Helly Hansen Watersports Centre
Experience thrilling watersports like paddleboarding and kayaking in the heart of Manchester's MediaCityUK. Fun for all ages!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Helly Hansen Watersports Centre
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience thrilling watersports like paddleboarding and kayaking in the heart of Manchester's MediaCityUK. Fun for all ages!
"Fantastic to have these water sports opportunities in the middle of a City!"
Book Online in Advance
Secure your spot, especially for popular sessions. Avoid disappointment! :ticket:
Embrace Getting Wet!
Wear swimwear and bring a towel and change of clothes. You'll definitely get splashed! :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
Main Water Area
Explore the waters in a kayak, perfect for a peaceful paddle or a fun team game.
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
Main Water Area
Discover the thrill of sailing with introductory courses for beginners. Learn the ropes and catch the wind!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
What to Wear & Bring
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Online in Advance
Secure your spot, especially for popular sessions. Avoid disappointment! :ticket:
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. :star:
Great for All Ages
Kids and adults alike love the variety of activities. Perfect family fun! :family_ww:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Online in Advance
Secure your spot, especially for popular sessions. Avoid disappointment! :ticket:
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. :star:
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
It is highly recommended to book your sessions online in advance, especially during peak times like school holidays or weekends, to guarantee your spot.
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.
Yes, the centre provides changing rooms and showers, which are described as clean and much-needed after a session.
Activities include stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, raft building, sailing courses, and fun team games. There's a good variety to suit different interests.
Instructors are consistently praised for being fun, knowledgeable, attentive, and friendly, making the experience enjoyable and informative for all.
Absolutely! The centre offers introductory sessions and instructors are skilled at getting beginners comfortable, even helping them to stand up on paddleboards.
📸 📸 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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Instructors like Ryan are praised for their ability to engage younger participants, making the learning process fun and memorable. The centre offers a safe and supervised environment for kids to try new activities, fostering confidence and a love for the outdoors. It's a great way to create lasting family memories during holidays or weekends.
✨ Couples & Friends
Consider trying a kayaking session for a more relaxed exploration of the Quays, or challenge yourselves with a raft-building activity for some collaborative fun. The vibrant MediaCityUK setting adds to the experience, with plenty of cafes and attractions nearby for before or after your watersports adventure.
💰 Budget-Conscious Visitors
Look out for off-peak times during weekdays when sessions might be less crowded and potentially more flexible. Booking in advance can also sometimes secure better rates. The experience itself provides hours of active entertainment, making it a worthwhile investment for a fun day out.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Watersports Experience
Beyond individual pursuits, the centre excels at fostering teamwork and fun through activities like raft building. Families and groups can collaborate to construct their own rafts, adding an element of creative challenge to the water-based fun. For those seeking a more structured learning experience, sailing courses are available, providing an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of navigating the water with the wind. The overall sentiment is that these activities offer a refreshing escape from technology and a chance to engage in active, outdoor fun.
What truly elevates the experience are the highly praised instructors. Ryan, in particular, is frequently mentioned for his attentiveness, friendliness, and ability to make sessions engaging and enjoyable for all ages. The combination of diverse activities, skilled instruction, and the unique urban watersports setting makes the Helly Hansen Watersports Centre a standout destination.
Location and Accessibility at MediaCityUK
Getting to the centre is straightforward, with the MediaCityUK Metrolink tram stop providing excellent connectivity. For those arriving by car, 'The Garage Car Park' at MediaCity is the most convenient option, though other multi-storey car parks are available nearby, albeit with associated parking fees.
The urban setting offers a unique backdrop for watersports, transforming a typically natural environment into an accessible city adventure. This makes it a convenient option for day-trippers or those looking for an active break without venturing far from the city's amenities. The blend of modern infrastructure and recreational facilities creates a dynamic and appealing destination.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit