The Nottingham-based Mellors Group has confirmed its takeover of the Ripon theme park
A theme park has been snapped up by a family-owned enterprise, pledging significant investment into new rides and attractions which will debut this year.
The Mellors Group has announced its acquisition of Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park in Ripon, North Yorkshire, marking what they describe as the beginning of an “exciting new chapter”. Lightwater Valley has remained a firm favourite with families across the North East and Yorkshire, and the Nottingham-headquartered Mellors Group is promising to inject fresh energy, renewed enthusiasm, and significant capital into the adventure park.
The group has outlined ambitious plans, featuring brand-new rides and attractions earmarked to launch this year. While the park will continue prioritising younger families and guests under 12, Mellors Group is keen to broaden its attraction across all demographics, designing an experience that the whole family can enjoy together, reports Teesside Live.
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.
“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.”
He added: “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.”
First welcoming visitors in 1969, Lightwater Valley now features more than 35 rides, family adventures, character entertainment and seasonal events. Back in October the theme park was placed on the market with a £3m asking price.
The attraction’s showpiece was formerly The Ultimate, which claimed the title of the world’s longest roller coaster. Unveiled in 1991, it was torn down following the park’s closure during the Covid-19 pandemic, with the substantial renovation costs sealing its fate.
Many aficionados saw this as the start of the transformation from theme park to family destination, with several major thrill rides being removed in the years that followed. The much-loved Eagles Claw suffered the same destiny just last year.
Like this story? For more news from the retail sector, visit our dedicated page for the latest news and analysis here.
