The fantastic Kent splash pool children will love with waterslide and cafe in stunning country park

The Kent weather is forecast to be weekend perfect with sun and temperatures starting to feel summer-like. It's barbecue weather but the children will have one thing on their mind, going to cool off with some water fun.

Look no further than this spectacular water attraction, Swanley Park Water Park. It opened for the season 10 days ago and judging by the weather this week, it was perfect timing.

And there is a "slip and slide" inflatable waterslide and pool. The attraction called The Plunge, is described as "truly unrivalled summer fun for children".

Don't forget there are also flamingo pedalos to take out on the three acre boating lake. The splash pool, which opened in 2021, is Swanley Park's most popular attraction.

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The large splash pool has been designed shallow enough for all the family to enjoy. Swanley Town Council's website said it was a safe area to play, as it was regulated by trained staff and uses sophisticated technology.

It also has a bed of soft flooring, so children who get excited won't hurt themselves. And for adults who want to relax, there are deck chairs to hire, for £3 for all-day.

Splash pool sessions have to be booked and the good news is they are free. There are peak sessions and off-peak sessions. The only session you will have to pay for are the 'quiet sessions' which are from 9am to 10.30am at peak times which are weekends, school and bank holidays, with the charge at £3.

People intending to go to the pool are urged to book. The calendar will accept bookings up to a week in advance. There are multiple sessions a day, but ticket purchases are limited.

Swanley Park is 12 miles from Sevenoaks and lies between Swanley and Hextable. It has been turned into the gem it is today during the past 40 years, and is owned by Swanley Town Council.

In addition to the water park and paddling pool, the sand play and family enclosure are fairly recent additions to the park. Swanley Park is the proud owner of the Loo of the Year Awards 2022 - achieving the highest standard of gold. There is also a changing places facility.

It is impossible to list all the brilliant things the park has, but a must-visit is the Swanley New Barn Railway, which runs miniature traction engines and just held its two day summer gala.

The railway is open every weekend from Easter until October and during Kent school holidays, volunteer numbers and weather permitting. Don't forget Swanley Park Cafe opposite the splash park. It has lots on the menu from scampi and chips to chicken wraps, sandwiches, baguettes and toasties, to hot and cold drinks, ice creams, cakes, sweets, smoothies and more.

You need to book, if you want to take the wee ones to the new The Barnyard soft play centre, and a quick glance at prices shows off peak weekdays is £6 a child. See here for full details about sessions.

There is also a shop with everything from towels, buckets and spades, to baby wipes, sun lotion, frisbees, swim nappies, footballs and swimming outfits.

The splash pool sessions:

Peak sessions: weekends, school and bank holidays

9am to 10.30am: quiet session: £3 each

11am to 2pm: session one: free

2.30pm to 5.30pm: session two: free

Off-peak sessions: weekdays

11am to 5pm (no charge)

The Plunge sessions:

Do you dare to take The Plunge?

Height restrictions: (Min height 1m and max height 1.4m)
Cost: £2.50
Duration: 10 Minutes

Boating lake

You can hire pedalos, canoes and rowing boats.

Pedalos can sit up to two adults and two small children, whilst rowing boats take up to three adults and one child. There are two canoe options, family canoe which can sit up to two adults and one child, or single canoes for one child aged nine and over.

No children under nine (Under 16 for Rowing) can be on a boat unaccompanied without a guardian over the age of 18.

Pedalos £12 and rowing boat £8 (both for 20 minutes). Kayak £5. Duck feed £1.

How to book your session at Swanley Park Splash Pool sessions

Find out more and book your sessions here

Where to park and how much

All day parking charge is £4.25 or up to 1 hour is £1.50. The QR code can be scanned as you leave to pay. The car parks are The Birches and New Barn Road.

Address: Swanley Park, New Barn Road, Swanley, BR8 7PW

Opening times: Activities open from 11am and close at 5pm each day.

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