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NEWS
Dreamland optimistic as record numbers visit troubled heritage attraction
POSTED 28 Jul 2016 . BY Tom Anstey
Dreamland had a tough opening year but things are looking up for the heritage theme park
Despite its financial woes, things are looking promising for Margate's Dreamland, with the heritage theme park in the UK drawing record attendance for a single day earlier this month.

In an effort to turn its fortunes around, Dreamland introduced a pay as you play model in June, becoming free-to-enter with visitors paying to use individual rides or opting to buy an unlimited day pass.

That tactic, combined with this month’s warm weather, appears to have paid off, with 10,000 people descending on the heritage attraction on 16 July.

Relaunched on 19 June 2015 following an £18m (US$26m, €23.3m) restoration, the attraction failed to draw enough visitors to the park in its debut year, with its operator Sands Heritage entering administration on 27 May.

Despite setbacks, Dreamland officials have said they are confident of breaking visitor records this summer and autumn thanks to a large events programme and having all of the park’s ride open for business, notably its 96-year-old scenic railway.

RELATED STORIES
  Free entry for Dreamland guests as park adopts new pay as you play model


In an effort to turn its fortunes around, Margate’s heritage theme park Dreamland is to become free-to-enter, with visitors paying to use individual rides.
  New operator sought as Margate's Dreamland enters administration


Troubled heritage theme park Dreamland has been placed into administration after a tough opening year.
  Only Fools and Horses exhibition readies for opening at Margate's Dreamland


Heritage theme park Dreamland is about to unveil its new Only Fools and Horses exhibition themed around an episode of the show filmed nearly 30 years ago.
  Dreamland loses £5m in opening season, operator blames council blunder


Heritage theme park Dreamland is in troubled waters, entering into a voluntary debt plan just six months after the historic attraction reopened to the public.
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NEWS
Dreamland optimistic as record numbers visit troubled heritage attraction
POSTED 28 Jul 2016 . BY Tom Anstey
Dreamland had a tough opening year but things are looking up for the heritage theme park
Despite its financial woes, things are looking promising for Margate's Dreamland, with the heritage theme park in the UK drawing record attendance for a single day earlier this month.

In an effort to turn its fortunes around, Dreamland introduced a pay as you play model in June, becoming free-to-enter with visitors paying to use individual rides or opting to buy an unlimited day pass.

That tactic, combined with this month’s warm weather, appears to have paid off, with 10,000 people descending on the heritage attraction on 16 July.

Relaunched on 19 June 2015 following an £18m (US$26m, €23.3m) restoration, the attraction failed to draw enough visitors to the park in its debut year, with its operator Sands Heritage entering administration on 27 May.

Despite setbacks, Dreamland officials have said they are confident of breaking visitor records this summer and autumn thanks to a large events programme and having all of the park’s ride open for business, notably its 96-year-old scenic railway.

RELATED STORIES
Free entry for Dreamland guests as park adopts new pay as you play model


In an effort to turn its fortunes around, Margate’s heritage theme park Dreamland is to become free-to-enter, with visitors paying to use individual rides.
New operator sought as Margate's Dreamland enters administration


Troubled heritage theme park Dreamland has been placed into administration after a tough opening year.
Only Fools and Horses exhibition readies for opening at Margate's Dreamland


Heritage theme park Dreamland is about to unveil its new Only Fools and Horses exhibition themed around an episode of the show filmed nearly 30 years ago.
Dreamland loses £5m in opening season, operator blames council blunder


Heritage theme park Dreamland is in troubled waters, entering into a voluntary debt plan just six months after the historic attraction reopened to the public.
MORE NEWS
OMA completes New Museum transformation with landmark expansion and Oberon restaurant
OMA has completed a major transformation of New York's New Museum, creating a larger cultural campus that combines expanded exhibition spaces with learning, performance, hospitality and public programming.
David Rockwell creates immersive magic destination, The Hand and The Eye
A US$50 million (£44.2 million, €51.2 million) transformation of Chicago's historic McCormick Mansion has created a new destination that combines live magic, immersive theatre, dining and private membership under one roof.
Montana Heritage Center opens with immersive exhibits and US$107 million investment
The Montana Historical Society has officially celebrated the opening of its new Montana Heritage Center, a US$107 million (£79 million, €92 million) destination that combines immersive storytelling with cutting-edge audiovisual technology to bring the sta
Universal launches new theme park model with Kids Resort
Universal Destinations and Experiences has launched a new regional theme park model with the opening of Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas.
San Antonio Zoo reports $283 million economic impact as expansion plans progress
San Antonio Zoo has reported a US$283 million economic impact for 2025, following a decade- long transformation programme that has seen almost US$200 million invested into the Texas attraction.
Great Barrier Reef attraction set for AU$180 million reinvention
Plans for the AU$180 million redevelopment of Reef HQ Aquarium in Townsville, Australia, are progressing, with the project set to transform the attraction into a global centre for reef education and conservation.
+ More news   
 
COMPANY PROFILES
Alterface

Alterface’s Creative Division team is seasoned in concept and ride development, as well as storyte [more...]
instantprint

We’re a Yorkshire-based online printer, founded in 2009 by Adam Carnell and James Kinsella. [more...]
TechnoAlpin Indoor

TechnoAlpin is the world leader for snowmaking systems. With the Indoor snow division, TechnoAlpin c [more...]
iPlayCO

iPlayCo was established in 1999. [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
29 Sep - 02 Oct 2026

Synergy - The Retreat Show

Pical Resort, Valamar Collection, Porec, Croatia
+ More diary  
 


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