If you're looking for a relaxing ride at Lightwater Valley then look no further than Lightwater Wheel. Offering superb views of the theme park and surrounding countryside, Lightwater Wheel is certainly an attraction that is worth trying out despite its obvious limited appeal.

Situated on the former Toad Hole splash pond, Lightwater Wheel can hold its own when it comes to theming and landscape which Lightwater Valley have done very well.

The ride utilises the old Toad Hole water chute by pumping water down the ramp, under the ride and out into the pond to give the impression that the wheel is powered by water and thus becoming a real life water wheel which its theme is based upon. Lightwater Wheel has some nice touches such as the wood effect paint job, wind sails and other typical water wheel features that really give the ride an authentic look. The sound of running water gives the area a really peaceful and tranquil atmosphere and Lightwater Valley must be given credit for giving the ride such an innovative and creative idea. Lightwater Wheel also has a few other snippets of theming such TNT boxes and the former Toad Hole entrance transformed into LWV Mining Inc.

Upon boarding the ride you will be sat inside a rather small gondola that really struggles to fit in the intended capacity. You will then be slowly lifted up above the trees where you are greeted with a spectacular view of the park. There are some great photo opportunities to be had, such as many of the surrounding rides and a fantastic view of the lake that really is something to behold.

After a few minutes on the ride you will be brought back down to the boarding platform where you will be asked to alight.

Overall Lightwater Wheel has a lot to offer in regards to spectacular panoramic views of the park and deserves plaudits despite it being only a Ferris wheel ride.

Lightwater Wheel was a project that Lightwater Valley had had their eye on for some time. Planning permission for the ride was applied for in 2006 following the closure of The Toad Hole, with the intention of opening the ride in 2007.

However the project was pushed back due to the opportunity to buy 5 rides from the Pleasureland, which had just closed at the time. The Ferris wheel project was put back on track later that season and the Technical Park Ferris Wheel was earmarked to open in March 2008.

The ride was given its name following suggestions from Valley Mania and Lightwater Wheel was born. The ferris wheel stands 82ft tall and has a total of 18 gondolas giving it a potential throughput of 1700 people per hour.

• Lightwater Wheel was originally planned to be open in 2007 but the project was pushed back due to other rides availability!
• Valley Mania members were asked by the park's marketing team to come up with a name for the ride!
• The ride was originally going to be called Ripon Wheel!
• Lightwater Wheel used 117 meters of concrete and 5.5 tonnes of rebar in the foundations!
• Lightwater Wheel is as tall as The Ultimate's first drop due to it standing on higher ground!
• You can expect little queuing time as Lightwater Wheel has the highest throughput and capacity at the park!