Willow Lake Water Park

A sprawling water park just outside Northampton that's become the go-to spot for families wanting to cool off without driving hours. Willow Lake has the usual suspects - slides, a lazy river, splash pools for the littlest ones - but it's the sheer size of the place that impresses. You can easily lose half a day here, and on a proper summer's day that feels like money well spent.

Kids aged five to fourteen will get the most from it. Toddlers have their own shallow area, which is decent, but older teens might find it a touch tame compared to the bigger attractions. The water quality's been maintained well enough, and the staff keep a close eye on things - important when there's this many people in one spot.

It's worth checking the website for current admission prices and opening hours before you head over, as these things shift seasonally. Allow a full day rather than a half-day visit; you'll want at least four to five hours to actually enjoy it rather than rush through. Summer weekdays are far quieter than weekends.

If you're staying at Billing Aquadrome or one of the other holiday parks dotted within walking distance - Riverview and Glamping Pod are practically on the doorstep - you've got a built-in activity. Pair it with a visit to nearby Sywell Country Park for something less frantic, or head into Northampton town centre for lunch. It's the kind of place you go to because it's there and convenient, not because you've been planning the trip for months.