Waterworld Leisure Resort, Stoke-on-Trent

The UK’s largest indoor tropical aqua park with thrilling rides, wave pools, and family-friendly fun all year round in Stoke-on-Trent.

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Waterworld is the UK’s premier indoor tropical aqua park located in Stoke-on-Trent’s Festival Park. Open year-round, it offers over 30 thrilling rides and attractions including the UK's tallest and fastest water slides in Tornado Alley. Families can enjoy wave pools, flumes, spas, and bubble pools in a warm 29-30°C environment, making it an ideal destination regardless of weather. Facilities include a licensed café bar, family-friendly changing areas, and accessibility features.

A brief summary to Waterworld

Festival Park, Festival Wy., Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 5PU, GB
+441782205747
Visit website
Duration: 3 to 4.5 hours
Mid ranged
Indoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 10 am-5:30 pm
Tuesday 10 am-5:30 pm
Wednesday 10 am-5:30 pm
Thursday 10 am-5:30 pm
Friday 10 am-7 pm
Saturday 10 am-7 pm
Sunday 10 am-7 pm

Local tips

Visit during off-peak times like weekday mornings or evenings to avoid long queues on popular slides.
Book tickets in advance online to secure your preferred session and take advantage of combo deals and annual passes.
Try the autism-friendly additional needs evenings for a quieter, more sensory-considerate experience.
Make use of the family-friendly communal changing areas with individual cubicles for convenience.
Check the weather and season to enjoy the outdoor pool, which opens only on peak summer days.

Getting There

Train and Bus

From Stoke-on-Trent railway station, take a local bus towards Festival Park; the journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Buses run frequently but check schedules for weekend and holiday variations. The bus stop is a short walk from Waterworld’s entrance.
Car

Driving to Waterworld via the A500 or A50 main roads typically takes 10-15 minutes from Stoke city centre. On-site parking is available with over 300 spaces, charged at £6 for up to 10 hours, with the first 30 minutes free. Parking can be busy during peak times.
Taxi or Rideshare

A taxi or rideshare from Stoke city centre to Waterworld takes around 10 minutes depending on traffic. This option offers door-to-door convenience, especially for families or groups carrying swim gear.
Walking

Walking from Stoke city centre to Waterworld is possible but takes about 45-60 minutes along urban roads and may not be suitable for all visitors, especially with children or heavy equipment.

Waterworld location weather suitability

Any Weather
Rain / Wet Weather
Cold Weather
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about Waterworld

A Tropical Oasis in the Heart of the Midlands

Waterworld Leisure Resort stands out as the UK’s largest indoor tropical aqua park, nestled in Stoke-on-Trent’s Festival Park. It offers a year-round warm-water environment maintained at around 29-30°C, providing a perfect escape from the often unpredictable British weather. The park is designed to cater to all ages and swimming abilities, featuring a large wave pool with a gradual zero-depth beach entry that deepens to 1.8 meters, ideal for families with young children and strong swimmers alike.

Exciting Rides and Attractions for Every Adventurer

At the heart of Waterworld’s appeal are its exhilarating rides, including the four super-thrill slides of Tornado Alley: Thunderbolt, Cyclone, Hurricane, and Stormchaser. These are the tallest and fastest water slides in the UK, offering adrenaline-pumping experiences for thrill-seekers. Alongside these, there are gentler family slides, flumes, spas, and bubble pools, ensuring a diverse range of attractions suitable for all visitors, from toddlers to adults.

Family-Friendly Facilities and Inclusive Design

The resort is thoughtfully designed with families in mind. It features communal changing areas with individual cubicles to accommodate groups and families comfortably. Accessibility is a priority, with autism-friendly events providing a quieter ambiance for guests with additional needs, as well as disabled access and toilets. On-site amenities include a licensed café bar and the Water’s Edge restaurant, offering freshly prepared meals with options catering to halal, gluten-free, and nut-free diets.

Practical Details and Visitor Experience

Waterworld operates with session controls during peak times to ensure a quality experience, with typical visits lasting between three to four hours. Parking is available with over 300 spaces, and charges apply for parking and locker use. The resort encourages advance booking, with various ticket options including family passes, combo deals with mini golf, and annual passes. The park’s management maintains strict water and air temperature controls, checked hourly to guarantee comfort.

Environmental and Community Commitment

Waterworld Leisure Resort demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, generating up to 80% of its electricity demand on-site. This eco-conscious approach aligns with its role as a major regional attraction, contributing positively to local tourism and community engagement through school visits and group bookings.

Seasonal Variations and Best Times to Visit

The quietest periods to visit are from September to February, when fewer queues and no time limits on sessions enhance the experience. The park also opens an outdoor pool during peak summer days, adding to the variety of aquatic fun. Off-peak visits offer a more relaxed atmosphere, while school holidays and weekends tend to be busier with session time controls in place.