We love Lightwater Valley and have been taking the kids every year since they were little. In fact, both Mr W and I also visited when we were children and have fond memories of the same things (the little skateboard type go-karts that you sat on to whizz down the hill, which have made a reappearance this year, the ‘Hell Slide’ a pretty much vertical drop slide, and top of both our lists – ‘The Fort’ – a wooden fort-like structure with tunnels and rope bridges). Funnily enough I don’t really remember any rides, just the things I could play on.
There are lots of areas for younger children but still plenty for older ones. We visited recently with young teens, and there was a good mix of areas to play in as well as more daring rides. They loved the Dragon Drop:
Though no-one dared go on the Eagle’s Claw:
Another favourite area is the Treetop Trails (it used to be known as Treetop Nets and was a separate attraction with it’s own admission charge). Treetop Trails is now included in the admission price of Lightwater Valley.
You don’t need to book a slot and can visit as many times as you like during the day. There are lots of picnic tables to sit on and a cafe serving hot and cold drinks, ice cream and cakes in this area. It’s a nice opportunity for a sit down while the kids use up some energy!
There were lots of dinosaur themed parts of the park when we visited. Twice a day there is a dinosaur show – Dino-Roar Meet and Greet, it’s funny and you get to have a photo with Rex!
For the youngers ones there is a more cuddly dinosaur wandering around for cute photo opportunities.
As well as lots of the old favourites, Lightwater Valley have more family and small people rides in the safari themed area.
There is the Savanna Express, a cute train ride where the kids can spot wild animals (not real wild animals you understand!).
Then there is the Elephant Flight and Kangaroo Jump.
Another good ride for the little ones is the Animal Carnival.
They also have a giant bouncy pillow (The Jungle Jump).
Then there is the Monkey Drop (a bit like a Frog Hopper).
Another great area for the younger ones is the Lightwater Valley Outdoor Play area.
Lightwater Valley have really increased the rides and attractions for the younger members of the family, and they’ll be kept busy all day!