When the weather is sweltering, there's nothing quite like a refreshing dip - especially when it doesn't cost a penny. While some splash parks and water parks come with a hefty price tag, there is nothing better than hearing the words 'free'. While lidos are great, they're primarily for exercise; show up with a beach ball and an inflatable flamingo float, and you might be shown the door.
What you need is a free splash park packed with features to keep your little ones entertained and cool. And with the hot weather finally here, we've got just the places. READ MORE: UK weather maps show when 30C heatwave will end with thunderstorms First on our list is Rivelin Valley Water Play in Sheffield .
Despite being only three miles from the city centre, its wooded setting makes it feel like a green oasis in the heart of the Steel City. The park boasts three interconnected pools equipped with jets, sprinklers, bucket drops and water tables. Originally a (mostly freezing) lido, it was sensibly converted into paddling pools by the old Sheffield Corporation.
As paddling pools fell out of fashion, Rivelin Valley Water Play - or 'Rivelin Valley Splash' as it's also known - opened its doors 10 years ago. The children of Sheffield have been making a splash ever since. Next up is City Park Mirror Pool in Bradford , affectionately dubbed 'Bradford Puddle'.
This vast dish-shaped mirror pool is dotted with intermittent fountains that are sure to delight Oliver and Olivia. While there can be some u.
