Region: Cornwall & Devon | Category: Days Out | Age range: 1m+ (most slides), all ages
Oh my goodness, where do we even begin? We have just had the most incredible day at Splashdown Quaywest in Paignton, and we are still buzzing from all the fun. It is genuinely the UK’s biggest outdoor waterpark, and it absolutely lives up to the hype.
As a neurodivergent family of four — Bodhi Honey (7, Autism PDA profile) and River Ace (4, on the assessment pathway for ASD and ADHD) — we were a little unsure what to expect. Waterparks can be overwhelming: the noise, the crowds, the unpredictability. But Splashdown Quaywest exceeded every hope we had. It is truly a place where summer dreams come true for families like ours.
Our Number One Tip: Wear Wetsuits
Before we get into the slides, we have to share the single best piece of advice we received before our visit: wear wetsuits. We heard this recommendation and it was a game-changer. Even though it was a bright day, the wetsuits kept us perfectly warm and comfortable, allowing us to stay in the water for hours without a shiver. For Bodhi Honey in particular, staying warm and regulated made the whole experience so much more enjoyable. Do not skip this — it genuinely transforms the day.
The Slides: Something for Everyone
What we loved most about Splashdown Quaywest is the sheer variety of ways to experience each slide. You are not just limited to one type of ride — you can choose to go on a body slide, grab a mat for head-first thrills, or jump on a tyre for a more relaxed (but still exciting!) journey. We literally did them all, and it felt like a different adventure every single time.
The Screamer was an absolute blast — true to its name, it is a short, sharp burst of speed that leaves you breathless and giggling. We all did it multiple times. The Wild Kamikaze is a step up: three steep drops that really get your heart pumping. Both kids were absolute troopers on these, though the Wild Kamikaze is definitely not for the faint-hearted. We were not quite brave enough to face the legendary Devil’s Drop on this visit — it looks seriously intense — but it gives us something to aim for next time.
The tyre rides were a fantastic experience for the whole family. Raging Rapids had us spiralling and spinning through twists and turns, with a wonderfully bumpy finish. Bodhi Honey particularly loved the unexpected splashes — the kind of sensory surprise that, in the right environment, she absolutely thrives on. The Surf Lagoon was a classic serpentine ride with plenty of twists and turns that gave us a good tumble and had everyone laughing.
The mat rides were equally brilliant. The Sidewinder weaves through open and closed tubes, giving you glimpses of the sky before diving back into darkness — such a thrill. The Corkscrew, despite its apparently shallow descent, left us in a proper spin with its 360-degree turns. For a gentler introduction, Wet and Wild is perfect — still lots of twists and turns, but a great warm-up for the bigger slides. River, being just over 1m, was able to join in on so many of these, and his excitement was infectious.
Taking a Break
When it was time to rest, Captain Lewey’s Shipwreck Island was our go-to spot. It is a vibrant, colourful play area surrounded by plenty of seating and sunbathing terraces, so we could relax and soak up the atmosphere while the kids played. We grabbed a hot food and drinks meal deal from Captain Lewey’s for £8.95 — genuinely good value and surprisingly tasty. The toilets, showers, and changing rooms are a short walk away, which made life easy.
One practical note: bring a 20p coin for the lockers. We nearly got caught out on that one.
Practical Information
| Detail | Info |
| Location | Goodrington Road, Paignton, Devon TQ4 6LN |
| Minimum height | 1m for most slides (confident swimmers) |
| Swimming pool | 20m pool, 1.2m deep — great for a relaxed dip |
| Food | Captain Lewey’s meal deal from £8.95 |
| Lockers | 20p coin required |
| Our tip | Bring wetsuits — it makes the whole day |
Our Verdict
Splashdown Quaywest is one of the best days out we have ever had as a family. Seeing Bodhi Honey so happy, engaged, and regulated — and River so confidently tackling slides that would have intimidated many children his age — made it genuinely special. The variety of rides means there is something for every age and confidence level, and the wetsuit tip means you can stay all day without getting cold.
We are already planning our return trip. The Devil’s Drop will not beat us next time. Nearest Club sites: Beverley Park, Paignton | Newquay | Hillhead, Brixham
