11 Facts About Dreamland Margate

Dreamland Margate is an amusement park and entertainment centre based on a traditional English seaside funfair located at Margate, Kent, England.

The site of the park was first used for amusement rides in 1880, although the Dreamland Margate name was not used until 1920 when the park's Grade II* listed Scenic Railway wooden rollercoaster was opened.

The park's owner announced in 2003 that Dreamland Margate would be closed and the site redeveloped, although the listing of the Scenic Railway meant it could not be moved.

Dreamland Margate site was a salt marsh known as the Mere that was inundated at high tide until 1809 when a causeway and seawall were built.

The new owners, Associated Leisure, introduced many innovations to Dreamland Margate, including squash courts and, in an echo of the Sanger era, an ice rink and zoo.

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Dreamland Margate was purchased by the Dutch Bembom Brothers in 1981.

Day-tripper trade at Dreamland Margate remained substantial, but the loss of holiday revenue meant that the town began to struggle to maintain its infrastructure.

The Looping Star's sister ride made a brief appearance for two seasons at Dreamland Margate before leaving again for its current home, Loudon Castle theme park, where it is called the Twist 'n' Shout.

On 25 April 2008 the Dreamland Margate cinema's Listed building status increased from Grade II to Grade II* .

On 16 November 2009, the Dreamland Margate Trust was awarded a grant of £3m by the Heritage Lottery Fund with further funding of £3.

Dreamland Margate is frequently alluded to in Graham Swift's 1996 novel Last Orders, as well as the 2001 film adaptation.