Looking for the best water parks in London for 2026? Whether you’re visiting with kids, friends, or just looking to cool off, London has a mix of indoor pools, outdoor Lidos, and adventure‑style water parks. Here’s everything you need to know.
Location: London Fields West Side, Hackney, London E8 3EU
Website: better.org.uk – London Fields Lido
Facilities:
50m heated outdoor pool (year‑round)
Sunbathing area and café (Hoxton Beach Café)
Lane swimming, swimfit sessions, and swimming lessons for all ages
Family‑friendly changing rooms and lockers
- Why Visit: Perfect for families who want a mix of relaxation and exercise. Even in cooler months, the heated water ensures a comfortable swim.
Arrive early to secure a good sunbathing spot in summer.
Swimming lessons often book up fast, so reserve in advance.
Easily accessible by Overground (London Fields Station).
2. Brockwell Lido
Location: Dulwich Road, London SE24 0PA
Facilities:
Historic 1930s outdoor pool
Café and picnic areas
Children’s paddling pool (seasonal)
Open‑air sun decks
- Why Visit: Known as “Brixton’s Beach,” it has a community atmosphere with casual drop‑in swimming and family-friendly sessions. Its historic charm makes it a unique London experience.
Check seasonal opening hours; it’s busiest on sunny weekends.
Combine your visit with a walk in Brockwell Park.
Great for photography, thanks to its classic architecture and landscaped surroundings.
3. Tooting Bec Lido
Location: Tooting Bec Road, London SW16 1RU
Website: placesleisure.org – Tooting Bec Lido
Facilities:
Largest open-air freshwater pool in the UK (~100 yards long)
Children’s paddling areas
Café and seating areas
Locker rooms and showers
- Why Visit: If you want space and freedom to swim or play in a big pool, this is the spot. It’s ideal for families, groups, and anyone who dislikes crowded pools.
Arrive early in summer for quieter conditions.
Great for both casual swimming and serious laps.
Consider bringing a picnic — seating areas are limited.
4. Thorpe Lakes Aqua Park
Location: Thorpe Lakes, Thorpe Road, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 8PH
Website: thorpelakeswatersports.co.uk – Aqua Park
Facilities:
Inflatable floating obstacle course
Age-specific sessions (under 13, under 16, open sessions)
Wakeboarding and water-sports
Onsite equipment hire and safety gear
- Why Visit: A full adventure water park for energetic kids and teens. It’s more than a pool — it’s an activity-packed day with climbing, sliding, and splashing challenges.
Booking in advance is essential for weekends and school holidays.
Expect to get wet — bring a change of clothes.
Safety briefing is mandatory for first-time participants.
5. Liquid Leisure Wake Park
Location: Horton Rd, Datchet, Windsor SL3 9HY
Website: liquidleisure.com – Wake Park
Facilities:
Cable wakeboarding and open-water swimming
Beginner-friendly sessions with safety instructors
Wetsuit and life jacket hire
Restaurant and refreshment areas
- Why Visit: Combines adrenaline and family fun. Ideal for older kids, teens, and adults who want a water adventure.
Sessions fill up quickly; book online.
Check safety rules — open water swimming requires safety equipment.
Note: Permanent closure is planned on 30 November 2025, so check before planning a trip.
6. Aquapark at LEGOLAND Windsor Resort
Location: Windsor, Berkshire SL4 4AY (About 40 minutes from central London)
Website: LEGOLAND Windsor – Water Park
Indoor and outdoor heated water zones
Water slides, splash pools, lazy rivers
LEGO-themed play areas for kids
Changing rooms, lockers, and cafés
- Why Visit: Perfect for families with children aged 2–12. The LEGO theme makes it more than a regular water park — it’s interactive and imaginative.
Entry usually requires a LEGOLAND ticket; consider buying online for discounts.
Best for kids under 12, though slides and pools are fun for all ages.
Bring swimwear and towels; wetsuits are available for hire if needed.
7. Coral Reef Waterworld
Location: Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 2UP (Approx. 1 hour from London)
Facilities:
Indoor wave pool and flume rides
Toddler splash zones
Lazy river and children’s play areas
Café and picnic areas
- Why Visit: Great for rainy days or cooler months because it’s fully indoors. Offers both fun rides and swimming options for all ages.
Check the schedule for wave pool sessions — some sessions are quieter and more suitable for younger kids.
Bring waterproof footwear for toddlers.
8. The Snow Centre – Indoor Snow & Water Fun (Hemel Hempstead)
Location: Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP3 9NH (About 50 minutes from London)
Website: The Snow Centre – Aqua & Play
Facilities:
Indoor snow and water-based fun zone
Small pool and splash play areas for kids
Soft play and climbing structures
Cafés and seating
- Why Visit: Unique combination of indoor snow fun and water play — ideal for families looking for something different beyond traditional pools.
Bring socks and comfortable clothes for indoor play.
Book in advance, especially for weekends and holidays.
9. St Albans Leisure Centre – SplashZone
Location: St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 2HQ (About 40 minutes by train from London)
Facilities:
Indoor family splash pool with slides
Toddlers’ shallow pool and water jets
Sauna, steam room, and fitness facilities for adults
On-site café
- Why Visit: A convenient day trip for families in North London. Offers safe, supervised water play for younger kids and relaxing facilities for parents.
Check for dedicated family swim sessions.
Bring swim nappies for toddlers.
10. Blue Lagoon Water Park – Milton Keynes
Location: Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK6 5HA (Approx. 1 hour from London)
Facilities:
Indoor leisure pool with slides and wave machines
Lazy river and toddler pools
Café and picnic spaces
Accessible changing facilities
- Why Visit: One of the largest indoor water parks near London, suitable for families looking for a full day of water fun regardless of weather.
Book online to guarantee entry, especially in school holidays.
Bring goggles and swim shoes for extra comfort.
Final Thoughts
London isn’t just about sightseeing and museums — it also offers fantastic water-based fun for families, teens, and groups of friends. From historic Lidos to modern aqua parks, you can find something for every age and energy level.
Whether you prefer relaxing in a heated pool, playing on inflatables, or trying adrenaline-filled wakeboarding, London and its surrounding areas have water parks to suit your style. Planning ahead, booking online when required, and checking opening times will make your visit smooth and enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Are these water parks suitable for young children?
Yes! Most of the parks listed have children’s splash pools, shallow areas, or age-specific sessions. Always check the park’s website for age guidelines and safety rules.
2. Do I need to book tickets in advance?
For popular or seasonal attractions like Thorpe Lakes Aqua Park, Liquid Leisure, and LEGOLAND Water Park, it’s highly recommended to book online in advance, especially on weekends and during school holidays.
3. Are these water parks open year-round?
Indoor pools and Lidos with heated water like London Fields Lido and Coral Reef Waterworld are generally open year-round. Outdoor pools and lake-based parks may be seasonal, so always check the official website before planning your visit.
4. How do I get to these water parks from central London?
Central London pools like London Fields Lido, Brockwell Lido, and Tooting Bec Lido are easily reachable by Tube or Overground.
Parks further out like Thorpe Lakes, Liquid Leisure, or LEGOLAND Water Park are accessible by train, car, or organized shuttle services.
5. Are there facilities like cafés, lockers, and changing rooms?
Yes. All the water parks mentioned provide basic facilities for families, including lockers, changing rooms, showers, and cafés. For lakes and outdoor parks, facilities may be more limited, so bring essentials like towels, sunscreen, and water shoes.
