How to Find SMEC Ghost Train 2025: Your Guide to Our Spine-Tingling Halloween Railway Adventure Near Leeds
Looking for the best Halloween events near Leeds 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 Leeds 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 Leeds? Ghost Train Experience Pre-Booking is Advised!
Book TicketsDriving from Leeds
Estimated Drive Times
Route Overview
Leeds to Southport crosses from Yorkshire to Lancashire via the M62 and M58 motorways, offering a scenic trans-Pennine journey with excellent motorway access.
Detailed Directions
1. From Leeds city centre, follow signs for M621 (M62 West)2. Join M621 heading west3. Continue to junction with M624. Join M62 heading west towards Manchester/Liverpool5. Continue on M62 for approximately 40 miles6. Take junction 6 exit for M58 towards Southport7. Continue on M58 for approximately 12 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 20 minutes (allow extra time for trans-Pennine traffic)
Parking Information
Free on-street parking around Victoria Park and Rotten Row. Lord Street car parks available. Leeds visitors will find Southport parking much more relaxed than city centre - 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 Leeds
Train services from Leeds require changes, typically at Manchester or Preston.Recommended Route (via Preston):• Leeds to Preston (45-55 mins)• Change at Preston• Preston to Southport (35 mins)• Total journey: approximately 1 hour 45 minutesAlternative via Manchester:• Leeds to Manchester Victoria (50 mins)• Change at Manchester Victoria• Manchester Victoria to Wigan Wallgate (25 mins)• Change at Wigan Wallgate• Wigan Wallgate to Southport (30 mins)Check Northern Railway and TransPennine Express 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
- •Trans-Pennine M62 route offers spectacular moorland views
- •Route crosses from Yorkshire into Lancashire - 'Roses' rivalry territory!
- •Southport's genteel Victorian resort contrasts with Leeds' industrial heritage
- •Both cities share strong Victorian architectural legacies
Local Tips for Leeds Visitors
- ✓M62 trans-Pennine route can be challenging in winter weather - check forecasts
- ✓Leeds families often make this a weekend trip - stay overnight in Southport
- ✓Weekday M62 traffic can be very heavy - avoid 7-9am and 4:30-6:30pm if possible
- ✓Worth the journey for Yorkshire visitors - unique Lancashire coastal Halloween experience
- ✓Popular with Leeds residents looking for a 'proper seaside' Halloween adventure different from local city events
Plan your journey from Leeds 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?
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Ready to Experience the Ghost Train?
Book your tickets now to secure your place on this spine-tingling journey from Leeds