Latest news with #splashpark
BBC News
6 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Families 'frustrated' as Coate Water splash park closes again
Families have been left frustrated after a £475,000 splash park was forced to close for the second time this summer. Coate Water splash park in Swindon was closed on Friday to repair sections of the flooring which had lifted, creating a trip hazard for children. The facility - which has been open for less than a year - was also closed in June for emergency repairs, but officials hope the current work being carried out will mean it remains open for the rest of the summer holidays. Swindon Borough Council's Marina Strinkovky said: "It's so frustrating and disappointing and I'm so empathetic towards parents who are having this disappointment when they're coming to the park." In a statement shared to Facebook, the council said it had taken the "difficult decision" to temporarily close the water park "for a short period", with the intention that the facility would remain open throughout the rest of the summer. The park has seen repeated issues with the flexible floor tiles lifting. In June, the tiles became loose when the concrete underneath failed and needed to be re-secured. Mum Rosie Tugwell told BBC Radio Wiltshire she had noticed a tile lifting at the park during her last visit. "It is a real shame, but hopefully it will be open soon," she added, praising the otherwise "lovely" facility. Ms Strinkovsky said "leading national contractors" were at the park working to inspect "absolutely every tile to make sure they are all safe". She also explained that contractors would be back on site at the end of the season in October to carry out a "thorough investigation" to find out what had gone wrong with the installation of the park.
The Sun
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Abandoned UK lido is being transformed into £795,000 splash park with incredible aqua tent, hydro blast & water arch
A UK town is set to gain a new £795,000 splash park after an abandoned lido was earmarked for regeneration. The new play area - built on the site of the former St Neots Lido in Cambridgeshire - will boast an incredible aqua tent, hydro blast, and a water arch. 5 5 St Neots Lido closed down in 2003, after operating for 42 years, and was filled in two years later. Laying empty since, the site - next to the popular Priory Park in the town - has finally seen action, with work beginning to build the new aqua park. The new outdoor water space will feature a hydro blast - which shoots up a tall stream of water - alongside an aqua tent, where water flows in a dome, and a water arch. There are also plans to put in a mixture of other jets for visitors. Councillor Richard Slade, mayor and chair of St Neots Town Council said: "This is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when the community and council work together. "We're proud to support a project that will bring joy to generations of local families." Plans had first been submitted back in 2022 to Huntingdonshire District Council but were finally kicked into gear following a "significant" grant from the town council. The new park will be built by St Neots Aquatic and Leisure CIO. Mick Marks, chair of the CIO said: "This isn't just a splash park, it's a promise kept to the families of St Neots. "We've worked tirelessly to bring this to life, and we're thrilled to see it finally taking shape." The beautiful lake an hour from London with overwater bungalows like the Maldives He said that construction will now begin on a "vibrant, inclusive water play space". The new park is due to open in time for summer next year. This comes after The Sun revealed how one of the UK's largest outdoor waterparks was full of hidden surprises. Located just 12 miles away from Nottingham city centre, Wheelgate Park is home to countless fun twisting slides and even a tipping bucket. In the splash park, there are five slides in total for kids to enjoy - they just need to be over 90cm tall. There are towers to climb too, with water spraying from them. UK days out cheaper than a pint THERE are a number of days out across the UK that can be found for cheaper than your average UK pint costing £5.17. Museums and Galleries: Many major museums and galleries across the UK offer free entry and engaging activities for families. Beaches: The UK boasts hundreds of free, incredible beaches perfect for swimming, sandcastles, or scenic walks. Gardens and Parks: Explore numerous free gardens and parks nationwide, often featuring extensive grounds and play areas. Lidos: Many lidos offer affordable swimming, with some even providing free access. Vue Cinemas: Catch the latest films for less with 'Mighty Morning' sessions and 'Big Shorts' screenings, starting from under £3. Crazy Golf: Enjoy a fun and competitive family activity at local courses, often available for as little as £2 per player. Animal Sanctuaries and Animal Activities: Visit free animal sanctuaries or participate in complimentary pet-related workshops at places like Pets at Home. Arcades: Spend some time collecting pennies and trying to win prizes at local arcades, with games costing as little as £1. School Holiday Programmes: Access free or subsidised activities for children through initiatives like the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme or local leisure centre offerings. Nature Walks: Discover beautiful National Parks and walking trails across the UK for a free and refreshing outdoor experience For parents watching on, there are sun loungers to relax on as well. For dry play, there is a huge wooden adventure playground to explore. And then inside, the attraction also has two indoor play centres which include frames, toddler zones, mirror mazes and themed adventure zones - and even a bouncy castle. For little ones under six-years-old, there is a mini play jungle to clamber through. On the other hand, bigger kids can get active on the King-on Crater climbing wall. Families can also get up close and personal with small animals and farm animals including pigs and rabbits. 5
The Sun
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
The best free water attractions in UK cities for kids to cool down in the heat – from Cardiff to London
MANY UK cities may not be near the beach, but lots do offer free places for kids to have a splash and cool down in the hot weather. Here's a list of the top free water attractions in cities across the country. 5 London When it comes to the capital, there are many places to play in water or have a dip - despite it being nowhere near the coast. One such location is Kensington Memorial Park - which is home to a number of different activities including a water play area. Open every day from 10am to 6pm, children can splash about in a number of different water features. Alternatively head to Jeppe Hein 'Appearing Rooms' on the Southbank. This destination features a number of shooting jets, that essentially create 'rooms' for a couple of seconds before they then disappear. The water feature was designed by the Danish Artist Jeppe Hein and originally was commissioned for the garden of Villa Manin in Italy. Similarly, fountains can also be found in Elephant and Castle and in Granary Square, King's Cross. Over in Greenwich Park playground, there is a water and sand play feature to explore, with slides too. London is home to a number of free paddling pools and splash parks, like in Clissold Park, Ruskin Park and Nyatt's Field. Derby Markeaton Park has a paddling pool located within the Mundy Place Centre and is free to use. The pool was also recently resurfaced and is open daily through the summer from 10:30am to 4pm. In the wider park area, there are a number of other things to explore like woodland trails and a tree house trek high ropes course. Birmingham Whilst not by the sea, Birmingham does have a pop-up beach for the summer, until the end of August. The beach is free to enter and is open each day from 12pm. There are also a number of funfair rides at the beach spot, all costing £3.50 or less. Deckchairs are also available for free. Manchester Located just outside the city is Stamford Park, which features rows of water fountains for children to play in. In total, there are 29 jets that make the shape of a leaf. The fountains are switched on each day between 11am and 5:45pm. The public can also take part in paddle-boarding sessions at the park, or have a spin on a pedalo. Chester Located on the banks of the River Dee, Sandy Lane Aqua Park boasts free outdoor water play for children throughout the summer. The park has 10 water features including sprinklers, jet sprays, tipping buckets, and a geyser squirter. The water play area is open from May to September. Just opposite, is also a play area for families to explore. Norwich Heading to Norwich, families can find a water play area at Waterloo Park Splash Pad. The Splash Pad itself is set within the play park, which has 75 features for children aged between zero and 12-years-old. Some of the different features include a rope swing and a sensory den and dome. Brighton Whilst Brighton does have the beach you can head to, there is also a popular seafront pool in the seaside city. Kings Road Paddling Pool was recently repaired in time for the summer holidays and is located close to the West Pier. The paddling pool itself is large and shallow - making it a great place to allow little ones to explore the water but under supervision. Also in Brighton, is The Level - a set of water fountains open each day between 10am and 1pm and 2pm and 6pm. 5 Cambridge Located in the historic city of Cambridge is Lammas Land - a popular park about half a mile from the city centre. Here visitors can find a large play area with a pool, great for shallow water play. Also in Cambridge is another paddling pool and splashpad at Coleridge Recreation Ground. Whilst the splashpad is currently closed, the paddling pool is still open and is fenced off to provide a safe area to play. There are also other facilities in the park including a tennis court, football field and table tennis. Cherry Hinton Hall also has a water play area in its grounds, with two paddling pools. Both pools have a maximum depth of 40cm and there is also a picnic area close-by. Oxford Over in Oxford, a new splash park opened in April at Hinksey Park. The new water play area features a splash pad with jets and fountains. The splash park is free to use and will be open everyday until the end of summer. Hinksey Park also has a large outdoor swimming pool, play area, tennis courts, a lake and grassy areas. Reading Located in Reading, Woodford Park Paddling pool is suitable for children aged five and over. It is free for public use during the summer months and is usually open between 11am and 6pm. Portsmouth In Portsmouth you'll find Hilsea Jubilee Splash Pool, which is an open-access pool area for children aged eight and under. The destination has two shallow pools - no deeper than five inches - and many play features. There is a free car park at the site too. Cardiff Located in Cardiff 's Grade 2 historic Victoria Park, the Splashpad play area has 33 features including sprays, jets, a tipping water bucket and tunnel. The park also has beach volleyball, tennis courts and a little kiosk serving refreshments. The Splashpad is open on weekdays between 11am and 6:45pm and at weekends between 10am and 6:45pm. Nottingham The Embankment Children's Paddling Pool in Nottingham was recently restored with modern features. The pool was originally built 1928 and is open daily from 10am to 6pm. Free lidos across the UK Blackpill Lido in Swansea: Located in Swansea, this lido is free for all visitors and does not require booking. It also features a children's play area, paddling pool, climbing rock, and picnic area. Shoalstone Seawater Pool in Brixham, Devon: This 53-metre seawater pool is a free alternative to traditional lidos and is one of the few remaining tidal pools in the country. It's set within The English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark. Bude Sea Pool in Cornwall: A semi-natural tidal pool on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, Bude Sea Pool is also free for all to use. Hampstead Heath Paddling Pools in London: Hampstead Heath Paddling Pools reopened on May 24 and include a shallow pool ideal for young children. Stoke Park Paddling Pool in Guildford: This is another large, free paddling pool option and also has wheelchair access. All the lidos in the UK have also been mapped and there are ones with water slides, cocktail bars and some are even free to enter. Plus, one of the UK's best seaside towns is set to get new tidal lido on the beach. 5
The Sun
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Huge rooftop car park to transform into ‘Costa del Sol' style attraction with sandy beach and kids splash park
A HUGE transformation to a regular rooftop town car park will turn it in a 'Costa del Sol' style attraction for the summer. The site will feature a rooftop beach, splash park, pool and cocktails, making the perfect Spanish holiday resort for Brits. 2 2 Park location Located at the Centrale Car Park on Tamworth Road in Croydon, it is known as the "Costa del Croydon". This is a 20 minutes drive from Banstead, just outside Surrey. The kids rooftop splash park is returning after a successful inaugural event last year, where it attracted more than 30,000 visitors. Opening dates and times From August 1, it will be free-to-access this summer, and open to the public seven days a week until August 31. Two daily sessions are available for families to attend - 11:30am to 3pm, and 3:30pm to 7pm. What to expect Visitors of all ages will be able to enjoy the stunning views the Costa del Croydon offers across South London from its award winning rooftop. A new addition to this year is a quiet chill zone for people to relax and recharge in the shade, with calming music away from all the buzz. There will also be a toddler paddling pool for children under 5, as well as different food vendors with child-friendly and veggie options. A range of street food stalls will be present to provide sweet treats, cocktails and cold drinks. This year offers an expanded events programme, which incorporates live music, arts and games. And like last year, there will be paid-for rides including go-karts and bungee trampolines. Free daily activities are available too, such as dance workshops, face painting and crafts.
The Sun
06-07-2025
- The Sun
Man, 34, charged with ‘attempted kidnap of children' at splash pad in popular city centre park
COPS raced to a popular splash park to arrest a 34-year-old man on suspicion of attempted kidnapping. Officers were called after a number of reports came in expressing "concerns about a man's behaviour in the splash park area". 2 2 Authorities arrived at Victoria Park in Canton, Cardiff, after the man allegedly approached several children at the leisure centre. Some parents were concerned the man had been taking photographs or recording children at the park. But officers found he was not in possession of such devices after searching him. According to South Wales Police, the 34-year-old was arrested on Thursday (July 3). The man, of no fixed abode, has been charged with attempted kidnap and two public order offences and remanded in custody. Police are now appealing to witness for more information. A spokesperson for the South Wales force said: "Just before midday on Thursday, July 3, officers attended Victoria Park, Cardiff, following a number of calls which raised concerns about a man's behaviour in the splash park area. "Moynul Janu, 34, of no fixed abode has been charged with two counts of attempted kidnap and two counts of public order and has been remanded in police custody. "Some people were concerned he had been taking photographs or recording children, but we can confirm when officers searched him, he was not in possession of any such devices. "Anybody who may have information about the incident or who noticed something suspicious is urged to make contact. "Please give reference 2500210810." Located in a Grade II-listed park in Canton, the Victoria Park splash pad first opened in 2016 and has since become a firm favourite with families. Its water features are spread across three zones for toddlers, juniors, and families. is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
