Fancy something different this Halloween? If your idea of fun includes ghost stories, misty train rides and a few things going bump in the night, Mad Alice’s Ghost Train might be your perfect October plan. It’s not your usual pumpkin patch or haunted house either, this one comes with creaking carriages, a legendary host and some seriously eerie tales straight from the moors.
A ghostly trip through North Yorkshire by rail
It’s not every day you get invited to board a haunted train. But this October and November, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) is going full spooky season with a brand-new immersive event: Mad Alice’s Ghost Train. It’s set to run on three Sundays, 19 October, 26 October, and 2 November 2025, with two time slots each evening (6-7pm or 7:45-8:45pm).
If the name Mad Alice rings a bell, it’s probably because she’s a bit of a local legend. She’s known for The Bloody Tour of York, where she walks guests through the darker bits of York’s history. This time, though, she’s jumping aboard a train and bringing the ghosts with her.
You’ll start the journey at Pickering, head through the wild and windswept moors to Levisham, and then back again—plenty of time to hear stories of hauntings, railway myths and maybe even catch a glimpse of something… odd. Or cold. Or whispering your name.
What makes it different?
Unlike your standard ghost tour, this one moves, literally. You’ll be rolling through the night aboard a proper old-fashioned heritage train while Mad Alice and a few live actors fill the carriages with drama, stories and some genuinely creepy moments.
A big part of the night is the storytelling, and not just the usual “is this place haunted?” kind of chat. One of the centrepieces is a retelling of “The Signalman” by Charles Dickens, a proper chilling short story inspired by a train crash Dickens himself survived. It’s not just scary because of the ghosts—it hits a bit harder knowing it came from real-life fear.
What’s included?
So, here’s what you actually get for your ticket:
- A return journey from Pickering to Levisham on the heritage railway
- Live performances and ghost stories led by Mad Alice
- A dramatised version of The Signalman by Charles Dickens
- Local legends and eerie folklore from across the North York Moors
- A complimentary York Gin & Tonic for adults (18+) or a soft drink option
And yes, it’s all done with the moody charm of the historic railway lit just enough to make you jumpy. Or maybe that was someone tapping you on the shoulder…
Who’s it for?
Well, it’s definitely for older teens and adults, the minimum age is 14, and the general spooky vibe is definitely geared towards people who want more story and less screaming zombie actors in your face.
So if you’re the kind of person who listens to true crime podcasts while cooking dinner, or you’ve read every ghost story in your local library at least twice, you’ll be in good company here.
What they said
“We’re incredibly excited to launch Mad Alice’s Ghost Train – it’s unlike anything we’ve done before. Combining gothic storytelling, the unique setting of our historic railway, and the legends of the moors creates something truly special,” said Charlotte Hawes, events manager at NYMR.
“I’m looking forward to bringing these stories to life… There are some great ghost stories to be told and this will be the perfect setting,” added Mad Alice. “I expect the real ghosts of the carriages may even put their own spin on the night’s events… anything can happen. If that’s the case, we do have some gin from York Gin to steady your nerves!”
Fair point.
