New rides to open at Lightwater Valley after sale

The new owners of a North Yorkshire theme park have promised to open new rides and attractions.

Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park, near Ripon, has been bought by the Mellors Group after it was put up for sale for £3m in October.

The Nottingham-based company, which already runs Fantasy Island in Ingoldmells and Skegness Pier, said it was "committed to bringing new life, new energy, and significant new investment to the beloved adventure park".

It said Lightwater Valley would continue to cater for young families and under 12s, but they also aimed to "broaden the appeal for all ages".

James Mellors, managing director of Mellors Group, said: "Lightwater Valley is a park with real heart, history, personality, and potential, and it's a place our own family has loved since childhood.

"We're incredibly proud to be taking on its future. Our goal is simple: to put the park back 'on the map' as a major theme park, by introducing new rides, injecting new energy, and creating something truly special for families for many years to come."

He added the new attractions would arrive in 2026 and be announced in due course.

Lightwater Valley was originally established in 1969 and was once home to the longest roller coaster in the world, the Ultimate, which held the title between 1991 and 2000.

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.