News
Last-minute tickets up for grabs for Greater Manchester’s spooky steam train rides this Halloween
Got the guts for a ride of a lifetime?
Emily Sergeant -
23rd October 2024 
One of Greater Manchester’s most-popular Halloween events returns this weekend, and there’s still tickets up for grabs.
East Lancashire Railway‘s (ELR) eerie ghost trains are a spooky season tradition at this point.
The heritage railway’s Halloween Ghost Trains always prove to be top of the Halloween bucket list for people looking for “loads of spooktacular fun” once the scariest time of year rolls around, and 2024 is expected to be no different – especially as there’s set to be “fresh twists and new surprises” to celebrate ‘Year of the Pumpkin’.
While some little Mancs are already on October half term, and with the rest set to break up from school this Friday, the spooky steam train rides will be happening from 24-26 October this year, with special trains running on Halloween itself (31 October).
Got the guts for the ride of a lifetime?
In this year’s event, the railway will be transformed with elaborate decorations and eerie lighting, and visitors are encouraged to ensure that “no ghouls fly under the radar”.
Those brave enough at lending Zombie Bob and the ‘Monster Squad’ a helping hand at banishing ghosts and ghouls will be whisked away on a haunted steam engine through the atmospheric Greater Manchester countryside.
You’ll first start off the experience with a pumpkin-themed haunted house walkthrough over the ghoulishly-decorated footbridge at Bury Bolton Street Station, all before you hop on a 60-minute spooky steam train ride to the Irwell Vale and back.
As you take in the autumn sights and delights of the local countryside out the historic steam train’s windows, there’ll be lots of spooky entertainment and music along the way, and, as it always is each year, screaming and singalongs are to be expected too – and encouraged – as this is all part of the experience.
Families are also encouraged to “show off your spookiest fancy dress” on the day, and if you make it to the end, then a goody bag for every child “full of tricks and treats” awaits.
Read more:
- There’s a big pumpkin carving competition happening in Manchester this Halloween
- You can visit loads of the UK’s best culture and heritage sites for FREE this autumn
- Scare City returns to abandoned North West theme park once again this Halloween
The Halloween Ghost Trains return tomorrow (24 October), and with multiple journeys happening each day, there’s still a handful of tickets left to get your hands starting from just £14 per person, so you’ll want to snap them up quick.
Find out more and grab your tickets here.
Featured Image – ELR
