A beloved North Yorkshire theme park has been sold to a family-owned leisure firm, which has pledged a major investment to revitalise the site with brand-new attractions set to open this year.
A New Chapter for a Historic Park
The Mellors Group, based in Nottingham, has confirmed its takeover of Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park in Ripon. The deal, which sees the park change hands for an asking price of £3 million, was finalised in early January 2026. The group has heralded the purchase as the start of an "exciting new chapter" for the destination, which first opened its gates to visitors back in 1969.
James Mellors, the managing director of the Mellors Group, expressed his personal and professional enthusiasm for the project. "Lightwater Valley is a park with real heart, history, personality, and potential," he said. "It's a place our own family has loved since childhood. We're incredibly proud to be taking on its future."
Investment and a Fresh Vision for All Ages
The new owners have committed to injecting significant capital, fresh energy, and renewed enthusiasm into the park. Their central goal is to put Lightwater Valley firmly back "on the map" as a major UK theme park destination.
Ambitious plans are already underway for 2026, with a range of new rides and attractions promised to debut this year. While the park will maintain its strong appeal to younger families and children under 12, the Mellors Group intends to broaden its offering. The vision is to create an experience where guests of all ages can enjoy thrills and adventures together.
"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," added James Mellors. He also praised the existing team, stating he looked forward to working closely with them on this new journey.
From Thrill Rides to Family Destination
The acquisition marks a pivotal moment for Lightwater Valley, which has undergone a notable transformation in recent years. The park, which currently features over 35 rides, family adventures, and seasonal events, was once famous for its headline thrill rides.
Its former showpiece, The Ultimate, was once the world's longest roller coaster. Unveiled in 1991, it was dismantled after the park's closure during the Covid-19 pandemic, with substantial renovation costs cited for its removal. This move was seen by many as a shift from a traditional theme park towards a broader family destination. The trend continued with the removal of other major rides, including the much-loved Eagles Claw attraction just last year.
The Mellors Group now aims to build upon this family-friendly foundation while reintroducing the wow factor with new investments, hoping to secure the park's popularity for generations to come.
