Experiences
The 5 Best Water Parks in and near London
Flumes, wave pools and giant inflatable assault courses, all within easy reach of the city.
In short: our top picks are Coral Reef Waterworld, Liquid Leisure Windsor and Thorpe Lakes Aqua Park. 5 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
London itself is short on full-blown water parks, but a short hop out lands you at some of the best in the country. The indoor giants do the flumes, wave pools and volcanoes for a rainy day, while the summer inflatable aqua parks turn a lake into a floating obstacle course. There is even a genuine inflatable run right in the Royal Docks. Pick indoor for weather-proofing, outdoor for the adrenaline.
| Place | Area |
|---|---|
| Coral Reef Waterworld | Bracknell |
| Liquid Leisure Windsor | Windsor |
| Thorpe Lakes Aqua Park | Chertsey |
| Aqua Splash, London Aquatics Centre | Stratford |
| Aqua Park London, Royal Docks | Royal Victoria Dock |
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Editor’s choice
Coral Reef Waterworld
Why we pick itOne of England's biggest indoor water parks, with giant flumes, an erupting volcano and a wave pool, an easy drive from London.
indoor water park
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Liquid Leisure Windsor
Why we pick itThe UK's largest waterpark and a Guinness record holder, a huge inflatable obstacle course on a Windsor lake.
inflatable aqua park
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Thorpe Lakes Aqua Park
Why we pick itA floating assault course in the shadow of Thorpe Park, plus wakeboarding and cable skiing on a Surrey lake.
floating obstacle course
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Aqua Splash, London Aquatics Centre
Why we pick itAn inflatable obstacle course of slides and wobbly bridges inside the Olympic pool at Queen Elizabeth Park.
inflatable pool course
-
Aqua Park London, Royal Docks
Why we pick itA genuine inflatable aqua park on the water in the Royal Docks, the closest full course to central London.
inflatable aqua park
Before you book
The indoor parks run year-round and are best booked in advance for weekends and school holidays; the inflatable aqua parks are seasonal, roughly May to September, and require confident swimmers. Most outdoor sites provide wetsuits and buoyancy aids in the price. Check minimum ages and heights before you travel, since they vary widely.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Coral Reef Waterworld is our editor's choice: One of England's biggest indoor water parks, with giant flumes, an erupting volcano and a wave pool, an easy drive from London. Coral Reef Waterworld, Liquid Leisure Windsor and Thorpe Lakes Aqua Park lead the guide, with 5 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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