Huge outdoor water park with obstacles returns to south Essex shopping centre

One of the UK’s biggest inflatable outdoor water parks has opened next to a south Essex shopping centre for its fourth year.

Aqua Park Lakeside has been welcoming visitors to the water outside since 2020, and returned for it’s fourth summer season at the West Thurrock shopping centre at the weekend.

Hundreds of people enjoyed the first weekend of Aqua Park Lakeside, tackling the more than 40 inflatables that make up the water park attraction.

It is operated by one of the UK’s biggest inflatable water park operators, Aqua Park Group, and obstacles include the popular The Mammoth, Flip or Flop and Blast Bags, and will remain open throughout the summer.

Thrills and spills – Aqua Park Lakeside (Image: Aqua Park Lakeside)

It’s located at situated at next to the Travelodge at Alexandra Lake, Lakeside Shopping Centre.

Connor James, founder of Aqua Park Lakeside, said: “The last couple of years have been tough for everyone and as a business we’re so pleased to see so many people back enjoying the inflatables at Lakeside.

“While the weather wasn’t a heatwave, it was great to see the smiles on people’s faces and laughter as everyone enjoyed favourites from previous years, including the ‘Flip or Flop’.

“With household budgets likely to be limited this year, we’ve once again introduced the Aqua Park Season Pass, which covers entry to our four UK water park locations.

“The season passes are for those who want to return or even visit our other water parks at Grafham Water, Cardiff Bay or Rutland Water.

“It means people can book up to twice a week for the whole summer giving families an easy and cost-effective way to keep the kids active throughout the summer.”

All visitors to Aqua Park Lakeside will be provided buoyancy aids, but must be aged six and over, 1.2m tall and able to swim 25 metres unaided to take part.

Qualified lifeguards will be on duty throughout the day, both in and out of the water.

Tickets for the park can be booked online at aquaparkgroup.co.uk/aqua-park-lakeside and cost £20 for a one-hour session.

It is recommended that a wetsuit is worn, although they can be hired for £5 when reserved in advance during the booking process.