How to Find SMEC Ghost Train 2025: Your Guide to Our Spine-Tingling Halloween Railway Adventure Near Chester
Looking for the best Halloween events near Chester 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 Chester 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 Chester? Ghost Train Experience Pre-Booking is Advised!
Book TicketsDriving from Chester
Estimated Drive Times
Route Overview
Chester to Southport takes you north through Cheshire and Lancashire via the M56 and M58 motorways, offering excellent motorway access most of the way.
Detailed Directions
1. From Chester city centre, follow signs for M56 (Manchester)2. Join M56 heading east3. Continue on M56 for approximately 12 miles4. Take junction 12 exit to join M6 northbound towards Preston5. Continue on M6 for approximately 15 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 town centre/Lord Street12. Free parking available on Rotten Row or surrounding area near Victoria ParkEstimated journey time: 1 hour 10 minutes (add time for peak traffic)
Parking Information
Free on-street parking around Victoria Park and Rotten Row. Lord Street car parks available as alternatives. Chester visitors familiar with city centre parking will find Southport much easier - plenty of free options.
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 Chester
Train services from Chester to Southport require changes, typically at Liverpool or Wigan.Recommended Route (via Liverpool):• Chester to Liverpool Lime Street (45 mins)• Change at Liverpool Lime Street• Liverpool Lime Street to Southport (50 mins)• Total journey: approximately 1 hour 40 minutesAlternative via Wigan:• Chester to Wigan North Western (1 hour)• Short walk to Wigan Wallgate• Wigan Wallgate to Southport (30 mins)Check Northern Railway and Transport for Wales for latest schedules.
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
- •Chester's Roman walls and historic cathedral make it a perfect day trip combination
- •Route passes near the Cheshire countryside
- •Southport's Victorian elegance contrasts beautifully with Chester's Roman heritage
- •Both towns share rich historical architecture and heritage tourism
Local Tips for Chester Visitors
- ✓M56/M6/M58 route is mostly motorway - straightforward drive with good signage
- ✓Chester day-trippers often combine the Ghost Train with Southport's pier and seafront
- ✓Weekend traffic can be heavy on M6 - consider leaving Chester by 5pm for evening sessions
- ✓Make it a mini-break - Chester and Southport both offer excellent hotels and attractions
- ✓Popular with Chester families looking for a different Halloween experience from their local events
Plan your journey from Chester 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 Chester