Our lovely Scarborough & Whitby Mumbler neighbour, Theresa has trialled the new NORTH YORKSHIRE AQUA PARK at Wykeham Lakes (on the A170 just outside Scarborough). Here is a copy of her review for all those thinking about going.
The sun was shining down on us, and the setting was spectacular. Wykeham lakes is a real hidden treasure. As you head off the A170, down a very quiet (although I suspect not for much longer!), track, you do wonder where you are heading. Watch out for the signs, as they are not super clear, although not totally hidden. You will pass a huge fishing lake on your right hand side, and then as you head over a dusty hump in the road – all of a sudden it is there in front of you.
This lake is massive, and the Aqua Park is only a small part of it. 
You can also do Paddle Boarding and Kayaking. There is a car-park and a few huts. You need to park up and then head over to the wooden huts, where you can check in, collect your wetsuits, and then go and get changed. The changing rooms are ample big enough. What really impressed me was that there were ”proper toilets” and not just porter-loos! There are also showers and unisex areas, which will work really well for families.
Each session lasts 1 hour, and within that you get your safety briefing (c5mins – including getting a buoyancy jacket and helmet). Then off you go. They allow a maximum of 50 people on for an hour – and looking at it today, this was an ideal number, as it was not over-crowded, you did not have to wait to get on anything. Darren totally loved it. The adult and kids all mixed in together, and there was some real team spirits being built in helping each other on some of the more tricky bits.
My biggest concern (being on the slightly larger size) was that I would not be able to drag myself onto the platforms, and then up the actual inflatables. However after talking to a number of mums as they came off, they said this was not a problem, as the buoyancy jackets helped give you that bit of ‘oomf” and you could develop a ”seal-like’ approach to sliding along them!!!!!! Also the obstacles had hidden handles and ledges to help the job along a bit.
The laughter and squeals of delight coming from the water was amazing. I didn’t see any tears – which considering the number of younger children that were on there – was brilliant….after all, lets be honest, there is usually one child in every group outing that ends in tears.
So, what are the details:
Anyone over the age of 6 years can have a go.
For children aged between 6yrs – 12yrs, the ratio of adults to children needs to be 1:3. For children over the age of 12, then an adult has to be either in the water with them or on the grass bank.
Opens 10am – 6pm every day from tomorrow through to end Sept (dependent on weather).
Need to take swimming costume (or something you are happy to wear under a wet-suit) & a towel.
Wet-suits, Buoyancy jacket & helmet all supplied.
Max. 50 people on at a time.
Sessions last 1 hr incl. safety briefing.
Children’s Birthday party bookings being taken.
Corporate Team building days available.
Basic cafe facilities. You can take your own picnic.
You can stay all day and enjoy all that the lakes have to offer.
You can contact us via, email or phone using the details below
Telephone: 01723 865052
Email: info@northyorkshirewaterpark.co.uk
Address: North Yorkshire Water Park, Wykeham Lakes, Long Causeway Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire,YO13 9QU
North Yorkshire Aqua Park Website
