THE oldest rollercoaster in the UK is officially closing down after more than 100 years – and as an ex-local, I’m gutted.
The Scenic Railway at Dreamland in Margate first opened back in 1920.
However, it was forced to shut back in 2024 due to damage to the famous wooden track, with parts of it breaking off.
Not only that, but due to its age and design, it was advised that it would need a daily inspection.
With these estimated to take around five hours, it has since been deemed not viable to stay open.
The theme park has said that it will remain at the park as a feature, but will no longer be open.
Thanet Council called the news “disappointing” for the park which has undergone a major revamp in the past decade.
In a statement, the theme park said: “The Scenic Railway has completed its journey as a roller coaster 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.
“This summer we will be hosting a pop-up exhibit celebrating the history of The Scenic Railway.
“In the longer term, it will be re-invented for people to enjoy in a different way.”
The ride has certainly had a difficult history, being destroyed by a fire in both 1948 and 2008.
Another fire in 2014 also broke out on the ride although this caused less damage.
As someone who used to live in Margate, visiting the theme park was always one of my favourite things to do.
Free to visit, it means you can just wander around and take in the atmosphere without paying a penny.
But the thrill of the Scenic Railway – which still had a rather terrifying manual brake operated by a person – still beats other rollercoasters in my eyes.
Where else can you be thrown about a rickety track, with a few life-fearing drops before coming up to views of the ocean?
Thankfully there are other rides at the theme park that will still be open this summer.
This includes the Pirate Ship, Big Wheel and Rock ‘N Rollercoaster.
New last year was a water flume ride, which left the park back in 2016 only to have been rebuilt.
And Dreamland also attracts huge live music acts every year, with this year’s line up including Tom Grennan, Kesha, Fatboy Slim and Nile Rodgers.