Not really a waterworld, more like a big pool. (Coral Reef Waterworld (Bracknell))

Member Name: azana

Product:	Coral Reef Waterworld (Bracknell)
Date:	02/07/09 (350 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: somewhere different to go

Disadvantages: bit noisy last time I went

Bracknell probably has a bit of an interesting reputation - mainly known for its endless roundabouts, though lately famous for being the location for Harry Potter's house (12 Picket Post Close for the interested). Apart from these claims to fame Bracknell does actually have excellent sports facilities, this being one of the other attractions on offer which include an ice rink and Ski slope.

Coral Reef Waterworld in Bracknell boasts different pool areas and also has 3 water flumes and a sauna area.

It is council run, and current prices and opening hours can be found at www.bracknellforest.gov.uk. I go fairly often, but generally for parent and toddler time in term time which is a reasonable £4.20, at weekends and in holiday times you will pay much more, an adult was £6.95 last time I went at the weekend, a child £4.80, though under 4's are free.

Facilities:

The changing rooms are quite well laid out, plenty of cubicles and family changing rooms. You will need £1 for the locker, the coin is returnable. Everything is fairly clean, though basic, the showers are a bit erratic and the changing area could be a bit cleaner. Overall it is not too bad - they do encourage feedback if you are unhappy about anything via the website or to a member of staff. I did think it was a bit unecessarily loud on my last visit - distorted U2 blaring out is not my thing really when trying to swim, I couldn't hear myself think, but that could be me showing my age!

Pools:

There is a toddler area and pool which is 30cm deep, and this has a couple of slides and a big rain cloud that "rains" occassionally. A huge priate ship dominates the complex (you can just about see it on the photo above), and within the pool there are are areas with fast moving water, a jet that sprays from a "volcano" after a warning. There are also a couple of bubble pools, one of which is the largest I have seen at any pool.

The depth of the pool varies, this is a pool more to have fun in and splash around in than actually do any proper swimming. You could swim properly in the outdoor part of the pool which is connected to the inside via an arch - it seems to vary when this is open however, on a recent visit on a very hot day it wasn't open but it has been open on very cold days when I have been before.

As mentioned earlier there are 3 flumes of varying speed - these are well policed and operate with a red and green traffic light system. One flume is quite hardcore but there is also a family slide.

There are armbands freely available for young swimmers and plenty of lifeguards on duty, so it is a safe environment.

The pool is starting to look a bit dated now - the ship looks a bit sorry for itself and there are a few chipped tiles and tired looking fixtures, but it is perfectly ok for a fun swim. Should you wish to observe only the indoor cafe overlooks the pool and has a fairly good range of food and refreshments.

Practical considerations for visiting:

Parking is free and plentiful, however the pool does get very busy on hot days and queues can be long and swimming time limited. When it is very busy it is not necessarily as pleasant an experience - visit on a quieter day if you can or go early as it opens - there are "early bird" discounts, details on website. You can't pay by card under £5 at the entrance.

In conclusion:

Coral reef is a pleasant enough place to visit for a half day visit, you could combine your trip with a visit to The Discovery Centre which is opposite Coral Reef and another good half day destination. Coral Reef is easily found from junction 3 of the M3 and is situated in a forest setting. Go there to have fun rather than to have a "proper" swim.


Coral Reef - Bracknell's Water World
Nine Mile Ride
Bracknell
Berkshire
RG12 7JQ

Tel: 01344 862525
Email: coral.reef@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Summary: what's there