Raptor Attack Removed From Lightwater Valley Amongst Other Rides

Lightwater Valley has removed Raptor Attack and more thrill rides as the park looks to be aiming towards a more family friendly market.

Raptor Attack (formely named the Rat Ride) has been at Lightwater Valley since 1987.

The ride underwent a major refurbishment in 2010 but has now been retired.

Other rides have also been removed from the park such as the Apollo swinging chair tower, a ride that was on lease that has since been returned but rides such as Eagle’s Claw and Black Pearl have also been removed from the park’s website.

These two rides were thrillseekers style rides that will be sorely missed.

Black Pearl is already listed for sale on Amusement Rides.

The fate of The Ultimate coaster also hangs in the balance as the park kept the ride closed for the 2020 season with no real explanation as to why.

If The Ultimate were to leave Lightwater Valley It would be a very sad day indeed.

The longest rollercoaster in the country and still the longest in Europe the ride is most definitely a unique selling point for a park with very little of them to spare.

Raptor Attack was highly regarded as one of the best indoor coaster rides in the country and now that’s gone it’s certainly a strange decision made by the park.

Update – 1st Feb, 2021

The park today posted a statement on their website which reads as follows:

In 2021 Lightwater Valley is set to adapt its offer to visitors. The Park has plans to broaden its appeal for younger families, and as a result a series of new rides, attractions and experiences will be designed specifically for the under 10s. 

“We believe this new approach is best suited for the majority of our audience and will offer something new and exciting for young families across the region,” said Park Manager Colin Bowes.

As a result of this re-focusing, a number of the rides which are only suitable for older visitors will be replaced. These include Apollo, Raptor Attack, Eagle’s Claw, Black Pearl and River Rapids. 

“We understand the retirement of several of our older rides will be disappointing to some of our thrill seeking visitors, however we believe strongly that by re-calibrating the visitor experience to more fully encompass younger children and families we will be able to offer an exciting, new series of fun adventures and entertainments,” he added.

The Park is investing in exciting new rides and attractions including an all NEW Safari Zone, which will include rides such as Monkey Drop, Convoy Trucks, Elephant Flight and a the Savannah Express, which will allow families to spot the life-sized creatures hidden in the wilderness.  Other new additions to the park include Kangaroo Jump and the Hot Air Balloons!

Also new to the Park’s offering in 2021 is Treetop Trails –  formerly Treetop Nets. This loved attraction sees families swinging through the trees like Tarzan – and will now be included as part of the admission price.

As well as these new rides, many of the park’s young family favourites will be remaining including Little Dipper and the Lady Bird rollercoaster, Splash Falls and many more. Plus, indoor and outdoor play areas and special events and entertainment once restrictions allow. 

This was sad to read and the last time I checked rapids were a family ride and Raptor Attack could have easily been toned down in intensity theming wise to cater to a younger audience.

There’s certainly more here than meets the eye and it certainly looks to be like a financial issue has forced their hand rather than a planned retargeting towards a new market especially with rides such as Black Pearl up for sale very quickly.

No news has been posted in regards to The Ultimate either, with the fate of the parks most iconic coaster hanging in the balance it is a sad day indeed.

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