If you are looking for a family theme park break that feels completely different from the usual UK parks, then Futuroscope and Aquascope are two places I honestly cannot recommend enough. We had such a fantastic time and I genuinely think this is one of the best short family breaks you can do from London.
What surprised me most was just how easy it was to do over a weekend. We managed to fit in both parks, avoid a school fine, and still have plenty of time to enjoy everything without feeling rushed.
Cheap Flights from London to Poitiers
As always, the first thing I checked was Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights.
The best option for us was flying from London Stansted Airport to Poitiers–Biard Airport which is the nearest airport to Futuroscope and honestly, it is REALLY near. The drive took less than 20 minutes.
We paid just £38 per person return and the flight itself was only a little over an hour long which honestly makes this one of the easiest European theme park breaks from the UK.
We travelled with our trusted Decathlon hand luggage bags which fit so much inside. If you are only going for a weekend, hand luggage is more than enough.
Our Flight Times
London Stansted to Poitiers
Saturday 16 May 2026
Departure: 06:45
Arrival: 09:15
Poitiers to London Stansted
Sunday 17 May 2026
Departure: 16:05
Arrival: 16:30
I was initially worried that our Sunday flight home would mean we would not have enough time to properly enjoy Aquascope, especially as we planned to do Futuroscope on the Saturday, but honestly we still managed to do loads.
What Is Poitiers Airport Like?
Poitiers Airport is genuinely one of the smallest airports I have ever been to. Think Billund Airport but even smaller. I actually think it might even be smaller than Stockholm Västerås Airport.
At the time of posting, the EES process was being done manually by staff rather than using machines. There were no passport stamps and although the queue looked long, it moved very quickly.
You can get public transport from the airport to Futuroscope which will definitely be cheaper, but we decided to use Uber because it was quick and easy. We paid €24 for around a 15 minute drive.
Staying at Futuroscope Without a Car
One thing I really loved about this trip was how easy it was without driving.
As soon as we arrived, we headed straight to our accommodation to pre check in and leave our bags before heading into the park. Our room was not ready until 4pm, but honestly that worked perfectly because it meant we could start exploring immediately.
All of the accommodation options are within walking distance of both Futuroscope and Aquascope, so if you do not drive, or like me you are not comfortable driving on the right hand side of the road, you will absolutely be fine here.
Futuroscope Theme Park Review
We were lucky enough to be given fast passes, so unfortunately I cannot properly comment on normal queue times, but what I can say is that we had SO much fun here.
This is honestly one of the best theme parks we have visited in Europe because it feels completely different from your standard rollercoaster park. There are rides, immersive attractions, simulation experiences and interactive activities that both kids and adults will genuinely enjoy.
If you have the time, I would personally recommend:
- 2 days at Futuroscope
- 2 days at Aquascope
So ideally 4 days in total.
However, if you are short on time like we were, doing one full day at Futuroscope and half a day at Aquascope worked surprisingly well.
Best Rides at Futuroscope
There are loads of attractions here, so I definitely recommend downloading the official app or checking the website before you go.
These were some of our favourites:
Objectif Mars
Join the astronaut training programme aboard a family rollercoaster. If you love spinning rides, you will LOVE this. Also… there is a drop.
Tornado Chasers
This was absolutely wild.
You ride into a tornado on a rotating platform surrounded by the world’s largest indoor LED screen. Imagine 4DX but even crazier.
Dance with Robots
You climb aboard a huge robot arm that dances to music by Martin Solveig. You can actually choose the intensity level which is such a fun touch.
Fun fact: it is the exact same ride system as the one at LEGOLAND Deutschland Resort.
Arthur The 4D Adventure
If you enjoy being thrown around in simulator rides then you will absolutely love this one.
You shrink down into the world of the Minimoys and fly through different scenes in full 4D.
Dynamic Vienne
This attraction was honestly hilarious.
It is basically a chaotic tourist rally experience on moving seats and although it was completely in French, we still loved every second of it.
Again, think extreme 4DX.
Is Futuroscope Good for Kids?
Yes, absolutely.
There are attractions suitable for lots of different ages and heights, making it genuinely fun for the whole family.
One thing I thought was really helpful is that at Futuroscope you can measure your child at the information points to receive a wristband showing which rides they can access.
At Aquascope, there are also height gauges at the entrance to the slides.
Food at Futuroscope
Food wise, expect typical theme park food:
- Burgers
- Nuggets
- Fries
- Hot dogs
- Snacks
Prices are pretty much what you would expect from a theme park. Not ridiculously expensive, but definitely not cheap either.
We mostly stuck to nuggets and fries because honestly they are hard to get wrong.
One thing I did like is that the app helps you locate food spots, toilets, ride times and attractions around the park. Another massive bonus is that picnics ARE allowed inside Futuroscope, so if you want to save money you can definitely bring your own food.
Late Opening Hours Make SUCH a Difference
One thing I REALLY loved about Futuroscope is how late the park stays open. I honestly think this is something UK theme parks are massively missing.
Because the park stays open later, the entire day feels more relaxed. We actually had time to go back to our room for a break before returning for more rides in the evening. At the end of the night there was also a beautiful nighttime water show followed by fireworks which was honestly the perfect ending to the day.
Is Futuroscope Difficult if You Do Not Speak French?
This is probably one of the biggest questions people will have. Yes, the park is VERY French focused. Most rides, shows and experiences are entirely in French.
However, we still had an amazing time and I honestly do not think it took away from the experience much at all. Some attractions offer English and Spanish translations through the ListenWIFI app and there are QR codes around the park to help with translations too.
Just do not expect it to be like Disneyland Paris where lots of things are bilingual.
Hôtel Ecolodgee Review
We stayed at Hôtel Ecolodgee and honestly, if you love nature you will probably really enjoy staying here.
The lodges are modern, wooden, peaceful and surrounded by nature. There was:
- A double bed
- Two single beds
- Walk in shower
- Toilet
- Plates, cups and cutlery
- A little veranda area
One thing I noticed immediately was that there was no TV which I actually really liked because it forced us to properly switch off and relax.
Breakfast is included and you choose what you want at check in. The next morning it gets delivered directly outside your lodge in covered baskets.
I had seen some reviews online mentioning frogs keeping guests awake at night because of the nearby water, but honestly we were SO exhausted that we completely crashed and did not hear a thing.
The accommodation is peaceful, cosy and all within around a 10 minute walk from the parks.
One Futuroscope park ticket per person is included with hotel stays and packages, but Aquascope tickets must be booked separately.
Aquascope Review
We visited Aquascope on our second day and honestly it was FABULOUS. This is probably one of the most immersive waterparks we have ever visited in Europe.
We spent just over 3 hours there which actually ended up being the perfect amount of time before heading back to the airport. We arrived around 9am and it was lovely and quiet.
Considering the airport is only around 15 minutes away, we genuinely did not feel rushed at all before our flight home.
Important Things to Know About Aquascope
Due to limited capacity, you MUST pre book a timed entry slot.
Once you enter at your chosen time, you can stay until closing without restrictions.
There are several slides with boards showing:
- Queue times
- Thrill level
- Speed level
- Steepness level
The children’s area was fantastic too.
We found a little cave filled with musical instruments and there were lots of toddler friendly slides and splash areas.
My daughter genuinely said this is the best waterpark we have ever visited and we have done quite a few across Europe.
Aquascope Facilities
Aquascope is fully accessible and lockers are completely free.
You receive a wristband at the entrance which is used to lock and unlock your locker.
The lockers are HUGE. We easily fitted our luggage inside because we went straight to the airport afterwards.
There is also a restaurant serving typical family food like:
- Nuggets
- Chips
- Hot dogs
Pool Temperatures
- Main pools: 29°C
- Children’s area: 31°C
Children under 4 enter free and babies must wear swim nappies.
Swimming aids are compulsory for children under 8.
One important thing to remember:
Bring your own towels because you cannot use the towels from the hotel rooms.
There is also an outdoor area although it was closed during our visit.
Security at Poitiers Airport
One thing that really annoyed me on the way home was security at Poitiers Airport.
They still expect all liquids under 100ml to be placed into small plastic bags AND they expect you to bring your own bags which honestly feels crazy now considering most UK airports have completely scrapped this rule.
They did have bags available, but staff seemed really reluctant to hand them out which definitely was not the best end to the trip.
Final Thoughts: Is Futuroscope and Aquascope Worth Visiting?
1000% yes.
We had an AMAZING time and we would absolutely go back.
If you are looking for a different kind of family break that combines:
- Theme parks
- Waterparks
- Short flights
- Affordable travel
- Walkable resorts
- Family friendly attractions
Then Futuroscope and Aquascope are honestly such a good option.
Just be prepared to walk A LOT.
Ticket Prices
At the time of posting:
- Futuroscope tickets start from €47 for adults
- Aquascope tickets start from €39 for adults
Prices can change, so always check the official website for the latest information before booking.
