Britain's oldest rollercoaster that survived multiple fires in 100-year-old history shuts permanently

Park officials confirmed the rollercoaster will no longer operate as a ride, adding they are looking for new ways it can be used.

Theme park enthusiasts and local councillors have derided the decision, accusing bosses of "killing the tradition of Dreamland being a theme park."

In a public statement, a Dreamland spokesman said: "The Scenic Railway has completed its journey as a rollercoaster and will now take well-earned retirement from operation as a ride.

"This is not the end but a new beginning.

"We are committed to developing a new long-term vision that will not only showcase this remarkable Grade II*-listed structure, but reimagine its purpose so it can continue to be enjoyed by future generations in a fresh and meaningful way."

They added that an exhibition to celebrate the ride’s history will open this summer and the park is encouraging people to come forward with ideas on how to honour it.

The ride opened in July 1920, drawing inspiration from European and American wooden rollercoasters.

It was partially destroyed by fire on two occasions, first in 1948 and again in 2008, and faced extensive repairs and rebuilding projects throughout its lifetime.

A restoration of the Grade II listed rollercoaster was completed in 2015. It has been closed since August 2024, when a fault on a carriage ripped out wood planks from the tracks.

The park is currently operated by music firm Live Nation.

Thanet District Council has branded Dreamland’s decision "particularly disappointing".

A spokesman added: "The Scenic Railway is a Grade II* Listed structure and as such any alterations or change of use will require both planning permission and listed building consent, including consultation from Historic England.

"Any application submitted will need to evidence why its operation as a ride is no longer viable including the technical reports that have led to this conclusion.

"If Dreamland isn’t proposing any change of use or to the structure, the council has no role."

Local Green Party councillor Rob Yates told KentOnline: "The information as a councillor that I've received is that the railway needs five hours of inspection each day, and I've had it confirmed that there's no evidence being given to the council to back this up.

"It's killing the tradition of it being a theme park. I want Live Nation to rethink this decision.

"The council did not sell them the amusement park for them to close the scenic railway, which is one of the oldest wooden railways in the world.

"This is not just historical for Kent, it's historical for the world as a wooden roller coaster."

The Scenic Railway was unique in the UK as it was operated with a manual, hand-operated brake at the front.

In recent years, the park has hosted major concerts from bands such as UB40, Texas, The Wombats and Limp Bizkit.