Alpamare UK

Alpamare UK sits right on Scarborough's seafront and is essentially a sprawling waterpark built around alpine theming - think pretend chalets, artificial snow effects, and slides that range from gentle to genuinely thrilling. You're getting a proper indoor-outdoor water experience, with everything from lazy rivers to plunge pools, plus a spa complex if you fancy a bit of pampering between the slides.

It's brilliant for families with children old enough to handle water slides without getting spooked - young toddlers might find it overwhelming, but seven-year-olds upwards will have a blast. Adults can either throw themselves down the steeper runs or retreat to the spa facilities and let the kids wear themselves out. The theming is a bit daft if you're being honest, but in a fun way that adds to the ridiculousness.

You'll need a good half-day minimum, ideally a full day to avoid feeling rushed. The water can be cold even indoors, so go in summer if possible. Being right in Scarborough means you're perfectly positioned for a holiday park base - Parkdean Resorts Cayton Bay or Haven Blue Dolphin are both within easy reach and offer that proper seaside caravan experience. After Alpamare, you can hit the regular beach, try the seafront arcades, or grab fish and chips without going far.

It's not cheap, but for rainy days or when you want water thrills without driving to a theme park, it does the job well enough.