Back in July 2016 we discovered Dorset Waterpark for the first time and the kids have been itching to go back since.

Last week Kian turned 18 and we wanted to find an activity that the whole family could take part in and Dorset Waterpark was the obvious choice.

You are advised to arrive 45 minutes before your session to get kitted up in wetsuits and buoyancy aids before your safety briefing session. It is then time to get wet!

There are two lakes at Dorset Waterpark and the groups were split in half, with one set doing the Castle Lake first and the other, the Woodland Lake.

Woodland Lake

As a large group of 14, we were all kept together and instructed to buddy up, helping each other if we fell in and trust me, you will fall in……. a lot!

The inflatables have switched lakes since our last visit and more obstacles have been added to both courses.

Woodland Lake has an 85m Action Loop to tackle which includes monkey bars, floating stepping-stones, slack line, balance beam and the all time favourite flip bag.

It took a few goes to get the hang of the flip bag and it works best with a lighter person at the front, with a larger, heavier person leaping onto the air bag.

If you hit the bag at the wrong angle, you end up in the water yourself and the person at the front slides into the water.

Hit it at the right spot and you FLY!!!

On the course with you is a lifeguard and an instructor. The lifeguard is there to make sure everyone is kept safe and the instructor is there for guidance, hints and tips, although both are there to lend a hand if needed.

After half an hour it is time to swap lakes with the other team.

Castle Lake

So called because the lake has a stunning view of Corfe Castle, the Castle Lake features a 65m Action Loop of inflatable obstacles, as well as trampoline, slide and separate climbing obstacles.

The Castle Lake features the highest points of the two lakes and is perfect for practicing jumps, flips and tricks.

The trampoline was a hit too, although much harder to climb on than it looks.

As a spectator on our last visit, I have to admit the inflatable course looks much easier than it actually is and climbing on the obstacles is very physically demanding and takes a lot of effort.

The younger ones found it much easier than the adults!

Participants must be aged 6+ and able to swim a minimum of 50m.

You also need to bring swimwear and old trainers or wetsuit boots to wear in the water. You do not have to wear a wetsuit, but the lakes are quite chilly, even on a warm day, so I would advise it. You can bring your own or hire one on the day for £5 plus £2 for shoe hire.

A new feature for this year is the Snap Shack, which takes pictures of everyone having fun. They offer a range of packages from individual photos, to digital packages of your favourite pictures from the day.
For spectators there is a lovely picnic area overlooking Corfe Castle, plus the Snack Shack that offers delicious hot food, refreshments and ice creams.

Dorset Waterpark costs £12.50 per person if booked 7+ days in advance or £15 if booked within 7 days and parking is free.

If a waterpark isn’t for you, they have also opened Dorset Mud Trail, an outdoor adventure trail that tracks around Castle Lake and features more than 30 different obstacles from Monkey Rings to Rope Bridges and Cargo Nets to the Bounce Pillow.

We saw a group come out and they were covered from head to toe in mud – we cannot wait to try it!!

• 2018
• corfe
• corfe castle
• Dorset
• dorset waterpark
• inflatables
• kian birthday
• review