With waterparks reopening for the summer, analysis has revealed the best waterparks across Europe and the Americas, with a surprising UK spot. To help thrill-seekers plan their next adventure, AttractionTickets scored destinations out of 30 based on online reviews and expert assessment.

The top spot in the UK was Sandcastle Waterpark on Blackpool Promenade. It scored 16.3 out of 30 and has a 4.3 rating on Google. The “best” and largest indoor water park in the UK is home to 18 slides and attractions, and sits at a permanent temperature of a “tropical” 28C. The waterpark is home to slides such as the world’s longest indoor roller coaster water slide, the Master Blaster, and the world’s first vertical indoor drop slide, the Sidewinder. These are two of five “white-knuckle” rides. Eight of the rides are suitable for children as young as two. Inside the park, there is a cafe and kitchen for guests to enjoy, serving popular favourites such as burgers, pizzas, cakes, and sweet treats. There is also a private VIP tiki cabana experience and an adults-only spa with a sauna, steam room, heated loungers, foot spas, aromatherapy and salt inhalation room.

In 2024, Sandcastle Waterpark was named one of the top nine waterparks in the UK by Blooloop, a site that covers the attractions industry.

One reviewer said: “The park itself was amazingly designed, with great decoration, and it seemed that lots of time had been taken in creating it, and upholding the standard that it was at.

“All slides seemed extremely safe and were very fun, with there being a wide range for all ages and preferences. The cleanliness of the park was outstanding.”

Another visitor said on TripAdvisor: “We visit here every time we visit Blackpool. The staff are lovely and always very polite and welcoming.”

Day-of tickets are £26.95 for those aged eight and over and £17.95 for children under eight, with under threes free. This is a three-hour session with all slides available, though height and weight restrictions apply.

Leading AttractionTickets’ ranking with a 23 out of 30 score is Universal Orlando Volcano Bay in Florida, earning top marks across adrenaline, variety and hidden gem attractions.

Close behind in second place is Thermas dos Laranjais in Brazil, with a score of 21 out of 30, home to some of the world’s most daring and record-breaking slides.

Rounding out the top three is Area 47 in Austria, which achieved 20.5 out of 30, due to its consistently strong visitor reviews and unique blend of high-thrill slides and relaxation.

Oliver Brendon, CEO of AttractionTickets, said: “With waterparks reopening and excitement building among aqua fanatics, we set out to compile a list of the best waterparks for all members of the family.

“By combining our expert insight with online review sentiment, we identified the top waterpark destinations around the world that deliver family-friendly fun and heart-dropping thrills.”