REPAIRS are being carried out on the oldest rollercoaster in the UK, after “severe damage” forced it to close temporarily.
Reports suggest that Dreamland’s Scenic Railway wrecked part of its own track, with witnesses said to have seen the ride dragging a piece of wood behind it.
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It is not yet known when the ride will be able to reopen, with the theme park’s website simply listing it as “not operating” for the time being.
The same site labels Scenic Railway as “the queen of Dreamland”, adding that the coaster “reigns supreme over our beachfront” with the park situated in Margate in Kent.
It first opened as far back as 1920 and is one of only eight of its kind in the world.
This is far from the first time it has had to be repaired, after it incurred major damage during World War II.
An arson attack in 2008 also “destroyed crucial parts” of its structure and left it out of action for several years.
However, it was able to reopen again in 2015 after going through an extensive repair process.
Now the rollercoaster finds itself in need of fixing once again, due to the damage that was inflicted on its tracks earlier this month, described as “severe” by Dutch theme park website Looopings.
A brief video of the broken rails, shared on X, formerly Twitter, by user Micah Fagan said: “Guess we won’t be going on the Scenic Railway next!”
One concerned fan commented, simply saying: “That looks bad! Was hoping to visit soon too.”
Dreamland is now conducting an investigation to try and figure out how the damage was caused, while repair work has commenced.
The park told Sun Travel: “On Saturday August 10 a fault occurred on the Scenic Railway at Dreamland, which damaged pieces of the wooden track.
“The ride is currently not in operation whilst the qualified engineers carry out a full investigation and track damage is repaired.”
It also confirmed that no one was injured as a result of the damaged track, with safety measures working as expected.
What it’s like to ride the Scenic Railway
Sun Travel’s deputy editor Kara Godfrey explains what it was like when she visited Dreamland this year.
THERE are few theme parks in the UK quite like Dreamland, found right next to the beach in Margate.
The retro attraction – which is free to visit – makes you feel like going back in time with fortune telling machines and vintage signage inside.
And one of the main attractions is also my favourite – the Scenic Railway.
It’s one of the few wooden rollercoasters left in the UK, and is the country’s oldest coaster and it certainly feels like it.
I couldn’t believe the speeds the old ride could reach, feeling much faster than 35mph while whizzing over the rickety track.
Don’t expect automatic brakes on the track either; that job falls to a ride operator who manually controls it.
But this all just adds to the thrill – and remember keep your eyes open at the top for that amazing sea view.
The statement continued: “The train automatically stopped, as it is supposed to do.
“Dreamland’s standard safety procedures were put in place, overseen by the Park Manager.
“Passengers were escorted off the ride and prior to continuing their day out, were offered a precautionary check over by the first aid team on site.”
The Scenic Railway is the most expensive ride at Dreamland, which operates a pay-per-ride system.
Visitors can enter the park for free, but are required to use tokens to pay to go on each different attraction.
Each ride costs one token, apart from the rollercoaster, which requires two.
Tokens are priced at £3 each, or 20 can be purchased for £40.
Locals’ tips for the best things to do in Margate
Margate residents told Sun Travel their best tips for things to do in the town.
Simon Hutchison: Visit Turner Contemporary, and go see a gig at Dreamland, they usually have a big lineup – Limp Bizkit is playing this year.
For an activity, go to Lost Island Adventure Golf in Flamingo Arcade.
Nadine Morriss: The Sun Deck, a street food cafe and bar on the Promenade, for a sunset boogie from April to September.
And Strokes Adventure Golf by the Sea in Westbrook is a lovely mini golf course on the seafront.
Eddie Kemsley: Haeckel’s treatment rooms for a seaweed bath, the Sea Scrub Sauna on Margate Main Sands and a walk around town to spot all of the Rise Up Murals – 17 murals dotted around the brown highlighting ocean conservation and biodiversity.
Madeleine James: The tidal pool for a swim – it’s grade II listed and believed to be the largest in the UK, check out Walpole Bay Hotel – a step back in time to a bygone era, enjoy drinks on the terrace or order their famous afternoon tea.
Meanwhile, the best theme parks in the UK have been revealed.
And these five coastal theme parks opened new rides and attractions in the UK this year.
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