The Time Capsule

Sightseeing attraction | Coatbridge | Scotland | United Kingdom

Indoor water park Scotland family

"The Time Capsule" in Coatbridge, Scotland, is one of the most well-known leisure facilities in the region and a popular destination for families and thrill-seekers in North Lanarkshire. This indoor water park, often referred to as "Scotland's water park," offers a variety of attractions that combine fun and sporting activities for all ages. Nestled in a town with a rich industrial history, once the center of Scotland's iron industry, "The Time Capsule" has become a staple of the local leisure offering since its opening. The complex combines water fun with other indoor activities and stands out from other swimming pools with its thematic design and variety.

Ice skating activities Coatbridge

The centerpiece of "The Time Capsule" is the water park, which captivates visitors with an impressive selection of slides and water attractions. Highlights include the "Storm Chasers," two fast tube slides with spiral descents that provide thrills, and the "Tornado Tantrum," a group slide where up to four people race down a steep drop and shoot into a funnel in a raft. The large wave pool, known as the "Tsunami," offers regular wave phases that are a highlight for swimmers and little adventurers alike. A lazy river, a waterfall, and a whirlpool bay complement the offerings and provide varied water fun. For younger children, there is a "Splash Zone" with a huge tipping bucket, small slides, and interactive water games reminiscent of a rocket base - a playful reference to the name "Time Capsule," giving the impression of a journey through time.

Adventure attractions North Lanarkshire

In addition to the water park, "The Time Capsule" also offers an ice skating rink, which is a popular attraction especially in the colder months. The ice rink has been renovated in recent years and invites both beginners and experienced skaters to glide. For those looking to stay fit, there is a modern fitness center with a wide range of equipment, from cardio machines to weights, as well as the opportunity to participate in group classes. A spa area with sauna and relaxation rooms offers adults the opportunity to unwind while children enjoy the other attractions. This variety makes the complex a year-round destination that promises entertainment regardless of the weather.

Wellness area sauna fitness center

The design of "The Time Capsule" is characterized by a functional, albeit somewhat dated style that recalls the 1980s when the complex first opened its doors. The exterior facade with its distinctive towers around which the slides wind is recognizable from afar and gives the building a distinctive character. Inside, the water landscape is spacious and interconnected, with a focus on activity - there are no loungers or resting areas directly at the pool, encouraging visitors to either stay in the water or in the dining areas. Two cafes, one on the ground floor and one overlooking the pool area, offer a selection of meals, from classic British dishes like Fish & Chips to snacks and drinks. The cuisine is family-friendly, although the offering is described as rather simple.

Water attractions kids fun

For families, "The Time Capsule" is particularly attractive as it offers a wide range of entertainment options. In addition to the water attractions, there is a play area for younger children that completes the stay. The park places a strong emphasis on safety, with numerous lifeguards monitoring the pool area, although some visitors find the strict supervision somewhat overwhelming. The changing rooms are functional but often subject to criticism for being perceived as outdated and sometimes not adequately maintained. Nevertheless, the focus remains on the water experience, which most visitors cite as the main reason for their visit.

Contact details

Web

Phone

Address
100 Buchanan St
ML5 1DL Coatbridge

Map view

Opening hours

Sunday10:00 - 20:00
Monday16:00 - 20:00
Tuesday16:00 - 20:00
Wednesday16:00 - 20:00
Thursday16:00 - 20:00
Friday16:00 - 20:00
Saturday10:00 - 20:00

Reviews

3730 Reviews

Linzi Pearce
09.03.2025

Visited the Ice Rink for the first time since I was a teenager and was really disappointed. The music was not loud enough to hear. The rink seemed to have shrunk since the removal of the Mammoth as the area where the cafe was seemed to have expanded. Additionally the cafe was not open. Lockers charged you £1 a time as you were not given this money back, meaning that most people visiting left their coats, bags, etc, lying around on the tables and seats. The skate hire was easy enough, but the laces on the boots I was given looked like red rope, and they were due to snap at any point. Toilets were not clean and in dire need of an upgrade from the steel. This venue could do with an injection of cash for real upgrades or to restore it to former glory by bringing back the dinosaur theme throughout. No linger the greatest fun in million years.
Suzanne Stewart
05.03.2025

Avoid if you don't want to see hair extensions floating around and false nails. People clearly didn't shower prior to entering the pool as they had full faces of makeup on. Disgusting place.
Edward Johnston
01.03.2025

Not yet
Richard Haley
01.03.2025

Probably the best swimming pool in Glasgow with slides etc.
Elaine McMurray
27.02.2025

Been a few times but this was the worst yet with how filthy the place was and how freezing it was also thankfully it's closing for the refurb so I can't wait to return when it's done to see the improvements
James Rossington
26.02.2025

Great facility, shame not all the slides were open, but really good value for money, and my kids had a great time.
Stephen Foster
24.02.2025

Ice skating was good value for 90 mins
Andrew D
23.02.2025

The 2 main flumes were out of order. The water park is closing for 6 months in a couple of weeks for refurbishment, so hopefully they are working again after that.
xV Battleboy
23.02.2025

Has a booking system but can't phone to book place is a joke if you ask me no organised 1 bit total shit show of a place
Tim Bunyard
21.02.2025

What a fun place to visit! I'd give 5 stars if all the flumes were open. Unfortunately it was only open feom 4pm. However it was still a good family fun day out :)
Elliot Darling
13.02.2025

I like it very mich
kevin cooper
21.08.2021

I've been going here for years , the last few times I have been there has been no large slides open and the tipping bucket has been off also . I think the complex is in need of a refurb
Stefanos Gkouts
12.02.2025

Great experience.
Toni Carroll
09.02.2025

I took my daughter here . Staff were very rude , I was told I was not allowed to take a picture of my own child before she entered the swimming pool (no other children) were near her and certainly wouldn’t have photographed if any children were near or would have been included in the picture . I understand the protection of kids ect but iam not happy at the fact I was told I was not allowed to take a photograph of my own daughter . The man who told me this was also very rude and aswell as his body language ! I will not be back !!

 

Close by