Greater Manchester’s £5 pool with wave machine, rapids, slide and more

When it comes to water parks, Manchester is seriously lacking. The new Therme attraction is now being built near the Trafford Center but is not expected to open until 2025.

There is however one local swimming destination that attracts families from miles around – and that is Hyde Leisure Pool. They are definitely not your typical bathrooms. It has a “Red Ripster” water slide, wild water, water cannons, wave machine, bubble beds and geysers.

The Active Hyde site, part of Active Tameside, was actually opened in 1987. In 2009, the pool closed for almost a year to refurbish the steel frame, extend the fitness room, renovate the changing facilities and build the new health suite.

READ MORE: Things to do with the kids this May half term

This also allowed for the installation of the popular Red Ripster ride and the creation of a new café and spectator area. Anyone 1.1m or taller can use the slide.

More recently, in July 2021, a brand new six-lane, 25-metre pool opened its doors there too and provides space for school swimming and learn-to-swim sessions. It also welcomed back the Hyde Seal Swimming Club, which was removed from the old Hyde Baths in 1984.

The new pool has a pool bridge and changing areas for changing rooms and shower rooms to allow disabled people to enjoy the pool.

Prices have gone up in recent years, but it’s much more affordable than other water parks and activities. It costs £5 for children aged five to 16 and £7.50 for adults. Under fives cost £2.50 and you can get a family ticket for either two adults and two children or one adult and three children for £20.

During swim, slide and wave sessions, under-fives must be accompanied at all times by an adult aged 16 or over on a one-to-one basis. Any child between the ages of five and eight must be accompanied at all times by an adult aged 16 or over on a two-to-one basis.

Anyone can visit, so you don’t have to be a member. Visit the website to book.