Scenic Railway (Dreamland Margate)

The Scenic Railway at Dreamland Margate is a historic wooden roller coaster and a Grade II listed structure in Margate, Kent, England. Constructed in 1920 and opened to the public in 1920, it is notable for being one of the oldest operating roller coasters in the UK and the only scenic railway in the country where a brakeman is required to ride with the passengers to control the speed of the train.

The ride's structure is largely composed of timber and features several tunnels and hills, providing a visually engaging experience in addition to the thrills of the coaster. The role of the brakeman is crucial; they manually apply the brakes to ensure a safe and controlled ride, managing the train's speed as it traverses the track.

Throughout its history, the Scenic Railway has faced periods of closure, notably following a significant fire in 2008 that caused extensive damage. After a lengthy restoration project, it was reopened to the public in 2015, retaining its historical characteristics and the unique brakeman operation. The restoration involved careful replication of the original design, utilizing traditional carpentry techniques to maintain the ride's authenticity.

The Scenic Railway is considered a landmark attraction at Dreamland Margate and an important piece of amusement park history, drawing visitors interested in both its nostalgic appeal and its unique operational aspects. Its continued operation underscores the efforts to preserve and celebrate vintage amusement park rides.