I tried the UK's best waterpark in Blackpool - here's a top tip for parents visiting this half term

I’ve always been a water baby, so when I was asked if I wanted to visit the UK’s best waterpark my response was a resounding yes.

The mention of the Sandcastle in Blackpool has always stirred happy memories from my childhood.

Whether it was spending hours zipping down slides, riding the waves or simply just splashing about it has always been a happy place for me.

Now I’m a mum-of-three I love any opportunity to share this special place with my children who are aged just four, five and six.

Ahead of our visit last weekend, I was nostalgically reminiscing about my visits to the waterpark as a child, when it dawned on me - the Sandcastle first opened its doors in June 1986 when I was one.

For some reason I feel like it has always been there as a fundamental rite of passage for every Fylde coast adult - a place even those older than me at 41 - had always visited. Well I can tell you the realisation was sobering.

This year the Sandcastle is celebrating its 40th birthday and has undergone more than £500,000 investment into enhancing including a brand‑new changing village featuring upgraded cubicles and lockers.

As we arrived at the South Shore attraction, I sensed the familiar excitement in my stomach I used to get as a child.

We made our way to the new changing village - which has really handy family changing facilities which means both myself and my husband can help the children instead of one of us having to fight to contain them.

The smart new lockers are a nice addition and easily accessed by a touch screen computer.

After changing - albeit not quickly enough for the children - we were ready to tackle the subtropical 84-degree environment with 18 slides and attractions ranging from white-knuckle rides to family-friendly chutes.

And here’s where my top tip comes in. I hate it when you go swimming and after spending hours digging out the trusted armbands and swim rings realise one has popped or worst still you left one behind.

At the Sandcastle there is no need to deal with any of that stress. There are two huge tracks of free to borrow life jackets in varying sizes.

This was our first stop. Every child is wearing them and the children were thrilled.

We then made our way into the pool and after trying the slides on the pirate ship, we excitedly made our way to the lazy river. For me this has to be the star attraction.

The current pulls you along as you try to navigate the overhanging buckets of water falling from up above.

As I looked around not only my family, both those around us were laughing and giggling and were desperate to go around again.

Next it was time to give the wave pool a go. Jumping the waves proved a huge hit for the children.

My eldest and my husband also tried out the yellow and blue slides and we all loved the Caribbean Storm Treehouse.

In September this year the Sandcastle, which is owned by Blackpool Council and operated by Blackpool Tourism Limited, was crowned Waterpark of the Year at the prestigious UK Theme Park Awards.

And I have to say it definitely deserves the accolade.

If you need an excuse to book a visit this year - how about this - all residents with a FY postcode receive 50% discount off admission!

The waterpark caters for younger children and for older teens who can try the whiteknuckle Aztec Falls, Montazooma, Sidewinder and Masterblaster.

There is even a Sea Breeze Spa for over 18s to re-new and re-energise featuring a sauna, steam room, heated loungers, foot spas, aromatherapy and salt Inhalation room.

And for when you need to refuel, located inside the waterpark is WatersEdge Kitchen serving a great range of meal deals including hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and jacket potatoes.

Take this as your cue to book a visit this October half term.

For more information or to book visit here.