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Dreamland in Margate continues to delight visitors as one of the UK’s most cherished seaside attractions. In 2025, the park marks its 105th anniversary and its 10th year since reopening in 2015. With a return of much-loved rides, immersive VR experiences and a packed music and events calendar, there is plenty to celebrate and savour.
What’s New This Season
For the 2025 season, Dreamland unveiled its beloved log flume, known as the Wild River, returning after nearly a decade away, a first water ride installation in over 25 years. The Roller Room now features free-roam virtual reality games. New all-day wristbands have made a debut as well: the Mega Ride wristband for approximately £24.99 and the Tiny Tots wristband for around £12.99.

Rides For Every Generation
Dreamland blends retro charm with modern thrills:
Classic rides such as the Big Wheel, Pirate Ship, Dodgems, Cups & Saucers, Ladybirds, Noah’s Ark, Magic Rockets, Mirror Maze, crazy golf and the Margate Express miniature railway are all back in action.
The Scenic Railway is not only Dreamland’s most iconic ride but also one of the oldest wooden rollercoasters in the world and a Grade II listed structure. It’s currently closed following an August 2024 derailment that caused a gap in the track. Restoration work has begun, but no reopening date has been confirmed. For history lovers, this blend of nostalgia and conservation adds emotional resonance to the Dreamland experience.
The Wild River log flume has made a triumphant return, offering refreshing excitement.
Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster, reaching speeds of around 35 mph, continues to thrill fans.


All Rides and Attractions at Dreamland
Classic Rides and Thrill Seekers’ Favourites:
- Rock ‘N’ Roller – A family-friendly roller coaster with twists and gentle turns, perfect for both adults and children.
- Wild River – A popular log flume ride that ends with a splash. Be prepared to get wet.
- Big Wheel – A traditional Ferris wheel offering spectacular views across Margate and the coastline.
- Waltzers – A spinning ride that delivers dizzying fun.
- Whirl-a-Round – A fast-spinning ride that keeps adrenaline levels high.
- Ghost Train – A spooky indoor roller coaster with jump scares along the way.
- Hurricane Jets – Spinning aircraft that rise and fall during the ride.
- Chair-O-Plane – A swing carousel that lifts you into the air for a breezy ride.
- Pirate Ship – A giant swinging ship for those who love a stomach-dropping experience.
- The Scenic Railway – A thrilling wooden rollercoaster which is currently closed
Family-Friendly Fun:
- Margate Express – A gentle train locomotive ride on a flat track suitable for all ages.
- Austin Cars – Vintage-style cars that take you around a flat track.
- Dodgems – Classic bumper cars for fun and friendly collisions.
- Crazy Golf – A nine-hole mini golf course that the whole family can enjoy.
- Helter Skelter – A traditional spiral slide for a quick thrill.
- Cups and Saucers – A mini spinning teacup ride for younger children.
- Ladybirds – A gentle roundabout carousel with colourful ladybird-themed cars.
- Magic Rockets – A small spinning ride for younger guests.
- Margate Maze – A mirror maze to test your sense of direction.
- Noah’s Ark – A carousel ride featuring a variety of animals.
- Funny Mirrors – An assortment of funhouse mirrors that distort your reflection.
Indoor and All-Weather Attractions:
- Roller Disco – A retro-style roller skating rink for all skill levels.
- Free Roam VR – A virtual reality adventure where you can solve puzzles and explore immersive worlds.
- Amusement Arcade – Packed with pinball machines, coin slot games, basketball hoops and more.




Ticketing and Ride Access and Opening Times
Visitors can choose between ride-by-ride options or go for unlimited access:
1 ride tokens costs £3 each or a bundle of 20 tokens for £40.
Mega Ride wristband grants full access for adults and cost £24.99.
Tiny Tots wristband covers smaller rides for younger visitors and cost £12.99.
A standard Season Ticket costs £99.99 and a Tiny Tots Season Ticket costs £54.99.
The park is open on weekends and will be open this summer on all days from 5th April 2025 to 26th October 2025. Rides, arcades and roller disco open at 11 AM, and the food and drink vendors start opening from 10:30 AM. Various ticketed events such as concerts will have their own opening times.
Live Music and Seasonal Events at Dreamland
Dreamland is as much a live entertainment hub as it is an amusement park. Each year, the Scenic Stage and indoor venues host a vibrant programme of concerts, DJ nights, and themed parties. The line-up blends big-name headliners with local talent, making it one of the most diverse live music destinations on the Kent coast. Past seasons have featured everything from retro throwback nights and indie rock gigs to contemporary pop performances and international DJs.
Summer is the busiest time, with open-air concerts creating an electric festival atmosphere under the sea breeze. Spring and autumn often bring food and drink festivals, vintage fairs, and themed family weekends, while the winter calendar has included festive markets, Christmas light trails, and even ice-skating sessions in previous years.
Music lovers can also expect one-off special events such as pride celebrations, film screenings with live orchestras, and charity concerts that draw visitors from across the country. The variety means there is almost always something happening beyond the rides, making Dreamland a destination worth checking all year round.
For the most up-to-date information, it is best to check the official Dreamland Margate events calendar before your visit. Tickets for major concerts and seasonal events often sell out quickly, especially in summer.
Dreamland’s Summer Series continued to draw crowds with incredible performances:
Margate Reggae Festival in July 2025, showcased legends like UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, Maxi Priest, The Selecter and more on the Scenic Stage.
The new Rewind at Dreamland event took place in June 2025, bringing throwback hits to the Scenic Stage.
Madness delivered an unforgettable set in early August 2025, packing the venue with fans dancing to hits like Our House, Baggy Trousers and Night Boat to Cairo.
McFly returned in August 2025, with a high-energy show that featured classics such as Star Girl and 5 Colours in Her Hair, and support from Sam Ryder opening with Space Man.

Practical Visitor Information for Dreamland Margate
When planning a trip to Dreamland, there are several practical details that can make your visit smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you are heading there for the classic rides, live music, or seasonal events, knowing the essentials in advance will help you get the most out of your day.
Age Limits and Event Rules
Many of Dreamland’s live music and ticketed events have strict age policies. Generally, an age-restricted event will not allow entry to anyone younger than the minimum. In cases where younger visitors are permitted, they must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over, with a maximum of two under-18s per adult. These rules are in place to ensure safety and crowd management, so it is always worth checking the event details before booking.
Bag Checks and Security
Security is taken seriously at Dreamland, and bag checks are a standard part of entry to both the park and concerts. It has been stated that large bags over A4 size are not permitted, and you cannot bring alcohol, professional camera equipment, laptops, selfie sticks, umbrellas, or large cool boxes inside. While refillable water bottles are not allowed, you can request free tap water at bars throughout the venue.
Payment and Facilities
Dreamland promotes a cashless culture, which means it is wise pay for food, drink, and attractions using a card or contactless payment. We did notice that cash opens were available for some purchases such as ride tokens in the outdoor section of the amusement park. We found that indoor events and vendors operated cashless options. The park also offers accessible facilities for disabled visitors, including viewing platforms, companion tickets, accessible toilets, and lowered counters at bars. Some of these amenities require advance booking to guarantee availability.
Food and Drink Options
One of the joys of a visit to Dreamland is the food on offer. The park features a mix of street food stalls serving burgers, fish and chips, pizzas, and plant-based options, alongside traditional seaside favourites such as ice cream. Bars serve a wide range of drinks, from soft beverages to cocktails and craft beer. Prices for alcoholic drinks typically start at around six pounds per pint.
Parking and Public Transport
Dreamland is easy to reach by both car and train. For those driving, Arlington Car Park (CT9 9QH) is close to the park and charges between £1.75 for up to 1 hour and £10 for up to 15 hours. Mill Lane Car Park is only a seven-minute walk away and offers free parking on weekends. If you prefer to travel by train, Margate station is just a five-minute walk from the entrance, with regular direct services from London. Buses run frequently during the daytime, but it’s good to check times. The roads will be very busy and there will be lots of traffic during the summer months.
Rides and Current Attractions
While most rides operate during the day, some may run before or after live performances, depending on the event setup. One of Dreamland’s most famous attractions, the Scenic Railway, is currently closed following damage in August 2024. Repair work is ongoing, but no reopening date has been confirmed. Visitors can still enjoy other classic rides such as the Big Wheel, Dodgems, and the newly reintroduced Wild River log flume. Some rides may be closed at certain times due to circumstances such as scheduled maintenance and adverse weather conditions.


Why Dreamland Is Still a Must-Visit in 2025
Dreamland Margate remains one of the UK’s most unique seaside attractions, offering a rare mix of vintage nostalgia and modern-day entertainment.
Families can enjoy a perfect balance of retro rides, water-based fun, and all-day wristbands that make it easy to pack in as much adventure as possible. With free park entry, it offers great value and variety for every budget.
Music lovers will find an impressive line-up of live performances in an iconic coastal setting, ranging from throwback shows that celebrate the golden era of music to headline acts from today’s charts. The atmosphere during these events is something you simply cannot replicate elsewhere.
For adrenaline seekers, Dreamland delivers with thrill rides such as Wild River and Rock N Roller, as well as cutting-edge immersive experiences like Free Roam VR. The combination of classic fairground energy and high-tech entertainment makes it a standout venue for adventure.
Art enthusiasts will love the park’s creative installations, murals, and seasonal exhibits, which add a vibrant cultural layer to the Dreamland experience. Whether it is a quirky sculpture or a large-scale street art piece, there is always something worth photographing.
Foodies are equally well catered for, with a variety of options that range from classic seaside fish and chips to gourmet street food stalls. Whether you fancy fresh doughnuts, artisan coffee, or craft cocktails by the sea, there is plenty to keep you fuelled throughout the day.
Local residents and returning visitors alike will appreciate the way Dreamland blends its traditional charm with ever-evolving attractions, ensuring every visit feels fresh while staying true to its heritage.
Conclusion: Dive In & Discover Kent’s Wild Coast
Dreamland in Margate has once again proven in 2025 why it holds such a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. From the nostalgic charm of its vintage rides to the excitement of its newest attractions, the park continues to evolve while staying true to its seaside heritage. The return of the Wild River log flume, the buzz of live music on the Scenic Stage and the addition of immersive VR experiences make it more than just an amusement park; it is a year-round destination for fun, relaxation and memorable days out. Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning to relive fond memories, Dreamland offers something for every generation and every mood, cementing its place as one of the must-visit attractions on the Kent coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dreamland free to enter?
Yes. Entry remains free. Charges apply only to rides.
Is the Scenic Railway open now?
No. It remains closed following structural damage in August 2024, with no confirmed reopening date.
What wristband options are available?
Mega Ride wristband (£24.99) for full access, and Tiny Tots wristband (£12.99) for smaller rides.
Are there new immersive experiences?
Yes, free-roam VR games are available in the Roller Room for around £15 per person.
Are there age restrictions for music events?
Yes, many live music events at Dreamland have age limits. If under-18s are allowed, each must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over, and the ratio is one adult to two under-18s.
Is Dreamland cashless?
Yes, some areas are cashless. We found only cashless purchase options inside. Cashless is encouraged at outdoor events but we found some places to accept cash. It is suggested to bring a card or cashless payment option.
Is Dreamland dog-friendly?
Only registered assistance dogs are allowed into the park. Other pets are not permitted.
Are there accessible facilities for disabled visitors?
Yes, Dreamland offers: Lowered bars and accessible entrances, accessible viewing platforms, accessible toilets, and companion tickets.
What security measures and restrictions should I expect?
- Event entry often involves bag searches.
- Prohibited items may be confiscated.
- Dreamland works with security, medical teams, and emergency services to ensure safety at outdoor events.
Do they serve food and drink inside the park?
Yes. Dreamland has a variety of street-food vendors (such as burgers, fish & chips, ice cream), food courts, and bars serving soft drinks, beer, wine, and cocktails.
What are the parking options and public transport advice?
- Arlington Car Park on All Saints Avenue is conveniently located and charges between £1.75 and £10. Payment can be made via RingGo or cash machines.
- Mill Lane Car Park, about seven minutes away, offers free parking on Saturdays and Sundays.
- It has been recommended that parking at Margate train station for overnight stays is convenient, as it costs around £2.50 on weekdays.
- By train, Dreamland is a five-minute walk from Margate station with regular direct services from London.
Explore More of Margate Beyond Dreamland
A trip to Dreamland is just the start of what Margate has to offer. Step outside the park gates and you will find Margate Old Town, a charming maze of narrow streets filled with independent shops, vintage clothing boutiques, quirky galleries, and cosy cafes. It is the perfect place to wander, pick up unique souvenirs, and experience the creative spirit that has helped Margate become one of the UK’s most talked-about seaside towns.
Just a short stroll away lies Margate Main Sands, a golden sandy beach ideal for sunbathing, paddling, or enjoying a classic British seaside picnic. Families will love the tidal pool for safe swimming, while photographers will appreciate the wide horizon sunsets that have inspired artists for generations.
Art lovers should not miss the Turner Contemporary, a striking gallery overlooking the sea that hosts both international exhibitions and community art projects. For a truly local experience, time your visit with the Margate Steps events or browse the weekend markets for handmade crafts and street food.
Whether you are here for the rides, the history, or simply the salty sea air, Margate offers a full day, or even a weekend, of discovery.


Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this article, details such as prices, opening times, and facilities may change without notice. Sandgeek accepts no responsibility for any loss, inconvenience, or injury resulting from the use of this information.