Skeleton Cove: Official Update
On 9 April Lightwater Valley’s latest attraction, Skeleton Cove, sets sail with five brand new rides for the start of the 2011 season.
Visitors will need to have their wits about them as they discover the all new Skeleton Cove, pirate-themed land with its five new rides and the newly refurbished Hungry Harbor.
The Flying Cutlass is a pirate vessel looking to drop anchor after stormy seas and Powder Kegs will leave even the most weathered of seaman in explosive spins, as the 6 barrels are spun by not one but three separate arms. The most famous of Pirate Ships, the Black Pearl, will embark on a 360 degree voyage of the land and sky – supplying unique views of the Park. Whilst Skull Rock will test the sea legs of the crew as the miniature vessels navigate treacherous waters and, for the younger voyager the Pirate Swinger will let them take to the skies in flying chairs.
Work began on installing the new rides in Skeleton Cove in early November after it was announced that their previous location, Loudoun Castle in Scotland, would not be re-opening for the 2011 season. In an effort to ensure that good rides were not wasted and the public still had access to them, the team at Lightwater Valley set sail on northerly winds to rescue the rides, finding a new home for them at Lightwater Valley.
Paul Walker, Operations Manager commented on the new additions:
“This is an exciting year for Lightwater Valley. We have been adding new elements each year for the past four years but this is by far the largest addition so far. With not one or two but five rides to prepare and construct and the additional replacement of “Whirlwind”, it has been a large undertaking for my team. We have also been working hard on the development and landscaping of the themed land ensuring that every stone is sculpted and fit for a pirate ship.”
Lightwater Valley Theme Park in Ripon, North Yorkshire is home to over 40 rides and attractions. After developing from a self picking strawberry farm, rides were introduced in 1987 making it into a modern day theme park. Lightwater Valley Theme Park will re-open to visitors on 9 April 2011.
