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It's now over a year since Jimmy Godden announced the closures of the Rotunda and Dream Land. Both of which now face their first ever dormant years, a sad reminder of the decline of British sea side resorts. Whilst neighboring Dream Land continues to lift it's head in the public eye aided by the so far promising 'Save Dream Land campaign', the Rotunda on the other hand seems to have been abandoned with no hope of revival. This is undoubtedly a shame for enthusiasts like myself who have been somewhat left in the dark. As can be seen from the photos rides to have left since my last visit November last year include: The Magic Mouse Raverchon spinning coaster The Go Karts (or at least the chain of tires resembling the go kart track) The Gold Mine junior coaster The Ali Baba Magic Carpet A Zamperla Jumping Star kiddy ride However the ice cream stand, thriving minuture golf and arcades remain open. Honest-the crazy golf had about 20 punters when we strolled past. As can be seen from the photos the majority of the original concrete dome (which once boasted to be the worlds largest) has now deceased. Time is also running out for the vintage Runnaway coaster, one of only 2 remaining side friction coasters. A years lease to the park has recently been advertised within the industry, however too late into the season to presumably spark much interest. So if you happen to be Richard Branson why not take up this offer, it's another opportunity to get customers form A to A. Although I guess that if leaves fall on the rails riders could be diverted to B instead. You may also notice from the thumb nails that the opposite Edwardian crescent is currently being refurbished. Bascially Folkstone has traditionally been a lower class sea side resort, the developers on the other hand are trying to give the town a new appeal to middle class commuters. The idea is that the developments will conincide with a new set of 'fast trains' carry commuters to London in 63 minutes as opposed to the current 83. Now of course all these new people moving into the adjoining crescent aren't going to want sea views hinderd by a thriving amusement park for us plebs. So the obvious solutuon-build a massive supermarket so they don't even expect sea views. I mean it's all basic politics right? Click here to see the Rotunda in 2003... Click here to go back to Manor Mania's homepage...
Click on the thumbnails for a larger image, or hover for a description!!!

An abondoned turret from the Ghost Train

It's now over a year since Jimmy Godden announced the closures of the Rotunda and Dream Land. Both of which now face their first ever dormant years, a sad reminder of the decline of British sea side resorts. Whilst neighboring Dream Land continues to lift it's head in the public eye aided by the so far promising 'Save Dream Land campaign', the Rotunda on the other hand seems to have been abandoned with no hope of revival. This is undoubtedly a shame for enthusiasts like myself who have been somewhat left in the dark. As can be seen from the photos rides to have left since my last visit November last year include:

The Magic Mouse Raverchon spinning coaster
The Go Karts (or at least the chain of tires resembling the go kart track)
The Gold Mine junior coaster
The Ali Baba Magic Carpet
A Zamperla Jumping Star kiddy ride

However the ice cream stand, thriving minuture golf and arcades remain open. Honest-the crazy golf had about 20 punters when we strolled past. As can be seen from the photos the majority of the original concrete dome (which once boasted to be the worlds largest) has now deceased. Time is also running out for the vintage Runnaway coaster, one of only 2 remaining side friction coasters. A years lease to the park has recently been advertised within the industry, however too late into the season to presumably spark much interest. So if you happen to be Richard Branson why not take up this offer, it's another opportunity to get customers form A to A. Although I guess that if leaves fall on the rails riders could be diverted to B instead.

You may also notice from the thumb nails that the opposite Edwardian crescent is currently being refurbished. Bascially Folkstone has traditionally been a lower class sea side resort, the developers on the other hand are trying to give the town a new appeal to middle class commuters. The idea is that the developments will conincide with a new set of 'fast trains' carry commuters to London in 63 minutes as opposed to the current 83. Now of course all these new people moving into the adjoining crescent aren't going to want sea views hinderd by a thriving amusement park for us plebs. So the obvious solutuon-build a massive supermarket so they don't even expect sea views. I mean it's all basic politics right?

Click here to see the Rotunda in 2003...

Click here to go back to Manor Mania's homepage...

Click on the thumbnails for a larger image, or hover for a description!!!

A close up to demonstrate the timbers condition

The outside of the arcades (the main Rotunda Dome has now been demolished)

Inside the arcades-Note the childrens play barn above.

Now you see it, now you don't-The 'Gold Mine'. Also spot the stack of benches

The reminder of the Rotunda dome rubble resides in the far right hand corner. The neighbouring side shows also look prepared for the chop.

The digger shifting the final reminants of concrete. The driver seemed to be going mental as he relished ramming the once great dome.

The Edwardian cresent that's already being refurbished as part of the development.