How to Find SMEC Ghost Train 2025: Your Guide to Our Spine-Tingling Halloween Railway Adventure Near Blackburn
Looking for the best Halloween events near Blackburn for your family this October? You've found it! This page is your comprehensive guide to easily reaching SMEC Ghost Train 2025, the North West's premier immersive Halloween railway experience. We're excited to help you plan your journey from Blackburn to our enchanting event at Southport Model Engineering Club.
Event Hours
Friday 30th – Saturday 31st October 2026
3:30pm - 8:30pm each night
Arrive 15 minutes before your booked time slot
Ready to visit from Blackburn? Ghost Train Experience Pre-Booking is Advised!
Book TicketsDriving from Blackburn
Estimated Drive Times
Route Overview
Blackburn to Southport takes you west through East Lancashire via the M65 and M6, then M58 motorways - a straightforward motorway journey across Lancashire.
Detailed Directions
1. From Blackburn town centre, follow signs for M65 (Preston)2. Join M65 heading west3. Continue on M65 for approximately 10 miles to junction with M64. Join M6 heading north towards Preston5. Continue on M6 for approximately 8 miles6. Take junction 27 exit onto M58 towards Southport7. Continue on M58 for approximately 15 miles8. Take junction 3 exit onto A570 towards Ormskirk/Southport9. Follow A570 through Ormskirk10. Merge onto A565 into Southport11. Follow signs to Lord Street12. Free parking available on Rotten Row or surrounding area near Victoria ParkEstimated journey time: 50 minutes (add time during peak M6 traffic)
Parking Information
Free parking on streets around Victoria Park and Rotten Row. Lord Street car parks available as backup. Blackburn visitors will find parking straightforward - much easier than town centre.
When You Arrive
- ✓Free parking available on Rotten Row or surrounding area near Victoria Park
- ✓Find us at the top of Rotten Row (Weld Road end)
- ✓Look for stewards in high-visibility orange jackets with SMEC name badges
- ✓Arrive 15 minutes before your booked time slot
- ✓Buy a ticket and choose a time slot (if you haven't already booked) - Buy Tickets Here
- ✓Check in and scan your ticket at the queue entrance at your allotted time
By Train from Blackburn
Train services from Blackburn require changes, typically at Preston.Recommended Route:• Blackburn to Preston (15-20 mins)• Change at Preston• Preston to Southport (35 mins)• Total journey: approximately 1 hour 15 minutesServices operated by Northern Railway.From Southport station, 15-minute walk to venue.Check Northern Railway for latest timetables and group discounts.
Opens Trainline journey planner with your route pre-filled
View station facilities, accessibility info, and local connections
Alternative station - just 5 minutes walk from event
Local Landmarks
- •Route crosses from East Lancashire textile heritage into coastal West Lancashire
- •Blackburn Cathedral and historic market town contrasts with Southport's resort heritage
- •M65 corridor connects the Lancashire mill towns to the coast
- •Both towns share Lancashire industrial and cultural heritage
Local Tips for Blackburn Visitors
- ✓M65/M6/M58 route mostly motorway - straightforward with good signage
- ✓Blackburn families find this an easy evening out - convenient distance
- ✓M6 junction 27 can be busy during rush hour - add 10-15 mins if traveling 4:30-6:30pm
- ✓Consider combining with a Southport seafront visit - full Lancashire day out
- ✓Popular with Blackburn residents as a 'quick trip to the coast' for Halloween
Plan your journey from Blackburn and book now!
Book TicketsOur Address
Southport Model Engineering Club
Rotten Row (next to Victoria Park)
Southport
Merseyside
PR8 2DA
Regular Train Rides
Every Sunday, 11am - 4pm
(Weather permitting)
Please check our socials for latest information before visiting for train rides
Helpful Links & Navigation
Traveling from Nearby Cities?
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Ready to Experience the Ghost Train?
Book your tickets now to secure your place on this spine-tingling journey from Blackburn