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The Tom Anstey Column
opportunity to step back in time and experience the origins of a genre that continues to evolve. While the Scenic Railway may have reached
the end of its current incarnation, its listed status "Dreamland is committed to finding a new long-
term plan to reinvent the Scenic Railway and for it to be enjoyed by future generations in a fresh way," says the park.
A must ride When it first opened, the Scenic Railway was a triumph of early ride engineering. A century later, its restoration was just as impressive. It was never about sleek trains or cutting-edge
technology. The magic of the original ride lay in the rawness: the sound beneath the wheels, the visceral sensation of speed, and the unmistakable character that only a wooden coaster can offer. Even in its modernised form, it was impossible not to imagine that brakeman riding the rear car, guiding the train using little more than instinct and experience. For enthusiasts, it was a must-ride - a rare
be decided by anyone. "If you are a creative thinker with a practical approach, or a dreamer with a thoughtful and achievable vision, we would love to hear from you," the park statement adds.
From the ashes something I reflected on last year when Oakwood Theme Park closed its gates for the final time. Oakwood, which opened in 1987, was built on
the grounds of a former country estate in Wales. Its founders set out to create a family-focused park rooted in its natural surroundings - an ambition I experienced first-hand growing up. In 2024, operator Aspro Parks confirmed the
unsustainable cost of further investment, despite having spent around £25m since 2008. For many, it marked the loss of another cherished British park. Yet - much like the Scenic Railway - Oakwood
Several of its attractions are being reborn at
Walygator Sud-Ouest near Toulouse, including the headline coaster Speed: No Limits and the family favourite Treetops, once famous for weaving through the Welsh woodland. So, while we say goodbye to an icon in Margate,
we also look ahead - to a reimagined future for the Scenic Railway, and to familiar rides finding new simply starts a new chapter.
TOM ANSTEY
Tom is a world-travelled journalist who has been actively working in the attractions and wider leisure industries for more than a decade. Currently serving as Editor-in-Chief at Planet Attractions, a platform he co-founded in 2020, Tom is known for his deep industry knowledge and his commitment to exploring the stories and the people behind some of the world's most ambitious attractions projects. His favourite attraction is SeaWorld Orlando’s Mako coaster.
SPRING 2026
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