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Inspiration • September 1st, 2026
|This half term, the National Railway Museum in York is inviting families and Halloween enthusiasts to embark on a spooky adventure with the launch of the exclusive "Ghosts of Station Hall" event. In a delightful collaboration with the York Ghost Merchants, visitors can search for hidden ghosts throughout the museum's newly restored Station Hall, making it a perfect outing for those looking to add a dash of fright to their holiday plans.
The Ghosts of Station Hall
The Ghosts of Station Hall event features thirty hand-crafted ghosts that have been carefully placed in various secret spots around the museum's Station Hall. This unique experience is designed to engage visitors of all ages, encouraging them to spot these whimsical creations while also learning about the haunted history of rail travel and the city of York itself.
Sarah Price, Head of Public Programming at the National Railway Museum, expressed her excitement about the collaboration:
“York is said to be one of the most haunted cities in the world, and part of that reputation is thanks to the ghostly tales about the railways. The beautiful Victorian style and stories associated with York Ghost Merchants fits so well with the style and stories of Station Hall, with its opulent Victorian carriages and secret dark corners – it seemed like the perfect collaboration. We can’t wait for visitors to spot the ghosts and discover some of our most haunting railway stories.”
Family-Friendly Activities
The ghost trail is just one part of a broader family-friendly programme running at the National Railway Museum. Alongside "Ghosts of Station Hall," another exciting event called "Echoes on the Line" will take place during the October half term from Saturday, 24th October to Sunday, 1st November, 2026. This sister programme includes:
Live storytelling sessions featuring ghostly railway tales.
A self-led 'make-and-take' activity where visitors can create keepsakes inspired by Victorian themes of memory, travel, and communication.
Exclusive Halloween activities at Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery, including a robot-car haunted train and a Halloween ultrasound experience.
These activities are designed to immerse families in the fascinating world of railways while adding a fun Halloween twist.
Spotting the Ghosts
It is important to note that while the ghost trail encourages spotting the thirty hidden ghosts, this is not a traditional seek-and-keep hunt. All the ghosts will be placed in areas not accessible to the public, ensuring they are purely for visual spotting. This thoughtful design ensures that everyone can enjoy the experience without any disruption to the museum's displays. The hand-crafted ghosts, made by the renowned York Ghost Merchants, have gained popularity for their unique designs and stories, making them highly collectable among both locals and visitors. The ghost trail is a fantastic way to engage with the artistic flair of these creations while exploring the rich history of the railway.
Admission Details
Admission to the National Railway Museum is free, making it an accessible outing for families during the half term. However, it is recommended to book tickets in advance to ensure entry, particularly during busy periods. Tickets can be reserved through the museum's website. Both the "Ghosts of Station Hall" and "Echoes on the Line" programmes are free to attend, with the exception of some activities at Wonderlab which may require a separate paid ticket.
For anyone interested in the history of rail travel, ghost stories, or simply looking for a fun family day out, the National Railway Museum's Halloween events promise to be an entertaining and educational experience. Visitors are encouraged to explore the newly renovated Station Hall, which reopened in September 2025 after an £11 million refurbishment. This historic area showcases a range of railway artefacts, including a restored WHSmith bookstall and archive images, contributing to the museum's goal of telling untold railway stories.
