Don’t Miss What’s On At Dreamland
Dreamland in Margate is the original seaside amusement park
You can’t visit the seaside without dropping by dreamland for rides, amusements and gigs…get the lowdown here
By Sophie Wareham
It’s only right that as the original seaside escape, Margate is home to the original amusement park, which has reinvented itself into the hottest al-fresco gig venue each summer. Find out more about this iconic venue and vintage fairground below.
What is Dreamland?
Originally opened in 1880, Dreamland has been a popular destination for families and thrill-seekers for over a century.
The park is known for its vintage rides, including the classic wooden roller coaster, the UK’s first, The Scenic Railway, as well as its wide range of attractions that combine retro charm with modern entertainment.
Dreamland has undergone several transformations throughout its history, with periods of closure and renovation. In recent years, the park has embraced its nostalgic roots while also offering contemporary events, festivals, and art exhibitions.
Today, Dreamland blends the old and the new, offering a mix of amusement rides, live performances, and cultural experiences, making it a unique and beloved spot for both locals and visitors.
Anyone can visit Dreamland for free, this summer you just pay for rides
tell me more about dreamland’s history…
Before Dreamland was even considered, the site used to be a railway terminal that was then converted to The Hall By The Sea, a restaurant and ballroom in the 1860’s by circus impresario George Sanger. He later added a breeding and treatment centre for his animals.
In 1880 the site had its first amusement rides installed and in 1919, John Henry Iles bought Hall By The Sea and turned it into an American style amusement park which he then named Dreamland in 1920.
That same year The Scenic Railway opened as the centerpiece of Dreamland. The cinema was then added in the 1930s as the park kept expanding.
During WWII, Dreamland was requisitioned by the government with the restaurant serving as treatment centres for the wounded and the ballroom converted into a dormitory for the troops. Post WWII Dreamland continued to operate as a popular seaside amusement park with the 1950s and 1960s being considered as Dreamland’s golden era.
In the early 2000s the park faced closure leading to a public campaign to restore and reopen Dreamland. It then reopened as a reimagined Dreamland in 2015. Today Dreamland remains thriving featuring a mix of vintage fairground rides and more modern attractions plus a huge array of outside gigs over the summer.
Ride the ferris wheel at Dreamland and see over the whole of Margate
What’s the lowdown on the vintage fairground?
Dreamland has a great collection of vintage rides including The Scenic Railway which is the oldest wooden roller coaster in the UK and is turning 105 years old in July 2025.
As well as that they have The Big Wheel to see panoramic views of Dreamland and Margate and everything around it including a great view of the beach.
They also have classics like the waltzers, a traditional carousel, the dodgems and even the chair-o-planes, a helter skelter and so much more!
What are the best rides at Dreamland?
It would be hard to choose which ride is your favourite at Dreamland as there are so many different types of rides.
For the thrill seekers, the best rides would be The Rock ‘n‘ Roller Coaster which reaches speeds of 35mph!, a scary ride on The Ghost Train, ora crowd pleaser since 1947 - The Waltzers.
People that are after a more chill ride would definitely favour The Cups And Saucers, The Gallopers or maybe a trippy walk inside the Mirror Maze.
In 2025, rides at Dreamland cost £3 each or you can get a day pass for £24.99, or a summer pass for £99.99.
What pubs and restaurants are near Dreamland?
Right next to Dreamland is Cinque Ports, a Georgian pub and restaurant serving all sorts of soft and alcoholic drinks as well as Nashville inspired chicken and New Orleans inspired sides made by ChixStock. On gig nights, find themed DJ sets pre- and post- gig here too.
A little further along the sea front there is also The Mechanical Elephant - a Wetherspoons where you can find all your favourite meals on the menu with a wide range of cheap drinks including lots of tasty cocktails.
Head to just the other side of Margate train station and you’ll find the excellent old fashioned boozer, The Shakespeare, serving up craft ales and you watch the sunset over the beach in cosy comfort.
Pop by the Cinque Ports for a pre-gig pint
What gigs are on at Dreamland in 2025?
There are lots of exciting gigs coming up at Dreamland for their Summer Series this year.
You can expect to hear from the legendary Tom Jones and get moving at The Margate Reggae Festival.
Not forgetting McFly with Sam Ryder as their support act or maybe you want your heart to skip a beat with Olly Murs returning to Dreamland.
You can also see ska and pop band - Madness and even one of Britain's best rappers - Dizzee Rascal. There are massive acts every weekend over the summer, check here for Dreamland’s full list.
Don’t miss out!
