The English amusement park Lightwater Valley has a new owner. Livingstone Leisure has acquired the park in North Yorkshire from Jersey-based Ball Investments for an undisclosed sum.
Located near Ripon, Lightwater Valley is the latest acquisition for Livingstone, whose portfolio of attractions also includes Flambards Theme Park in Cornwall and Birdland Park and Gardens in the Cotswolds.
Prior to setting up Livingstone Leisure, director Ian Cunningham, who was born and bred in Harrogate (not far from Ripon), was the UK managing director of Spanish-based Aspro Ocio group. The company claims to have a proven track record of long term investment in traditional family attractions; developing new features and attractions to complement and improve the existing business framework.
“We are delighted to add such a high profile and established theme park in to our existing leisure portfolio,” says Cunningham. “Lightwater Valley is a great attraction, with a great team and we’re looking forward to working with them to build on its excellent reputation.”
Holiday village plans
Lightwater Valley features over 40 rides and attractions for all ages, including the signature 1.5 mile Ultimate rollercoaster (pictured) – the longest coaster in Europe – as well as the Raptor Attack underground coaster, Eagle’s Claw (KMG Afterburner), a Reverchon spinning coaster and Wild River Rapids, Angry Birds Activity Park and more. The park is also complemented by a shopping village and falconry centre. It has planning permission for a 106 log cabin holiday village (as pictured below).
Images courtesy Lightwater Valley
