UK theme park that had world’s longest rollercoaster in 1990s bought for £3m

Lightwater Valley Theme Park, which was once home to the UK’s longest rollercoaster, has recently been sold for a huge £3 million. The amusement park located near Ripon, North Yorkshire, has been operating and entertaining guests since 1969. It became renowned for its thrilling rides, including Raptor Attack, the Black Widow’s Web and the Eagle’s Claw.

However, what really put Lightwater Valley on the map was the ride The Ultimate, which was the longest rollercoaster in the world until 2001, when an 8,133-foot-long rollercoaster in Japan called Steel Dragon replaced it. Although the Japanese ride closed in 2019, Lightwater Valley’s future took a turn shortly after.

Just two years later, in June 2021, the amusement park was sold to The Brighton Pier Group for £5 million, and it was announced that Light Valley would be shifting its focus to appealing to a younger family audience. As a result, many of the thrill rides got axed while new rides for youngsters were set up.

The park had been put up for sale again in October, this time for £3 million, with Lightwater Valley announcing last week that it had been bought by Mellors Group, which also owns Skegness Pier. 

In a statement, Lightwater Valley wrote: “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 park currently houses around 35 rides and attractions catered for under-12s. However, Mellors Group plans to widen the target audience, appeal to all ages, and “create an experience that the whole family can enjoy together“.

James Mellors, managing director of Mellors Group, said: “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.”

In a Facebook post on the Theme Park Worldwide page, enthusiasts were asked, “What sort of new rides and improvements would you like to see come to the park?”

Many were hoping that the park would restore to its former glory, including the return of its thrill rides and reclaiming the world’s longest rollercoaster title.

One person wrote: “I’d like to see it back to how it was in the 90s when it was a great park. 

“The Ultimate, The Rat, Soopa Loopa, death slide and gyroscopes. Those were the days!”

Another commented: “I think they should take back the world’s longest roller coaster record. But add in highest and fastest and get British Rail to build it again.”