One of the UK’s oldest theme parks opens new log flume water ride – the first in 25 years
A BEACHSIDE theme park that is one of the UK’s oldest has brought back a much-loved water ride in time for summer.
Dreamland, in Margate, has opened their new Wild River log flume ride.
The new ride will have two “high-thrill” drops with both a 50ft plunge and 30ft plunge along the way.
Not only that, but guests at the park can use nearby water guns to spray riders as they go past, with coin-operated pistols.
Guests can buy ponchos before boarding the water ride if they want to avoid getting too wet.
A Dreamland spokesperson said: “This summer, we are delighted to welcome a brand new headline attraction to Dreamland’s ride lineup.
“The Wild River is a welcome return of the classic Log Flume to the park and we can’t wait for guests to take the plunge!”
Guests can purchase a £3 Ride Token to go on it.
The last time the theme park had a water ride was 25 years ago, only for it to be sold off and removed from the park.
Dreamland’s park operation manager Jack King previously said: “Anyone that works in the attractions industry or is an avid fan of all things Theme Park will appreciate the dying breed that is a UK based classic Log Flume.
“It is so exciting to actually say Dreamland Margate will be opening its first Log Flume in about 25 years.”
Dreamland is one of the UK’s oldest theme parks, celebrating it’s 105th birthday this year.
(The oldest theme park award goes to Blackgang Chine in the Isle of Wight, which is over 180 years old.)
However, Dreamland dates back as far as 1880, when there was an amusement park, albeit under a different name “Hall by the Sea”.
The theme park faced a number of problems over the years, and was forced to close.
Yet it reopened in 2015 after a multi-million project, followed by a much bigger relaunch in 2017.
Now, there is the famous Scenic Railway, one of the few remaining scenic railways in the world and the oldest rollercoaster in the UK.
The ride still has a manual person operating the brakes, who is on the ride while it goes around.
There is also the Rock ‘N’ Roller rollercoaster, as well as the Big Wheel, Dodgems and Pirate Ship.
It also has its huge indoor arcade area, which has its retro Roller Disco rink.
This year, the Roller Room arcade has introduced new VR games as well, which can be booked in advance on the website.
And also new this year is the park’s payment system, which includes a new £24.99 day wristband that allow unlimited ride access.
Guests can still opt to pay per ride, with the theme park itself being free.
Otherwise the theme park is also known for its huge Summer Sounds music acts.
Famous acts this year include Haim, Basement Jaxx, McFly and Billy Ocean.
In the mean time, here is everything you need to know about visiting Margate, often dubbed Shoreditch-on-Sea.
It even has a very famous lido that lots of tourists don’t know about.
