Britain's Historic Scenic Railway Rollercoaster Takes Final Ride After 106 Years
Dreamland Margate amusement park has confirmed the permanent closure of its iconic Scenic Railway, the United Kingdom's oldest rollercoaster, which has been a beloved seafront attraction for over a century. The grade II-listed wooden structure, which first opened in 1920, will no longer operate as a ride, marking the end of an era for thrill-seekers and heritage enthusiasts alike.
A Century of Thrills and Challenges
Originally conceived as part of an ambitious project to replicate the excitement of New York's Coney Island, the Scenic Railway was advertised upon its debut as the largest rollercoaster in Europe. In its inaugural season alone, nearly one million visitors experienced its wooden tracks, cementing its status as a premier entertainment destination. However, the ride's long history has not been without adversity.
The structure endured significant damage from fires in 1949 and 1957, and was forced to close for extensive restoration between 2006 and 2015 following an arson attack. More recently, a fault detected in 2024 led to its operational suspension, prompting Dreamland to undertake a thorough consultation process. This evaluation ultimately concluded that the Scenic Railway had reached the natural end of its functional lifespan as a ride.
Preserving Heritage for Future Generations
Despite the closure, Dreamland Margate has emphasised its commitment to preserving the historic structure. The park plans to develop a new long-term vision that will reimagine the Scenic Railway's purpose, ensuring it remains a cherished part of the community for years to come. "We are dedicated to showcasing this remarkable grade-II listed structure in a fresh and meaningful way," a park spokesperson stated.
To celebrate the ride's rich legacy, Dreamland will host a pop-up exhibit this summer, highlighting its history and cultural significance. Looking ahead, the park intends to repurpose the structure so that visitors can continue to enjoy it, albeit in a different capacity than its original thrill-ride function.
Public Invited to Shape the Future
In an innovative move, Dreamland is calling on the public to contribute ideas for the Scenic Railway's future. The park is actively soliciting "reimagining proposals" from individuals and organisations, alongside personal memories and anecdotes from those who have ridden the coaster over the decades. This participatory approach aims to harness collective creativity in determining a sustainable new role for the historic attraction.
The Scenic Railway represents a classic example of early 20th-century amusement design, part of a global trend that saw the first such ride constructed in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in 1887. These rides typically featured looped tracks and required a "brakeman" to manually slow the carriages on steep descents. While 31 Scenic Railways were once operational across the UK, the only remaining ride of its kind is now found at Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach, built a decade after the Margate original.
The closure of Dreamland's Scenic Railway underscores the ongoing challenges of maintaining historic amusement park attractions, balancing preservation with practical considerations of safety and sustainability. As the park explores new possibilities for this iconic structure, it invites the public to play a pivotal role in shaping its next chapter.
