Spooky steam trains will be back travelling through Greater Manchester this Halloween

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ELR's Halloween Ghost Train on the track at night / Credit: ELR

Spooky season will soon be on its way, and one of Greater Manchester’s most-popular Halloween events is returning.

What’s Halloween without East Lancashire Railway‘s (ELR) eerie ghost trains at this point?

Generally selling out each year, 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 2025 is expected to be no different – especially as there’s set to be ‘fresh twists and new surprises’ to celebrate ‘Year of the Bat’ this year.

Those brave enough at lending 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 be greeted by legendary monster hunter, Dr Hurtz Von Driver, who’ll first share tales of his terrifying adventures before deciding if you have the right stuff to join the Monster Squad.

If you make it, you’ll then get to join Count Brian the Vampire, his trusted henchman Bogeye, and the rest of the team on a chilling adventure.

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’.

Spooky steam train rides through Greater Manchester are returning this Halloween / Credit: ELR

If you’ve got the guts for the ride of a lifetime, then you’ll first start with a haunted house walkthrough, all before you hop on a 60-minute spooky steam train ride through 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.

The Halloween Ghost Trains are happening over an extended weekend in late October to early November, running from Thursday 30 October to Saturday 1 November – and tickets are now on sale starting from just £14 per person.

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Find out more and grab your tickets here.

Featured Image – ELR