Splash World is Southport's indoor waterpark, and if you're bringing kids to the town and haven't been, it's worth knowing about. It's at the Dunes Splash World complex near the seafront — indoor, heated, and open year-round. Here's what's actually there and what to expect.
📍Dunes Splash World, The Esplanade, Southport, PR8 1RX. Postcode for sat nav: PR8 1RX. Paid parking nearby at Marine Drive. Check opening times before you go — they vary by season and school holidays.
What's inside
The main pool has a wave machine that runs at set times throughout the session — the kids know exactly when it's coming and it's genuinely popular. There are multiple flumes and slides of different heights, a smaller pool for younger children, and a lazy river. The whole thing is under one roof, which means the weather outside is completely irrelevant.
The slides are the main draw. There are options for all ages — the gentler rides for smaller kids, and the faster enclosed flumes for older ones and adults who've lost their dignity somewhere along the way. My youngest asked to go on the big slide at least twelve times in a row. Make of that what you will.
Prices and what to bring
Prices vary by peak and off-peak sessions. School holidays are busier and slightly more expensive. The cheapest option is always booking in advance online — walk-up pricing is higher. Family tickets are available and work out better value than buying individually.
- →Bring your own towels — hiring is available but it's an extra cost
- →Lockers available on site (bring £1 coin or use cashless)
- →Swimwear with shorts or board shorts allowed — no dark denim
- →Armbands for small children are usually available at reception
- →There's a café on site — fine for snacks, not a destination for lunch
Best time to go
School holidays are the obvious answer, but they're also the busiest. If you can go on a weekday during term time, it's significantly quieter. Weekend mornings are better than weekend afternoons. I've taken the kids on a grey Saturday in November and basically had the wave pool to ourselves for the first hour.
Sessions are timed — you book a 2-hour or longer slot and you're expected to leave when it ends. In practice, the kids are usually done before the time is up. Factor in changing time at the start and end. For four children, I'd say allow about 30 minutes on either side of the swimming.
Who it's for
Realistically: families with children between about 4 and 14. Below four, there are options in the toddler pool but the main attractions won't be suitable. Above 14, it depends on the teenager — some will love it, some will have reached the age of not admitting they love it.
Adults without children do go, particularly for the leisure pool. It's not as awkward as it sounds. The clientele is mixed. But honestly, if you're coming without kids, the quiet of an off-peak session is the way to do it.
Nearby and after
Splash World is close to the seafront and Marine Drive. After a session, the kids will be hungry — Ocean Plaza is a short drive and has the usual chains. If you want to avoid the chains, Southport Market on Market Street does street food that handles mixed-appetite family groups better than most.
🌊Splash World is one of the few genuinely wet-weather activities in Southport where the weather genuinely doesn't matter. Plan it for the grey days — save the beach and the pier for the sunshine.
More family-friendly things to do in Southport — beaches, parks, activities, and all-weather options for all ages.
Things to do in Southport with kids →Terry
Chief Editor, SouthportGuide.co.uk — Lives in Churchtown with his wife,
four kids, and Frank the bulldog.
