Pack your bucket and spade, it’s time to head to Margate for Sky’s new big-hearted drama, Dreamland starring Lily Allen Hero Image

Pack your windbreaker, slap on some factor 30, and get ready for Sky’s new hit original drama, Dreamland, set in the sunny seaside town of Margate. Starring Lily Allen and Freema Agyeman, the show is from Merman, the same makers who were behind Motherland and Bad Sisters. Dreamland is a sure-fire hit, set to make audiences howl with laughter when it lands on 6th April on Sky Atlantic and streaming service NOW.

This big-hearted drama, from an all-female writing team, follows the lives of a working-class family living on a council estate in Margate. Following four sisters, the series looks at their secrets, dreams and ambitions, in a tale of sisterhood with plenty of grit and realism.

Lily Allen plays Mel who, after being fired from her job, returns home to a frosty welcome from her three other sisters, the eldest Trish (Freema Agyeman), Clare (Gabby Best), and the youngest, Leila (Aimee-Ffion Edwards). All three fear that Mel’s presence is going to more than rock the paddleboat as her revelations threaten to destroy these already fragile relationships. This series examines the four sisters’ ambitions and digs deep into their secrets, taking you on a journey of multi-generational female relationships and their family dynamics.

In recent years, the once-decaying seaside town of Margate has seen a renaissance. It’s now a place populated by world-renowned artists who are flocking to the Kentish coast in a trend that the locals term ‘DFL’ (Down From London). Dreamland brightly reflects the evolving cultural landscape of Margate, from a gritty and realistic perspective.

It’s no secret that Margate has become a gem of the UK’s coastline, with its rich cultural heritage. Turner painted there, T.S. Elliot wrote part of The Wasteland there, and it was the town where Tracey Emin spent her formative years as a teen. But it also gets its fair share of hen-dos and people coming for the slot machines and fish and chips. In short, it’s got something for everyone.

To celebrate the release of Dreamland, we look at some of the locations seen in the series that might inspire your visits to the Kentish coast.

Dreamland Margate

It should come as no surprise that first up is the series’ namesake, Dreamland. Sure, there’s the Turner Contemporary Art Gallery nearby (it opened in 2011). But can that beat a go on the dodgems, a trip down the helter skelter and a stick of candy floss? I think not. This vintage themed amusement park is a retro delight. It was nearly permanently closed back in 2003, but is now alive and well, brought back to life by designer Wayne Hemingway who lovingly restored the rides. Don’t expect Alton Tower’s level of thrills. Dreamland has set its own agenda, and it is retro chic. In short it is a neon fantasia of unbridled joy.

Winter Gardens

A trip to Margate would not be complete without a trip to the Winter Gardens, but sadly, despite featuring in the series, it’s currently closed. It’s a tragedy that the future of the iconic venue is in jeopardy, but hopefully it will open again soon. It’s seen many famous folk pass across its boards down the decades, from The Beatles to Laurel and Hardy. It was even involved in the evacuation of Dunkirk, receiving soldiers fleeing from the French coast. The venue, which is much loved by performers, is currently under the care of the local council who are looking at what can be done to make sure that the venue survives.

Margate Sands and Tidal Pool

Margate’s golden beaches, and tidal pool are of course one of the main reasons tourist flock to the town each summer. The lush, sandy beaches have been a draw to visitors since Dickens’ time and are Britain’s answer to the Costa Del Sol… but colder.

It was back in 1921 that T.S. Elliot visited the beach in Margate and worked on his most famous poem whilst sitting in Nayland Rock shelter (now a grade II listed building). In Dreamland today things look little different to how they did a hundred years ago, perhaps a few more pop-up coffee shops and ice cream parlours. And of course, if you fancy a cockle or two, there’s always a sea food restaurant nearby.

Margate Harbour Arm

The stone pier and lighthouse, dating back to the 1800s, are one of Margate’s most visited sites. Adorned with bars and restaurants it’s a popular haunt for tourists and locals. In recent years the pier has received a splash of colour, and gives a great view of the town. It’s also south facing, meaning it gets sun all day long.

The Dalby Café

Little beats an honest British caf’, and The Dalby is the epitome of one, and happens to feature in Dreamland. With delicious looking fry ups, this family-run café has been open in Margate since the 1940s, and still boasts the original Formica tables and seats from the local trams. It proudly boasts of being the best café in Margate, and probably Kent. Who are we to disagree?
Find out all you need to know about Dreamland...

Everyday lives, secrets and dreams in a tale of sisterhood - Read our breakdown of each episode >

Lily Allen, Freema Agyeman, Aimee-Ffion Edwards - Discover the stellar cast and characters >

Lily Allen plays Mel - The English singer-songwriter discusses her debut acting role >

Freema Agyeman plays Trish - Agyeman talks playing a mother >

Discover the music of Dreamland - Listen to the soundtrack >

Want to see more? - Check out the trailer >

Dreamland is out now on Sky Atlantic and streaming service NOW