It’s not all about Brighton. Margate’s fast becoming the premier destination for London-based day-trippers, keen to escape the capital for retro beach town vibes. It makes perfect sense too: an easy 1.5-hour train service runs directly from Stratford International, St Pancras International, and London Victoria, via Southeastern Railway. Since expanding in 2017, visitors have been lured in their droves to Dreamland, not just for fairground rides but for festival lineups, culinary feasts, and disco vibes. Our guide to Dreamland, Margate shares everything you need for fun under the British sun. 

The best things to do in Dreamland, Margate

1. Ride the UK’s oldest rollercoaster

Dreamland Scenic Railway
Dreamland Scenic Railway

First things first, you’ll want to ride the OG of rollercoasters. The Scenic Railway first opened in 1920, surviving World War II, and is officially the oldest rollercoaster in the country today. Dreamland is free to enter, but to enjoy rides you must purchase tokens. These are £3 each when purchased individually, but we recommend taking advantage of mega-saver packs of 20 tokens for £40. A ride on The Scenic Railway is two tokens per person, and you must be over 1.25m tall. 

Find out what’s going on at Dreamland

2. Snag tickets for the Scenic Stage

Dreamland Stage
Dreamland Stage

Summer equates to festival season and Dreamland’s Scenic Stage provides hot ticket acts a platform to perform. It’s located in the centre of the park, and the 2023 lineup included Tom Jones (returning after last playing in the park in the 1960s), Olly Murs, Two Door Cinema Club, and Dizzee Rascal. Margate Pride brings a range of acts to the stage too in an all-ages-friendly event. Ticket prices vary, book in advance.

3. Roller disco the day away

Dreamland Roller Disco
Dreamland Roller Disco

Who says the party begins at dusk? The Roller Room opens at 10:30 am (weekends and holidays until the end of September), so the boogie can begin right after breakfast. You’ll rock and roll to throwback and contemporary beats in a retro skating rink that’s suitable for all. Sessions last an hour and are very fairly priced at £5 per person including skate hire.

Tip: don’t miss legendary graffiti artist, Banksy’s, brand new mural ‘Valentine’s Day Mascara’. The piece was relocated from the side of Margate House to the entrance of the Roller Room at the start of summer.

4. Tuck into Margate’s best fish and chips

Fish and Chips
Oceans Fish and Chips

There are street food eats dotted all over the park, but when beside the seaside, traditional fish and chips are as fresh as they come. Ocean’s Fish N Fries Seafood Bar dips their catch in batter in front of you, and the chunky chips in salt and vinegar are irresistible. If that doesn’t tickle your pickle, other eats in the vicinity include Pek (Planet Earth Kitchen) vegan, and Roller Café for sourdough sandwiches and baked sweet treats.

5. Stay at No.42 Margate

No.42 by Guesthouse Margate Room
No.42 by Guesthouse Margate

For a beachfront belle, drop your bags at No.42 by Guesthouse. The new boutique hotel is located within a striking Victorian building on the golden sands of Margate’s cherished bay. Renovated in playful yet chic design, it pays homage to local artists and retains historic detailing.

21 charming rooms including three suites are wired with modern tech for modern comforts, like Chromecast TV, and Sjöstrand coffee machines with eco-friendly pods, while Crosley record players, colourful blankets, and mini beach hut cabinets twirl a throwback. Select a sea view option for ocean scenes, which, when accompanied by snacks from the complimentary pantry, will have you in time-forgotten daze. Dog-friendly, and all-welcoming, No.42’s a British seaside treasure.

Find out more about No.42 by GuestHouse, Margate

6. End your day on the rooftop

No.42 by Guesthouse Margate Rooftop
No.42 by Guesthouse Margate Rooftop

Margate’s deep orange sunsets are mesmerizing, so take them in from No. 42’s rooftop. The Rooftop Bar pours cocktails, local beers, wines, and low and no-alcohol refreshers, and it overlooks your day of play, Dreamland. We recommend one of their Kent varieties (thanks to south-facing chalky soil and mild climate, the region’s an excellent place for wine-growing!). Expect to be won over at first sip. It really is hard to believe such a place is just an hour and a half from London when the tranquility, sights, and vinyl sounds are such an era away.

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