Photo: Dan Brewer. View full-sized image.
On January 27, Dreamland Margate (Kent, England, United Kingdom) made the surprising announcement to permanently retire its 106-year-old Scenic Railway, believed to be the country’s oldest roller coaster.
Scenic Railway when it reopened in 2015.
Photo: Michael Morris. View full-sized image.
As expected of a ride having survived into its second century, the brakeman-operated scenic railway has a history punctuated by highs and lows. The roller coaster suffered fires in 1949, 1957 and 2008 — the last taking place three years after being taken out of service owing to the closing of the park. Extensive repairs following an £18 million investment allowed Dreamland Margate and Scenic Railway to reopen for the 2015 season.
Another view of the Scenic Railway from 2015.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
More recently, a train derailment on August 10, 2024, resulted in another closing of the ride. No injuries were reported, and at the time the park stated an inspection would take place and repairs to Scenic Railway would be made to allow the coaster to resume operation. It is believed these repairs were never conducted and played a significant role in the park’s decision to declare the iconic attraction permanently closed.
Complicating matters is Scenic Railway’s status as a Grade II* listed structure, declaring it of special interest, nationally important and worthy of protection. The park stated that the decision to retire the roller coaster was made after consultation with The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England and Thanet District Council and that it will be “re-invented for people to enjoy in a different way.” The 2026 season will also see the park host a pop-up exhibition highlighting the long history of the ride.
Needless to say, this decision has drawn concern, skepticism and fear from enthusiasts and nonenthusiasts alike. An internet search hopefully will reveal numerous ways for interested parties to act to counter the threat of losing one of the world’s oldest roller coasters.
— Rob Ascough, Publications Director
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