I swear I was born in the wrong era.
Don’t get me wrong – I love modern conveniences, feminism and the internet, but people back in the 50s were, quite frankly, more stylish than us.
The 20s were pretty epic, too (I’m kind of obsessed with finger waves), but there’s something about the vivid colours, the fun, flouncy skirts and the cat eyes that makes me wish 50s fashion had never died out.
I know what you’re thinking. And yes, I could simply wear 50s fashion and makeup every day if I wanted to. But the shameful fact is, I’m far too lazy for that. Liquid eyeliner is my nemesis, and snuggly hoodies are my best friend. Maybe I’m best suited to this era, after all.
Still, any chance I get to be surrounded by vintage clothes, furniture, books…anything, really – I jump at the chance. Dreamland Margate is a little slice of heaven for a vintage lover like me, with throwbacks to more stylish eras everywhere you look.
What is Dreamland Margate?
The seaside amusement park dates back to the 1880s, although it rose to popularity (and gained the name Dreamland) when the wooden Scenic Railway opened in 1920.
At one time, it was one of the UK’s top ten visitor attractions, and it remained popular until the early 2000s, when it closed its doors. Thankfully, it was given to the Thanet Council, who promised to restore it to its former glory with the help of designer Wayne Hemingway.
It’s located right across the road from Margate’s pretty sand beach, and just moments from the train station and the town centre.
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What makes Dreamland Margate so special?
From the moment you walk in, you’re hit with a wave of nostalgia for an era you probably didn’t even live in.
There’s a roller disco, candy floss (cotton candy, fairy floss, whatever it’s called in the UK!), and side shows that take me right back to my days at the Royal Adelaide Show.
It’s pure, indulgent fun – and heaps of it!
There are cute puns (sweet dreams are made of cheese) and cheeky slogans (we cater for pleasure) plastered on signs and lockers all around the park, and the staff are there to assist you or crack jokes…whichever they think you need more.
The Scenic Railway, which is heritage listed, is the icon of Dreamland, but I was drawn to the Big Wheel of Colour, which is pretty much exactly what it sounds like.
I’m scared of heights, but as this seemed gentle enough, I hopped into a brightly coloured pod and smiled as the attendant promised to stop the ride ‘for a few minutes’ at the top so I could take pictures.
The top is 35 metres above the ground which, as I discovered as my pod swayed in the gentle breeze, is a terrifying height.
The few promised minutes stretched for an eternity as my palms became sweaty and my knuckles were drained of colour. As I began imagining scenarios of having to climb down the sky-high structure, I felt light-headed.
Thankfully, we started moving again and I tried to enjoy the view from the top. I was more than ready to step back onto solid ground when the attendant cheerily waved me by.
Great. A second loop.
By the time the ride finished I was a nervous wreck, legs trembling and stomach roiling. Give me a fast-paced rollercoaster any day over that terror-filled glide through the sky!
Apart from discovering my fear of ferris wheels, I had a grand old time skipping through the sunny paths around Dreamland, posing for photos, smelling delicious food and photographing the kaleidoscope of colours.
I was only able to spend an hour or so exploring Dreamland, but it was enough to convince me that I absolutely, positively, definitely must return one sunny Saturday.
Of course, I won’t be jumping on the Big Wheel of Colour, but you’ll probably find me wobbling around the roller disco after a rummage through vintage shops and a frolic on the beach. British seaside perfection.
For more information about what’s on in Kent and Margate head to VisitEngland.
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