Ashton-under-Lyne & Tameside, Greater Manchester
Hyde Leisure Pool is the fun pool inside the Active Hyde leisure centre on Walker Lane. In Swim, Slide and Waves sessions the whole thing is switched on: an announcement goes out, then the wave machine runs for a few minutes and everyone tries to swim against it. There are wild water rapids that carry you round, bubble beds, and the Red Ripster flume for anyone 1.1m or taller.
Sessions last 90 minutes. A child is £6.22, an under five £3.63, an adult £8.81, and a family ticket is £23.83. You can pay on the door, but the centre says sessions get extremely busy, so book online if you are driving any distance. Non-swimmers stay in the shallow end, and the deep end is only for those who can swim 50 metres.
Spectators do not need a ticket if someone in their group is swimming, and the cafe overlooks the pool, which suits a grandparent who would rather hold the coats.
What it costs: Swim, Slide and Waves: under 5s £3.63, 5 to 16 years £6.22, adults £8.81, family £23.83 (2 adults and 2 children, or 1 adult and 3 children). Sessions are 90 minutes. Lockers take a refundable £1 coin.
Worth knowing: Red Ripster slide needs 1.1m (3ft 6in).
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