When the temperature soars, there’s nothing better than cooling down in a splash park or taking a dip in an open air swimming pool. Find all the best splash parks and outdoor pools in Berkshire and close by. If you fancy venturing further afield there’s a great guide for Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire and Surrey splash parks too.
Splash Parks, Pools and Paddling Spots in Berkshire
California Country Park (Wokingham) – open from 19th July
The paddling pool at California Country Park reopens just ahead of the school summer holidays usually mid July. @adventuresoftheaandjax have kindly shared their paddling pool review. You can also have a little splashy fun with the water feature in their new play park.
Wellington Country Park (near Reading)
Did you know that Wellington Country Park has a splash park. It’s great fun if you bring along a little bucket and watering can. There’s lots to do there too from meeting the animals to exploring all the different play parks or taking a little ride on the train. Check out my review of Wellington Country Park.
Beale Wildlife Park (Lower Basildon)
The shallow paddling pool at Beale Park opens up in the summer and is a great place to splash around and cool off in on a hot day. Check out my review of Beale Wildlife Park for a family day out.
Northcroft Lido & Splash Pad (Newbury)
With an outdoor swimming pool, twisty flume, racer slides and a splash pad, Northcroft Lido in Newbury tickets all the boxes for a sunny family day out. Open from April to September.
Dinton Pastures (Wokingham)
The activity centre at Dinton Pastures Country Park is great for all sorts of water sports (not swimming). If you just fancy a paddle there’s a little ankle deep stream that you can wade in just next to the play park. Head towards the cafe and there’s an easy access point just before the little bridge. Check out my review of Dinton Pastures Country Park.
Jocks Lane Recreation Ground (Bracknell)
There is a splash pad area (open May to September between 11am and 4:30pm daily) next to the pavilion at Jocks Lane Recreation Ground as well as toilet facilities, play area, miniature golf, tennis courts, basketball court, outdoor table tennis, hard surface kick about area and a large playing field with junior football pitches. Image Credit @adventuresoftheaandjax
Christchurch Meadows paddling pool (Caversham, Reading)
Free to use and you don’t need to book ahead. The paddling pool at Christchurch Meadows is one of the largest in the area and a highlight for local kids in the summer. There’s also a great play park too.
Great Hollands Splash Pad (Bracknell)
Lovely and clean splash pad in Wokingham at Great Hollands Recreation Ground. It’s free to use and there’s free parking too. It’s open May to September between 11am and 4:30pm. Thank you to @adventuresoftheaandjax for sharing.
Woodford Park Paddling Pool (Woodley)
Another great review from @adventuresoftheaandjax as they checked out the lovely paddling pool at Woodford Park in Woodley.
Lock Ride Splash Pad (Winkfield Row near Bracknell)
As well as the playground, Locks Ride Recreation Ground has a large open children’s beach themed play area together with a water splash area and a selection of outdoor gym equipment. The splash pad will be in operation from 11 am – 1 pm and 3 pm – 5 pm.
Photo credit: Winkfield Parish Council
There’s a cabin cafe too which also sells ice creams if you need a little treat and extra cooling off.
Bachelors Acre Playground (Windsor)
At Bachelor’s Acre you’ll also find a large area of grass which is ideal for a picnic or some ball games plus a splash pad with lots of mini fountains which operates in the summer months. There are also toilet facilities, including baby change available.
Liquid Leisure Wake Park (near Windsor)
NEW FOR 2024…Kids Club Especially for Kids aged 6+ years who want to have fun while learning how to wakeboard on the Cable at a much slower speed.
Wokingham Leisure Centre Splash Pad (Wokingham)
An all year round option is the splash pad and water play at Wokingham Leisure Centre. Ideal for younger children and of course there’s the swimming pool too.
Wycombe Rye Lido (High Wycombe)
Set in the grounds of The Rye and Holywell Mead Park in High Wycombe, the historical Lido has been fully refurbished with heated outdoor main pool, heated outdoor children’s pool plus grass and terraced sunbathing areas.
If you just fancy a paddle, there’s a wonderful little waterfall in the grounds of the park. Perfect for a sunny day and it’s lovely and shallow.
Splashlands at Stanborough Park (Welwyn Garden City)
Credit: Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council
This new splash park opened last summer (July 2020) and features a paddling river meandering through a 600m² splashpad water play area. It is surrounded by a nautical themed adventure playground with a large pirate ship and a variety of play equipment for children of all ages.
The splash pad has 67 jets split into toddler and kid zones which shoot up to 1.5m in the air with pads that activate water sprays when they are jumped on.
Dunstable Splash Park (Dunstable)
There’s a great little play park in Dunstable that also has a gated splash park.
Chesham Moor Gym & Swim (Chesham)
Credit: Chesham Moor Gym & Swim
The Chesham heated open air swimming pool is open from 6am weekdays, and 8am on Saturdays and Bank Holidays. Current restrictions mean it’s only admitting competent lane swimmers but do keep checking their website for changes.
Ruislip Lido (West London)
Photo Credit: Ruislip Lido
The only beach in London, Ruislip Lido is a 60-acre lake with sandy beaches and a narrow gauge railway around it, on the edge of Ruislip Woods. Swimming is not permitted in the lake but it seems to be a popular spot for a paddle. There’s also a splash park. As far as I’m aware booking is not required (no promises) but arrive early if it’s a hot day as it can get busy.
Lammas Recreation Ground Splash Park (Staines)
Photo Credit: The Little Green Boat Company
Lammas Recreation Ground in Staines has two play park areas as well as a brightly colour splash pad, perfect for little ones too cool off in on a summer’s day.
Thorpe Lakes (Surrey)
An alternative to Liquid Leisure if you’re based in East Berkshire. They operate under 13, under 18 and adult specific sessions. To ensure everyone is safe and feels welcome.
Up for a bit of an adventure? Check out the Red Kite Days guide to paddling spots and wild swimming as well as splash parks and lidos in Oxfordshire or check out our Bucks Best splash park guide.
