Calypso Cove Waterpark

It’s a bit of a drive if you’re travelling from Manchester but it’s worth it. Calypso Cove Waterpark in Barnsley is a fab day out – not only has it got five slides ranging from toddler-friendly to frankly terrifying, but it only costs £12.50 to get in (or less for children under 11.)

It’s part of the Barnsley Metrodome complex, and is one of the best local authority waterparks we’ve been to. Designed to look like a tropical island, complete with pirate ships, volcanos and giant skulls, it’s the kind of place kids adore.

There’s two slides for thrill seekers – the dark, fast Terror Torrent, and the dizzying, plug-hole style Eruption. Add to that two milder slides, a four-lane racing slide, diving boards and an interactive splash zone, and you’ve more than enough to keep them busy for the 90-minute session. This is somewhere that’ll tire out children of all ages. Expect a quiet journey home.