Bracknell’s £13m indoor water park is the perfect family day out near London even when the British weather lets you down
After the first proper heatwave of the year and another forecast for this week, finding somewhere to cool off this summer is going to be at the top of many people’s to-do lists. Of course, the British Summer is an unpredictable beast, and no doubt, the one day you do book the perfect activity for a heatwave day, it’ll rain and be chilly.
But that’s not an issue for one attraction that’s becoming increasingly popular with Londoners, despite being a short trip out of the capital. Coral Reef Waterworld is an indoor ‘interactive’ water park and is one of the largest of its kind in the UK.
Located in Bracknell, Berkshire, the centre reckons it has something for everyone, rain or shine, and they may be right. After undergoing a £13 million transformation in 2017, the centre has everything from water slides and a pirate ship to a lazy river and a spa, catering for all ages and tastes.
Thrill-seekers can begin with The Canon, a “high-speed thrill ride” equipped with sensors that clock your time down. Those seeking competition can attempt to surpass the day’s quickest time, which appears after racing down the 67-metre flume.
For those preferring a gentler option, Aqua Splash features a flume with 15 touch pads that illuminate as you pass. The objective is to trigger as many as you can, accumulating points throughout your descent.
Meanwhile, Storm Chaser delivers a more intense journey through choppy waters. Tackle it alone or pair up with a family member for this experience. Storm Chaser’s distinctive feature lies in its personalisation capabilities, enabling riders to select a soundtrack and lighting effects to craft their unique adventure down the slide.
The exhilarating Poseidon’s Peril, a two-person raft attraction that propels you through 20 spinning illuminated rings, creates a spectacular illusion of plunging towards the seabed. And don’t overlook Maelstrom, a deceptively peaceful ride featuring calm waters, gentle lighting and soothing music. But don’t be fooled – you’ll quickly discover yourself inside a turbulent cone where the water swirls and throws you about before you reach the finish. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart!
If slides do not appeal to you, Coral Reef Waterworld offers numerous other attractions. For younger visitors, there are paddling pools featuring miniature slides, drench buckets, water troughs and a yellow diving bell.
The lazy river suits those wanting to unwind, though if you fancy something rather more thrilling, try the rapid-flowing waters of the Disco Island Rapid Channel. The Coralina Pirate Ship, fitted with water cannons and slides, stands out as a park favourite – it even features an erupting volcano.
Bear in mind that it’s essential to reserve your session online before your visit, and to arrive 15 minutes before your session starts. The facility runs from 9am to 8.45pm on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, from 9am to 8pm on weekends, and from 9am to 7pm on bank holidays. The centre is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Coral Reef Waterworld ticket prices 2026
- Family ticket (2 adults and 2 juniors) £69.95
- Adult (16+) £20.55
- Children (5+) £14.55
- Small children (0-4) £1.95
- Concessions (64+) £14.55
- Spectators £1.50
- Bracknell Forest Resident ticket £11.35
The centre does have rules over child supervision depending on their ages and says that guests must book before coming. You can book tickets and get full information about the centre on its website here.
