‘Home of watersports’ to open just in time for Bank Holiday weekend

There are a range of activities on offer from wakeboarding to yoga

An aqua park situated in “idyllic and lush English countryside”, is set to reopen on Saturday, May 2 – just in time for the bank holiday weekend. Southlake Waterpark in Little Paxton, near St Neots, not only has an aqua park, but also paddle boarding, open water swimming, a boat driving hub, and yoga by the lakes.

The venue is set within three freshwater lakes, and offers free parking on-site along with changing facilities, showers, and toilets. The aqua park features a large inflatable course with two big slides, and if you’re looking for that extra thrill, it has a large ramp to jump off into the water.

If you fancy something with a bit more adrenaline, then they offer lessons in waterskiing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding, wake-skating, and Ringo rides. Lessons are led by coaches and anyone at any skill level can have a go. Ringo rides are a good option for groups, as up to five people can ride at the same time.

For a more chilled activity, there is paddleboarding. While more experienced paddleboarder will be able to make their way gracefully around the lake, it may involve a bit more concentration and balance for a beginner. It’s a great way to have a laugh with friends and family all in the serene setting of the lake. Open water swimming is also available if you want to ditch the board.

If you’d rather stay on dry land, then there are yoga classes right on the edge of the lake. In the spring and summer, classes take place outside in a beautifully decorated marquee, with the addition of heating and blankets during the colder months. Classes should leave you feeling chilled out and relaxed. For that added bit of excitement while still staying dry, you could learn to drive a boat at the boat driving hub.

The aqua park, which is large enough to host up to 100 people per session, is available for children aged six and up. Users will need to be a minimum of 120cm tall and have the ability to swim 25m unaided.

The park will be operating 11am to 6pm everyday and costs £17 per 50-minute session, per participant. A second consecutive session on the same day costs £8.50. It costs £15 to rent a paddle board for a 50-minute session or alternatively, visitors can bring their own paddle board, kayak, or canoe to use on-site for £7 per person, per session.

From competitive swimmers or those who simply enjoy a wild swim, Southlake Waterpark offers open water swimming sessions running from April 18 until October 31, 2026 for £5 per swim.

Reviews have described the venue as a “really fun and interactive experience” with a “great lake to swim in”. One review said: “Fantastic inflatables – best and biggest we’ve experienced. My 9 year old son and I had the time of our lives.

“Loads to enjoy for all ages (adults included!). Friendly staff and atmosphere, clean and tidy changing rooms with free lockers to store belongings. We’ll definitely be back again!”

Another review said: “Excellent afternoon. I haven’t laughed so much for ages and the kids really enjoyed it too. Glad that we all decided to have a go. I would have been really envious watching even though I struggled to get on the inflatables.”