A little bit of sunshine can turn a theme park into a great day out, as DAN RUTSTEIN and friends discover at Lightwater Valley

TECHNICALLY, you can enjoy a theme park whatever the weather. But we were more than a little grateful for the burning sunshine when we stepped off the Beaver Rapids drenched from head to foot.

Although you can always expect to get a little wet on log flume-style rides, no one could have anticipated such a soaking.

The weight of three amply-built young men ensured a huge splash as our little cart headed down the sharp slope to the waters beneath.

Dripping wet, we stepped away looking for our next adventure in one of those classic moments of sheer absurdity that you only get at a theme park.

Who'd have thought a banker, a journalist and a salesman could derive so much fun from getting wet, but it happened. And on ride called Beaver Rapids.

The thrill of a rollercoaster, messing around on a lake in a swan, trying to win giant teddies by throwing balls at walls and a spot of go-karting had us in stitches for most of the day.

That is the beauty of theme parks. Just by doing something a little stupid, a little different, anyone can be entertained.

And we had a wonderful, wonderful day. That is not to say all the rides were great. Some were but others were terrible.

Toad In The Hole, for example, is one to avoid. It is the shortest, most boring ride you could imagine. You can get in a cart, it goes up a little bit, down reasonably slowly into a lake - and that is it.

There is no need to waste your time on such a ride when the Ultimate, the Viper, and the Sewer Rat are so worthwhile. The Ultimate, apparently the longest rollercoaster in the world, is a fabulous ride. Up and down, sideways, round corners, you name it, it goes there. Loop the loop is all that's missing from this thrill-a-minute, crazy adventure of a ride.

Children and adults alike were screaming as we were thrown around the sharp corners and plunged down the deep falls.

But one thing is worth noting. Security on this ride, and others at the park, was tighter than I have ever seen at a theme park.

Following a fatal tragedy on a different ride earlier in the summer, staff appeared to be taking security duties very seriously indeed. Although such care slows matters down a little, it is reassuring.

In between rides, there are the usual bits and pieces, the chance to win toys, the fast food outlets.

The bumper cars, near the entrance, appeared to be an excellent way to pass the time between queueing for the bigger rides. Short queues, or sometimes no queue at all, gave ample opportunity to drive as erratically as you want.

In fact, this proved to be our favourite as you can drive for longer and more recklessly than on the conventional go-karting rides with their rules and longer queues.

This is a great day out, whatever the weather - but especially in the drying sun.

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Admission: Over 1.1metres tall, £12.95; under 1.1metre £10.50; under 0.9metre free; senior citizens and disabled guests with carers £5.95; family ticket £42.

Location: From Ripon, take the A6108 north for two miles.

Opening times: Gates open at 10am, rides and attractions open at 10.30am. The park closes from 5pm onwards, depending on the time of year.

Information: 0870 4580060