Are you looking for somewhere to cool off this summer? We have found the best outdoor pools, splash pads and water parks in Somerset that the kids will love! We’ve also added a few within an easy drive of Somerset too.
What better way to cool off in the heat than by splashing around in water or sliding down water slides? With summer now upon us, you might be looking for ideas of where you can take the family this summer. Pack a picnic, your swimming costume and towel, and head to an outdoor pool or water park.
Here is our local’s guide to the best places to cool off in and around Somerset this summer.
(See below for our Top Tips)
Portishead Lido
This Art Deco, Portishead Open Air Pool is ideal when the weather is warm. A community run, heated 33m outdoor pool with diving board, toddler pool, and sun terraces overlooking the Bristol Channel in Portishead. It’s open between April and October and you’ll need to book online. General/family sessions are between 2-4 hours.
Greenbank Lido, Street
In the heart of Street is Greenbank Lido, a heated outdoor swimming pool. There is a main pool and children’s pool and splash zone with interactive features like water jets and spray fountains. Open between May and September it’s the perfect place to cool off!
Read our Glastonbury Tor Circular Walk which is only 3-miles away.
Shepton Mallet Lido
Book a family swim session at Shepton Mallet Lido to enjoy the heated pools, the use of the children’s splash pad, outdoor tables, table tennis and small play area. Sessions are for an hour, click here for timetable, booking and prices.
Bristol Lido, Clifton
Tucked away in a charming Clifton courtyard is the oldest surviving heated Lido in the country. An urban oasis with a 24 metre swimming pool and spa facilities. This grade 2 listed outdoor pool is heated throughout the year and you can pre-book a 2 hour session (swim, sauna, steam and hot tub). Children’s access is between 2pm and 4pm. There is also a pool-side cafe and restaurant.
Wiveliscombe Lido
Wivey Pool is set in the heart of Wiveliscombe, in the beautiful Somerset countryside. A 27m outdoor heated pool is open for the summer. Family swimming is between 1pm and 5pm on weekends and holidays (no booking needed).
Cleveland Pools, Bath
Cleveland Pools in Bath is now open. Over 200 years old, this wonderful heritage site has been brought back into use as a not-for-profit community pool. Cleveland Pools is the UK’s oldest public outdoor swimming pool. Built in 1815, the site first opened as a river fed pool. There are 2 pools: a 25 m pool and a shallow children’s pool heated in the summer season. ** Update: Now Open **
St Andrew’s Lido/Paddling Pool, Bristol
St Andrews Park in North Bristol is a classic Victorian neighbourhood park. There’s a free paddling pool for kids to splash around in, a gigantic playground and large sandpit. It’s a lovely community park, especially popular now the splash pool has recently re-opened (May-Sept). Bring your picnic and a blanket because there is plenty of green open space, and a kiosk to buy an ice cream.
The Best Splash Parks in Somerset:
Brean Splash Water Park
Located at Brean Leisure Park near Burnham on Sea, you’ll find kids pools, indoor swimming & thrill rides at a family theme park with a lazy river & splash zones. The kids will love the three outdoor slides.
Splash Waterworld at Butlins, Minehead
Visit Butlins as a day guest (or stay longer) and experience the huge splash water park featuring flumes and rapids. Perfect for those hot summery days. You’ll also have access to the day-time shows, traditional fairground and brand-new Sky Park.
Water Adventure Play Park, Weston super Mare
A lovely play park with wooden play equipment and a seasonal splash pad. Located on the seafront in Weston super Mare, this park has fountains, sprays and sprinklers. It is ideal for smaller children and only costs £3 per child. Perfect for those hot summer days.
Ultimate Slip n Slide, Frome
Experience the super fast, super high, super long, super fun water slide near Frome, Somerset.
At 95 metres long, the slide is suitable for all ages and whatever the weather. Ride as many times as you like on the handles rubber rings, and end up in the splash pool at the end!
Each session is 1 hour long and costs £12.
Fairwood Lakes Holiday Park, Dilton Marsh
This family-friendly lakeside holiday park offers annual membership and day entry passes (£6.50). The kids will love their splash tunnel and splash pool to cool down in the spring and summer months. There’s also an outdoor play park, Fairwood Forest, lakeside nature trail and Little Tikes play area and mud kitchen.
Also discover their mini golf area and indoor soft play. There is plenty of seating and a cafe for refreshments.
Water Fountains at Italian Gardens, Weston super Mare
The water fountains in the Italian Gardens in the centre of Weston super Mare is fun for little ones to run through. If you’re in Weston over the summer, the kids will love cooling off and playing in the high jets of water.
Nearby, you’ll find the High Street shops, the beach and the Grand Pier.
Center Parcs, Longleat Forest, Wilts
If you’re looking for an adventure holiday destination near Somerset which has swimming, an outdoor inflatable water obstacle course, swimming pool with wave pool, wild water rapids, water play areas and whirlpools then Center Parcs is your place! Lots of other outdoor activities are available too.
Water Garden At Cribbs Causeway
Coming this summer, a brand new water garden at The Mall, Cribbs Causeway. Get set for an amazing summer of family fun with beautiful splash streams, bubble machines, and yummy ice creams. Opening in July for the school summer holidays and FREE of charge to enter.
Millennium Square, Bristol
Part of the harbourside in Bristol’s city centre, Millennium Square is home to fountains and a large water feature where the kids can paddle. It’s a brilliant plce to cool off in the summer months and there are always plenty of entertainment, especially in the school holidays. You may find kids activities and street entertainers here, plus plenty of places to sit and enjoy the fun.
Kids will love the Ferris Wheel, M-Shed (across the harbour) and Za Za Bazaar for an all-you-can-eat lunch.
It’s a good idea to wear water shoes while the kids paddle here.
Moorfields Sandpits, Monksdale Road, Bath
This lovely playground in Bath has a man-made shallow stream running through it. It’s ideal for cooling off in the summer or splashing around in your wellies all year round! There’s plenty to keep the little ones entertained with a play ground, sand pit, trim trail and picnic tables.
Splash Pad at Warminster Lake Pleasure Grounds
Join in the fun and cool off in the splash pad at the Warminster Lake Pleasure Grounds this summer. Kids will love standing under the tipping buckets and running through the water features and aiming the water cannon at their friends. There’s also a baby pool with bubbling jet.
Open Between April and September, 10.00 am to 5.00 pm.
Lakes you can swim in:
Clevedon’s Marine Lake
This huge infinity lake is a perfect spot for a family day out. Swim, bring your inflatables, model boats and crabbing lines. You’re also welcome to bring your canoe, paddle board, or hire a paddle board on the Marine Lake in Clevedon. There is also a splash pool for younger ones.
Weston super Mare Marine Lake
Weston Marine Lake is an infinity lake and a safer sea-swimming venue right on Weston’s seafront. You don’t have to worry about the tides and at over 200 metres long there’s plenty of space for families to paddle and swim all year round.
West Country Water Park, Bradley Stoke
Did you know there is an aqua park in North Bristol, just a short drive from North Somerset? It’s just 10 minutes off the M4/M5 and open 7 days a week. There is swimming, water sports and an inflatable obstacle course for adults and kids (age 6+) which runs all summer. There is also specific sessions for children aged between 6 to 12 years of age.
The Wave, Bristol
Not exactly swimming, but you can cool off and learn to surf at The Wave in Bristol (suitable for all levels). You can also have some body boarding lessons or just be a spectator and enjoy a meal in the restaurant to the sound of the waves! If you’re children are too young to surf, The Wave offer Play in the Bay sessions suitable for all ages. There’s also the option of staying on site in a safari tent at The Wave.
Top tips for visiting a water park with your family:
A little bit of forward planning helps your day run more smoothly.
- Work out where you’re going to park beforehand and pay for the whole day. Many places don’t allow re-entry, so you can’t pop out to put more money on the parking meter.
- Invest in some quick-dry microfibre towels. They’re light-weight and compact which is handy when you’ve got a lot of stuff to lug round with you. They dry off quickly in between swims.
- Take plenty to drink and stay hydrated.
- Take a trolley coin (on a keyring) and attach to your swim bag or in your purse to use for the swim lockers, so you’re not desperately looking for pound coins on the day.
- Arrive early and bag a spot in the shade – those areas get taken first. Or, take a sun umbrella/shade.
- Take water shoes for little ones in case the concrete gets really hot in the full sun, or walking over the grass.
- Know the rules of the waterpark/outdoor pool. Each place is different. Some have height/age restrictions for pools/slides.
- Take sun screen and sun hats.
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Disclaimer: Whilst we endeavour to provide accurate information, please always check the details with the venue before you leave in case there are any changes.
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Thanks so much for the advice. I love waterparks. I didn’t realise there were so many options around.