Adam England

If your idea of the perfect day out with your family or mates involves soggy hair, slippery slopes and getting dunked big time, the UK’s roster of waterparks has you more than covered. Thrill-a-minute slides, gargantuan wave machines, serene flumes, even splashy obstacle courses… you’ll find all that and so much more at Britain’s top water-based attractions.  Given the temperamental nature of British weather, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the country’s waterparks are either seasonal or indoors. Guess again. Plenty of UK waterparks, indoor and outdoor, are open all year-round. Yes, choosing an outdoor one in the winter does require a fair amount of guts, but isn’t that all part of the fun?  Whether you want to brush up on your butterfly while the kids let off some steam, or you can’t wait to challenge your friends to a four-line slide, there’s a British splashpark for you. Even better, many of Britain’s top waterparks go way beyond the basics, offering stuff like swimming pools, adults-only spas and extra attractions for kids.  Time to dig out your trunks, blow up the armbands and embrace the waves: these are the 17 best waterparks in the UK, updated with new additions for 2026 (prices shown for adults) RECOMMENDED: ☀️The best outdoor swimming pools in the UK🚴The most beautiful bike trails in the UK🌴The most stunning hidden beaches in the UK🏊The best waterparks in London  

A small but mighty city built on a rich tapestry of heritage and tradition, Cardiff packs a punch when it comes to its diverse cultural offerings. I was born and raised in the Welsh capital, and though I moved to London at 20, I still return often. This pull on my heart is known in Welsh as ‘hiraeth’, a word likened to feeling a deep longing for the place where you grew up.  Within Cardiff’s many characterful suburbs, you’ll hear sing-song accents via the wild, humorous stories that tumble out of the city’s warm-natured people. You’ll try both local delicacies and global delights from its thriving food scene (check out our list of the best restaurants for the very best picks). Above all, you’ll see why it’s no wonder I feel so immensely grateful to call it my hometown. Here are the best things to do in Cardiff right now.  ✈️ The best weekend breaks from London How long do I need in Cardiff? While 48 hours may be enough to get a feel of the city, you could spend days traversing its rolling hills, historic castle grounds or Edwardian arcades and continue to unearth new discoveries and surprises, from local landmarks to the city’s best boozers (and beyond).  RECOMMENDED:🍽️ The best restaurants in Cardiff🏨 The best Airbnbs in Cardiff📍 The best things to do in Wales☀️ The best things to do in the UK This guide was recently updated by Sophie Williams, a writer based in Cardiff. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out.

It’s no secret that adult life can be stressful – so what better way to feel like a big kid again than to visit a theme park? I’ve been going to theme parks since I was a child, gradually moving up from the kiddie rides to the biggest adrenaline-pumping rides out there. And the UK, I’ve found, has some of the absolute best.  For family days out, Halloween trips with pals, half-term fillers, school trips and more, one of the UK’s best theme parks has your planning sorted. Whether you’re an Alton Towers Smiler kind of guy or more suited to a river rapids, here are our top picks from all over. Here are the best theme parks in the UK.  🎡 Looking for somewhere closer to the capital? Here are the best theme parks near London.  RECOMMENDED:🏖️ The best beaches in the UK🏕️ The best outdoor activity breaks in the UK🏔️ The best places to visit in the UK🏠 The best Airbnbs in the UK Adam England is a UK-based writer and theme park enthusiast. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.