Get ready for some seriously fangtastic events across some of Britain’s most iconic heritage railways this October. From spooky steam train trips to fun-filled skeleton trails, all five of the historic lines featured below offer visitors and railway enthusiasts a fascinating glimpse into the yesteryear of train travel, with some eerie-sistible All Hallow’s Eve activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Don’t be a lazy bones – here’s your guide to five of the best historic railway lines to visit this Halloween.
East Lancashire Railway
Spanning 12 miles, the East Lancashire Railway connects Heywood with Rawtenstall (along the picturesque Irwell Valley with its several viaducts) by a variety of preserved mainline steam and diesel locomotives. Throughout the year, ELR host several events for visitors to sink their teeth into and this Halloween proves no different with an abundance of ghoulish goodies, fancy dress, and even a ‘scream’ train. Tickets give you access to an 80-minute steam train ride from Bury to Rawtenstall and back again, with spooky entertainment and music, a goody bag for every child, a haunted house walkthrough, and more.
Find out more: https://www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/events/
Beamish Museum
Opened in 1972, Beamish is an award-winning museum of late 19th century life in Northern England and though not strictly a heritage railway pit stop, there is much of railway interest here including 1867 Rowley station goods shed, signal box, and a short length of line, plus numerous display locomotives. From the 27th to the 31st October, Beamish is transforming into The Un-living Museum of the North. Visitors can expect to find a frightfully fun fairground, delicious treats, and plenty of family-friendly games in the 1950s welfare hall.
Find out more: https://www.beamish.org.uk/events/halloween-evenings-2023/
West Somerset Railway
Britain’s longest standard-gauge heritage railway, the West Somerset Railway is home to a wide variety of steam and diesel locomotives. The 10 picturesque stations on the line have all been painstakingly preserved and a journey through rolling Somerset countryside in the shadow of the Quantock Hills surely rates as one of the finest heritage railway journeys in England. During half term week (24th – 29th October), the West Somerset Railway is hosting a Halloween trail – you’ll need to help Brunel piece his skeleton friend ‘Doug Upp’ back together. Good luck!
Find out more: https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/events
Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway
The RHDR currently boasts 11 magnificent steam locomotives, 2 diesels, and over 65 assorted coaches including the unique buffet observation car. It operates a train service for children during term time, and even a postal and parcels service, plus issues its own stamps. If that’s not enough to keep the history line occupied, this Halloween between Friday 27th and Sunday 29th October, there will be lots of wickedly-good activities for visitors to relish including mask making, fancy dress, dirt sandwich making, and many more ghostly games.
Find out more: https://www.rhdr.org.uk/special-events/
Talyllyn Railway
This idyllic heritage railway climbs up through the town of Tywyn, through the tranquil Afon Fathew valley, passing small farms nestling in the shadows of the Cambrian Mountains. Passengers can alight at Dolgoch and enjoy a walk to the nearby beauty spot of Dolgoch Falls or continue their journey to the terminus station of Nant Gwernol and explore the surrounding lush forest. For those looking to add some mischief to their Monday and Tuesday evening on the 30th and 31st October, Talyllyn Railway will be hosting a Steam ‘n’ Scream event for a ghoulish train ride to Dolgock. Join them if you dare…
Find out more: https://www.talyllyn.co.uk/events/steam-scream/
Discover more about Britain’s historic train lines in Julian Holland’s book Britain’s Heritage Railways, which is out now in paperback and available to buy online and from all good book shops.