Splish-splash! Water way to get fit and have some fun...

WaterWorld

MAKE a splash at WaterWorld in Stoke-on-Trent where excitement and relaxation can both be found.

The indoor tropical aqua park is home to thrilling rides packed with twists and turns, as well as a Jacuzzi and bubble pool, perfect for unwinding in.

The water park, at Festival Park, Etruria, caters for all ages and swimming abilities, and boasts an exotic temperature of more than 30 degrees.

Tim Kiely, general manager at WaterWorld, says even very young water babies can enjoy the attraction.

"We recently had a baby of six months old who came to get used to the water environment," says Tim, "and the temperature here helps.

"We also have a shallow area for the tots. They can sit and paddle and splash.

"But teenagers through to grandparents like to visit too, so it's ideal for all the family."

An aqua disco takes place at WaterWorld on Friday evenings, and this event is popular with young swimmers.

"All the rides are open as normal," says Tim, "but we also have a DJ and an entertainments team providing fun and games."

At the aqua park, family and friends can race each other on the multi-lane, multi-slide, or jump and ride the waves in the beach-effect wave pool.

Adventurous visitors will no doubt be eager to test their nerves in the Twister or to try out the Black Hole flume.

But these are just a few of the attractions on offer.

There is also an outdoor pool and lazy river ride, a dry soft play area, and much, much more.

"We have a poolside restaurant, which is fully licensed," continues Tim.

"People can come out of the pool and use the restaurant while still in their swimming costumes."

Elsewhere there is a cafe bar in the reception area, and also a Subway outlet.

WaterWorld

01782 205747

www.waterworld.co.uk

Open: Open all year round

Map Ref: D4

Alton Towers Waterpark

SOAK up some watery fun at Alton Towers' Caribbean-themed water park.

Inside the park you can get blasted up and away by the fantastic Masterblaster wet rollercoaster or explore the Wacky Waterworks and Treehouse.

Just be careful of the deluge from the ever-filling giant bucket high above!

If you need a break from all the excitement, relax in the Lazy River or Bubbly Wubbly pool.

There's plenty of adrenalin-pumping water thrills for the whole family, including the Little Leak – a shallow area full of interactive play features and slides for tiny tots.

Alton Towers Waterpark

0871 222 3330. Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras

www.altontowers.com/waterpark/

Open: The waterpark is open daily.

Map Ref: G5

Dimensions and Fenton Manor

SWIMMERS can also enjoy themselves at Dimensions Leisure Centre and Fenton Manor Sports Complex, both run by Stoke-on-Trent City Council. At Dimensions, in Burslem, there is a swimming pool, plus water fountains, rapids, shoot the dragon slide and hot spa.

The leisure centre is open daily from 10.45am during school holidays, including the Easter break, when there will be aquatots sessions.

Over at Fenton Manor, people can take advantage of an Easter holiday unlimited day pass between March 29 and April 10, Monday to Friday only, from 10am to 4pm.

The complex operates a wristband scheme for school holidays, priced at £5 per person, and £4 for juniors (under-eight).

Visitors can enjoy the use of the pools, go karts, dance mats, sports hall activities and crazy golf (course permitting), and there will be meal deals available in the Riptide Cafe Bar.

Ladies may want to make use of the Us Girls Week, from March 18 to 24, when free activities will be available for women aged 16 to 25. The scheme is funded by a national project that aims to make 30,000 young women living in certain areas more active.

Sessions include exercise classes, swimming, gym sessions, outdoor fitness, track sessions and sports hall activities.

Dimensions Leisure Centre

01782 233500

www.stoke.gov.uk

Map Ref: D4

Fenton Manor Sports Complex

01782 233222

www.stoke.gov.uk

Map Ref: D5