Board the Scream Train and solve the mystery of the Swamp Monster of Irwell Vale!
29, 30, 31 October 2026
Something VERY strange is happening along the tracks of the East Lancashire Railway this Halloween… For weeks, people have reported hearing strange splashing, deep growling and terrifying screams coming from the dark waters and misty fields around Irwell Vale.
Then came the sightings…
A huge, shadowy creature has been seen creeping through the swamp… leaving behind giant footprints, dripping slime and a trail of destruction.
The locals are calling it… THE SWAMP MONSTER OF IRWELL VALE!
Join ZOMBIE BOB and his friendly MONSTER SQUAD as they attempt to discover the truth. Is there really a Swamp Thing out there, or is someone playing a spooky Halloween Trick.
Before you can join the MONSTER SQUAD, you’ll need to prove you have what it takes by making it through the Halloween Walkthrough on the footbridge, expect jump scares! Once you reach the platform, you will be greeted by Halloween favourites; VAMPIRE BRIAN and VERONICA THE WITCH. They will prepare you for your terrifying train trip with a song, a dance, and probably a scream or two. Make sure you make an entrance in your best fancy dress and gather your bravest friends before boarding the SCREAM TRAIN.
This year the SCREAM TRAIN has had a spooky makeover and is darker than ever. You can expect flickering lights, eerie sounds, creepy surprises… and perhaps a VERY unwelcome visitor climbing aboard. Only with the help of the MONSTER SQUAD will you make it safely back to Bury, because only one thing is certain, once the doors close…
There is no escaping the SCREAM TRAIN!
Are you prepared for the scare?
Get a terrifying taste of things to come.
Meet the Monsters
Meet some of the friendly freaks and giggling ghouls that may be joining you on your journey. Hover over them to find out more.
(Please note, actual monsters may vary, do not feed the monsters, but feel free to ask them for a selfie!)
FAQs
All Halloween Ghost Trains start and end at Bury Bolton Street Station.
The round trip experience from Bury Bolton Street Station lasts approximately 1 hour.
Passengers must remain on board their Halloween Ghost Train at all times.
Toilet facilities are available both on the train as well as on the Platform at Bury Bolton Street Station.
Bolton Street Station and the surrounding area has very limited parking. You can find further information on parking here.
We recommend that you arrive at least 20 minutes before your Halloween Ghost Trains departure.
Bury Bolton Street Station has a well stocked Buffet on Platform 3 that will be serving drinks, snacks and warm pies as well as lots of goodies for the little ones. Refreshments are also available at the Trackside Bar in Bury (Platform 2).
There will also be a BBQ on Platform 3 and 4 at Bury Station.
Every Halloween Ghost Train has a specially adapted carriage for people who require wheel-chair assistance. To make a booking call 0333 320 2830 and we will do the rest for you.
Whether you arrive onto the platform by the station steps or the accessible route, the closest carriage is Carriage A.
Ramp access can be arranged for those with limited mobility to board and disembark. Our accessible carriage is located in D.
Please note the accessible carriage can be booked over the phone by calling 0333 320 2830.
The ELR offers one free carer ticket per party. Please contact our booking line on 0333 320 2830.
Unfortunately we do not allow dogs on the Halloween Ghost Trains (excluding assistance dogs).
While every effort is made to operate advertised services with the scheduled locomotive, the Company reserves the right to substitute the advertised locomotive with another heritage locomotive (steam or diesel) at its discretion and without prior notice.
Substitutions may be necessary for reasons including, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions (e.g., high fire risk), mechanical issues, operational constraints, or safety considerations.
Such substitutions shall not constitute a significant alteration of the service and do not entitle passengers to a refund, partial refund, compensation, or transfer, provided the advertised journey, catering provision (if applicable), and other core elements of the experience are fulfilled with reasonable care and skill.
By purchasing a ticket, passengers accept that locomotive substitutions are a recognised possibility inherent to the operation of heritage railways and do not diminish the service’s overall value when delivered per these terms.
