How to Find SMEC Ghost Train 2025: Your Guide to Our Spine-Tingling Halloween Railway Adventure Near Blackpool
Looking for the best Halloween events near Blackpool 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 Blackpool 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 Blackpool? Ghost Train Experience Pre-Booking is Advised!
Book TicketsDriving from Blackpool
Estimated Drive Times
Route Overview
From Blackpool to Southport is a scenic coastal journey following the coastline south through charming Lancashire seaside towns.
Detailed Directions
1. From Blackpool, take A587 towards Lytham St Annes2. Continue through Lytham and St Annes along the coast3. Join A565 at Crossens4. Follow A565 south into Southport5. Continue to Lord Street6. Free parking available on Rotten Row or surrounding area near Victoria ParkEstimated journey time: 35-40 minutes (scenic coastal route)
Parking Information
Free street parking around Victoria Park. As a fellow seaside town, Blackpool visitors will find Southport's parking similar and straightforward. Evening visits typically have ample space.
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 Blackpool
Train services from Blackpool to Southport require one change at Preston.Journey Details:• Blackpool North to Preston (20 mins)• Change at Preston• Preston to Southport (35 mins)• Total journey: approximately 45 minutes• Services operated by Northern Railway and Avanti West Coast• From Southport station, 15-minute walk to Victoria ParkCheck Trainline for latest timetables.
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
- •Scenic coastal route through Lytham St Annes
- •RSPB Marshside nature reserve near the route
- •Southport Pier visible from Marine Drive
- •Both towns share Victorian seaside heritage
Local Tips for Blackpool Visitors
- ✓Coastal route is scenic but can be slower than expected - allow 40 minutes to be safe
- ✓Blackpool visitors often compare the two classic seaside resorts - Southport offers a more genteel Victorian atmosphere
- ✓Make it a double seaside adventure - Blackpool Tower and Ghost Train in one weekend!
- ✓Summer evenings offer beautiful sunset views along the coastal drive
- ✓Popular with Blackpool residents for a 'different seaside' experience
Plan your journey from Blackpool 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?
Also coming from these nearby locations? View their specific directions
Ready to Experience the Ghost Train?
Book your tickets now to secure your place on this spine-tingling journey from Blackpool