One of Britain's fastest-growing leisure operators has completed its purchase of Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park in North Yorkshire, with the Nottinghamshire-based family business promising substantial investment into the attraction.
Announced yesterday, the deal sees the Mellors Group take control of the beloved Rippon destination, which has entertained visitors for nearly six decades.
The company has outlined ambitious development plans, with fresh rides and attractions scheduled to open this year.
Mellors Group, which previously transformed Fantasy Island in Lincolnshire into an award-winning destination, brings extensive expertise in ride installations, theming and large-scale event management to the venture.
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James Mellors, managing director of the group, described the acquisition as a proud moment with deep personal significance.
"Lightwater Valley is a park with real heart, history, personality, and potential, and it's a place our own family has loved since childhood," he said. "We're incredibly proud to be taking on its future."
He outlined the company's central ambition, saying: "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."
Mr Mellors added the team is "very excited about this acquisition" and looking forward to delivering attractions that are "fresh, fun, and full of excitement".
The park has entertained visitors for nearly six decades
|GETTY
Lightwater Valley first opened its gates in 1969, when Robert Staveley, father of former Newcastle United co-owner Amanda Staveley, established a fruit farm on the site.
The attraction evolved over the following decades, with the Lightwater Valley express train launching in 1979 and the first rides arriving in 1987.
Today, the park boasts more than 35 rides, family adventures, character entertainment and seasonal events.
Its most famous attraction was The Ultimate, a rollercoaster stretching 7,442 feet that held the world record for longest coaster from 1991 until 2000.
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The Ultimate rollercoaster held the world record for longest coaster from 1991 until 2000
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The ride ceased operations in 2019 and was demolished in 2023 following the pandemic closure, with renovation costs proving prohibitive.
The park will maintain its established focus on younger families and visitors under 12, whilst simultaneously expanding its offering to attract guests across all age groups.
"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," Mr Mellors explained.
He praised the existing workforce, stating: "The team here have done a brilliant job, and we're looking forward to working closely with them as we begin this new journey."
Further details regarding the redevelopment programme and specific attractions planned for 2026 are expected to be revealed in the coming months.
It comes weeks after planning permission was granted for Britain's first ever Universal Studios theme park to be built in Bedfordshire.
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