How to Find SMEC Ghost Train 2025: Your Guide to Our Spine-Tingling Halloween Railway Adventure Near Lancaster
Looking for the best Halloween events near Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster? Ghost Train Experience Pre-Booking is Advised!
Book TicketsDriving from Lancaster
Estimated Drive Times
Route Overview
Lancaster to Southport takes you south through North Lancashire via the M6 and M58 motorways, offering excellent motorway access most of the way.
Detailed Directions
1. From Lancaster city centre, follow signs for M6 (South/Preston)2. Join M6 heading south3. Continue on M6 for approximately 25 miles4. Take junction 27 exit onto M58 towards Southport5. Continue on M58 for approximately 15 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 (straightforward motorway run)
Parking Information
Free parking on streets around Victoria Park and Rotten Row. Lord Street car parks available. Lancaster visitors familiar with city parking will find Southport very easy - plenty of free evening 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 Lancaster
Train services from Lancaster require one change at Preston.Recommended Route:• Lancaster to Preston (15-20 mins)• Change at Preston• Preston to Southport (35 mins)• Total journey: approximately 1 hourFrequent services operated by Northern Railway and Avanti West Coast.From Southport station, 15-minute walk to venue.Check Trainline for latest timetables - advance tickets often available.
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
- •Historic Lancaster Castle and Priory visible from M6 approach
- •Route follows M6 corridor through Lancashire heartland
- •Southport's Victorian resort complements Lancaster's Georgian heritage
- •Both cities known for their historic architecture and cultural attractions
Local Tips for Lancaster Visitors
- ✓M6 southbound is generally good - much less traffic than northbound
- ✓Lancaster university students find this a great Halloween night out
- ✓Direct M6/M58 route makes this quicker than the distance suggests
- ✓Consider combining with Morecambe Bay visit for a full coastal day
- ✓Popular with Lancaster families as an easy evening trip south
Plan your journey from Lancaster 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 Lancaster