As a consequence of the UK’s unpredictable weather – waterparks are notoriously rare in the country, which often makes outdoor aquatic fun viable only a few months a year.
However, that’s about to change in a big way with the arrival of a brand new indoor water park resort courtesy a massive American resort builder already with 23 resorts spread across the US and Canada and is now about to make its European debut right here in the UK.
Why should we be stoked about this news, you ask?
It’s location has been specifically selected for its proximity to London – meaning fun sunny days splashing in water and family days out have just been guaranteed.
What is Great Wolf Lodge and where will it reside in the UK?
Great Wolf Lodge is an American resort brand famed for its large-scale indoor water parks with 23 resorts spread across the US and Canada. Making its European debut, the Bicester location has been selected for its proximity to Londonits convenient connections to major motorways, and its central position between other large urban areas.
What can visitors expect from the brand new indoor water park resort?
Once complete, the resort is projected to cost around £200million and is expected to create 600 local jobs. The Bicester resort will be more than just a water park – it’s designed as a comprehensive indoor holiday destination, similar in spirit to Center Parks.
So you can expect – a mega indoor waterpark with dozens of slides, pools, and aquatic attractions to keep families entertained year-round. A large hotel with hundreds of rooms, enabling multi-day stays. An adventure playpark & conference space, expanding the resort’s appeal beyond just splashy fun to business events and kids’ activities. And of course, dining and entertainment options all under one roof, to deliver an all-in-one experience, no matter the weather outside.
When will the brand new indoor water park resort open in the UK?
The resort is already under construction on a converted old golf course in Bicester. Planning permission has been granted, but there is no official opening date yet. If construction timelines for similar Great Wolf projects are any indication, it could take about two years from groundbreaking to first guests, making a pre-2030 opening seem likely – but not guaranteed.
What’s next?
The Bicester Great Wolf Lodge will be the first of three planned UK lodges, with future locations mooted for Derbyshire and Hampshire. The project is being closely watched by those eager for more family leisure destinations in the UK. For updates on construction and opening dates, keep an eye on Great Wolf’s official channels and local news outlets.
In the meantime, if you’re craving waterpark excitement and can’t wait for Great Wolf Lodge’s debut, check out some of the UK’s other top indoor waterparks across the country – there are plenty of options to tide you over until the big launch.
💦 This Epic Water Park Has Giant Slides And An ‘Erupting Volcano’ – And It’s Just An Hour From London
🛝 This Thrilling Water Park Has A Giant Floating Obstacle Course On A 150-Acre Scenic Lake – And It’s Just An Hour From London
🏊♀️ This Towering Aqua Park With Giant Slides And A Private Sandy Beach Is Just 40 Minutes From London – And It’s On A Stunning 70-Acre Bright Blue Lake Reserve
🎢 This Country Park In East London Is Home To An Inflatable Aqua Park With Colourful Slides And A Giant Turtle Trampoline
