Peterborough Wake Park

The cable system runs every few minutes, pulling wakeboarders and skiers across water that's seen better days but absolutely does the job. Peterborough Wake Park sits on the outskirts of the city, and if you're staying at Ferry Meadows or Nene Outdoors nearby, it's a quick drive to something genuinely different from the usual park holiday routine.

You don't need prior experience. Complete beginners can hire equipment and get lessons, though expect to spend time face-first in the water before you nail it. The park runs different difficulty levels on the cable, so kids as young as eight or nine can have a go, and confident swimmers pick it up faster than you'd think.

It's not a place to lounge about for hours. Most people do a session - usually an hour or so - then head off. The actual riding time across the park is maybe 30 seconds per run, so you'll spend downtime waiting between goes. That's the cable park trade-off, and it keeps the atmosphere focused rather than chaotic.

Best for teenagers and adults who want a proper adrenaline hit rather than another day of miniature golf. Fair warning: you'll be wet through and tired afterwards. Winter's quieter if you prefer fewer crowds, though the water temperature won't thrill you. Summer weekends get busy.

Check their current rates and session times before heading over - details do change seasonally.