Not Just a Summer Splash: 4 Reasons to Visit in Any Season
20th February 2025
While Splash Outdoor Waterpark is synonymous with the summer in Northern Ireland, it is not a summer-only destination. The Aquapark is sure to bounce in the summer months with thousands of people visiting from all over the country, but Splash is much more than that. Whether you’re visiting in the warm(ish) summer, or in the middle of winter, Splash has plenty to offer every water enthusiast. Read on to find out the best things to do at Splash all year round.
Open-Water Swimming
The original Splash activity, open-water swimming was the first thing offered at Splash before it even truly became Splash. Swimmers have been hitting the water ever since we first opened our doors and many of them haven’t looked back. Our 12-acre natural lake is filled with pristine, clean water, continuously refreshed via underground streams. While taking a plunge in the summer sounds enticing, there’s nothing quite like going for a refreshing swim in the middle of winter – don’t worry, we have plenty of wetsuits to shield you from the worst of the cold, but that’s actually the best part of the experience! Don’t just take our word for it, ask any of our more than 75 open-water swimming members!
If you don’t think hitting the cold water is for you, you might want to think again, as there are numerous scientifically proven health benefits to cold-water swimming. While general physical activity like swimming is beneficial for our well-being, swimming in cold water has added benefits. The list is extensive, but it includes improved circulation, an immune system boost, reduced stress levels, reduced inflammation, pain relief, and increased alertness to only name a few.
Coming down to Splash for a swim is also very easy and convenient, as you don’t need to book, just show up during our opening times (times may differ throughout the year – https://splashni.com/more-info/opening-times) and it is only £5 for a swim. If you think you are in this for the long haul, why not sign up for our annual open-water swim membership? This not only gives you free entry for a swim, but also 50% off our sauna sessions, and a further 20% off food and drink at the Top Deck eatery and Sipway coffee hut. To sign up, give our head office a call at 028 8674 8881.
Wood-fired Saunas
Maybe you’re not a fan of the cold. Don’t worry, we have you covered. The Finnish-style wood-fired saunas at Splash are the perfect way to spend the colder months. Introduced in early 2024, these additions have turned out to be quite popular with the folks not only in the local area but also the wider community – even Cool FM’s Paulo Ross has become a regular visitor!
What can be more relaxing than taking it easy in a warm and cosy sauna, overlooking a picturesque natural lake and lush greenery? Our saunas are also fired by sustainably sourced wood, so you can relax with a clean conscience while breathing in natural aromas and letting the heat penetrate your whole body.
Just like with cold-water swimming, there are numerous health benefits associated with saunas. The key benefits are improved circulation, reduced pain, and stress relief, while saunas may also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, alleviate respiratory ailments, and also treat specific skin conditions. Many of the sauna visitors also combine the warmness of the sauna with the coldness of the lake for some contrast therapy, which has been proven to reduce inflammation, improve joint mobility, and help with faster recovery from physical activity.
The saunas pair well with a quick dip in the water and tasty brunch from Top Deck, with a limited-time offer now combining all three for only £20pp (brunch currently only available on Saturdays and Sundays)! To book a sauna session, head over to https://bookings.splashni.com/Splash. To book the £20 offer, call our office team at 028 8674 8881.
Paddleboards & Kayaks
You want to relax on the water without actually getting into the water? Paddleboards and Kayaks are the perfect activity for you! Whether you prefer standing or sitting, grab either one of our stand-up Paddleboards or tandem Kayaks and enjoy the tranquillity of our natural lake, with nothing but you and the water. You don’t have to worry about the cold either, as you will be provided with a wetsuit to keep you warm, or maybe you dare to brave the elements in the winter in just a swimsuit. Whether you choose a Paddleboard or a Kayak, it is a perfect way to relax and experience the natural surroundings at Splash – from the pristine, clean water to the lush greenery.
While the Paddleboarding and Kayaking sessions are not lessons, you will still be kept safe with a quick safety brief from our instructors, as well as being equipped with a buoyancy aid should you accidentally fall into the water – this is highly unlikely unless you are very bad at it!
It might sound like Paddleboarding and Kayaking is better done solo to fully enjoy the silence, but why not bring a friend or loved one to enjoy the experience with you? You can fit up two adults on a Paddleboard or Kayak, with the Kayaks even featuring a dry hatch for your belongings, so feel free to snap a few cool photos to remember the day forever!
You can typically just show up during our opening hours, but to avoid disappointment, book your Paddleboard/Kayak experience on our website – https://bookings.splashni.com/Splash/.
Top Deck Eatery & Sipway Coffee Hut
All of the above activities are sure to work up your appetite, so we have you covered, no matter what you’re craving! Whether you’re visiting in the morning and are in the mood for a hearty breakfast/brunch, or visiting in the afternoon just in time for lunch, Top Deck has you covered! Kickstart your morning with breakfast ranging from a classic breakfast bap and porridge bowl to a good old fry or the more adventurous huevos rotos, there is plenty to choose from. Once it hits lunchtime, tuck into some delicious burgers and pizzas (menu dependent on the time of the year). And the best of all, you don’t even have to do any activities to have food at Splash!
If you’re in the mood for something lighter or just a quick snack, head over to our cosy little Sipway coffee hut just beside the slipway. Enjoy coffee or hot chocolate, or grab a tasty treat and even a pot noodle! It is the perfect place to just sit and enjoy the surroundings.
And remember, open-water swimming members get 20% off both Top Deck and Sipway!
