Sandcastle Waterpark

At the end of June, Sandcastle Waterpark celebrated 40 years of history with an 80s party in the pool attended by hundreds of water-loving fans. As we enjoy more sunny days and with another ‘heatwave’ on the horizon, there’s no better time to put the spotlight on Sandcastle. 

When it opened in June 1986 on the site of Blackpool’s South Shore Open Air Baths with just two slides and a wave pool, excited visitors eager to take to the water queued to take a dip. That popularity has never dwindled. The millionth visitors attended the park just a year after it opened and received lifetime passes to help celebrate. Today, during busy periods like the summer holidays, time slots are sometimes booked up weeks in advance! 

We joined the many friends, families and visitors from far and wide to wish Sandcastle “Happy Birthday” and spoke with Ardeshir and Juliet, a couple from the Netherlands who chose to travel to the UK to join the landmark celebrations “We’re huge fans of waterparks and have travelled to many.  

“The chance to celebrate the birthday of UK’s largest indoor waterpark was too good to miss so here we are and we’re having a great time! It’s really impressive and we can’t wait to try out all the rides” 

Some things have changed since the opening in 1986. The waterpark now boasts 18 rides, including the Masterblaster which opened 20 years ago and remains the longest indoor water coaster in the country.  

The most recent rides were added in 2012, Aztec Falls which involved a drop from the rooftop down to a swirling Aztec bowl in complete darkness and a toboggan-like slide called Montazooma where visitors can hurtle through hairpin bends and 360 helixes in just 20 seconds!  

A must-visit for families with over 18 slides and attractions… an adrenaline-packed, tropical-themed daycation at this award-winning UK waterpark.
 BirminghamWorld

The waterpark has had its moments in the spotlight over the years with appearances on the small screen. Back in the 90s it was home to BBC gameshow The Wetter the Better and Justin Fletcher brought his popular character Mr Tumble for an episode of Something Special in 2012. It is also home to the world record for The Most People Down a Water Slide in One Hour, which was recorded in 2016 when 529 people visited on its 20th anniversary.  

Sandcastle’s popularity and commitment to providing an incredible experience have been evident over the years with its many award wins and its consistent place in the Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Awards. It often finds itself in the top 1% of attractions worldwide and amongst the top 25 waterparks in Europe on the site. 

Probably the best waterpark in the UK.
Tripadvisor review

Regular award nominations have come from the Lancashire Tourism Awards, and in 2018 the waterpark received the award for Inclusive Tourism. It was recognised for its inclusivity again in 2023 when it won the VisitEngland Gold Award for Access for All. It is also holder of a Keep Britain Tidy Green Key Award, showing guests that it does its part to protect nature by actively improving its environmental performance.  

Sandcastle is an incredible example of a venue that takes access and inclusion seriously and made adaptations to make it a wonderful experience for as many people as possible…We wish more venues could follow in Sandcastle’s footsteps!   Review on Euan’s Guide

This year has not only seen the 40th birthday for Sandcastle but a huge £500,000 refurbishment to ensure it remains top notch. The refurbishment involved a brand-new changing room, repainting of all slides and brand-new audio system, which sounded fantastic with the 80s tunes on the day itself!  

Kyle Woodcock, General Manager at Sandcastle Waterpark, commented on the birthday saying: “Celebrating 40 years of Sandcastle Waterpark is an incredible milestone for our team and Blackpool. 

“Over the decades we’ve welcomed millions of guests through our doors, and we know we hold a special place in the heart of many visitors.” 

Sandcastle Waterpark is open until 8pm over the school holidays, with its tropical 84-degree heat and great access for wheelchair users, plus quiet hours for those with sensory needs, it’s a great day out. Find out more at www.sandcastle-waterpark.co.uk