Canterbury & Margate - Dreamland with Aljona & Jackie

 Canterbury & Margate

Oh we do like to be beside the seaside, and what a glorious day for it! 

We set off on an adventure aboard the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, a historic steam train that winds its way through some of Kent’s most picturesque landscapes. The rhythmic chugging of the engine, the scent of coal in the air, and the vintage carriages took us back in time as we gazed out at the breathtaking views. Rolling green hills, vast fields dotted with sheep, and the expansive open skies made for a truly magical ride. Our first stop was New Romney, a charming little town filled with character and warmth. 

With much excitement we headed to Dreamland in Margate, an iconic seaside amusement park full of colour, music, and nostalgic charm. Upon arrival, we grabbed a few refreshing drinks to keep us cool before the excitement began. Our first ride of the day was the classic Gallopers, a traditional carousel that set the tone for the light-hearted joy that followed. Some of us then took on a round of crazy golf — with Andrew, Lisa, and Gary enjoying the friendly competition (and a few missed shots). But the star attraction of the day was without question the Dodgems. Everyone had a go, but Allan was completely hooked — he went on eight times, closely followed by James and Emma, who couldn’t get enough either. The sheer happiness on their faces was something truly special. A

But the star attraction of the day was without question the Dodgems. Everyone had a go, but Allan was completely hooked. In the afternoon, we took on the Pirate Ship — a high-swinging thrill that had us all gripping the rails — followed by the upbeat Rock ‘n’ Roll ride, which had everyone laughing and shrieking in equal measure. 

And of course an ice cream treat is a must!

A lovely day was spent at Whitstable, famously known for its oysters and relaxed coastal atmosphere. Once we arrived, we took a peaceful walk along the coast, the salty breeze in the air and the gentle sound of the waves creating a beautifully calming start to the day. The sea shimmered in the light, and we took our time admiring the view. After soaking in the scenery, we stopped for lunch, enjoying some fresh local fare, with oysters naturally on the menu for those feeling adventurous. The next highlight of the day: a trip aboard a vintage lifeboat. The boat carried us gently over the water, and it was lovely to view the coast from a different perspective — the sea stretching far into the horizon, dotted with sails and seabirds. 

We returned to Canterbury, where we enjoyed a refreshing drink before setting off for a visit to the majestic Canterbury Cathedral. The grandeur and history of the cathedral left us all in awe.

It was off to Port Lympne Safari Park, a place many of us had been looking forward to. The excitement began almost immediately as we made our way through the enclosures. We saw the magnificent African lions, calm and regal in the morning sun, and the striking Amur tiger, whose powerful presence captivated us all. We continued on to the Land of the Apes, where we were lucky enough to catch the gorillas during their snack time — watching them enjoy their food was both fascinating and heart warming. Alongside them were various other monkeys, each with their own playful charm. We stopped for lunch and some refreshing drinks, enjoying the warm weather which continued to bless us throughout the week. Climbing aboard the safari vehicle, we ventured through expansive plains where we encountered an incredible variety of animals in open, naturalistic habitats. We saw elegant giraffes, powerful black and white rhinos, and unique species like the red lechwe, blesbok, roan antelope, deer, water buffalo, and camels. One particularly interesting fact we learned: camels can survive without water for weeks, but when they do drink, they can take in an astonishing amount.

We set off for one of the most iconic landmarks in the country — Dover Castle. The sun was shining, the sky was clear, and the excitement in the air was unmistakable. The walk up to the top of the castle grounds was well worth the effort. From the summit, we were met with breathtaking views stretching far across the English Channel. The vast blue sea, the crisp breeze, and the sheer height of the vantage point made for a truly unforgettable sight. We explored every corner of the castle itself — wandering through grand halls, old stone rooms, narrow stairwells, and hidden nooks. Each space seemed to hold a piece of history, and we found ourselves absorbed in imagining what life was like in centuries gone by.