How to Find SMEC Ghost Train 2025: Your Guide to Our Spine-Tingling Halloween Railway Adventure Near Bolton
Looking for the best Halloween events near Bolton 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 Bolton 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 Bolton? Ghost Train Experience Pre-Booking is Advised!
Book TicketsDriving from Bolton
Estimated Drive Times
Route Overview
Bolton to Southport offers excellent access via the M61 and M58 motorways, making it one of the quickest Greater Manchester routes to the coast.
Detailed Directions
1. From Bolton town centre, follow signs for M61 (Preston)2. Join M61 heading north3. Continue on M61 for approximately 10 miles4. Take junction 6 exit to join M58 towards Southport5. Continue on M58 for approximately 12 miles6. Take junction 3 exit onto A570 towards Ormskirk/Southport7. Follow A570 through Ormskirk8. Merge onto A565 into Southport9. Follow signs to town centre/Lord Street10. Free parking available on Rotten Row or surrounding area near Victoria ParkEstimated journey time: 45 minutes (may vary with M6 junction traffic)
Parking Information
Free parking on streets around Victoria Park and Rotten Row. Lord Street car parks available if preferred. Bolton visitors will find parking straightforward and 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 Bolton
Train services from Bolton require one change, typically at Wigan.Recommended Route:• Bolton to Wigan North Western (15-20 mins)• Short walk to Wigan Wallgate (5 mins)• Wigan Wallgate to Southport (30 mins)• Total journey: approximately 1 hourAlternative via Manchester:• Bolton to Manchester Victoria (20 mins)• Manchester Victoria to Wigan Wallgate (25 mins)• Wigan Wallgate to Southport (30 mins)Check Northern Railway for latest schedules and group savings.
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
- •Bolton sits between Manchester and the West Pennine Moors
- •Route passes through the M61 corridor - gateway to Lancashire
- •Southport's seafront offers a contrast to Bolton's industrial heritage
- •Winter Hill visible from higher points of the M61 route
Local Tips for Bolton Visitors
- ✓M61/M58 route is very direct - one of the quickest motorway runs to Southport
- ✓Bolton families find this an easy evening trip - home by 10pm after a 7pm session
- ✓Weekday traffic on M61 can be busy 7-9am and 4:30-6:30pm - plan accordingly
- ✓Consider carpooling - parking is free and plentiful around the venue
- ✓Popular with Bolton residents as a 'quick coastal escape' for Halloween fun
Plan your journey from Bolton 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
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Ready to Experience the Ghost Train?
Book your tickets now to secure your place on this spine-tingling journey from Bolton