Ever wonder what it was like to be down in the sewers? Well you could find out by riding, Rat Ride! This excellent themed ride was set up in a mock sewer, it even had running water.

Riders would queue outside until they are given permission to enter the small manhole which would take you down into the sewer. A small walk took you through circular stoned walls and down a set of metal spiral stairs as water plunged from up above into the pool below!

This is where the experience started to get a bit disappointing. Riders were told wait in a small UV lit corridor until you are asked to board your rat shaped car. Your rat would then take off into the darkness of the ride, although gaps in the roof allowed small beams of light through! The layout consisted of small drops and turns but never really any force or airtime.

Similar to the layout of the old Grizzly Bear, the ride only really picked up some speed near the end but were soon brought back to the station with a sudden stop. Riders then exited the ride through some more sewers and out into daylight. You had just experienced the only enclosed subterranean coaster in the UK!

Overall the ride itself was a little dull but really gave itself credit with its superb pre-ride theming. A true Lightwater Valley legend.

Rat Ride really set theming standards at Lightwater Valley and was a marquee attraction for many years. Brought to the park in 1987, Rat Ride held the title of the only subterranean coaster in the UK!

The ride was designed by Ingenieur Büro Stengel GmbH and was manufactured by Schwarzkopf. Rat Ride had a top speed of 30mph and its highest drop stood at 35ft.

• Rat Ride was the only enclosed subterranean rollercoaster in the UK!
• Lightwater Valley rented this ride off a private owner!
• The ride used to have an on-ride photo just before you entered the station!
• It currently holds the record of Lightwater Valley's longest serving rollercoaster!
• Rat Ride was re-themed as Raptor Attack for the 2010 season!