Splashaway Bay: An Irresistible Holiday Spot

On the Ayrshire coast at Craig Tara Holiday Park, Splashaway Bay is a large indoor water park for families – from toddlers to teens – with enough space for adults who prefer gentler water time.

Key attractions: Interactive timed flume plus a second flume, a multi-lane racer slide, and a lazy river loop.

Practical information: Access is for Haven guests only; included with Play Passes on a Haven Holiday. Pre-book one-hour sessions in the My Haven app. No public day passes.

Seasonal availability: Operates when the resort is open (roughly spring to autumn); daily hours vary by date and demand.

Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly routes, family and accessible changing, nearby disabled bays; simple public transport via Ayr (bus 97) – easy from Glasgow via X77 to Ayr then 97.

What makes it special: Scale and weatherproofing, a lazy river, and a beachfront setting near Heads of Ayr Farm Park set Splashaway Bay Craig Tara apart among indoor water park options in Scotland.

Splashaway Bay at Craig Tara is a large, multi-level indoor water park designed for year-round fun under cover — ideal for changeable Scottish weather. Expect family-friendly pools alongside headline features such as a multi-lane water slide and a lazy river, plus flumes and interactive splash play that keep children moving while adults enjoy the water at a gentler pace. Positioned on the Ayrshire coast just south of Ayr, the complex sits at the heart of one of Haven’s busiest parks, so it pairs the thrills of an indoor water park with the convenience of a full resort — entertainment, dining and seaside walks on the doorstep.

Access to Splashaway Bay is a guest benefit rather than a public swim — there are no casual day passes. Stays booked on a Haven package include pool access via Play Passes, and you pre-book your indoor swim sessions in the Haven app. Haven’s guidance states that indoor swims are bookable 28 days before your break, with a maximum of 14 sessions per holiday; slot lengths are typically around 60 minutes. This booking model helps control peak-time crowding and is worth factoring into family plans — especially during school holidays and weekends.

Marketing and media frequently describe Splashaway Bay as one of Scotland’s biggest indoor water parks — a fair reflection of the scale on site — though individual features, opening patterns and availability can vary by date. Always cross-check what is open on your travel dates in the Haven app once your booking is live.

Seasonal Availability

Splashaway Bay is open year-round, making it an attractive option for off-peak getaways and winter holidays. Whether you are looking for summer water fun or rainy-day activities in the colder months, the facility is fully enclosed and heated to ensure comfort regardless of season. Guests staying in colder months particularly appreciate the ability to enjoy an indoor swimming pool with slides, hot showers, and family facilities all under one roof.

Splashaway Bay Location & Directions

Craig Tara Holiday Park, Dunure Road, Ayr, South Ayrshire, Scotland, KA7 4LB

🗺️ Directions to Splashaway Bay at Craig Tara

Official Website

https://www.haven.com/parks/scotland/craig-tara

General enquiries

• Phone: +44 (0)1292 265 141
• Email: enquiries@haven.com

Main Attractions

Splashaway Bay at Craig Tara is a large, multi-level indoor water park with a strong family focus. Core features include a pair of headline flumes, a broad multi-lane slide, and a gently circulating lazy river that loops through the complex — making it one of the most complete holiday-park pool offers in Scotland.

Haven’s own materials describe it as “one of the biggest indoor swimming pool complexes in Scotland,” and their pool pages confirm a lazy river here at Craig Tara.

Special Rides

• Interactive timed flume — a modern flume with pads that record your run so you can try to beat your previous time; Haven also notes a second flume was added, expanding throughput and variety for older children and teens.
• Multi-lane racer slide — built for friendly competition and quick turn-rounds during busy sessions; widely referenced in third-party resort overviews and official social videos.

Kids & Family Areas

• Shallow splash zones with water jets and gentle sprays designed for younger swimmers who are not yet flume-ready — ideal for “leisure pool” style play without deep water.
• Family pool space with broad steps and good sightlines so parents can supervise easily; reviews frequently highlight this area as suitable for mixed-age groups.

Relaxation Areas

Lazy river float sections offer a slower pace between higher-energy rides. Seating around the poolside provides convenient regroup points between sessions — a practical touch in a busy holiday park swimming pool environment.

Unique Features

Scale and weatherproofing — being a sizeable water park indoor within a coastal holiday park means dependable fun whatever the forecast; this is a key draw for families considering Splashaway Bay Craig Tara or searching for a caravan park with swimming pool near Ayr and Glasgow.

Recent upgrades — Haven highlights ongoing enhancements, including a new flume installation, which helps keep Splashaway Bay Ayr competitive with the best Haven swimming pool experiences.

Baby Changing Facilities

Splashaway Bay sits within a family-first holiday park swimming pool complex, and Haven’s baby-and-toddler guidance confirms the availability of family changing rooms with changing tables across its parks. At Craig Tara, the pool area also lists an accessible changing room with toilet and shower, which is helpful if you need extra space for prams or mobility aids. Expect standard mixed and family cubicles, plus poolside lifeguard support.

Bottle-Warming Stations

There is no dedicated bottle-warming point inside the pool complex. In practice, parents report being directed to nearby food outlets or the main complex to warm bottles on request — a workable solution, but not a formal facility. If warming is important on a schedule, prepare feeds in your accommodation or carry a vacuum flask.

Baby Pools

For babies and toddlers, very shallow splash zones and a kids’ pool area offer gentle spray features and mini slides, away from the deeper water and flumes. Visitor reports and on-park media consistently mention a toddler-friendly zone alongside the lazy river and main pools — ideal for first swims in an indoor water park setting.

Minimum Age Restrictions

Minimum age: There is no strict minimum age to enter Splashaway Bay with a supervising adult; babies are welcome in the shallow zones.

Height for slides: 1.0 m+ for the multi-lane slide; 1.2 m+ for the flumes.

Swim nappies: Non-toilet-trained children must wear swim nappies. Haven promotes reusable Happy Nappy products in its on-park shops and family guidance, which aligns with UK baby-swim best practice. Bring your own or purchase on site.

Entry Fees

There is no standalone ticket for Splashaway Bay. Pool access is included with a Haven Holiday booking via the Play Pass — sessions are free to book up to your allocation. Guests on a Haven Hideaway package do not receive Play Passes and, per Haven’s terms, Play Passes cannot be added to Hideaway bookings.

For guests staying in privately let caravans on Craig Tara, access depends on whether Play Passes are arranged; owners and third-party sites note that passes may be required and that facilities remain subject to availability.

Discounts & Offers

Because Splashaway Bay is bundled with the Haven Holiday package, there are no separate pool discounts. Savings, where available, come from the overall holiday price rather than a pool ticket. Independent reviews suggest that the Play Pass element is effectively included in the Haven Holiday rate, while Hideaway is a lower-cost, accommodation-only option without pool access.

Splashaway Bay Booking

Swim session allocation — Haven states 14 swim sessions are included per holiday booking; sessions are bookable from 28 days before arrival.

How to book — Use the My Haven app or access haven.com/experience to book your experiences up to 12 weeks before your arrival.

Refund/Cancellation Policy

• Swimming sessions — Sessions are free with your pass but capacity-controlled. Haven’s terms indicate missed sessions are not refundable or transferable, except in limited circumstances such as leaving your holiday early for specified reasons.
• Operational changes — Third-party listings flag that, for safety reasons, flumes or pool areas may close at short notice and that pre-booking is required; always check the app on the day.

Daily Schedule

Haven swimming pool opening times for Splashaway Bay are released in the My Haven app and on-park notices. As a rule, you pre-book a one-hour session and there are multiple slots across the day. Times change with seasonality, staffing and maintenance — so always check the app shortly before your stay and again on the day. Haven confirms that indoor swim slots are bookable from 28 days before your break, with up to 14 sessions included per holiday booking.

To give you a feel for cadence, an off-peak example shared by the Craig Tara owners’ community lists:

• Monday: closed.
• Tuesday-Thursday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
• Friday: 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm.
• Saturday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm.
• Sunday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Treat these only as indicative — actual hours vary and are confirmed in the app for your dates.

Seasonal Changes

Craig Tara is a seasonal holiday park — recent guides list operating dates roughly mid-March to early/mid-November. Splashaway Bay, as an indoor water park, typically runs whenever the resort is open to staying guests, but daily timetables are flexed by demand and maintenance. Always rely on the app for the final schedule on your week.

Peak & Off-Peak Info

Peak Times

Scottish school holidays, bank-holiday weekends and wet weather days can book out quickly. Pre-book swim sessions 28 days out and set a reminder to grab additional slots if Haven releases more during your stay.

Off-Peak Times

Weekday daytime slots outside school holidays are usually easier to secure. Community posts sometimes share shorter opening windows mid-week — again, check your live timetable.

Session length and caps

Most indoor sessions run around 60 minutes, and your booking is capped at 14 sessions per holiday to keep access fair during busy weeks.

Public Transport

Craig Tara Holiday Park is located just outside the seaside town of Ayr, in South Ayrshire, making it reasonably accessible by public transport:

• Train: Ayr railway station (about 5 miles).
• Bus: From Ayr Station, the Stagecoach Bus 97 can take you directly to the entrance of Craig Tara Holiday Park. The journey takes roughly 15 minutes. There is a dedicated bus stop right outside the main reception.

From Glasgow: Frequent Stagecoach X77 coaches run from Buchanan Bus Station to Ayr; from there, change to the 97 for the short hop to the park. Stagecoach’s Craig Tara page summarises this Glasgow → Ayr → Craig Tara journey.

This makes Splashaway Bay one of the most straightforward holiday parks near Glasgow with swimming pool access by public transport.

Wheelchair & Accessibility

On-park access: Haven states the majority of areas at Craig Tara are wheelchair friendly.

Changing & facilities: Haven’s accessible guidance details provision across parks such as Changing Places-style facilities (adult-sized bench, hoist) where installed; availability varies by location, so check with the park before you travel. Independent guides also note widespread pool hoists across Haven pools, though this is third-party reporting rather than an official list.

On-site wayfinding: The official 2024 Craig Tara park map shows disabled toilets and disabled parking symbols around the main complex by Splashaway Bay.

Splashaway Bay Craig Tara Parking

There is ample on-site parking, with designated blue badge bays located close to both the main complex and accommodation areas. Parking is free for all registered guests.

The pool complex has drop-off zones near the entrance for easier access with prams, wheelchairs, or elderly guests.

Car Charging Stations

EV charge bays at Craig Tara Holiday Park, currently show multiple Type 2 (up to 22 kW) devices, operated via networks such as VendElectric. Check your app for live status and pricing before arrival.

Shuttle Service

While Craig Tara does not operate a private shuttle service from local train stations, local taxis and buses are readily available in Ayr. During busy periods, Haven staff at reception can assist with taxi bookings and offer advice for public transport routes.

Bike Storage

Craig Tara is a spread-out coastal site and cycling between areas is common, but no dedicated bicycle storage is advertised. Bring a sturdy lock and plan to secure your bike at your accommodation or ask reception about ad-hoc options near the main complex.

Feedback on Splashaway Bay at Craig Tara is mixed but consistent on a few points. Families praise the scale of the indoor water park — flumes, multi-lane slide and lazy river — and often note helpful lifeguards and regular cleaning during busy periods. Others report crowding at peak times and variable upkeep in changing areas, with some reviews flagging temperature and cleanliness issues.

Independent round-ups place Craig Tara’s overall park scores around mid-table for UK holiday parks, with Google typically higher than TripAdvisor — so expectations should be set for a busy, high-energy holiday park swimming pool rather than a spa-style environment.

Splashaway Bay

4.3

Based on 227 reviews

powered by Google

Andrew M.

19:48 05 Aug 25

We visited Splashaway Bay during our stay at Craig Tara and had a great time as a family. The whole place was generally very clean overall, even during busy times, with friendly staff constantly keeping on top of things.

The facilities are well-equipped – family changing rooms, baby areas, spacious cubicles with lockable doors and free hairdryers. Most lockers require a £1 coin, so it’s worth remembering that. There’s also a handy shop area for things like costumes and floaties if you’ve forgotten anything.

The pool was warm, busy but well supervised, with plenty of lifeguards and the flumes were a big hit with the kids (photos taken during inflatable session).

Rachael M.

11:02 18 Jun 25

We arrived 10 minutes prior to our 10am slot. Waited outside and once hit 10, we were promptly served/checked in. We didn’t bring a buggy but there was a storage area for them. There is also loads of things, from kids costumes, floaties etc you can buy before going in. Family changing rooms, £1 lockers which are decent sized, loads of roomy cubicles with lockable doors, baby changing rooms, hair dryers, disabled toilets and male and female toilets. The place was BUSY but it was SPOTLESS. There was a lady in cleaning, she was busy but so polite! We had a 60 minute slot, the pools were a little chilly but our 15m toddler didn’t seem bothered. They have a tots pool which is lovely with some water features. There isn’t steps/ladders leading into the pools so would be good for those who struggle with steps/ladders. There was also loads of lifeguards on duty and they seemed attentive. (Which for a worrier like me is a great plus)

Eric N.

07:16 21 Jul 24

My kids enjoyed this, they were disappointed that they couldn’t get access to the lazy river although they were allowed in last year. Height restrictions seem to have changed, have to be over 1.4m. I found it really uncomfortable as it was really humid and could almost taste the chlorine in the air, after 30mins I found breathing more difficult.

SuperPinny

19:50 12 May 23

Great fun. Kids absolutely loved it. Does get quite busy. It also closes earlier than you might expect. The last booking is 2.15pm each day. We felt that was quite early and would’ve loved even an early evening swim. If you’re not swimming, and merely spectating, it is roasting hot inside! Take a fan with you. The day I was there, the chlorine smelled really strong. In fact my eyes were nipping with it. We were visiting our Grandkids on site, and they assured us that swimming had become part of their ‘every day’ fun. You do need to book it first.

sam B.

19:49 01 Sep 22

Lovely pool loads of fun had!!
But needs a uplift!
Kids loved the flume and lazy rivet!
Definitely worth going..

Keith T.

16:58 20 Oct 18

A good bright and interesting environment for a family activity or adventure pool. We visited for a week in mid October. Even at busy times pool staff tried hard to keep the dressing rooms clean and tidy.
Some very minor repairs, could be highlighted as being left undone. Not all locker keys had no rubber bracelets. Some mosaic decorations were missing a tiny tile leaving possible sharp edges. The wheelchair lift from the entrance level to spectators area was inoperable. None of great importance perhaps, but all giving a somewhat tired appearance.
I was very impressed by the apparent training and subsequent quality of the “lifeguards” on duty throughout the week. All seemed very attentive to their designated field of view, and changing position with their colleagues at regular intervals. There was a good interaction with bathers and some banter amongst the staff. A relaxed but very efficient and safe activity. It was good to see safety rules and other regulations being enforced discreetly but effectively.

By far the busiest and potentially dangerous activity within the Park, but with good training and careful selection of staff this is in my opinion the safest and best presented activity.

“Craig Tara’s pool was amazing and I found it a nicer park overall.”

— u/rachy182, Reddit (UKParenting)

“Swimming pool is absolutely vile, full of dirty plasters and grime.”

— Euan Mcnaughton, Trustpilot (29 April 2025)

“When we went swimming they wanted us to let our small child go down [the] slide alone.”

— Mrs Ann Johnstone, Trustpilot (22 April 2025)

Safety & Cleanliness

Cleanliness praised — and disputed: Multiple TripAdvisor reviews commend visible cleaning and staff presence in changing rooms; others describe messy or chilly changing areas at peak times. Plan for early-morning or mid-day sessions where possible.

Crowding at peaks: Reports frequently mention busy sessions during school holidays and weekends; the pre-booking system helps but does not remove peak congestion.

Overall ratings context: Compiled snapshots suggest Craig Tara averages roughly 3.2/5 on TripAdvisor and 4.1/5 on Google (park-wide, not pool-only) — useful for expectation-setting.

Food & Drink

There are no food or drink vendors directly within the Splashaway Bay pool area itself, but several eateries are located nearby in the central complex, just a short walk away. Options include:

• The Brigs of Ayr (family pub with kids’ menu)
• Papa John’s Pizza (available for takeaway and delivery to caravans)
• Cook’s Fish & Chips
• Burger King
• Millie’s Cookies

Can I bring my own food?
As with most UK leisure-pool environments, food and drink are not permitted inside the pool hall for hygiene and safety reasons; plan to eat in the nearby outlets or at your accommodation. Haven’s own food pages outline the on-park options, and practical visitor reports echo the “eat outside the pool” expectation.

Accommodation

Craig Tara offers a wide range of on-site accommodation, from Saver caravans to Luxury Lodges and Accessible Units. All are self-catering, and some include upgraded amenities like dishwashers and decking.

Families who want easy access to Splashaway Bay often request accommodation near the Entertainment Complex, where the pool is located. This makes the park ideal for those looking for a caravan park with swimming pool and family-focused extras.

Seating & Lounging Areas

Inside Splashaway Bay there are poolside seating points for regrouping between rides; outside the pool hall you will find extensive indoor seating across the food court and atrium, plus covered walkways into the entertainment spaces. The park map gives a clear sense of this compact cluster around the main facilities.

Changing & Locker Facilities

The changing rooms are modern, spacious, and well-maintained. Facilities include:

• Family changing rooms
• Baby changing stations
• Accessible changing units
• Showers with temperature controls

Lockers are available and operate with a refundable £1 coin or token system. Guests are advised to bring change to avoid queueing at reception.

First Aid & Medical Assistance

There is a first aid station near the entrance to the pool, and trained lifeguards are on constant duty across all zones. In case of more serious incidents, Craig Tara has a full resort security and medical response team, and local hospitals in Ayr are within 15 minutes’ drive.

Toilets

There are ample toilets and disabled toilets in and around the main complex that houses Splashaway Bay — locations are marked on the park map.

Wi-Fi Availability

Haven provides a mix of free Wi-Fi zones and paid Wi-Fi upgrades across its parks, with coverage strongest around the main entertainment hubs. Visitor feedback notes signal can be patchier in accommodation at busy times — plan to download the My Haven app and any e-tickets while you are in central areas.

Baby-Friendly Facilities

Alongside the dedicated points covered above, you will find family changing, baby-change areas and buggy space near the pool entrance. If you need warming support for bottles, staff will usually direct you to nearby food outlets rather than providing warming in the pool hall.

Lost & Found Policy

If you misplace something, the standard practice on park is to report it to Reception, where items handed in by housekeeping or other guests are logged. Response varies by case and timing, but reviews confirm Reception acts as the central point for lost property.

Smoking Areas

Craig Tara is a smoke-free zone indoors, including inside all leisure facilities. However, designated outdoor smoking areas are available throughout the park, well away from family zones and the water park entrance.

Dog-Friendly Details

Craig Tara offers dog-friendly accommodation types; however pets are not permitted inside the Splashaway Bay complex. Accredited guide and assistance dogs are welcome in all areas of Haven parks under the company’s terms. If bringing a pet, filter for dog-friendly units when booking.

Admissions & Supervision

• Guests only — Splashaway Bay access is for staying Haven guests with valid Play Passes. There are no public day passes.
• Booked sessions — Swimming runs in pre-booked sessions. Up to 14 indoor swim sessions are included with a Haven holiday, bookable 28 days before your break via the app.
• Children must be supervised — Haven’s terms state that facilities are not childcare and children aged 8 and under must not be left alone; follow the supervision instructions displayed poolside.

Height & ride restrictions

Flumes and racer slide operate with minimum heights. At Craig Tara, Haven lists the interactive flume and a second flume as headline rides, with height restrictions signposted on site; many sources reference 1.2 m for flumes. Always follow the height board at the queue.

Booking, passes & entry checks

• Play Passes grant entry to swimming and entertainment for standard Haven Holidays; Hideaway-style stays do not include passes. Private-letting guests and owners must have valid passes as directed.
• Late arrivals / no-shows — Sessions are capacity-controlled; missed slots are not refundable. Release any unwanted bookings in the app so other families can swim.

Swimwear & equipment

• Appropriate swimwear is required. Bring swim nappies for non-toilet-trained children — Haven stocks the reusable Happy Nappy range in poolside shops as part of its sustainability policy.
• Floats / aids — Small armbands and baby seats are commonly used in the family areas; follow lifeguard direction and do not take large inflatables onto flumes or the lazy river when prohibited. (Restrictions are posted poolside.)

Hygiene & health

Pre-shower is encouraged to keep water quality high, and swim nappies are mandatory for little ones to reduce closures. Do not swim if you have had diarrhoea or vomiting within the usual exclusion period.

Behaviour & safety

Follow lifeguard instructions at all times. No running on wet floors, no diving where not explicitly allowed, and keep clear of slide run-outs. These are standard rules across Haven pools and comparable to a leisure centre swimming pool.

Photography & devices

No photography in changing areas. In the pool hall, photography rules may apply — ask staff first and be respectful of other families’ privacy.

Food, drink & glass

No food or drink inside the pool hall, and no glass anywhere near water for safety. Use the nearby restaurants and seating areas before or after your session.

Lockers & valuables

Lockers are available; Haven suggests bringing a £1/trolley coin for pool lockers (varies by park). Consider a small dry bag for spare kit.

Flumes (interactive flume + second flume)

• Minimum height: 1.2 m to ride the flumes. This is stated in Haven’s water-parks overview for Splashaway Bay Craig Tara.
• Riding position: Standard UK leisure-pool flume rules apply — one rider at a time, feet-first on your back, arms folded across the chest, and no chains or trains. Expect restrictions on goggles, jewellery and buoyancy aids on flumes. Exact instructions are posted at the queue and enforced by attendants.
• Timing feature: The interactive timed flume uses pads to clock your run; wait for the attendant’s signal before starting.

Multi-lane racer slide

• Access & height: Minimum height is as posted at the entrance (racer slides often have a lower threshold than flumes, but you should rely on the board for your session). Single rider per lane; start only when directed.
• Riding position: Feet-first, on your back, head up; no chains. Clear the splash-down lane immediately. These are standard racer-slide practices at UK leisure pools.

Lazy River

Craig Tara’s lazy river is part of the indoor water park circuit. Keep moving with the flow, do not enter against the current, and follow lifeguard direction on any float-aid use. No diving or rough play.

Family/leisure pool & splash zones

• Supervision: Non-swimmers and children must be actively supervised; adhere to any posted adult-to-child ratios for the leisure pool and shallow splash areas.
• Swim nappies: Swim nappies are mandatory for non-toilet-trained children. Haven promotes reusable Happy Nappy products in its poolside shops — a strong hint that disposable swim nappies may be discouraged. Bring your own or buy on park.

Lifeguards, supervision and conduct

• Lifeguards are on duty and will enforce pool rules and conduct regular safety checks. Follow instructions immediately and do not distract lifeguards.
• Children must not be left unattended. Haven’s terms make clear that facilities for children are not childcare and children aged 8 and under may not be left alone. Keep young or weak swimmers within arm’s reach.
• Supervision ratios are set locally and posted at the pool. Treat them as mandatory, as you would at a council leisure centre swimming pool.
• General conduct: walk, do not run; no diving except where signed; obey queue lines and attendants on flumes and the lazy river. These are standard rules in UK indoor pools.

Pool Water Quality & Hygiene

• Pre-shower before you swim and take regular toilet breaks with children; avoid swallowing pool water. These simple steps reduce chloramine build-up and irritation in an indoor water park.
• Swim nappies are mandatory for non-toilet-trained children. Haven stocks reusable Happy Nappy products in on-park swim shops; bring a spare and change regularly.

Do not swim if unwell. UK public-health advice and pool-operator guidance state:

• After diarrhoea or vomiting from general gastroenteritis, wait at least 48 hours after symptoms stop before swimming.
• If diagnosed with cryptosporidium, do not swim for 14 days after symptoms end (oocysts can be shed for two weeks).

Clothing, equipment and personal items

• Appropriate swimwear is required. Remove jewellery and loose items before rides; secure long hair; goggles are usually fine unless a ride board says otherwise. Follow the sign at each attraction.
• Floatation aids: armbands and baby seats are generally acceptable in shallow areas; large inflatables are restricted and are not permitted on flumes or in the lazy river during standard sessions. Obey lifeguard calls.
• Lockers are available near changing — carry a £1/trolley coin for coin-return styles and keep phones and valuables secured.

Queueing, height checks and rider readiness

• Height checks are enforced at the flumes (Haven lists 1.2 m for Craig Tara’s flumes). Measure children before queueing and re-check the board on the day.
• One rider at a time on flumes and single rider per lane on the multi-lane slide; feet-first only. Clear splash-downs promptly and wait for the attendant’s signal.

Session management and capacity

Swimming runs in pre-booked sessions to manage capacity safely — up to 14 indoor swim slots per holiday are available to book from four weeks before arrival in the My Haven app. Release unused slots so other families can swim.

If you need assistance

Speak to a lifeguard immediately for first aid or water-safety concerns. Craig Tara’s main complex has clearly signed help points on the park map.

Haven Seton Sands, East Lothian — indoor pool complex

Another Haven option within reach of Glasgow and Edinburgh — a coastal holiday park with an indoor pool and family activities.

The Time Capsule Waterpark, Coatbridge (near Glasgow) — big slides & waves

The Time Capsule is one of Scotland’s best-known indoor water park venues — wave pool, Riptide River and flumes. Following major upgrades, the waterpark reopened in summer 2025; advance booking is required.

Perth Leisure Pool — classic Scottish leisure pool with flumes

Perth Leisure Pool is a long-running family favourite with leisure water, flumes and a training pool, five minutes’ walk from Perth city centre.

Citadel Leisure Centre, Ayr — public pools near Craig Tara

The nearest large leisure centre swimming pool to Craig Tara: 25 m main pool, teaching pool and a flexible-floor/diving pool, plus a communal changing village.

The Galleon Centre, Kilmarnock — leisure pool alternative

25 m, six-lane leisure pool with a separate teaching pool — a popular parks with swimming pools style alternative for families driving from Ayrshire.

Foxlake Adventures Aqua Park (Dunbar) — seasonal inflatable water park

Open-air aqua park with Ninja-style obstacles — a good summer option if you are browsing “fun things to do in Glasgow/East Lothian” and happy to travel. Check dates and availability before you go.

AquaDash, Royal Commonwealth Pool (Edinburgh) — indoor inflatable assault course

A bookable, time-slotted inflatable course in a city-centre pool — handy when searching “things to do in Scotland” with kids on a rainy day.

Inverness Leisure — leisure pool with flumes (Highlands)

Farther afield, but notable for a leisure pool with flumes, wave pool and rapids circuit alongside a separate competition pool.

“Splashaway Bay” on Royal Caribbean — cruise-ship kids’ aqua parks (not Craig Tara)

Frequently queried alongside Splashaway Bay Craig Tara — this is a separate, cruise-line brand for onboard and CocoCay kids’ aqua parks. Useful to know if you are seeing mixed search results.

Best Time to Visit Perth leisure pool

Aim for off-peak swim slots — early mornings or mid-afternoons outside school holidays are usually calmer. For busier weeks, set a reminder to book as soon as your allocation opens and to re-check the app for late releases.

Split your sessions across days — rather than stacking multiple swims in one day, spread them out to keep energy high and queues lower for your group.

Weather strategy — Splashaway Bay is an indoor water park, so rainy days draw bigger crowds. If the forecast looks wet, pre-book the earliest slot and keep a back-up activity for later.

What to Pack

• Swim nappies and spares — mandatory for non-toilet-trained children at any UK leisure pool.
• Two towels per swimmer — one for poolside and one dry for changing. Microfibre packs small and dries fast.
• Flip-flops or pool shoes — for wet floors and quick transitions between areas.
• Goggles and hair ties — helpful for flumes and the lazy river at Splashaway Bay Craig Tara.
• £1 coins / locker token — many holiday-park lockers are coin-return or token-operated; bring a couple just in case.
• Light layers — a warm top for after your session, especially if you are heading outdoors on the Ayrshire coast.
• Reusable bottle — hydrate before and after; use refill points or nearby outlets rather than taking drinks into the pool hall.
• Small wet-bag — to separate soaked kit from the rest of your day bag.
• Phone pouch — if you plan to keep your phone with you outside the pool hall, a waterproof pouch protects it from splashes.

Planning and booking

• Book early, cancel quickly — reserve your holiday park swimming pool sessions as soon as your window opens, then release any you will not use so other families can swim.
• Check height rules before queueing — measure younger swimmers at the start of the day to avoid disappointments at the flumes.
• Build a rhythm — alternate high-energy slide sessions with a slower day exploring Ayr, or a quieter public leisure centre swimming pool if you need a break from resort crowds.
• Keep an eye on maintenance notices — flumes and features can rotate closures; have a Plan B activity ready.

Make more of your trip

• Pair pool days with simple coastal time — a brisk promenade walk or beach play between swims helps younger children reset.
• Rain-proof your itinerary — add a shortlist of indoor family options to your notes under “things to do in Scotland”, and, if you are city-bound, save a couple of “What to do in Glasgow” picks for departure day.
• Searching “swimming pools near me” — if you fancy an extra dip beyond your allocation, check public pools in Ayr or around the Central Belt. It can be quieter than the best Haven swimming pool times at peak season.

Get a closer look at the exciting world of Splashaway Bay at Craig Tara through our exclusive photo gallery. From the vibrant flumes and interactive splash zones to the relaxing lazy river and colourful themed decor, these images capture the energy and fun that make this indoor water park so popular with families.

Whether you are planning your visit or simply curious about what to expect, our photos showcase the clean, modern facilities and joyful atmosphere that guests love. You will also spot key areas like the baby-friendly pool zones, race slides, and the welcoming entrance that sets the tone for a memorable day.

Heads of Ayr Farm Park — next door family favourite

Animal encounters, outdoor play, tractor rides and seasonal events — ideal for under-10s and mixed-age groups. The entrance is just along Dunure Road from Craig Tara, often quoted as about a 5-minute walk depending on your pitch. Book peak days in advance.

Greenan Shore & Greenan Castle — coastal strolls with views

Walk the beach north towards Ayr for big skies and views to Arran; the 16th-century Greenan Castle sits on the cliff above the shore and is a striking photo stop. Paths and beach sections link from the Craig Tara end of the coast; check tides and footing.

Dunure Castle & Harbour — ruined keep above a wild bay

A short hop south — roughly 4 miles from Craig Tara — this dramatic ruin looks over the Firth of Clyde. Combine with rock-pooling on calm days or a cliff-top stroll. Hourly local buses link the area, or drive in about 10–15 minutes.

Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Alloway — poems, bridges and kirks

Explore Burns’ cottage, the museum’s 5,000-plus artefacts, the Auld Kirk and the legendary Brig o’ Doon — all clustered in Alloway just south of Ayr. It is an easy short drive from Craig Tara and works well with a beach walk or Belleisle picnic.

Belleisle Estate & Conservatory — play parks, walled garden and deer park

A classic green escape with woodland paths, a restored glasshouse and large play areas — great for free-flowing time with children. The estate’s official guides highlight picnic spots, paths to Doonfoot and family facilities.

Ayr Beach & Esplanade — prams, scooters and sunsets

Flat promenades, café stops and play areas make Ayr’s seafront an easy half-day. Many locals favour the more open sands as you head south from town towards Greenan and the Heads of Ayr.

The Gaiety Theatre, Ayr — evening shows and panto season

Historic community-run theatre in the town centre with a family-friendly programme. Handy for a dry-day or rainy-day evening after the pool.

As a family-focused indoor water park inside a large holiday resort, Splashaway Bay rewards a little planning. I have compared the official guidance with third-party experiences and community notes to cut through noise and surface what actually matters during a short break — how booking works, when it is busiest, and which features suit different ages. Where policies or timetables vary, I have flagged them and suggested practical workarounds, so you can shape your days rather than chasing availability.

If you value honest, guest-centred advice over brochure gloss, this guide is written for you — helping you use Splashaway Bay Craig Tara to anchor a relaxed itinerary around Ayr and the wider west coast.

Splashaway Bay delivers exactly what most families want from a resort park with pool — headline flumes, a multi-lane racer and a lazy river wrapped into a weather-proof, year-round indoor water park. Its strengths are scale, variety and convenience: step out of your caravan or lodge and you are minutes from the water, food, entertainment and the Ayrshire coast. The trade-offs are the ones common to busy holiday parks in UK with swimming pools — lively sessions at peaks and the need to pre-book.

Next steps are simple: choose a standard Haven Holiday (for Play Passes), secure your dates on Haven’s site, and use the My Haven app to reserve swim slots as soon as your window opens. Aim for earlier sessions on wet days, measure heights before queueing, and bring swim nappies and £1 coins for lockers. If you want a quieter hour, plan mid-week or outside school holidays.

If you are weighing holiday parks near Glasgow with swimming pool access, Craig Tara remains an easy choice — a big, family-first leisure offer close to beaches, farms, castles and Glasgow day trips. Book, plan lightly, and enjoy Splashaway Bay water park at your own pace.