The Splash Zone at Flamingo Land Resort

Water slides and wave pools aren't everyone's idea of a proper day out, but if you've got kids who'd rather spend hours getting soaked than wandering round a museum, Flamingo Land's Splash Zone delivers. It's part of the wider Flamingo Land Resort near Pickering, so you're not just getting a water park in isolation - you can combine it with the zoo and rides if you fancy a full day of chaos.

The Splash Zone itself has the usual suspects: slides of varying steepness, a lazy river if you want to drift about, and pools for both confident swimmers and toddlers who just want to splash about. On a sunny day in summer it's rammed, so go early or expect queues that'll test your patience. The water's kept warm enough that you won't spend the whole time shivering.

It's genuinely best for families with children aged 4-14. Teenagers will find it a bit tame, and if you're after a relaxing spa experience, look elsewhere. Allow a full day if you're doing the whole resort, or half a day just for the water side of things.

Stay nearby at Westgate Carr Farm or Black Bull Caravan Park - both are minutes away - and you can head back for a kip before returning for the evening. Check opening hours and admission prices on the Flamingo Land website before you visit, as they vary by season. It's worth the trip if water park chaos is your thing, but it's not a detour on its own.