A Monster 360ft Slip and slide in Barnstaple, North Devon

The best kind of chaos is organized. In Barnstaple, the Monster Slip and Slide turns a summer hour into a loud, wet, competitive race down a 360ft stretch. You can choose how you ride, then run it again and again while the staff keep things moving with safety rules.

What I like most is the free equipment: bodyboards and inflatable rings are included, so you are not paying extra just to play. I also like that it works across ages and comfort levels, from kids to teens to grown-ups racing each other when the water gets going.

One thing to consider: plan for getting wet. Even if the weather is only drizzly, you should still come ready to be drenched, and wear gear that can handle it.

Quick hits before you go

• 360ft ride length means you get proper speed, not a quick demo run.
• Free bodyboards and inflatable rings let you switch it up without extra cost.
• Family-friendly for many ages with options that suit kids and thrill-seekers.
• Queues stay reasonable with only short waits between slides when things are running smoothly.
• Changing rooms and toilets are on site, so you can dry off and reset quickly.
• Dog friendly in practice is mentioned by visitors who bring sensitive pups (with a note to consider their fear of noise/wind).

The Monster Slip and Slide in Barnstaple: what it really feels like

This is a simple idea done really well: you slide down a long, multi-coloured track on a board or in an inflatable ring, over and over. The fun comes from speed and choice. One run you are on a bodyboard, the next you might be in a ring, and the slide length gives you time to feel the momentum instead of bouncing off after a few seconds.

If you like a little competition, you will understand why people talk about racing friends and family. Even on a drizzly day, once you get going you warm up fast, and the energy turns into a mix of squeals, laughter, and the kind of serious face you only see when someone thinks they can beat you.

What you can use for your ride

Your session includes access to the ride gear. You can use:

• Bodyboards, including “super fast” ones.
• Inflatable rings, including ring options that can support families and different comfort levels.

This matters because it changes the experience. Bodyboards tend to be more about speed and control, while rings can feel more like bouncing fun. You can also adjust based on who is riding that day. A younger kid might start with a family setup, then switch to something solo as confidence grows.

Where it starts, how long you get, and how to plan your hour

The activity runs for about 1 hour, and it ends back at the meeting point in Barnstaple. You will want to arrive with enough time to check in, get changed, and be ready to hit the ramp without stress.

Most people book about 6 days in advance on average, and the group size is capped at up to 80 travelers. In practical terms, that cap helps keep the sessions from feeling like an endless queue march. From the experience, waits between slides are typically only a few minutes when the operation is flowing.

Price and value: why this is good bang for your hour

The price is listed as $22.73 per person. For that, you are paying for:

• a timed session
• entry to the slip-and-slide experience
• and the ride gear (boards and rings)

That last part is the big value piece. A lot of attractions charge extra for equipment or upgrades. Here, you are not locked into one device. You can switch between bodyboards and inflatable rings as you go, which means your hour lasts longer because it never feels repetitive.

Gear up: what to bring (and what to wear)

You are going to get wet. That is part of the point. If you want to keep the day comfortable, treat it like a water day even when the sky is grey.

Here is what makes sense based on what people report:

• Wetsuit (or swim kit you can tolerate getting drenched)
• Aqua shoes instead of bare feet
• A towel and dry clothes in a bag you can seal
• A change of clothes for adults and kids, because you will not want to ride home soaking

Changing facilities are described as good, and people mention using the changing rooms at the end to get dry. Toilets onsite are also available, with portaloos mentioned as part of the setup.

Your session flow: how the hour tends to move

Your time on site is built around repeated runs. While the exact pacing depends on the day and weather, the pattern is usually straightforward.

Check-in and getting ready

After you arrive at the Barnstaple meeting point (the activity uses the provided coordinates), you will sort out your session start. If you pre-plan, you avoid waiting around in wet gear.

People also mention that arriving ready helps. One useful tip from experience: show up with your wetsuit on if you can, then use the changing rooms at the end to warm up and dry off.

Choosing your ride: board vs ring

Once the session starts, you pick your ride style:

• If you want more glide and speed, go for the bodyboard.
• If you want something a bit more stable and playful, choose an inflatable ring.

Rings can be used in different configurations, which is helpful when you have mixed ages. For example, a family might start with a shared inflatable setup and then split up into smaller single or more independent rides later as kids gain confidence.

Sliding, resetting, and the rhythm of the queues

The good news is that the lines do not feel punishing. People describe waiting only a few minutes between slides. That rhythm matters. It keeps the energy up, and it also prevents the “everyone gets cold and cranky” problem that happens at slower attractions.

Rules are in place, and the setup is described as feeling safe. You do not need to be an expert athlete to join in. If your comfort is mostly about not falling, you are in the right place. If your comfort is about speed, you are also in the right place.

Staff, safety, and why this feels well run

This attraction runs on simple things: clear rules, fast turnaround between runs, and friendly staff who keep the line moving. Visitors highlight that the team is helpful and friendly, especially with families.

That shows up in the small details. People mention staff helping with practical needs like parking, and being supportive with kids as they get involved. If you have teenagers or adults who want to race each other, the staff still keep the flow organized so the session stays fun instead of chaotic.

Safety is handled through rules and supervision. That is the kind of boring word that matters here. It is the difference between a slippery water playground and something that feels controlled enough for families to relax.

Weather reality: what happens if it is not sunny

This is a good-weather-dependent experience. If it gets cancelled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. That is worth taking seriously, because a slip-and-slide depends on conditions.

That said, a grey drizzly day can still lead to a great time once you start sliding. One family even had a drizzly day and still enjoyed the session after they got warmed up. The take-away: focus on being prepared, not on chasing perfect sunshine.

Snacks, photos, and little extras that change the day

You do not come here for fine dining. You come for wet fun. Still, it helps that there are options onsite.

Food and drinks

People mention cake and coffee as a snack after sliding. There is also an ice cream and hot drink van on site. The food is described as simple, but enough for a quick refuel before you head off again.

Professional photos (optional)

If you want a keepsake, you can buy professional photos after the session. One person reports paying £20 for 5 photos by ordering online after.

This is not required. But if your family will want proof you did the crazy thing, it can be a good add-on. Just remember it is optional, so you can keep your budget under control if you prefer.

Extra time

Your session is about one hour. Still, one visitor mentions staying for another hour at a reduced price. You should treat that as a possibility rather than a guarantee, but it is a nice option if you are still buzzing after your first run.

Who this is best for (and who might not love it)

This experience is a strong fit if you want:

• active, goofy fun for families
• a thrill that does not require serious skill training
• an hour that moves fast and keeps everyone engaged

It also works well for mixed ages. One family with children aged 7, 14, and 16 all took part, switching between boards and rings. Even grown-ups get competitive, including the “serious about racing” type.

A quick reality check for anyone who hates getting wet

If you absolutely hate the idea of being drenched, you may not enjoy the experience. You might consider a different kind of attraction, or at least plan on wearing the right gear and protecting your comfort.

If you bring a dog

The experience is described as dog friendly by at least one visitor. If your dog is noise- or wind-sensitive, take extra care. One reviewer notes their dog was terrified by a large wind turbine on site. If your pup is easily spooked, you might decide to leave them at home.

Making it work from your base: fitting Barnstaple into a Devon plan

You are in North Devon territory, where summer days can run together. The Monster Slip and Slide fits nicely as:

• a late morning activity
• an early afternoon break
• or a “burn energy” stop before dinner

Because it is about an hour, it does not hijack your whole day. You can pair it with other coastal time, a town wander, or a return to your accommodation to dry off.

Should you book the Monster Slip and Slide?

Book it if you want an active family outing with strong value, simple rules, and the kind of fun that gets everyone laughing. The biggest reasons to say yes are the free ride gear, the length of the slide, and the friendly, organized staff that keep the session moving.

Skip it (or rethink your plan) if you are not comfortable getting wet, or if the weather conditions are likely to be poor where you are staying. This attraction depends on good weather, and you should be ready with clothing that handles water well.

FAQ

How long is the Monster Slip and Slide session?

The activity lasts about 1 hour.

How much does it cost?

The price is listed as $22.73 per person.

What’s included with my ticket?

Your session includes free access to the bodyboards and inflatable rings used on the slide.

Do I need to pay for food?

Meals are not included.

Are kids allowed, and do children 4 and under slide for free?

Kids 4 and under can slide for free with a fee-paying adult.

What should I wear or bring?

Plan for getting wet. Many people come ready with wetsuits and aqua shoes, and you should bring dry clothes for after.

Are changing facilities and toilets available?

Changing facilities and toilets are available on site, including portaloos.

Is the attraction dog friendly?

Some visitors say it is dog friendly, but if your dog is sensitive to noise or wind, consider whether they will cope.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.