Dreamland Margate announces temporary closure of scenic railway

The star attraction at Kent's vintage theme park is to close at the beginning to the school holidays for scheduled maintenance.

The Scenic Railway at Dreamland will be closed to paying visitors from Monday, July 24, until Friday, July 28, the first full week of the school break.

As it is Grade II listed specialists have to be brought in to carry out repairs and checks on the ride.

The latest work will include getting in specialist splicers to replace a section of the rope on one of the ride's lift hills.

The professional craftsmen will complete the work in front of visitors.

During the period where work is taking place bosses have promised to give anyone who purchases an unlimited wristband a £5 gift card to spend in their food court to compensate for the inconvenience.

Interim CEO at Dreamland Steven Mitchell said: "We have had a fantastic response to Dreamland since we re-opened the park on Friday, May 26, and visitors have, as ever, been enchanted by the Scenic Railway.

"When the ride was restored, we returned to its heritage rope system - which is not like the systems used by rollercoasters built today.

"This means a specialist level of service is required to maintain the ride.

"We are working with the best in the industry to ensure reliable and consistent running of the ride for visitors through the rest of the summer and beyond – and working with the best means undertaking work when they are available."

Ticketed attractions still to be held at the park this summer include the Messham’s Wall Of Death from Saturday, July 22, to Sunday, August 6, and The World’s Biggest Bouncy Castle from Saturday, August 12, to Saturday, August 26.