With the summer holidays beginning to draw towards their final weeks, there is still plenty of time to squeeze in some seaside excitement at one of Kent’s most iconic attractions.
Dreamland Margate (a historic place I love and have written about previously) is keeping the fun going throughout the Bank Holiday weekend, with extra opening dates now added through to Wednesday 2 September. And for families looking for an affordable day out, discounted ride wristbands are available until 2 September.
But it isn’t just the rides attracting visitors. Dreamland’s outdoor Scenic Stage still has a formidable line-up of live music to come, making the amusement park as much a destination for music fans as it is for thrill-seekers.
Among the highlights is Nile Rodgers & CHIC, appearing on Friday 21 August, with special guests The Brand New Heavies and James Emmanuel. The following evening, Saturday 22 August, sees indie pop favourites Bastille take to the stage, accompanied by Orla Gartland and Only The Poets.
Then, as the Bank Holiday weekend gets underway, Fatboy Slim brings his distinctive brand of dance music to the outdoor arena on Friday 28 August, joined by Appetite founders Elliot Schooling and Liam Palmer, alongside producer Lau.ra.
Rides without breaking the bank
For families, the 15% discount on ride wristbands is particularly tempting. Available until 2 September, the Tiny Tots Wristband costs £10.99, giving younger visitors unlimited rides on attractions including Little River, Cups & Saucers, Ladybirds, Margate Express, Helter Skelter, Noah’s Ark and the Caterpillar Coaster.
It is aimed at children taller than 0.8m and below 1.2m, providing plenty to keep smaller visitors occupied without parents having to keep reaching for their wallets.
For taller visitors, the Mega Ride Wristband costs £20.99 and provides unlimited access to Dreamland’s rides throughout the day for guests over 1.2m.
Alternatively, individual ride tokens cost £3, while a bundle of 20 costs £40.
And there is a new attraction to add to the list this summer: the giant Bavarian Funhouse. Spread over three levels, it promises wobbly floors, water jets, crazy steps and rolling barrels – in other words, precisely the sort of place where keeping your dignity intact is probably not part of the experience.
The Funhouse costs one token per rider and is included in the Mega Wristband. Children must be at least 1m if accompanied, or 1.2m to explore it alone.
More than just rides
There is something particularly appealing about Dreamland because it combines the nostalgia of the traditional seaside amusement park with a distinctly modern approach to entertainment. You can spend the day being thrown around on rides before settling down to watch a major musical act, all with Margate’s seaside atmosphere providing the backdrop.
And if the weather behaves itself, there can be few better places in Kent to enjoy those final precious days of summer.
The amusement park will remain open every day through to Wednesday 2 September, after which it returns to weekend opening.
But that isn’t the end of the season. Families planning ahead for the October school holidays can already look forward to Dreamland opening daily from 24 to 31 October, providing another opportunity for some half-term fun.
Whether your idea of a perfect day involves rollercoasters, a slightly alarming trip through a Bavarian Funhouse, live music or simply soaking up the atmosphere of one of Margate’s best-known landmarks, Dreamland still has plenty on offer as summer heads towards autumn.
Just remember to check opening times before travelling, particularly on concert and event days, when they may vary.
(Images © Dreamland)
