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Helly Hansen Watersports Centre

4.8
·282 reviews·, United Kingdom

Experience thrilling watersports like paddleboarding and kayaking in the heart of Manchester's MediaCityUK. Fun for all ages!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more space

CrowdLow
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Photo2

Helly Hansen Watersports Centre

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more space

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience thrilling watersports like paddleboarding and kayaking in the heart of Manchester's MediaCityUK. Fun for all ages!

4.8
(282 reviews)

"Fantastic to have these water sports opportunities in the middle of a City!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Online in Advance

Secure your spot, especially for popular sessions. Avoid disappointment! 🎟️

Embrace Getting Wet!

Wear swimwear and bring a towel and change of clothes. You'll definitely get splashed! :droplet:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 282 reviews

Type

Adventure Sports Center

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)

Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)

Main Water Area

Learn to balance and glide across the water on a paddleboard. Fun for all ages and skill levels!

Kayaking Adventures

Kayaking Adventures

Main Water Area

Explore the waters in a kayak, perfect for a peaceful paddle or a fun team game.

Raft Building Challenges

Raft Building Challenges

Designated Activity Zone

Team up with family or friends to construct a raft and test its buoyancy. A creative and exciting challenge!

Sailing Courses

Sailing Courses

Main Water Area

Discover the thrill of sailing with introductory courses for beginners. Learn the ropes and catch the wind!

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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Peak Times

Popular sessions, especially during school holidays or weekends, fill up fast. Booking online in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. Check for family packages or group discounts.

What to Wear & Bring

You'll get wet! Wear swimwear under quick-drying clothes. Bring a towel and a change of clothes. Lockers are available for valuables. Consider water shoes for extra grip and protection.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more space
Crowd
Low
When
Summer mornings
Why
Warmest water, best light
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend sessions
Why
Great for families & groups
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

It’s as if you’re at the beach 😂 #salford #manchester #salfordcity #manchester #themanc #burstpipe #swim #manchestersalford #fyp
@the.manc
38.9K likes • 833.1K views

Book Online in Advance

Secure your spot, especially for popular sessions. Avoid disappointment! 🎟️

Embrace Getting Wet!

Wear swimwear and bring a towel and change of clothes. You'll definitely get splashed! :droplet:

There’s a brand new indoor activity park that’s opened in Quayside MediaCity with trampolines, inflatables, slides, high ropes, a sky glider and so much more. 🤸 @oxygenactiveplay #themanc #manchester #halfterm #greatermanchester #thingstodo #thingstodoinmanchester #FamilyFun #familyactivities #trampolinepark #salford
@the.manc
26.2K likes • 497.9K views
Definitely needs knocking down that salford shopping centre🤣 #foryou #fyp #salford #manchester
@armztrainz
7.9K likes • 147.1K views

Instructor Ryan is a Star!

Many reviewers rave about Ryan's fun and informative teaching style. ⭐

Great for All Ages

Kids and adults alike love the variety of activities. Perfect family fun! :family_ww:

Did you know you can walk from our MediaCityUK campus into Manchester city centre along the canals? 🌳 This scenic walk takes around one hour and you’ll pass areas like Pomona, Castlefield and Deansgate along the way ✨ Follow the intructions in this video and save this for the next time you and your friends fancy a stroll 🚶‍♀️ #manchesterwalks #mediacity #mediacitywalks #manchester #salford #salfor...
@salforduni
6.6K likes • 156.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Online in Advance

Secure your spot, especially for popular sessions. Avoid disappointment! 🎟️

Embrace Getting Wet!

Wear swimwear and bring a towel and change of clothes. You'll definitely get splashed! :droplet:

Instructor Ryan is a Star!

Many reviewers rave about Ryan's fun and informative teaching style. ⭐

Great for All Ages

Kids and adults alike love the variety of activities. Perfect family fun! :family_ww:

City Centre Oasis

Fantastic to have water sports right in the heart of the city. :cityscape:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(282 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Helly Hansen Watersports Centre for its fun, engaging activities and excellent instructors, particularly Ryan. The location at MediaCityUK is seen as a unique urban watersports hub, offering great value for money. While the experience is overwhelmingly positive, some may find parking costs add up.

"We attended the introduction to stand up paddling on Thursday evening. Ryan the instructor was brilliant. Getting us onto the boards on our knees and once confident up to standing. There was a small group of us and it was great fun. We learnt how to use the paddle and the session was both informative and great fun. I loved the tricks session at the end but maybe at 50 year old I’m too old for headstands on the board!!
All in all a great activity and good to try something new. Would recommend to all. At £15 each much cheaper than other sessions I’ve seen advertised and Ryan was encouraging and helpful.
The warm shower after was much needed and the changing rooms clean too. Will def be back. Thank you very much."

Emma Denton

"My 2 children loved this 3 hour session, said it felt like half an hour and want to hook on again. Age 10&13. The instructor was fun and knowledgeable, they dyed a mixture of kayaking, paddle boarding and fun team games in the water. Great holiday activity."

Jenny Wildgoose

"Brought 3 grandsons for a summer session. They loved it and found something they enjoyed apart from tech! Supervision great and a variety of activities. Wish we lived nearer but we will return"

Sue Wilkinson

What People Like

Engaging and fun instructors
Great value for money
Variety of water activities

What People Dislike

Parking costs can be high

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The centre is located at Salford Quays, MediaCityUK. It's easily accessible by public transport, including the Metrolink tram system to MediaCityUK. If driving, 'The Garage Car Park' at MediaCity is the closest, though other multi-storey car parks are available nearby. Reddit

Yes, 'The Garage Car Park' at MediaCity is the most convenient option. There are also other multi-storey car parks across the way at the Quays. Parking fees will apply. Reddit

You can enjoy a scenic walk along the canals from Manchester city centre to MediaCityUK, which takes about an hour. You'll pass areas like Pomona and Castlefield. TikTok

The MediaCityUK Metrolink tram stop is just a short walk away, providing easy access to and from Manchester city centre and surrounding areas.

While specific accessibility details should be confirmed directly with the venue, the MediaCityUK area is generally well-equipped for accessibility. It's advisable to contact the centre beforehand to discuss specific needs.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Prices vary depending on the activity. For example, an introduction to stand-up paddleboarding session was around £15 per person, which is considered good value. Reddit

It is highly recommended to book your sessions online in advance, especially during peak times like school holidays or weekends, to guarantee your spot. Reddit

Opening hours can vary depending on the season and day of the week. It's best to check the official Helly Hansen Watersports Centre website for the most up-to-date information.

Age restrictions can vary by activity. For instance, children aged 10 and 13 participated in a 3-hour session, and a 2-day sailing course was enjoyed by teenagers. Always check the specific requirements for each activity.

Gift vouchers are often available for watersports centres, making them a great present. Check the venue's website or contact them directly to inquire about purchasing gift vouchers.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You will get wet, so wear swimwear under quick-drying clothing. Bring a towel and a change of clothes. Water shoes are also a good idea for grip and protection. TikTok

Yes, the centre provides changing rooms and showers, which are described as clean and much-needed after a session. Reddit

Activities include stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, raft building, sailing courses, and fun team games. There's a good variety to suit different interests. Reddit

Instructors are consistently praised for being fun, knowledgeable, attentive, and friendly, making the experience enjoyable and informative for all. Reddit

Absolutely! The centre offers introductory sessions and instructors are skilled at getting beginners comfortable, even helping them to stand up on paddleboards. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

You are welcome to take photos and videos, but be mindful of your equipment as you will likely get wet. Waterproof phone cases or action cameras are recommended.

The watersports activities themselves provide dynamic photo opportunities. The MediaCityUK backdrop also offers a modern urban setting for pictures.

Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light. However, the action on the water is exciting at any time, so capture the moments as they happen!

While instructors are focused on safety and guiding the activities, they might be able to assist with a quick group photo if time permits and it doesn't disrupt the session.

The banks of the Quays offer good vantage points to watch and photograph activities. You can also capture great shots from the water itself if you're on a stable craft like a paddleboard.

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