Britain’s £500m new water wonderland is taking shape - and it’s set to be huge

A spectacular new £500 million attraction is taking shape in Manchester, with more than 25 waterslides, a wave pool, outdoor beach and tropical temperatures all planned for its 2028 opening.

If you love the idea of a tropical getaway but don't fancy getting on a plane, there could soon be a very exciting alternative right here in the UK.

Therme Manchester is being built as the UK's first urban wellbeing resort and is set to combine water-based adventures, relaxation, nature and wellness all under one enormous roof.

Construction has now reached a major milestone, with the first of 12 tower cranes erected on the site as work moves into a new phase. And this is no small-scale leisure centre.

The finished attraction is expected to cover an area equivalent to around 28 football pitches, with the ambitious £500 million project aiming to welcome approximately 1.7 million visitors during its first year. Construction is currently expected to be completed by late 2028.

So, what can visitors expect?

Therme Manchester is being designed around three key experiences: play, relax and restore, meaning there should be something for everyone; whether you're looking for an action-packed family day out or somewhere to completely switch off.

For families and thrill-seekers, the attraction will feature more than 25 waterslides, alongside a wave pool and warm-water pools.

There will also be an outdoor beach, creating the feel of a tropical holiday without leaving the UK.
And temperatures inside are planned to reach a balmy 33C, so visitors can enjoy a year-round tropical environment regardless of what's happening outside.

For those who prefer their water experiences slightly less adrenaline-fuelled, there will be plenty of opportunities to relax too.

A tropical escape in the city

Therme Manchester is being designed to feel like more than a traditional waterpark. The resort will incorporate botanical gardens, saunas, steam rooms and relaxation areas, alongside a range of health and wellbeing experiences.

There will also be a dedicated adults-only space focused on rest and rejuvenation, providing somewhere for grown-ups to escape the noise and enjoy a more peaceful experience. Visitors will be able to book one-to-one consultations, spa treatments and a range of health, nutrition and wellbeing therapies.

One particularly intriguing addition will be red-light therapy lounging, adding another modern wellness element to the resort. The overall concept is to allow visitors to move between energetic experiences, relaxation and wellbeing during the same visit.

Something for the whole family

The attraction is also expected to offer a wide choice of places to eat and drink, with plans for restaurants, cafés and pool bars.

There will be family-friendly dining options as well as spaces aimed specifically at adults, meaning visitors could potentially spend an entire day at the resort without needing to leave.

The combination of waterslides, pools, beach areas and family facilities could make Therme Manchester a major new destination for families, while the extensive wellness offering is intended to appeal to adults looking for something more restorative.

When will Therme Manchester open?

Construction is expected to continue over the next couple of years, with completion anticipated in late 2028.
Ticket prices have not yet been announced, although the attraction says there will be a range of ticket options designed to suit different budgets.

Once open, Therme Manchester is expected to operate throughout the year, offering visitors the chance to enjoy its tropical environment whatever the season.

And with millions of visits anticipated, it could become one of the UK's biggest new leisure destinations.
For anyone who loves a waterpark, a spa day, a family adventure – or simply the idea of escaping to 33C without leaving Britain – Therme Manchester could certainly be one to put on the future day-trip list.