From rides and ticket prices, to how to get there, this Dreamland Margate guide has everything you need to make the most of your seaside day trip.
I’ve just got back from a day packed full of fun, laugher and excitement. It was a day trip with one simple aim: pure enjoyment! I hopped on a Southeastern train from London and 90 minutes later was in the vibrant seaside town of Margate. My reason for visiting? To spend the day being a big kid at Dreamland – one of the UK’s oldest amusement parks, which has been lovingly restored in recent years.
There’s an explosion of colour across the site, with vibrant umbrellas, colourful bunting and rides in vivid shades. From the moment you enter, it feels as though someone has turned the saturation up.
Margate itself feels like it’s on the up too. I hadn’t been since I was a kid, when I remember it had a bit of a rundown seaside feel. These days it’s a very different story. Trendy vintage stores and antique shops share adjoining walls with hipster cafes and chic seafood restaurants.
There’s also Turner Contemporary – the town’s cultural hub, showcasing the best in modern art. Plus, on a sunny day in August, you’ll find the beach packed with kids building sandcastles and paddling in the chilly English waters, while the grown-ups feast on fish and chips and read their latest holiday novels.
All in all, it’s a lovely town for a seaside day trip, and while I could happily write more about Margate, I want to share all the details from my time at Dreamland amusement park. Oh, and if you’re considering visiting, hopefully there are a few tips in this guide that will help you plan your trip!
What Is Dreamland Margate?
Dreamland Margate is one of the biggest and best free amusement parks in the UK, with a selection of vintage and modern fairground rides, a huge calendar of events (from movie screenings to live music) and delicious street food.
While it’s been revamped in recent years, there’s a long history to Dreamland. In fact, it celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2020.
Its history doesn’t just include funfair rides, it was also a circus at one point. Walking around the site, I passed signs showing some of the history. One sign by the old ‘menagerie cages’ told me of their former use – for keeping the circus’s star attractions – bears!
The oldest ride is the iconic, wooden Scenic Railway which, after a bit of a revamp, still runs today. It’s wonderfully retro, with teal and yellow dragon-shaped cars, and a driver sitting in between the carriages, jamming on the brakes when necessary!
There’s a wonderful nod to the past at Dreamland, which set the tone for a nostalgic day. Here I was in my mid-30s turning back time and behaving like a big kid. It’s something I’d recommend any adult does soon, just to remember what it feels like!
What Are The Highlights At Dreamland Margate?
One of my favourite things about Dreamland Margate is the way the space is designed. It’s been named one of the most Instagrammable places in the UK, and it’s not hard to see why. From the gigantic letters at the top of the hill spelling out D R E A M L A N D, to the vibrant umbrellas shading the manicured lawn area, to the stage which has been emblazoned with a colourful design, and the flower beds planted with grasses and lavender – it’s as much a place for photographers, as one for thrill-seekers.
I also love the mix of rides and attractions at Dreamland. There’s something for everyone. Rides like Gallopers (vintage carousel), Ladybirds and Noah’s Ark are perfect for little ones, while adrenaline junkies will gravitate towards Rock’N’Roller and the Scenic Railway.
Dreamland Tickets – Prices And Offers
First things first, it might surprise you to hear that unlike most theme parks around the UK, Dreamland Margate is free to enter. You can pay as you go for the rides or buy a day pass (wristband). All rides cost one token, apart from the Scenic Railway which costs 2 tokens per person. Tokens cost £3 each, or you can buy a bundle for £40.
Rides At Dreamland Margate
We went on almost everything on our day trip to Dreamland, and my highlights were:
Big Wheel – Great views of the park and the beach, with a super cute design.
Rock’N’Roller – The most adrenaline you’ll experience at Dreamland, this steel coaster offers amazing views over the theme park as well as speeds of up to 35 mph.
Dodgems – It’s such a classic fairground attraction, but the dodgems here are speedy and in a slick, retro design.
Scenic Railway – Rickety, in a good way, this is a really fun ride with speedy drops and great open-air views.
Whirl Around – Built in 1962, this retro ride is a great fun ride for all the family.
Busy Bee Coaster – This super cute rollercoaster is a great starter coaster for smaller kids who are ready for a bit of adrenaline.
Chair-O-Plane – This vintage chair swing offers a little dose of adrenaline and some great views.
Ghost Train – A fun ride filled with ghostly apparitions and frightful thrills!
Food And Drink At Dreamland Margate
There’s a decent variety of food options at Dreamland. From hot dogs, fish and chips and juicy burgers to ice cream, the food definitely added an extra element to our day out in Margate.
The majority of the park’s food vendors are housed in stylish street-food trucks, which add to the look and feel of the place. Don’t worry though, we’re not talking about end-of-the-night kebabs or burgers – there’s a certain level of quality here.
I had a really yummy burger last time I visited. I also enjoyed a mini bottle of prosecco in the sunshine. Later in the afternoon I treated myself to a tasty ice cream. I’d seen so many children with them, I couldn’t resist – after all, I was keen to be a big kid for the day!
There are also a few bars serving beer, wine, spirits, cocktails and soft drinks. Plus, you’ll find The Roller Cafe next to Dreamland’s iconic Roller Disco. As Dreamland is free to enter, you could eat at any of the food options inside the park, regardless of whether you’re going on the rides.
Events And Entertainment At Dreamland Margate
Part of Dreamland’s regeneration has been the addition of a huge stage and performance area in the centre of the park. There’s also a ballroom inside, used for events and functions.
During my visit I watched a really good brass band entertaining crowds during the day. Over the summer holidays, there’s usually a fun schedule of movie screenings. You’ll need to check the website to see if anything is happening during your visit. Previously, these have included Dumbo, The Wizard Of Oz, Jurassic Park and Grease among the family favourites.
It’s become a live music venue in its own right too. There are some amazing acts playing each year. Keep an eye on the line up, as last time I checked it included Rudimental, Madness, Elbow, Craig David, Sam Ryder, Kaiser Chiefs, Status Quo, Paloma Faith and plenty more.
Continuing the retro vibes, I spotted a roller disco inside the main building. I loved the style of it – hello nostalgia! Also for little ones, there’s The Octopus’s Garden – an indoor, soft play area, with arts and crafts, sand pits and climbing frames.
How To Get To Dreamland Margate
By Train
Dreamland is a really easy day trip from London, as the train only takes 90 minutes on Southeastern Rail’s high-speed route. I caught the train from St Pancras (although they run from Victoria too), and loved how simple it was. I even spotted the amusement park from the train window as we pulled in. From Margate Station it’s just a five-minute walk to the Dreamland entrance.
By Car
Depending on traffic and where you’re starting from, the drive from London takes around 2 hours 15 minutes. Arlington Car Park is moments from Dreamland, and costs £9 per day.
Dreamland Margate Opening Times
The park is open at weekends and school holidays from 10:30am until 6pm. The rides start from 11am. Timings may be a little different when there are events taking place, so definitely check the website before you visit!
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about my fun day out at Dreamland, and this guide helps you make the most of your day out! Leave any questions in the comments below.
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