You know, it doesn’t have to be the hottest day of the year to enjoy a good aqua park – although we can’t think of anywhere we’d rather cool off when the sun’s shining! Whatever the weather, water-based theme parks offer the ultimate spot to have a splashing time near Birmingham. Zipping along high-speed water coasters, bouncing around inflatable courses or taking a relaxing dip in a pool, all these water parks near Birmingham are making a splash.
1. Cliff Lakes Aqualand
Did you know that on top of open water swimming and paddle boarding, Cliff Lakes is home to the UK’s biggest aqua park? Aqualand, on the outskirts of Birmingham, is made up of five individual water parks featuring inflatable slides, climbing walls and trampolines – with 80 minutes to complete them all! Oh, and it’s suitable for anybody aged six and up.
You can race your mates to the bell; test your balance and try not to fall off; and climb, slide, jump and crawl your way along countless activities when you visit. The admission price to Cliff Lakes’ Aqualand is £24 per person, and this includes a wetsuit and a buoyancy aid – so there are no extra hidden costs. You can also do group bookings (for 10 or more) for birthdays, hen/stag dos and corporate events.
Cliff Lakes, Tamworth Rd, Cliff, Tamworth B78 2DL
2. Aztec Adventure Aqua Park
‘Slide, splash, climb, bounce, lounge and jump.’ Those are our orders at Aztec Adventure Aqua Park. The huge 2,000 sq metre water park in Upton Warren is full of climbing towers, trampolines, balance bars, slides and many more ways you can make a splash. Plus, enjoy a refreshing, 400-metre open water swimming course! The price is £22 (including wetsuit and buoyancy aid) for one hour.
Aztec Adventure Upton Warren, Worcester Rd, Bromsgrove B61 7ER
3. Alton Towers Waterpark
Let’s face it, everyone in Birmingham knows about Alton Towers, but who here has paid special attention to its water park? Next time you’re heading to the Resort, pack a towel and swimwear, and dive into the indoor and outdoor water parks – perfect all-weather fun! Jump on the slip ‘n’ slide, get blasted by water cannons, relax in the pool or hit heart-racing speeds on the Master Blaster water coaster. And there are even activities to do with your little ones!
Alton Towers, Alton, Waterpark ST10 4DB
4. The Wave
Having only opened in 2019, The Wave is one of the UK’s largest and newest indoor water parks and it’s very close to Birmingham – in Coventry, in fact. Here, you’ll find six splashing slides for thrillseekers, from the disappearing floor of The Torrent to The Rapids’ high-speed rollercoaster ride. Meanwhile, churns up 20 million litres of water every day, with the waves getting bigger the further you go in.
For something a little more chilled, The Wave also features its very own spa, offering relaxing treatments, or get a workout in the ‘state-of-the-art, 120-station, gym’. You’ll also find a swimming pool, class studio and squash courts. Plus, little ones can splash around in The Reef with jets, sprays and slides. And you can get here in 20 minutes from Birmingham.
The Wave Waterpark, New Union St, Coventry CV1 2PS
5. Spot On Wake
As if Henley-in-Arden didn’t already have enough to do, it’s also home to one of the best water parks near Birmingham. Spot On Wake is the ultimate destination for wakeboarders with its custom-built park featuring ramps, rails and gaps for all abilities. On top, you can also try your hand at open-water swimming, paddle boarding and more.
Odds are, however, that you’re here to learn about Aqua Jungle – the floating ropes course full of challenges and harness-free fun. Test your balance, strength, and agility (with only the water below to save you) as you swing, climb and scramble along the course. If you’re looking to bring a party, book the Safari Tent for an after-activity BYO picnic, table football and ping pong.
Spot On Wake, Wootton Park, Wootton Wawen, Henley-in-Arden B95 6HJ
6. Alderford Lake
Maybe the most beautiful location on this list thanks to the woodland-lined lake – and you can traverse this tranquil spot however you like (paddleboard, kayak, canoe, you name it). But this giant inflatable playground is the best way to find some exhilaration at Alferford Lake. From £15, these 50-minute sessions let you slip, slide and splash your day away – while SEN aquapark sessions offer a more relaxed environment for children or adults who have special educational needs.
Alderford Lake, Tilstock Rd, Whitchurch SY13 3JQ
7. Waterworld
Self-described as ‘the UK’s number one tropical indoor aqua park’, Waterworld Aqua Park celebrates its 35th birthday in 2024. Making it one of the oldest water parks near Birmingham. But that hasn’t stopped it from being one of the best too! With over 30 rides and attractions, enjoy everything from the UK’s first trap door waterslide to an 18-hole, tiki-themed mini golf course.
You’ll splash between a rubber ring ride, toddler-friendly wave pool, shipwreck-themed rapids, a twisting white knuckle ride, flumes and more. There’s also the outdoor pool to soak up some sunshine in the summer – but this is an all-season water park! You can also check out the spa and fitness facilities. Tickets start from £24, but there are a whole host of offers available from – dining options to annual passes.
Waterworld, Festival Park, Festival Wy., Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5PU
8. AquaVenture
The UK’s largest inland sandy beach is only open during the sunny months (roughly March to September), but we recommend squeezing in a visit if you can. The Cotswold Country Park & Beach offers sandy shores around and freshwater lakes; kayaks, paddleboards and swan pedalo boats to take on the water; and BBQs to grill up your own food all day long!
If you want to make a big splash, however, check out its very own inflatable course, AquaVenture. Providing a Total Wipeout-style experience, prepare to climb, bounce and (ultimately) plunge yourself across the water with endless challenges awaiting. It costs £16pp, with wetsuit hire another £5.
Cotswold Country Park & Beach, Spratsgate Ln, Shorncote, Cirencester GL7 6DF