A FAMILY-FOCUSED theme park will reopen in the UK this year, but with new owners and new rides.
Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park in Ripon, North Yorkshire, is set to reopen later this year.
Mellors Group, which has a number of other UK attractions including Fantasy Island in Ingoldmells and Skegness Pier, has bought the theme park.
The Group has announced its plans for the park, including adding new rides and attractions this year.
The park will remain focused on younger families, especially with children under 12 years old, but will also create new experiences that appeal to all ages.
The Group has said that the new attractions will be revealed in due course.
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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.
“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: “We’re very excited about this acquisition and looking forward to planning a wide range of new attractions for 2026; fresh, fun, and full of excitement.
“While Lightwater Valley will continue to be a haven for younger families, we’re also widening the experience so that guests of all ages can enjoy the thrills, charm, and adventure together.
“The team here have done a brilliant job, and we’re looking forward to working closely with them as we begin this new journey.”
The Mellors Group bought the park after it was put up for sale in October for £3million.
The theme park first opened back in 1969 and today is home to more than 35 rides and attractions.
The park also hosts seasonal events and entertainment for families.
At one point, the park was home to the world’s longest rollercoaster which stretched 2,268 metres.
It held the title from 1991 to 2000 before a ride in Japan called Steel Dragon overtook it.
The ride went on to operate until 2019 and featured tunnels and bunny hops.
Current attractions in the park include a water flume, drop tower and caterpillar-themed rollercoaster.
There’s food and drink spots in the park as well.
Tickets to the park cost £26.50 per person over the height of 90cm.
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