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Sometimes all it takes to feel like you’ve been on holiday is a trip to the British seaside. With warm weather on the way for the rest of the summer, now is the time to follow in your nan’s footsteps and take a trip to retro beach resort Margate. Plus it’s less than two hours away on the train!
Not only is the town home to sea, sand, a Wimpy ice-cream stand and the Turner Contemporary gallery, it’s also where you’ll find vintage amusement park Dreamland. The beach-side spot is a pastel-coloured Instagram-ready dream world full of retro rides, food stalls and even a roller disco. It’s been reopened for a year already but if you’ve not paid it a visit yet, here’s why you should go soon.
1. It’s now free to enter
You can now head into the park for free, and just pay individually for each ride you decide to go on: whether it’s the ‘70s dodgems or the ‘20s roller coaster. It’s perfect for making a flying visit, or if you’re scared of rides but still want an Instagram with the cute ‘Dreamland’ sign.
2. You can still buy wristbands
Adrenaline addicts can still get access to all the rides for a bargain price of £17. (Less for smaller kids!) Plus there are weekend passes for £20 and evening passes for just £12.50. An £18.50 ticket gets you access to the roller disco too (and if you buy it online it's even cheaper).
3. It’s a cool music venue
Dreamland opens up as a party hot spot from 6pm on Saturday evenings and is playing host to the likes of DJ Grandmaster Flash, Dave Rowntree from Blur and Slaves (DJ set) over the next few weeks. Where else could you see legendary music acts perform next to some chairoplanes all for free?
4. It’s holding fun Pride parties in August
If you missed London Pride, then head down to Margate Pride. Dreamland will be holding a family friendly Pride takeover on Saturday August 13, featuring drag queens and Livin’ Joy singing her club classic 'I’m a Dreamer'. Plus, Sink the Pink are taking over the roller disco on the Saturday night for their annual Cockles and Muscles ball.
5. It’s open every day until the end of summer
Got extra holiday to use up? Extend your weekend with a Friday by the sea. Plus, Margate’s full of cute Airbnbs, ideal for turning your day-trip into a mini-break.
