Massive Slip and Slide

You'll find this sprawling water attraction near Sidmouth - it's exactly what the name suggests, a genuine slip and slide that appeals to families with kids who want a break from the usual seaside routine. The thing is massive, which means queues can build quickly on hot days, but it's the kind of attraction where an hour of proper chaos with your children feels like money well spent.

What you're getting is straightforward fun rather than fancy theming. There's nothing pretentious about it - just water, gravity, and shrieking children doing what children do on slides. Adults will find themselves supervising more than participating, though some do have a go if they're feeling bold. It's the sort of place you visit once, have a laugh, get soaked, and move on.

Based near Sidmouth, it's a decent companion activity if you're staying at one of the local parks - Cuckoo Down Farm Glamping or Oakdown Touring and Holiday Caravan Park are both close by and highly rated. The Devon coast around here offers plenty of conventional beach time, so the slip and slide works as a change of pace when the novelty of paddling wears thin.

Bring a change of clothes and expect to be soaked through. Summer weekends get rammed, so weekday visits are genuinely smarter if you can manage them. It won't occupy you all day, but it's perfect for a couple of hours of straightforward entertainment when you need a quick fix of fun.