Britain’s oldest rollercoaster has received a last-minute boost after an appeal was lodged to the Department of Culture, Media & Sport against its permanent closure.
Dreamland Margate confirmed on Tuesday that the Scenic Railway, a Grade II* listed wooden attraction dating back to 1920, will no longer operate as a ride.
The historic structure, which has attracted thrill-seekers to the Kent coast for more than a century, has been out of service since a structural fault emerged in 2024.
Following extensive consultations and inspections, the amusement park concluded the ride had reached the end of its operational life.
When it first opened, the Scenic Railway was marketed as Europe’s largest rollercoaster, attracting nearly one million riders during its inaugural season as part of efforts to create a British equivalent to New York’s Coney Island.
However, the closure has prompted political intervention, with Helen Whitehead, deputy leader of Thanet District Council, writing directly to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy to urge Government action.
Ms Whitehead described the attraction as being of “international importance” and possessing significant historical and cultural value.
The Department for Culture, Media & Sport responded that “operational decisions are a matter for the owners of the site”.
The council maintains that the rollercoaster remains an “intrinsic” part of Dreamland, with a spokesperson stating councillors have requested further details given the matter’s local significance.
Dreamland Margate confirmed on Tuesday that the Scenic Railway, a Grade II* listed wooden attraction dating back to 1920, will no longer operate as a ride
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Ms Whitehead argued that operating a listed structure was “integral” to its heritage function, noting that Dreamland had informed her the Health and Safety Executive requires daily track inspections for the ride to remain in use.
The Scenic Railway’s history has been marked by both triumph and tragedy over its 105-year existence.
Fires struck the wooden structure in 1949 and 1957, according to Historic England.
Meanwhile, a devastating arson attack in 2008 caused severe damage during a period when the park was already closed to visitors.
The Scenic Railway’s history has been marked by both triumph and tragedy over its 105-year existence
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A major restoration project was completed in 2015 as part of an £18million investment in Dreamland, which had been shut for a decade, with the work involving the replacement of all the ride’s wooden components.
Scenic Railways were a popular attraction from the late 19th century onwards, with the first built in Atlantic City, New Jersey in 1887.
These rides traditionally feature a looped track and require a brakeman to control speed on steep descents.
Of the 31 Scenic Railways once constructed across Britain, only one other remains operational today at Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach.
Very crowded beach on a beautiful day in Margate
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Local residents have expressed dismay at the loss of the landmark attraction.
Jane Bishop, who owns the Walpole Bay Hotel in Margate, told the BBC that it was “sad” that the town’s “important artefact” could no longer be enjoyed.
She added: “At Walpole we spend our lives preserving the past for the education and enjoyment for the next generations and reminiscence for those of us who lived it.”
Nicholas Chamberlain, another resident, called the closure “shocking” and “a big loss for Margate”.
Nicholas Chamberlain, another resident, called the closure “shocking” and “a big loss for Margate”
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He insisted that the ride “should be kept running” and maintained “as a rollercoaster – not anything else.”
Despite ending operations, Dreamland has pledged to preserve the listed structure and develop a fresh long-term vision for it.
The park is inviting the public to submit proposals for reimagining the ride’s purpose.
Dreamland will also host a pop-up exhibition this summer celebrating its remarkable history.