the water all day. Pack plenty of sunscreen if you want to enjoy your water park holiday without unnecessary peeling.
Go exploring: Holiday parks make a fantastic base for exploring water parks and attractions further afield. From local beaches to harbour towns, amusement parks and wildlife sanctuaries - there’s so much for the family to enjoy beyond the four walls of your resort.
Remember to relax: By all means, get stuck into all the fantastic watersports, aqua parks and adrenaline-fuelled activities your water park holiday has to offer. But remember to relax, too! With spas, hot tubs, and various bars and restaurants on-site, you’d be remiss not to take this opportunity to fully unwind.

Book the best water park holidays with Away Resorts

Ready to take the plunge? Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family-friendly summer break, Away Resorts has a whole host of accommodations and holiday parks with swimming pools available for you to enjoy. So what are you waiting for?