A world-beating waterpark is about to open on our doorstep. Here’s what to expect

Four mega water slides and a pool which generates metre-high waves – just two of the attractions of a new attraction which will make a splash this weekend.

Alpamare will open its £14 million waterpark in Scarborough on Saturday (July 30). And it’s like nothing else in the UK.

Extending across five hectares – the size of five football pitches – the idea is to transform the seaside resort into a year-round, weather-proof and water-proof, ‘beach destination’.

It is run by German company Alpamare, which has constructed some of the world’s most advanced waterparks in places like Dubai and Florida.

Ever since the decision was taken to demolish York’s waterslide attraction Waterworld, families have been looking for somewhere to splash out.

So what can you expect?

Water rides

The Black Hole

Alpamare Scarborough water rides are inspired by ski-racing, and this is the steepest and fastest slide, with an 11 metre plunge. As the Black Hole is the first of its kind, the speed has not yet been tested, but it’s estimated that the top riders will be able to achieve speeds of more than 30mph.

Cresta Run

Ideal for mat racing, this ride is based on the world-famous death-defying Cresta run in St Moritz. The Cresta Run shares an 11 metre drop with the Black Hole.

Olympic Run

With a double float, this ride is good for families and friends who want to share the experience. The Olympic Run is is one of the UK’s longest runs at 116.2m – twice as long as York Minster’s giant West Tower.

Snow Storm

A gravity-defying ride created by a sudden, heart-bursting drop of 14.2m – whilst pumping up to 20,900 litres of water per minute to create a ‘weightless’, disorientating effect. This is also Scarborough’s most sociable ride, with a clover-leaf-shaped, four-person ‘boat’.

Pools

Indoor

Alpamare Scarborough’s giant 480sqm indoor wave pool is the size of two tennis courts. It erupts every 30 minutes with metre-high waves.

There’s also an AquaPlay area for younger children, with spray jets, tipping cones, water guns, a dual slide and a giant overhead tipping bucket.

Outdoor

Outdoor pools are heated to 35˚C (body temperature). A 200 sqm garden pool includes bubble recliners, champagne bubbles and whirlpools.

A slightly smaller infinity pool overlooks the sea at North Bay. With whirlpools, massage jets and bubble benches, and green-coloured iodine or ‘magic water’, it is the place to de-stress.

Other features and prices

One of the ideas behind the attraction is to combine a family adventure waterpark with a luxury European thermal spa. The spa features a range of steam and sauna baths, and treatments dedicated to health and wellbeing.

The waterpark has an alpine-themed restaurant, with an extensive salad buffet, favourites such as pizza and pasta and Bavarian-inspired food and drink such as spicy sausages and beer.

Visitors pay for a half-day (four hour) pass and can access all areas of the waterpark.

Prices are adults (16 and over) £19 children (6 to 15) £15, or a family ticket (two adults, two children) £60. Under-fives fres.