UK’s oldest rollercoaster to shut forever after more than 100 years

The UK’s oldest rollercoaster will close down forever after attracting thrillseekers for decades.

The historic Scenic Railway at Dreamland in Margate on the southeast coast will cease to operate as a ride.

Dreamland bosses have confirmed they are looking at new ways for the attraction to be used.

Adrenaline junkies can hold out hope as fuming local councillors have called for the decision to be reversed.

In a public statement this week, a Dreamland spokesperson said: ‘The Scenic Railway has completed its journey as a rollercoaster and will now take well-earned retirement from operation as a ride.

‘This is not the end but a new beginning.

‘We are committed to developing a new long-term vision that will not only showcase this remarkable Grade II*-listed structure, but reimagine its purpose so it can continue to be enjoyed by future generations in a fresh and meaningful way.’

The theme park, which is owned by music firm Live Nation, said they will be putting an exhibition this summer on the ride’s history.

They also want fans to come forward with ideas on how to honour the rollercoaster, which is made almost entirely out of wood.

The ride is a Grade II-listed structure which opened more than a hundred years ago in 1920, making it the fourth oldest in the world.

It has been destroyed by fire on two occasions, the first in 1948 and the second in 2008, which left 40 per cent of the ride in ruins.

The Scenic Railway has also undergone extensive repairs and rebuilding projects throughout its long lifetime.

It has been out of action since August 2024, however, after a carriage fault ripped out wood planks from the tracks.

Live Nation said the decision came to wind up the rollercoaster’s use after an ‘extensive round of consultations’.

This included talks with the Health and Safety Executive, as well as inspections from ‘external ride consultants’.

Thanet District Council branded Dreamland’s decision ‘particularly disappointing’.

They added: ‘The Scenic Railway is a Grade II* Listed structure and as such any alterations or change of use will require both planning permission and listed building consent, including consultation from Historic England.

‘Any application submitted will need to evidence why its operation as a ride is no longer viable including the technical reports that have led to this conclusion.

‘If Dreamland isn’t proposing any change of use or to the structure, the council has no role.’

The political body continued: ‘While the council was informed of the decision in advance, councillors have asked to see more details of the issues, as this is a matter of such local importance.

‘The council awaits the feedback from the proposed public engagement with interest.’

One councillor, Rob Yates, said he was ‘absolutely fuming’ with the closure.

The representative for Margate told KentOnline: ‘The information as a councillor that I’ve received is that the railway needs five hours of inspection each day, and I’ve had it confirmed that there’s no evidence being given to the council to back this up.

‘It’s killing the tradition of it being a theme park. I want Live Nation to rethink this decision.

‘The council did not sell them the amusement park for them to close the scenic railway, which is one of the oldest wooden railways in the world.

‘This is not just historical for Kent, it’s historical for the world as a wooden roller coaster.’

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