How to Find SMEC Ghost Train 2025: Your Guide to Our Spine-Tingling Halloween Railway Adventure Near Chorley

Looking for the best Halloween events near Chorley 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 Chorley to our enchanting event at Southport Model Engineering Club.

25 miles • 35 minutes drive
50 minutes by train

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 Chorley? Ghost Train Experience Pre-Booking is Advised!

Book Tickets

Driving from Chorley

Estimated Drive Times

Chorley Town Centre30-35 minutes
North Chorley (Whittle-le-Woods, Wheelton)30-35 minutes
South Chorley (Adlington, Heath Charnock)35-40 minutes
Chorley Hospital area30-35 minutes

Route Overview

Chorley to Southport is a quick journey via the M61 and M58 motorways, offering one of the most direct routes to the coast from Central Lancashire.

Detailed Directions

1. From Chorley town centre, follow signs for M61 (Preston/Motorway)2. Join M61 heading north3. Continue on M61 for approximately 5 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 Lord Street10. Free parking available on Rotten Row or surrounding area near Victoria ParkEstimated journey time: 35 minutes (very straightforward route)

Parking Information

Free parking on streets around Victoria Park and Rotten Row. Lord Street car parks available if needed. Chorley visitors will find parking very easy - similar to home town with plenty of free spaces.

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 Chorley

Train services from Chorley require one change, typically at Preston.Recommended Route:• Chorley to Preston (10-15 mins)• Change at Preston• Preston to Southport (35 mins)• Total journey: approximately 50 minutesServices operated by Northern Railway.From Southport station, 15-minute walk to venue.Check Northern Railway for latest schedules.

Check Train Times from Chorley to Southport

Opens Trainline journey planner with your route pre-filled

Merseyrail Southport Station Info

View station facilities, accessibility info, and local connections

Merseyrail Birkdale Station Info

Alternative station - just 5 minutes walk from event

Local Landmarks

  • Route passes close to Rivington Pike and Winter Hill
  • Chorley's market town heritage contrasts with Southport's resort character
  • M61 corridor offers quick access from Central Lancashire to the coast
  • Both towns known for their Victorian market heritage

Local Tips for Chorley Visitors

  • M61/M58 is one of the quickest routes - very direct motorway access
  • Chorley families find this an easy evening out - home well before bedtime
  • Being so close, easy to visit multiple times throughout the season
  • Consider carpooling with friends - quick drive and free parking
  • Perfect distance for a spontaneous Halloween trip - only 35 minutes!

Plan your journey from Chorley and book now!

Book Tickets

Our Address

Southport Model Engineering Club
Rotten Row (next to Victoria Park)
Southport
Merseyside
PR8 2DA

Free on-road parking available on Rotten Row and surrounding areas
10-minute walk from Southport station
Next to Victoria Park, Southport

Regular Train Rides

Every Sunday, 11am - 4pm

(Weather permitting)

Please check our socials for latest information before visiting for train rides

Ready to Experience the Ghost Train?

Book your tickets now to secure your place on this spine-tingling journey from Chorley