Splashdown Quaywest

Updated September 16, 2025

Description

Splashdown Quaywest stands as South Devon’s largest outdoor waterpark, offering an exhilarating mix of heart-pumping water slides and family-friendly attractions. I’ve spent countless summer days here with my kids, and let me tell you – it’s a proper gem for anyone seeking aquatic thrills! The park features eight incredible water slides, each with its own personality (the Devil’s Drop still makes my stomach flip every time).

What really sets this place apart is how it caters to different comfort levels. From the pulse-racing vertical drops to the gentler family slides, there’s an adventure waiting for every brave soul who ventures in. The toddler area particularly impressed me – it’s thoughtfully designed with tiny tots in mind, featuring shallow waters and mini slides that’ll have your little ones giggling with joy.

Key Features

• Eight unique water slides, including the infamous Devil’s Drop and Wild Kamikaze
• Dedicated toddler splash zone with age-appropriate water features
• Heated swimming pools for comfortable all-day enjoyment
• Full wetsuit hire service (trust me, you might want one on cooler days!)
• Multiple food outlets serving hot meals, snacks, and refreshments
• Spacious sun terraces with stunning views over Goodrington Sands
• Clean changing facilities and lockers for secure storage
• First-aid station and qualified lifeguards on duty
• Accessible facilities for visitors with mobility challenges
• Plenty of seating areas for parents to supervise their water warriors

Best Time to Visit

As someone who’s experienced this park in various conditions, I’d say the sweet spot for visiting is between late June and early September. The water’s heated, but those sunny days definitely make the experience more enjoyable! Mid-morning tends to be less crowded – I usually aim to arrive right when they open at 10 AM.

July and August are obviously the busiest months (and the warmest!), but they’re also when the park really comes alive with energy. If you’re not tied to school holidays, try visiting in June or September – you’ll find shorter queues and more reasonable prices, plus the weather’s usually still pretty decent.

Weekdays are typically quieter than weekends, and I’ve noticed that overcast days can be absolute golden opportunities – fewer crowds but just as much fun! The park sometimes closes during heavy rain or thunderstorms, so it’s worth checking the forecast before heading out.

How to Get There

Getting to Splashdown Quaywest is pretty straightforward, especially if you’re already in the Torbay area. The park sits right above Goodrington Sands beach, and you really can’t miss it – just follow the sounds of happy screaming! By car, you’ll find it’s well-signposted from the main roads around Paignton.

If you’re using public transport, the nearest train station is Paignton, about a 20-minute walk away. There’s also a regular bus service that stops practically at the park’s entrance – I’ve used it several times when my car was in the shop, and it’s reliable enough.

For the adventurous types, you can even reach the park via the South West Coast Path – it’s a gorgeous walk from either Paignton or Brixham. Just remember you’ll need some energy left for climbing those slide towers!

Tips for Visiting

Ok, here’s where my years of experience really come in handy! First off, book your tickets online – you’ll save some cash and avoid disappointment during peak times. Pack your own towels and consider bringing water shoes (those steps can get pretty hot in the summer sun!).

The park provides life jackets free of charge, which is brilliant if you’ve got little ones who aren’t strong swimmers yet. Oh, and don’t forget to slather on waterproof sunscreen – I learned that lesson the hard way after one particularly red-faced day!

Food at the park is decent, but if you’re watching your budget, you’re welcome to bring your own picnic. There’s a designated eating area, and you can always pop back to your car to grab supplies (just make sure to get your hand stamped for re-entry).

Keep valuables to a minimum – the lockers are secure but they’re not huge. And here’s a pro tip: bring a bit of cash for the parking meter, as the card machines can be temperamental sometimes. Last but not least, try to tackle the biggest slides early in the day when queues are shorter – you’ll thank me later!

Remember those all-important height restrictions too – some slides have minimum height requirements of 1.2m. Save yourself any potential disappointment by checking these beforehand, especially if you’re bringing younger children. And don’t worry if you’re not a strong swimmer – the lifeguards here are super attentive and professional.

Key Highlights

• Key Features
• Best Time to Visit
• How to Get There
• Tips for Visiting

Location

Places to Stay Near Splashdown Quaywest

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