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17
Mar 2024
Lightwater Valley set to reopen this month with two new attractions
Lightwater Valley Adventure Park is set to reopen later this month in time for the Easter Weekend.
The theme park is set to open its doors on Thursday March 28.
Lightwater Valley is launching two brand new attractions, which include a new rollercoaster and a Safari Jeep Ride. Plus the soft play area and theatre are both relocated and extended.
The park in North Stainley, near Ripon, was first established as a farm attraction in 1969 and became a theme park in the 1980s after introducing its first rollercoaster ‘the Sewer Rat’, which remained in place until 2009 when it was changed to Raptor Attack.
More rides and activities have been introduced over the years with the ‘Ultimate’ rollercoaster launching in 1991, bagging the world record as the longest rollercoaster at the time.
It has been at Lightwater Valley longer than any other remaining ride but last year Brighton Pier Group, owners of the park announced it would be closing for good after they found they could not bring it up to “acceptable standards”.
The Ultimate has been closed for a number of years
The new Rocket Rollercoaster is aimed at 10-12 year old visitors taking riders on an "adrenaline fuelled journey that gives everyone a thrill as if the rocket is flying amongst the stars".
It will join the Caterpillar ride and Ladybird ride for rollercoasters catered to younger visitors. The park aims to "boost their commitment to the under 12s" and The Safari Jeep Ride is also part of this plan.
The ride will see large model animals set in landscapes relevant to their habitat, including elephants, zebras and lions. Visitors sit in their own Jeep which takes up to four people. The safari experience will also offer face painting and a chance to handle various small reptiles, bugs and creepy crawlies.
Go Safari attraction at Lightwater Valley
The theatre is also set to host a programme of children's shows including Sing-a-long Safari, Bluey & Bingo and Peppa Pig & George.
Upgrades to the attractions have been completed during the closure of the park over winter.
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