Manchester Outdoor Pools for Paddling around the Northwest 2025
Discover some great places to cool down on a hot day with our list of Manchester outdoor pools, paddling pools and splash zones around the Northwest for 2024.
When the hot weather arrives there is nothing better than taking the kids somewhere fun where they cool down.
There are lots of great Manchester paddling pools and outdoor swimming pools around the Northwest for you to check out.
From the fun fountains to run through, paddling pools perfect for toddlers, dedicated splash zones with fun features and full-on outdoor pools we have put together a list of the best places to find these outdoor pools and paddle zones in and around Manchester.
If you also fancy a trip to the beach check out >>> Manchester’s Closest Beaches
Manchester Paddling Pools and Outdoor Swimming Pools.
Stamford Park Fountains, Ashton Under Lyne, (Aprox 7.6 miles, 34 minutes from Manchester) SK15 1NJ
Based in Ashton-Under-Lyne in Tameside, Stamford Park is a great place to visit on a hot day.
Not only do they have great splash zones with lots of fun hydro jets, they also have a large sat pit with play equipment for toddlers, a zip wire swing and a large pyramid slide.
A little train runs in during weekends and school holidays, a lovely cafe serving hot and cold food, a small animal area and the Dingle woodland area; a nice little walk great for adventures.
There is a pay-and-display car park at Darnton Rd and free street parking around the park, but you need to get there early on a hot day. The park is open from 8.00 am until dusk.
Read More >>> Facilities and Opening Times Stamford Park
Congleton Paddling Pool, Congleton (Aprox 27 Miles, 50 minutes away from Manchester) CW12 1DP
Image Credit Congleton County Council
Just 50 minutes from Manchester you will find the historic and well-loved Congelton Paddling Pool .
A population outdoor paddling pool since 1930’s the pool is not too deep and is designed for small children under 11 years old.
There is always a pool attendant on duty and and children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult.
You can grab snacks, hot and cold drinks and ice-creams at Headspace Cafe nearby.
When is the Congleton Paddling Pool Open.
The Congleton Paddling Pool will be open from late May to early September
The pool is open on
- Wednesdays to Sundays term time
- 7 days a week during the school holidays
There will be two sessions each day at:
- Morning 10.00 am to 1.00 pm and
- Afternoon 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm.
Booking Tickets for The Congleton Paddling Pool
Entry to Congelton Paddling Pool is free however, tickets are required for the pool.
There are 140 places for each session and all children and adults (including babies) will need a ticket.
Tickets are released one week in advance – Congleton Paddling Pool tickets here.
Parking The Congleton Paddling Pool.
Streets around the pool are resident-only parking, however, you will find car parks around the town centre.
See here for more information about the Congleton Paddling Pool.
Church Walk Paddling Pool, Northwich (Approx 31 Miles, 40 Minutes from Manchester) CW9 5QG
Image Credit Northwich County Council
This free community paddling pool was refrubish a few years ago and has proved very popular ever since.
The pool offers male and female toilets which also double as changing rooms and an onsite shop selling food and drink.
There are seats around the pool and grass areas for picnics.
You will also find family park with lots of play equipment near to the pool.
When is Church Walk Paddling Pool Open.
Church Walk Paddling Pool will be open from late May until early September
It is open 7 days a week with two sessions each day from:
- Morning from 10.00 am to 1.00pm and
- Afternoon from 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm.
Booking Tickets for the Church Walk Paddling Pool
Entry to the Church Walk Paddling Pool is free however tickets are required.
To book tickets to the Church Walk Paddling Pool see here.
Hathersage Outdoor Swimming Pool, Hathersage (Aprox 32 Miles, 1 hour away from Manchester) S32 1DU
Image Credit Hathersage Outdoor Pool
This 100ft Outdoor Swimming pool, just an hour from Manchester is a popular choice all year round. Busy in the summer months when the pool is heated to 28°C.
They have refurbished changing rooms, an onsite cafe with hot and cold drinks, ice creams, homemade meals and snacks.
The pool offers public swim sessions at various times each day along with private hire.
There is also a safe playing field perfect for picnics and games after your dip and a small playground on the M.U.G.A along with a skate park, table tennis and more.
When is Hathersage Outdoor Swimming Pool open?
Hathersage Outdoor Pool is now open all year round.
They are open 7 days a week from 7.30 am to 9.00 pm (6.00 pm on a Sunday )offering different sessions such as lane swims, member-only and Aqua Fit.
The general swims take place 11.00 am to 12.55 pm each day, 2.00 pm to 3.55 pm most days. Plus there are usually evenings sessions on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Booking tickets to Hathersage Outdoor Swimming Pool open?
The general swim sessions cost:
- £8.00 for adults,
- £4 for 4 to 17 year olds
- Free for 0 to 3 year olds
- £21 for Family tickets for 2 adults and 2 kids
Tickets are released at 7.00am on Fridays for sessions in the following week and can be booked here.
Parking at Hathersage Outdoor Swimming Pool
There is limited parking at the pool and a pay-and-display car park across the road.
Bakewell Recreation Ground Splash Zone (Aproximatley 33 miles, 56 minutes away from Manchester) DE45 1EZ
Image Credit Derbyshire Dales Council
The wet play area at the Bakewell Recreation is a good choice to cool off the kids.
The splash zone boasts timer and interactive jets and sprays and there is also a lovely playground with some great equipment.
The splash zone is free and is usually now open from mid-April to October seven days a week.
You will also find sports courts (fee payable) and a pavilion. Toilets can be found at the Agriculture Business Centre where there is onsite parking for a fee.
Thompson Park Paddling Pool, Burnley (Aprox 34 miles, 39 minutes away from Manchester) BB11 3QW
Image Credit – Burnley County Council
This great park in Burnley famous for its boating lake also boasts a fun paddling pool, perfect for colling down in.
The pool is usually only filled on warmer days during the weekends and school holidays, between April and September, and you can call 01282 831053 to check before setting off.
See here for more information.
There is also a large sandpit near the pool a miniature railway, a play area and a cafe.
The boating lake offers a variety of boats and kayaks to rent from just £4.00
The park is open 12.00 am to 4.00 pm.
We understand that there is free street parking.
Sandy Lane Aqua Park, Chester (Aprox 41 miles, 57 minutes from Manchester) CH3 5UL
Image Credit Cheshire West and Chester Council
If you fancy a day trip, Sandy Lane Aqua Park in Chester is a great place to cool down.
Offering a dedicated aqua park splash with 10 fun features including tunnels, a spray mushroom and more.
There is also a great playground and great views over the river Dee where you can also catch a small ferry for £1 for adults and 50p for children.
We understand there you can often find ice cream vans there in the summer months.
When is the Sandy Lane Aqua Park Open
The Aqua Park is free to use and now open until 3rd September and is open daily from 11.00 am to 5.00 pm (although closes for a short time each day between 1.00 pm and 3.00 pm for maintenance).
Parking for the Sandy Lane Aqua Park.
There is a small car park near the park, alternatively, you can park on a grass verge just outside.
Always check before setting off to Sandy Lane Park in case of closures here.
Hall Leys Park, Matlock (Aproximatley 41 miles , 1 hour 22 minutes away from Manchester)
Image Credit Derbyshire Dales Council
Located in the beautiful Matlock, Hall Leys Park offers a fun interactive wet play area with fountains and splash zone.
The splash zone is open from April to
The free-to-enter Hall Leys Park also has a skate park, a boating lake, a miniature train, a good playground with accessible equipment and a cafe.
There is a small charge to use the toilets.
There is no parking at the park, however, we have been informed that there is parking at the cricket club near one of the park’s entrances.
Splash Zone and Paddling Pool, Lytham St Annes (Aprox 51 miles, 1 hour away from Manchester)
The newest in our list is Splash at Lytham St Anne’s.
This outdoor water play has a safe rubber floor, spray loops, water sprays, bucket drops, water domes and more. There is a place for adults to sit and there are public toilets nearby charged at 20p.
Lytham St Annes Splash is located near to the Toby Caveryand is open 10.00am to 4.00pm from April to September.
Booking is required and places cost £1.
Read More >>> Booking tickets to Splash at Lytham St Annes.
Along with Spalsh, Lytham St Annes also has a small paddling pool located just 5 minutes walk away.
There are a few car parks in the location along with street parking. Access is to the beach is only 5 minutes away from both pool and splash zones and you will find cafes serving ice creams, hot and cold food and drinks in both directions. There are also trampolines and a little train close by.
Read More >>> Tips for a day out at Lytham St Annes
Happy Mount Park, Morecambe (Aprox 59 miles, 1 hour and 12 minutes away from Manchester) LA4 5AQ
Image Credit Morecambe County Council
If you plan a day in Morecambe, Happy Mount Park is a great place to visit.
The Happy Mount’s Splash Park offers multiple waterjets activated by movement and is wheelchair friendly.
There is also a carousel of water buckets, water arches and cannons.
The Happy Mount Park is also home to Adventure Golf, an indoor play area, a natural adventure playground, a train ride, trampolines and lots more.
Ice cream can be found at vans throughout the park and you will also discover a Cafe Rastelli selling hot and cold food, hand rolled icecream and cakes.
The park is free to enter with charges for some of the attractions.
When is the Morecambe, Happy Mount Park Splash Zone open?
The Happy Mount Splash Zone is from May until September.
Access to the Splash Zone is available on weekends during term time and each day during the school holidays.
Sessions are for 1 hour between the times of 10.15 am to 5.00 pm
Tickets to The Morecambe, Happy Mount Park Splash Zone?
The Morecambe splash zones cost £4 per person (including adults) per session and £1 for spectators.
Tickets can only be booked on the day of your visit from 9.30 am at the green kiosk and both cash and cards both accepted.
More details about the Splash Park here.
Parking at the Morecambe, Happy Mount Park Splash Zone
You will find parking available on the promenade and there is a pay-and-display car park next to the park in front of Morecambe Golf Course.
IIkley Pool and Lido, Bradford (Aproximatley 57 miles, 1 hour 14 minutes away from Manchester) LS29 0BZ
Image Credit Bradford County Council
If you fancy a real outdoor swim this is the place to come.
They have both an outdoor and indoor pool great for all weathers.
Along with the IIkley outdoor pool, there is also a cafe (cash only), a picnic area and an ice-cream van on hotter days.
They open during the summer months.
How Much is the Lido at IIkley?
The Lido at Iikley costs £6.45 for adults and £3.45 for kids over 3 years.
Parking at IIkley Pool and Lido Open?
Iikley Pool offers a good amount of onsite parking.
Read >>> Best Beaches around Manchester
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