Lightwater Valley Discussion Thread

[cfc]

I think "Jekyll and Hyde" would've been a better name than "The Ultimate." The first half was a pleasant ride across a meadow, while the second half was a blazing path through Hell with a crazed demon that tried to kill you!

[Nrthwnd]

^ Great name, Chuck! You add that evil smelling rat/mouse/whatever inside coaster,

and that Toad Hill Shoot the Chute (kinda), and it's a whole different side of London, LOL!

The Ultimate's lift hill to .........? TPR 2010 UK Tour.

Nope. Once was enough, thankeuuuuuuuuuuuuu. What it was named, on the TPR 2006 UK Tour.

That other .... uh .... ride.  Mmmm green water. 2006 UK Tour.

[ricklap77]

I would have loved to ride this unique ride

[ricklap77]

It has been confirmed the Ultimate at Lightwater Valley will be dismantled https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-64239051

[SharkTums]

The ride was unique, but also brutal and bizarre.  I can't imagine it wasn't hurting people or requiring way too much maintenance. 

[Nrthwnd]

Well, as it's (first) very kind of 'boring' in the beginning stretch, and then (second) being totally WTF on the crazy journey back to the station.

Glad I got to ride it, nonetheless. RIP Ultimate. (Pardon the repeated photo.)

My only shot of Ultimate. TPR 2010 UK/Europe Tour

[Shavethewhales2]

I rode this thing back in the mid 2000's and it was an awesome experience. Very bizarre first half with the super slow lifts and pointless straight sections that you could tell was all about making it the "world's longest coaster", but the second half was an actual roller coaster and it was indeed pretty wild. Who remembers this thing being represented in roller coaster tycoon?

This whole park was such a treasure back in the day. The buried Schwartzkopf wildcat, the one-of-a-kind classic flume ride, the weird bat coaster... such a funky little place. 

[SharkTums]

^The Toad Hole!!! So freakin weird!

[Nrthwnd]

^ & ^^ The smell (to me) was so bad on that (ha - 'indoor') enclosed coaster the first TPR UK tour visit in 2006, I skipped going on it (and through that euuuuuw queue) on the return visit  in 2010.

Gotta love the "uniqueness" of it all though, on how rides were spread "rather far apart" throughout the landscaped area. Took a few of us for - e - ver to find that (ahem) young persons' coaster, to ride. But eventually, it was found after a good long walk to it. And we rode it!

Good for a lot of 'moderate' walking exercise, the park was.

[cfc]

On 1/15/2023 at 7:53 PM, SharkTums said:

^The Toad Hole!!! So freakin weird!

I remember its big scare before you plunged into the green, disease-ridden water--a hobo mask on a stick!

[Arthur_Seaton]

18 hours ago, cfc said:

I remember its big scare before you plunged into the green, disease-ridden water--a hobo mask on a stick!

I grew up around that park and visited often when the ride was still called "The Devil's Cascade." I vaguely recall an effect like this as well, only it was a different mask. They also used to have a couple of vertical-drop wooden slides in that same general area that were just as terrifying.

[Nrthwnd]

Totally forgot this photo of me! After "riding the Rat," we had to take this <shudders> old looking rusting metal staircase, upstairs to the outside Exit from the (then) Rat Ride .... with dripping/running water in the middle of it. Yuck, indeed. Thanks to whoever shared that "experience" with me, for taking the photo. I owe ya.

And I did NOT want to get hit with any of that water. 2006 UK Tour.

[bert425]

^ I JUST rode that less than 3 weeks ago.

here's what it looks like with fresh paint, outside, and without the disgusting staircase

 

[jedimaster1227]

The Mellors Group has announced their acquisition of Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park along with their intention to add new rides and attractions in 2026!

https://lightwatervalley.co.uk/news/view/mellors-group-announces-exciting-new-era-for-lightwater-valley-family-adventure-park

MELLORS GROUP ANNOUNCES EXCITING NEW ERA FOR LIGHTWATER VALLEY FAMILY ADVENTURE PARK

The Nottingham based, family owned Mellors Group, a leading force in the UK leisure and attractions industry has announced the acquisition of Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park in Ripon, North Yorkshire, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for one of Yorkshire’s most cherished family attractions.

Lightwater Valley holds a special place in the hearts of many families across the UK, including the Mellors family, who visited the park often as children. Now, with decades of experience transforming and operating successful attractions both in the UK and internationally, Mellors Group is committed to bringing new life, new energy, and significant new investment to the beloved adventure park.

The Group has ambitious plans for Lightwater Valley, including new rides and attractions set to debut in 2026. While the park’s focus will continue to cater for younger families and guests under 12, Mellors Group aims to broaden the appeal for all ages, creating an experience that the whole family can enjoy together.

Known for revitalising major leisure destinations, including the award-winning redevelopment of Fantasy Island in Skegness, Mellors Group brings extensive industry expertise in operations, ride installations, engineering, guest experience, theming, entertainment, and large-scale event management. Their hands-on approach has consistently transformed attractions into modern, thriving family destinations.

Lightwater Valley, originally established in 1969 and now home to more than 35 rides, family adventures, character entertainment and seasonal events, will benefit from fresh vision and investment designed to strengthen its legacy while exciting a new generation of visitors.

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:
“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.”

With the acquisition, Mellors Group strengthens its position as one of the UK’s fastest-growing operators of family attractions, reinforcing its commitment to delivering memorable, affordable, high-quality days out.

More details on the redevelopment and the new 2026 attractions will be announced in due course.
 

(Photos courtesy of Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park)