Inside the seaside theme park with the UK’s oldest rollercoaster

THE UK is home to some amazing theme parks – but my favourite is found right on the beach.

Margate‘s Dreamland has reopened for the season and has some very exciting new rides and events this summer.

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Being based in Margate myself, I decided to head to the theme park on its opening weekend.

Free to enter, Dreamland is home to the oldest rollercoaster in the UK, the wooden Scenic Railway.

I expected the Grade-II listed ride to be a relaxing affair, although was proved wrong as it flew across the rails at speed, only stopping thanks to the human brakeman in the middle.

But there are some exciting new rides at the park this summer as well.

Rock ‘n’ Roller is the newest rollercoaster, with speeds up to 35mph as it whizzes around the twists and turns.

The park happened to be quiet when I visited so may have been given a cheeky go-around for free.

Dreamland has also opened a new Crazy Golf, with nine holes each in the shape of the letters of the park’s name, as well as the new Margate Express, a tiny train ride for younger guests.

But many of the park favorites have returned this year including the Big Wheel – for the best views of the beach – as well as the Dodgems, Whirl Around and Waltzers.

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The Gallopers carousel, Helter Skelter, and Chair-o-Plane are also back, along with the Austin Cars and Busy Bee Coaster for younger riders.

While entry is free, you need to pay for tokens to use the rides, which cost around £3 each, although are cheaper if you buy bundles.

And when the sun is shining, you can choose from fish and chips, burgers and pizza from the outdoor huts, along with a number of bars surrounding the big TV screens.

I was very impressed by my vegetarian sourdough pizza, cooked fresh in the pizza oven in front of me.

Don’t worry if the weather turns while at the park either.

Found inside is the Roller Room, where I was embarrassingly outskated by kids half my height, as well as a snack bar and arcade machines.

Dreamland is also welcoming some amazing acts this summer, including two from Tom Jones after the first one sold out.

McFly, Olly Murs, Bastille, Dizzee Rascal, NDubz and Will Young are just some of the other performances you can book this summer too.

Eddie Kemsley, CEO of Dreamland said: “The line up of acts is bigger and better and everyone at Dreamland can’t wait to play host to artists and audiences alike through this amazing 2023 season.

“I am also thrilled to see the gates of the park open once more after a long cold winter, promising perfect fun for all the family.”

Dreamland has also been featured in some big TV and films too.

Last year, the former cinema was used in the Sam Mendes blockbuster Empire of Light, while the theme park also featured in the new Sky drama Dreamland, starring Lily Allen.

The theme park will also soon be home to the newest Banksy, which was spotted down the road in Margate earlier this year.

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