Britain’s oldest roller coaster has closed after more than 100 years.
The tourist railway at Dreamland in Margate, Kent, has been closed indefinitely.
Park officials confirmed that the roller coaster will no longer operate as a ride, adding that they are looking for new ways to use it.
Theme park enthusiasts and local councilors ridiculed the decision, accusing bosses of “killing the tradition of Dreamland being a theme park”.
In an official statement, a Dreamland spokesperson said, “The tourist railway has completed its journey as a roller coaster and will now enter a paid retirement from operation as a vehicle.
“This is not the end, but a new beginning.
“We are working to not only showcase this stunning Grade II* listed building, but rethink its purpose and develop a new long-term vision that will ensure it continues to be enjoyed by future generations in a fresh and meaningful way.”
They added that an exhibit celebrating the ride’s history is scheduled to open this summer, and the park is encouraging people to suggest ideas on how to honor it.
Roller coaster will be permanently closed
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The ride opened in July 1920, drawing inspiration from European and American wooden roller coasters.
It was partially destroyed by fire twice, in 1948 and 2008, and faced extensive repair and reconstruction projects throughout its life.
Restoration of the Grade II listed roller coaster was completed in 2015. The roller coaster has been closed since August 2024, when a vehicle malfunction caused wooden planks to come off the tracks.
The park is currently operated by the music company Live Nation.
roller coaster closes permanently
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Thanet District Council branded Dreamland’s decision as “particularly disappointing”.
The spokesperson added: “This scenic railway is a Grade II* listed building, so any alterations or changes in use will require both planning permission and listed building permission (including consultation with Historic England).”
“The submitted application must include the technical report that led to this conclusion and demonstrate why the vehicle cannot be operated as a vehicle.
“If Dreamland does not propose changes in use or structure, Congress has no role to play.”
Dreamland defended the decision
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Local Green Party councilor Rob Yates told Kent Online: “The information I have received as a councilor is that trains need five hours of inspection each day, but I have been assured that no evidence has been submitted to the council to support this.”
“This destroys the tradition of being a theme park. I hope Live Nation reconsiders this decision.
“The city council did not sell the amusement park to close the tourist railway, one of the oldest wooden railways in the world.
“It’s not just historic for Kent State, it’s historic for the world as a wooden roller coaster.”
Wooden roller coaster, entrance to Dreamland Margate under the tourist railway
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The Scenic Railway was unique in Britain in that it was operated using manual brakes at the front.
In recent years, the park has hosted large-scale concerts from bands such as UB40, Texas, the Wombats, and Limp Bizkit.