A UK seaside town is home to an under-visited but excellent theme park.
When planning a big, thrill-seeking day out it can be easy to opt for one of the big hitters such as Alton Towers, Thorpe Park or Legoland. While they are all great places to visit, sometimes looking a little further afield at a slightly lesser known destination can reap big rewards.
Dreamland is a fantastic amusement park where the people of Kent have been getting their thrills in the sea salt fresh air for the past 140 years - not to mention it's in one of the UK's best seaside towns. Although it has had a number of different names during that time - including as the Bembom Brothers White Knuckle Theme Park when it fell under Dutch ownership during the 60s and 70s - the coastal palace of fun is now Dreamland once again.
What stands it apart is that it sits squarely between the worlds of out-and-out theme parks and seaside arcades. It is somewhere where you can go with just a pocket full of 2ps and have a great afternoon, thanks to the pay-per-ride system which has been in force there since 2022. The chances to win a plastic pot full of coppers, beat your pals at Time Crisis or set a new record on the horse race are all there in the palatial games emporium.
Dreamland in Margate is a great place for a day out (Shutterstock / Neil Lang)If you are looking to throw some notes around and give your spine a tingle, then there are also lots of rides that are suitable for all ages. The biggest are the Rock and Roller rollercoaster which costs £3 and the Pirate Ship, which hurls a boat load of punters in a pendulum motion for the same price. The Cup and Saucers, Margate Maze and Ladybird ride are great alternatives for younger people.
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Another big draw for Dreamland is it doubles up as a music venue, so you can see some great acts after a day's riding if you plan your trip well. Coming up over the next few months are acts including Billy Bragg, Elbow, Madness and Limp Bizkit. You can find out more on www.dreamland.co.uk.
Beyond the bounds of Dreamland, Margate is well worth a visit. It is a town that is full of cosy pubs, craft breweries, cafes, and intriguing shops as well as an impressive range of bookshops; plus with cheap hotels from £22 a night you don't need to break the bank to visit. (Even some of Margate's best hotels start from £44 a night).
The main beach never fails to be a hit with visitors and locals alike thanks to the large stretch of sands and paddle-friendly waters, not to mention the promenade lined with the likes of arcades and fish and chip shops for a classic British seaside day out. The excellent Turner Contemporary is also a must visit for art enthusiasts.
For those who don't want to laze on the beach, there are some fun attractions on offer too. One highlight has to be the famous Shell Grotto, a quirky underground passage that looks like it belongs in a storybook thanks to its walls covered in over 4.6million shells.
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