Swanage Railway’s Halloween Ghost Trains are back for October half term, running on Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October 2026. The family-friendly steam experience in Dorset combines a heritage train ride through the Purbeck countryside with Halloween characters, onboard entertainment and a slime-making stop at Corfe Castle Station.
Tickets cost £25 for adults and £15 for children. The railway says the event is designed to be fun rather than frightening, so it is suitable for all ages.
What to expect on the Swanage Railway Ghost Train
Following a successful first year, the Ghost Trains return with spooky surprises and mysterious encounters along the line. Partway through the journey, families hop off at Corfe Castle Station for some hands-on Halloween slime-making before climbing back aboard to carry on the adventure.
Your ticket covers the heritage train journey, the onboard entertainment and the activities at Corfe Castle. It also includes Freedom of the Line travel, which means unlimited rides on the railway’s other standard services that day. The railway suggests parking at Norden and taking the train down to Swanage.
Dates: 30 and 31 October 2026
Tickets: Adults £25, children £15
Suitable for: All ages
Booking: swanagerailway.co.uk
Add on a visit to Flying Scotsman
Families can also see the famous Flying Scotsman up close with a static viewing add-on for £5 per person, selected as an upgrade when booking. Viewing finishes at 5pm, so leave enough time to fit in both.
More Halloween half-term fun in Swanage and Purbeck
If you are making a day or a week of it, there is plenty more happening around Swanage and the Isle of Purbeck this half term.
Spooky clue hunt at Swanage Pier
From 24 October to 1 November, Swanage Pier becomes a spooky adventure trail. Young detectives follow the route around the pier, find hidden surprises and solve puzzles as they go. Drop in any time between 9am and 4pm. Trail sheets cost £2, and normal pier admission applies for adults.
Halloween trail at Durlston Country Park
Running throughout October, Durlston’s children’s Halloween trail adds a challenge to a walk along one of Swanage’s most spectacular stretches of coast. Keep an eye out for wildlife on the way. The trail is open daily from 10am to 4pm, takes about 45 minutes and is aimed at children aged 4 to 11. Trail packs cost £3.50 and there is no need to book.
Halloween Disco at Putlake Farm
Putlake Farm’s Halloween Disco takes place on 28 October from 5pm to 7pm, with fancy dress, dancing, music, soft play and treats. Costumes are encouraged. Tickets are £12 per child, with one accompanying adult and under 1s free. Pick up tickets from the Salt Pig at the farm or call 01929 422917.
Halloween at The Blue Pool
The Blue Pool is running a family-friendly haunted woodland trail this half term, included in general admission, along with mysterious entertainers to meet. Pumpkin carving costs £5 per person, and there are free drop-in circus skills sessions at 12.30pm. Spooky craft workshops include broomstick making, creepy clay monsters, Halloween wreaths and magic potions.
Halloween Terror Trail at Dorset Adventure Park (ages 13+)
For teenagers who think they have outgrown friendly ghosts, Dorset Adventure Park’s after-dark Terror Trail promises a proper scare through eerie woodland. It is for ages 13 and over, and under 18s must be with an adult. Doors open at 6.30pm, with staggered entry every 10 minutes between 7pm and 10pm. Tickets cost £17.50 and include a free cup of Halloween punch, with hot food, snacks and drinks on sale.
