Nottingham-based Mellors Group has officially announced the acquisition of Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park in the UK.
The move marks the start of an ambitious redevelopment phase for the historic North Yorkshire site, with a clear mandate from its new owners to restore the park’s status as a top-tier national attraction.
For the family-owned Mellors Group, this is more than just a business transaction. The group, which has successfully transformed destinations like Skegness’s Fantasy Island, noted that Lightwater Valley holds deep sentimental value, having been a frequent destination for the Mellors family during their own childhoods.
Leveraging decades of international experience in ride installation, engineering, and theming, the group plans to inject “new life and energy” into the 57-year-old park.
“Lightwater Valley is a park with real heart, history, personality, and potential,” said James Mellors, Managing Director of Mellors Group. “It’s a place our own family has loved since childhood. We’re incredibly proud to be taking on its future.”
Broadening the Appeal
While the park has pivoted in recent years to focus almost exclusively on the “under 12” demographic, Mellors Group has signalled a strategic shift in the park’s target audience, differing from the direction taken under the ownership of The Brighton Pier Group Ltd. While maintaining its charm for younger children, the group intends to “broaden the appeal” to ensure the park caters to all ages.
Central to this strategy is a significant capital investment program, with a suite of new rides and attractions scheduled to debut for the upcoming 2026 season.
“Our goal is simple: to put the park back ‘on the map’ as a major theme park,” Mellors explained. “We’re 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.”
Operational Excellence
The Mellors Group is widely recognised within the industry for its “hands-on” operational style and expertise in large-scale event management. This acquisition strengthens their position as one of the UK’s fastest-growing attraction operators.
Despite the change in ownership, James Mellors was quick to praise the existing staff at the Ripon site. “The team here have done a brilliant job, and we’re looking forward to working closely with them as we begin this new journey.
Lightwater Valley, which opened in 1969, currently features over 35 rides and attractions alongside character entertainment and seasonal events. Under the stewardship of Mellors Group, the park is expected to benefit from the same revitalisation tactics that turned Fantasy Island into an award-winning destination.
Industry professionals and park fans alike will be watching closely as the group prepares to reveal more details regarding specific ride installations and the full scale of the redevelopment in the coming months.
The UK theme park landscape is currently also changing elsewhere, as a major new Universal Studios park continues to progress through key planning stages near Bedford.
Photos: Lightwater Valley
