A POPULAR outdoor aqua park is set to make an even bigger splash when it returns to the New Forest this month.

The Total Wipeout-style inflatable assault course at New Forest Water Park, in Fordingbridge, opens to the public on Saturday, April 30.

Thousands of people are expected to enjoy the attraction, which has gained several new features since it first opened to the public last season.

Thrillseekers can expect to tackle monkey bars, towers, slides, hurdles, rollers, climbing walls, and a giant iceberg among other obstacles.

Ben Jury, the park’s company director, said visitors can expect the assault course to be “bigger and better” this year.

“We’re increasing the amount of people that can have fun at the same time. And we’re praying for a bit more sunshine as people try the new features.

“There’s going to be a good couple of wipeouts on the high roller, I think, as that’s quite steep. It doesn’t look too difficult to get over, but it’s difficult when your feet are wet.

“When we opened it last year, we didn’t know how people were going to react to it. We had a lot of army groups and big stag dos taking part. But within ten minutes, they wanted to sit down and have a rest.

“With a bigger aqua park and new features, it’s going to be more of a challenge and take longer for people to get round.

“It will be exciting having more features and giving people a reason to come back and see what they think of the new stuff.”

The German-made ‘Wibit’ inflatable proved so popular last year that footage of people using it went viral on the internet.

The course is designed for anybody aged six and above and as long as visitors are fit enough, there is no upper age limit as reception manager Mary Holland explained.

“Everyone that’s capable can go on it,” she said, adding: “I’m really excited about it – it’s doubled in size and more people are booking.”

Chris Hudson, park manager, said New Forest Water Park offered the biggest Wibit aqua course in the country.

“It’s good to be expanding. Last year, we were the first one, and there have been more that have popped up over the country. But we’re now the biggest one.

For further information, visit newforestwaterpark.co.uk or call 01425 656868.