How to Find SMEC Ghost Train 2025: Your Guide to Our Spine-Tingling Halloween Railway Adventure Near Manchester
Looking for the best Halloween events near Manchester 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 Manchester 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 Manchester? Ghost Train Experience Pre-Booking is Advised!
Book TicketsDriving from Manchester
Estimated Drive Times
Route Overview
From Manchester to Southport, the fastest route takes you via the M60, M61, and M58 motorways, providing a clear run to the coast.
Detailed Directions
1. From Manchester city centre, follow signs for M60 (Ring Road)2. Join M60 heading north/west3. Take exit for M61 towards Preston/Chorley4. Continue on M61 for approximately 8 miles5. Exit onto M58 towards Wigan/Southport6. Continue on M58 for approximately 15 miles7. Take junction 3 exit onto A570 towards Ormskirk/Southport8. Follow A570 through Ormskirk9. Merge onto A565 into Southport10. Follow signs to town centre/Lord Street11. Free parking available on Rotten Row or surrounding area near Victoria ParkEstimated journey time: 1 hour (allow extra time during peak hours)
Parking Information
Victoria Park has surrounding street parking which is free. Additional parking available on Lord Street car parks (paid during daytime, often free evenings). Victoria car park and nearby residential streets offer alternatives if busy.
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 Manchester
Train services from Manchester require one change at Wigan or Preston.Route Option 1 (via Wigan Wallgate):• Manchester Victoria to Wigan Wallgate (25 mins)• Change at Wigan Wallgate• Wigan Wallgate to Southport (30 mins)• Total journey: approximately 1 hour 10 minutesRoute Option 2 (via Preston):• Manchester Victoria/Piccadilly to Preston (45 mins)• Change at Preston• Preston to Southport (35 mins)• Total journey: approximately 1 hour 20 minutesFrom Southport station, 15-minute walk or short taxi ride to Victoria Park.Check Northern Railway and Avanti West Coast for times and fares.
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View station facilities, accessibility info, and local connections
Alternative station - just 5 minutes walk from event
Local Landmarks
- •The route passes through historic Wigan, known for Wigan Pier
- •Ormskirk market town is on the route - famous for its twin-towered church
- •Southport is known for its Victorian architecture and classic seaside charm
- •Marine Lake and Pleasureland theme park are nearby attractions
Local Tips for Manchester Visitors
- ✓M60/M61/M58 route is fastest but can be congested during rush hour - consider traveling outside 7-9am and 4:30-6:30pm
- ✓Train is a good option for groups - no parking hassles and can enjoy refreshments en route
- ✓Combine your Ghost Train visit with a trip to Southport Pleasureland for a full day out
- ✓Saturday evenings can be busy - book parking apps like JustPark in advance if concerned
- ✓Make it a weekend trip - Southport has excellent hotels and B&Bs with Manchester easily accessible by train for a return journey the next day
Plan your journey from Manchester 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
Google Maps Directions
Get turn-by-turn directions from Manchester
What3Words Location
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Trainline Journey Planner
Check train times from Manchester to Southport
Merseyrail Birkdale Station
Just 5 minutes walk - direct trains from Liverpool
Find Parking
View parking options in Southport
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 Manchester