A beloved UK theme park is set to undergo a major revamp under new owners to put it "back on the map". Lightwater Valley in Ripon, North Yorkshire began life as a small self-pick fruit attraction in 1969, founded by Robert Staveley, and located on a farm owned by his family for centuries.

Over the years it expanded become a popular local destination with a number of attractions, and was renamed Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park. Early mechanical attractions included Rat Ride, described as the world's first underground rollercoaster, with trains made to look like rats scurrying through a sewer. It grew under various owners in the following decades, and was formerly home to The Ultimate, at one time described as the longest rollercoaster in the world.

The park currently boasts 35 rides and attractions, and sees almost 250,000 visitors annually, as per the Harrogate Adviser.

In 2025, Nottingham-based UK leisure and attractions operator Mellors group took over and announced earlier this month that it is committed to bringing "significant new investment" into the park.

The group's "ambitious" plans for the site include new rides and attractions set to debut at some point this year.

The park has historically catered to younger families and children under 12, and while Mellors Group wants to maintain this focus, it also aims to broaden its appeal across age groups "creating an experience that the whole family can enjoy together".

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."

Mr Mellors 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 firm said further details on the redevelopment and the new attractions set to arrive this year will be announced in due course.