London may not be famous for its tropical climate, but when it comes to making a splash, the city has more to offer than just its iconic rain.
So if you’re on the lookout for a family-friendly pool to keep the kiddos delighted or if you’re a daredevil in search of the tallest, most spine-tingling water slides in the city, we’re here to unveil the aqua-adventures you won’t want to miss.
Let’s ride the waves and slide into the heart of the action as we explore the best water parks in London (and even those near the capital!).
Leyton Leisure Lagoon
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Location: 763 High Rd. Leyton, London E10 5AB, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 8558 8858
Leyton Leisure Lagoon knows how to keep the fun factor at its peak. The star of the show is undoubtedly the fantastic wave pool. Imagine being swept away by waves in the middle of the city – it’s like a mini ocean escape!
But that’s not all! The park has a range of thrilling water slides that are bound to get your adrenaline pumping. From gentle rides for the little ones to heart-pounding twists and turns for the daredevils among us, there’s something for everyone.
For those who prefer a more leisurely experience, the Lazy River is an absolute must. Grab a tube, let the gentle current carry you along, and soak up the sun – it’s like a mini tropical vacation without the hefty airfare.
Archway Leisure Centre
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Location: 1 MacDonald Rd, Archway, London N19 5DD, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3915 7060
One of the standout features that set Archway Leisure Centre apart is its diverse range of aquatic attractions. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or more of a laid-back floater, there’s something here for everyone.
They’ve got everything from exhilarating water slides to a more relaxed leisure pool area, which makes it perfect for both adults and kids.
We recommend the slides in particular, by the way. Whether you’re plummeting down a twisty tunnel or embarking on a thrilling race with friends, these slides are nothing short of aquatic escapades.
Kensington Memorial Park
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Location: St Mark’s Rd, London W10 6BZ, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7361 3003
This park knows how to keep the kids entertained. The spraygrounds here are like a water wonderland for the little tykes. These playful fountains and water features are not just fun, but also a clever way to keep the kiddos cool on those sunny days.
The true gem of Kensington Memorial Park, however, is the paddling pool. It’s a lifesaver on a hot day, and let’s be honest, we don’t get too many of those in London!
What makes this place even better is that they offer free parking! Plus, they’ve got clean and well-maintained changing facilities, making it a breeze to swap into your swimwear. No one wants to struggle with soggy clothes or a missing locker key, right?
Elephant Springs
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Location: 21 Ash Ave, Elephant Park, London SE17 1FR, United Kingdom
Contact: You may contact them here
For the little water warriors in your life, Elephant Springs boasts a phenomenal Splash Zone. This area is like a water-themed playground on steroids. Sprinklers, water cannons, and mini waterfalls create an aquatic wonderland for the kiddos.
And here’s the crown jewel: the Lido Pool. This enormous pool is like an oasis in the desert. With crystal-clear water and plenty of space to swim, float, or simply bask in the sun, it’s the perfect place to cool off and unwind.
Waterfront Leisure Centre
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Location: Woolwich High St, London SE18 6DL, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 8317 5010
Waterfront Leisure Centre knows how to thrill. They’ve got a collection of heart-pounding slides that’ll have you laughing, screaming, and begging for more. From stomach-dropping twists to wild plunges, these slides are bound to get your adrenaline pumping.
The centre also has a dedicated area for little water enthusiasts. There are shallow pools, interactive water features, and mini slides, so the kids can have a splashtastic time while you tackle the bigger thrills.
Lewis Cubitt Square
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Location: 11 Stable St, London N1C 4DR, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3479 1795
To truly appreciate Lewis Cubitt Square, let’s start with a little history lesson. Named after the 19th-century architect Lewis Cubitt, this square is nestled in the thriving King’s Cross area. The square was revitalised in recent years, evolving from an industrial hub into a green haven.
Anyway, the stars of the show are the interactive water fountains. They’re choreographed to dance and playfully change patterns. Kids and adults alike can’t resist the temptation to run through them, making it the perfect place to cool off and have some fun.
Beyond the water features, the square offers plenty of shaded spots with comfortable seating, perfect for a leisurely afternoon with a good book or a picnic.
Beckenham Place Park Lake
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Location: Beckenham Hill Rd, London BR3 1SY, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 7736 930823
If you’ve had your fill of crowded city streets and are in desperate need of a peaceful escape, you’ve come to the right place. This sprawling 96-acre park is a tranquil oasis where you can leave your worries at the park gate.
The lake, which covers a whopping 20 acres by itself, was once a fashionable place for boating and swimming. Fast forward to today, and it’s been given a modern-day makeover.
What do you get there? No slides, no queues, just pure and unadulterated natural swimming. The lake is open to the public from May to September, so get ready to paddle and float your stress away.
Wakeup Docklands
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Location: 1 Dock Rd, London E16 1AH, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3950 3951
Wakeup Docklands isn’t your typical water park with towering slides and wave pools. Instead, it’s an adrenaline-pumping hub for watersports enthusiasts. Located in the heart of the Royal Victoria Docks, it offers a fantastic blend of thrill and chill.
People typically come here to do cable wakeboarding, a high-energy sport that’s like snowboarding or skateboarding on water. You get pulled across the lake by an overhead cable, and it’s an absolute blast.
For those who prefer a more leisurely experience, the park offers Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP). Paddle your way around the serene waters, take in the stunning views, and work on your balance. It’s a bit like walking on water, and it’s ridiculously fun.
Barking Splash Park
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Location: Longbridge Road Inside Barking Park IG11 8SS, United Kingdom
Contact: [email protected]
Barking Splash Park doesn’t rely on towering slides or fancy gadgets. Instead, it’s all about interactive spraygrounds. These are like mini water wonderlands, where kids can run through water jets, dodge fountains, and have an absolute blast.
Plus the park is open all day during the summer. So, whether you’re an early bird looking for a morning cool-down or a night owl wanting to end the day with a splash, you’re in luck.
Pavilion Leisure Centre
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Location: Kentish Way, Bromley BR1 3EF, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 8313 9911
The real magic here is the 50-meter Olympic-sized swimming pool. Yep, you read that right. This pool, born from the legacy of London 2012, is your aquatic playground. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or a casual dipper, this pool caters to all skill levels.
Before you hit the water, you can also get your workout on at their top-notch gym. It’s decked out with all the fitness gadgets you could ever wish for, just in case you want to burn some calories before your aquatic adventures.
Chessington World of Adventure
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Location: Chessington KT9 2NE, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 1372 731657
While Chessington is renowned for its thrilling rides and wild animal encounters, it’s also home to an amazing water park known as ‘Chessington Resort’.
One of the highlights here is the Zufari Water Play area. It’s not just a splash pad but a whole safari adventure. Get ready to dodge water jets, crawl under fountains, and even brave a giant tipping water bucket – all while surrounded by a safari landscape.
The Chessington Resort also offers a thrilling ride called “Amphibious”. It’s not your typical water slide – it’s a winding water adventure where you cruise through a lush tropical rainforest.
Coral Reef Waterworld
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Location: Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell RG12 7JQ, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 1344 862525
The star attraction here at Coral Reef Waterworld is the thrilling selection of flumes. With names like “Storm Chaser” and “Aqua Splash”, these water slides are a roller coaster on water. So, get ready for twists, turns, and a whole lot of excitement!
And the place doesn’t forget the little ones. The “Coral Crabs” area is specially designed for toddlers, complete with miniature slides and shallow pools. It’s a safe and splashy paradise for pint-sized water adventurers.
Fairlops County Water Park
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Location: Forest Rd, Ilford IG6 3HN, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 8500 9911
Fairlops County Water Park boasts a picturesque lagoon pool with a fantastic view. You can bask in the sun or relax in the shade and watch the world go by, making it an ideal spot to unwind and soak in the London vibes.
And if you start feeling peckish after all those splashes and slides? No problem! Fairlops County Water Park has you covered with its on-site cafe, offering a variety of snacks and refreshments to refuel your energy.
Liquid Leisure
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Location: New Rd, Shepperton TW17 0QQ, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 1932 761555
Okay, let’s kick things off with a major dose of adrenaline – wakeboarding! Liquid Leisure is renowned for its world-class wakeboarding facilities. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a total rookie, this water park offers the perfect set-up for you to shred the waves.
Ever dreamed of conquering an inflatable water obstacle course? Liquid Leisure’s Aqua Park is colossal, filled with slides, trampolines, and obstacles that will challenge your balance and agility.
After all the action, you can unwind in their chill-out zone. They’ve got a bar, a restaurant, and comfy loungers where you can kick back with a cold drink and delicious food.
Thorpe Lakes Aqua Park
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Location: Thorpe Lakes, Thorpe Road, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 8PH, UK
Contact: +44 1932 579750
This water park is like the adult (and kid) version of your wildest dreams! Imagine a massive inflatable playground right on the water, complete with bouncy platforms, slides, obstacles, and swings. It’s a giant aquatic jungle gym where you can unleash your inner water warrior.
It’s not every day you get to bounce on a trampoline in the middle of a lake, but at Thorpe Lakes, that’s exactly what you can do. It’s an experience that will have you laughing, splashing, and feeling like a kid again.
Plus, the backdrop here is seriously Instagram-worthy. Located in Surrey, Thorpe Lakes Aqua Park offers stunning views of the countryside and the picturesque Mercer Lake.
