A 106-year-old roller coaster believed to be the oldest of its kind in Britain has closed permanently, its owners have announced.
Dreamland Margate, based in Kent, said on Tuesday that the iconic Scenic Railway would ‘take well-earned retirement from operation as a ride’ following safety concerns linked to its age and condition.
The wooden roller coaster, which first opened in 1920, is Grade II listed and has long been one of the amusement park’s most beloved attractions.
However, Dreamland said an ‘extensive process of consultations and inspections’ had concluded that ‘the ride has come to the end of its current life’.
The decision was taken ‘in close consultation’ with The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England and Thanet District Council.
The Scenic Railway has been out of action after a fault was identified in 2024. Its closure now marks the end of a turbulent history that has included multiple fires and a major restoration effort.
According to Historic England, the ride suffered fires in 1949 and 1957, and it was badly damaged in an arson attack in 2008 after the park had closed.
A full restoration was completed in 2015 as part of an £18million investment to reopen Dreamland, which had spent a decade closed to the public.
The iconic Scenic Railway – the oldest rollercoaster in Britain – has permanently closed
Dreamland Margate (pictured), based in Kent, said on Tuesday that the 106-year-old rollercoaster would ‘take well-earned retirement from operation as a ride’
Despite being one of the amusement park’s most beloved attractions, a series of consultations and inspections has deemed it unsafe to ride due its age and condition
At the time, the project was widely celebrated as a landmark moment in preserving Britain’s amusement heritage.
Despite the closure, Dreamland suggested the Scenic Railway will continue to exist in some form for future generations to appreciate.
As reported by BBC News, a spokesperson said the ride will ‘be re-invented for people to enjoy in a different way’.
The theme park plans to host a pop-up exhibition that showcases the ride’s history later in 2026.
Dreamland has also invited the public to help shape the attraction’s future, posting surveys on social media to gather ideas and memories.
The park said: ‘If you are a creative thinker with a practical approach, or a dreamer with a thoughtful and achievable vision, we would love to hear from you.’
It comes as a Welsh theme park once bustling with visitors seeking out high-energy thrills has shut its doors for good – after plans to breathe new life into it were shelved.
Located in Pembrokeshire, Oakwood Theme Park delighted ride fans for more than 30 years from 1987 until March last year, when it abruptly closed its doors.
The ride underwent a full restoration in 2015 as part of a broader £18m investment to reopen Dreamland, which had spent a decade closed to the public
Although the ride is now closed, Dreamland has since suggested the Scenic Railway will continue to exist in some form for future generations to appreciate
The attraction was taken over by Aspro Parks in 2008, and after 17 years, the operator announced last spring it had reached the ‘difficult decision’ to shut down Oakwood, citing rising costs and declining visitor numbers.
The firm said it has invested more than £25million since the park was first saved from closure in 2008.
In the 10 months since the park closed its gates, the site has become increasingly derelict with many of the rides now dismantled.
Security has replaced visitors, and hopes of a reopening appear increasingly unlikely.
