Pete Egerton

10:00am - 1:00pm

Email the studio

Roger Sanchez

Another Chance

Listen Live

Lightwater Valley named second best-value theme park in UK

Friday, 24 July 2026 07:39

Visitors enjoying Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park near Ripon.

Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park has been named the second best-value theme park in the UK in a new nationwide study.

Research by credit card brand Aqua ranked theme parks using a range of factors including ticket prices, the number of rollercoasters, customer reviews, parking costs and the average cost of nearby hotels.

Only Blackpool Pleasure Beach ranked higher overall, with Lightwater Valley securing second place thanks to its £25 average adult ticket price, 11 rollercoasters, free parking and a Google review score of 4.1 out of 5.

The study found Blackpool Pleasure Beach offered the best overall value, with 26 rollercoasters and an average ticket price of £32, equating to around £1.22 per ride.

Lightwater Valley's average worked out at £2.23 per rollercoaster, with researchers saying its low entry price and free parking helped offset higher average nearby hotel costs of £222.

The research also identified the UK's most affordable theme parks, with Gulliver's Land in Buckinghamshire taking the top spot thanks to its £26 average adult ticket price, free parking and relatively low nearby hotel costs.

Scott Yule, Commercial Strategy Director at Aqua, said:

"As we head into the spring and summer months, many families start planning days out and looking for fun activities to enjoy together.

"Theme parks are often at the top of the list, but the cost of a visit can add up quickly, particularly when trips are arranged at short notice.

"However, there are a number of steps you can take to help manage and potentially reduce these costs during the spring and summer season."

Aqua recommends booking tickets in advance rather than paying on the gate, checking whether younger children qualify for free entry, and looking out for promotions such as advance booking discounts, group offers and 2-for-1 deals to help reduce the cost of a family day out.

More from Local News

Second arrest made after cattle theft in Ripley

A second man has been arrested as North Yorkshire Police continue to investigate the theft of cattle from a farm near Ripley.
Residents call for rethink over chicken farm expansion near Boroughbridge

Residents are calling on North Yorkshire Council to reconsider plans to expand a poultry farm near Boroughbridge.
Independent cocktail bar in Harrogate celebrates second birthday

An independent cocktail bar in Harrogate is celebrating its second birthday this weekend.
Harrogate station among safest in Yorkshire for women travelling alone

Harrogate railway station has been recognised as one of the safest in Yorkshire for women travelling alone in a new nationwide survey.
Giant Yorkshire pudding stunt to celebrate Yorkshire Day

A giant Yorkshire pudding filled with gravy will take centre stage at York Maze this weekend as visitors celebrate Yorkshire Day.
Town defender Anthony O'Connor leaves club by mutual consent

Harrogate Town has confirmed that defender Anthony O'Connor has left the club by mutual consent.
Ripon volunteer awarded British Empire Medal for community work

A Ripon volunteer has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of her outstanding service to the community.
WATCH: Jason Manford gives 'honest' review of Leeds Bradford Airport

Comedian Jason Manford has given his 'honest' verdict on Leeds Bradford Airport - praising its staff but joking that the terminal could do with a refresh.
Harrogate council gets to work on updating town's signage

Harrogate Town Council has begun updating signage across the town as part of plans to improve navigation for residents and visitors.
Councillor's charity head-shave fundraising appeal passes £10,000

A fundraising appeal by North Yorkshire councillor Arnold Warneken has passed the £10,000 mark ahead of his charity beard shave at this weekend’s Tockwith Show.
Man arrested after £17,000 cattle theft near Ripley

Cattle stolen from a farm near Ripley have been recovered and a man has been arrested, North Yorkshire Police has confirmed.
Yoga teacher brings outdoor classes to Harrogate's Stray

A local yoga teacher is bringing weekly outdoor classes to Harrogate's Stray, encouraging people to enjoy exercise surrounded by nature.
Great Yorkshire Show flower wall donated to Harrogate hospice

Saint Michael's Hospice has been gifted the floral display that featured on Geo Underwriting's stand at this year's Great Yorkshire Show.
Harrogate MP warns of 'systematic failure' over rogue builders

More than £21 million has been lost to rogue builders by homeowners in Harrogate and Knaresborough, according to new research.
Harrogate widow turns grief into lifeline for hundreds

A Harrogate widow who founded a bereavement support group following the death of her husband says she hopes nobody has to face grief alone.
Harrogate swimming club makes history with three British champions

Harrogate District Swimming Club is celebrating its most successful-ever performance at the 2026 Aquatics GB Championships after producing three British champions.
Bishop Monkton gets neighbourhood area designation

Residents in Bishop Monkton will have a greater say over future development in their village after North Yorkshire Council approved the designation of the parish as a neighbourhood area.
Appeal after attempted ram raid at Wetherby Services

North Yorkshire Police are appealing for witnesses after an attempted ram raid at Wetherby Services in the early hours of this morning (Wednesday).
Formerly paralysed athlete brings nationwide 5K challenge to Ripon

Formerly paralysed endurance athlete Esmée Gummer will bring her inspiring 5,000km challenge to Ripon this weekend as part of a nationwide mission to get one million people moving.
Bilton pool star wins two titles at national tournament

A talented Bilton pool player has been crowned a double champion at the British Regions Tournament (BRT) Summer Singles 2026.