How We Delivered one of the UK’s Largest Water Slides
May 20th, 2026
A major new addition is set to transform the visitor experience at Cliff Lakes, as one of the UK’s largest water slide structures arrived on site following a carefully managed international logistics operation.
Future Forwarding Co Ltd has successfully completed the international transport, marking a significant milestone for both the logistics sector and the UK leisure industry.
Commissioned by Kingsbury Watersport Limited, the project centres on the delivery and installation of the X-Tower Slide, a towering fibreglass structure supported by a galvanised steel framework. Once assembled, the slide will stand approximately 12 metres high, covering a footprint close to 30×30 metres, and weighing in excess of 20 tonnes.
This was not a standard delivery. Moving a structure of this scale required detailed planning from the outset, with multiple oversized components needing specialist handling, coordinated transport, and strict adherence to cross-border regulations.
A Multi-Stage Operation Across Europe
The journey began in Fontenay-le-Comte, France, where the cargo was prepared and loaded across five separate crane operations. Each loading was scheduled at staggered intervals to ensure safe handling of the fibreglass slide sections, steel supports, and associated fittings such as bolts, brackets, and sealing materials.
Given the dimensions and nature of the cargo, five flatbed trailers were deployed. Several loads required out-of-gauge considerations, adding another layer of complexity to route planning and permitting.
The transport route ran from France through Calais, crossing into the UK via Dover, before continuing to Tamworth. Each leg of the journey was timed to maintain momentum while ensuring full compliance with transport regulations.
Despite the challenges typically associated with oversized freight, the full operation was completed within a four-day transit window.
Precision Delivery Meets Tight Installation Schedule
Timing was critical. A specialist installation team had a limited window on site, which meant deliveries had to be phased with precision. All five vehicles arrived in staggered slots, allowing immediate offloading by crane and a smooth transition into the build phase.
Handling materials that are both bulky and fragile required careful coordination at every stage. Clear communication between all parties ensured that adjustments could be made quickly when needed, keeping the project aligned with its delivery schedule.
Overcoming Challenges Through Coordination
Projects of this nature rarely run without hurdles. Oversized load restrictions, permit requirements, and the physical demands of transporting large structural elements all presented challenges along the way.
What made the difference was consistent coordination and real-time updates shared between Future Forwarding Co Ltd, suppliers, and the end client. This ensured that even when conditions shifted, the operation remained on track.
A New Attraction on the Horizon
The construction is now complete, and the new slide stands as a centrepiece attraction at Cliff Lakes, adding to its reputation as one of the UK’s leading aqua park destinations.
Already home to the popular Aqualand inflatable obstacle course, the site offers a dynamic, water-based experience where visitors can climb, slide, and navigate floating challenges in a supervised environment. The addition of this large-scale slide is expected to elevate the offering even further.
Although the park is already open, the new slide attraction will officially open to the public on 23 May 2026.
Project Summary
This was more than a transport job. It was a full-scale logistics operation that demanded planning, coordination, and flexibility from start to finish, by our European Road Freight Team.
By managing every stage of the journey, Future Forwarding Co Ltd has helped bring a major new attraction to the UK market. Reinforcing its capability in handling complex, oversized cargo projects across Europe.
