Oxford Wet n Wild

Water parks aren't exactly thin on the ground in the South East, but Oxford Wet n Wild offers something straightforward - a decent afternoon's splash about without the circus of the massive chain attractions. It's the kind of place where families can actually get in the water rather than spend two hours queuing for a slide.

You're looking at water rides, pools, and the usual suspects - inflatables, slides, wave machines if you're lucky. Kids under about eight will have a proper time of it; teenagers might find it a bit tame. The best bit is the proximity to Oxford itself - you can combine it with a punt on the Cherwell or a wander through the colleges without travelling miles.

Timing matters here. Summer holidays are rammed, obviously. June or September are smarter bets if you've got school-age kids. Allow three to four hours maximum - it's not an all-day affair, which honestly suits most families fine.

The caravan sites around here - Durham Leys Farm is closest at under three miles, or Benson Waterfront if you want something beside the Thames - make decent bases for a week mixing water fun with proper Oxfordshire exploring. Head into Oxford town centre for culture, then back to the park when everyone needs cooling off. It works.