The Scenic Railway is a wooden double out-and-back scenic railway located at the site of the former Dreamland Amusement Park, Margate which closed in 2003. It was built at the park in 1919/1920 and opened in March 1920. The ride is now almost unique, as a brakeman is still required to travel with the train to control its speed, as there are no brakes on the track. It is the oldest roller coaster in the UK and one of only eight scenic railways in the world. It is also the only roller coaster in the UK to receive listed status; being Grade II* listed in 2002. It currently stands without operating due to a fire which destroyed approximately 25% of the ride in April 2008.
The ride consists of a wooden-tracked railway with steel rails supported by a wooden structure. The ride occupies a space approximately 580 ft long (180 m) and 120 ft wide (37 m).
5 years later and the ride remains in a bad state. The whole structure is rotten and crumbling which made me slightly on edge as I climbed it. At the top it was clear what a state the coaster is in as a lot of the supporting struts are no longer in situ. It was incredibly hard to get photos as the whole thing was constantly moving with the wind.
This was an enjoyable one for me as I have fond memories of riding the roller coaster as a child and it now stands as an iconic part of Margate’s history.
The ride consists of a wooden-tracked railway with steel rails supported by a wooden structure. The ride occupies a space approximately 580 ft long (180 m) and 120 ft wide (37 m).
5 years later and the ride remains in a bad state. The whole structure is rotten and crumbling which made me slightly on edge as I climbed it. At the top it was clear what a state the coaster is in as a lot of the supporting struts are no longer in situ. It was incredibly hard to get photos as the whole thing was constantly moving with the wind.
This was an enjoyable one for me as I have fond memories of riding the roller coaster as a child and it now stands as an iconic part of Margate’s history.
