English seaside town is home to ‘world’s most haunted’ ghost train – so creepy it inspired a top Hollywood movie
PLEASURE Beach Resort in Blackpool is one of the country’s best-loved seaside attractions.
The award-winning seaside theme park, which is just as popular in the colder months of the year, claims to be home to the “most haunted” ghost train in the world.
The Ghost Train at Blackpool‘s Pleasure Beach Resort first opened to the public in 1930 and remains in operation to this day, with Hollywood director Tim Burton among its fans.
Tim Burton visited Blackpool last year while he was filming Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and went on a private tour of the Blackpool-based ghost train for inspiration.
But a tour – or even a ride – certainly isn’t for the faint-hearted, with claims that it’s the world’s most haunted ghost train.
The popular ride is said to be haunted by a clog-wearing spirit aptly named ‘Cloggy’.
Cloggy, who died 20 years ago, was one of the ride’s original operators, and earned his nickname because he always wore clogs.
It was after Cloggy passed away that guests reported being “touched” or “grabbed” by someone – or something – they could only hear.
Over the years, staff members have also claimed to hear odd noises like tapping, scratching and groaning as well as loud footsteps.
A group of workmen also reported unusual events like signs working without any power or electricity, while others have claimed to see a ghostly male figure resembling German philosopher Karl Marx.
Other parts of the seaside theme park are also said to be haunted, including Hiram Maxim’s Flying Machines, the park’s oldest ride.
A ghostly little girl is said to haunt the ride’s gift shop.
Other spooky sightings at the park include a phantom hanging man and a blood-stained woman.
The TV series Most Haunted investigated Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort in 2004, with the late Derek Acorah claiming to make contact with Cloggy
Still in use today, the Ghost train will form one of the four scare zones at Pleasure Beach Resort’s Journey to Hell event.
Journey to Hell is an experience-led event, featuring live actors through themed areas of Pleasure Beach Resort.
There will also be immersive scare zones and unlimited riding after dark, guaranteed to leave adrenaline flowing and hearts thumping.
Two new live-action scare zones are set to feature in 2024.
I just love the whole vibe
The Alice and Wonderland-themed ‘Down the Rabbit Hole’ will see the park’s Alice in Wonderland ride transformed into a nightmarish world where Alice and friends have gone insane.
Meanwhile, inside the bizarre ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’ visitors will find the lair of a macabre collector and have to flee through a maze of horrors.
There will be nine rides in the event, all available for unlimited riding, with the north of the Pleasure Beach home to terrifying roaming creatures.
‘The Ghost Train: Vault of Shadows’ returns for the second year, and the resort’s network tunnels will become home to a live-action scare zone.
Entry tickets start from £39.50 per person, with the event running from October 11 until October 31, 2024.
Andy Hygate, director of operations at Pleasure Beach Resort, said: “The story goes that Cloggy loved his job so much that, even after he passed away, he continued showing up for work and causing mischief. Even the most skeptical of staff have stories to tell, and some point blank refuse to work on that particular ride.
“Other people can’t get enough of the ghostly goings on though, and we’ve had guests travel from all over the world to get a glimpse of Cloggy and the other ghosts that are said to haunt Pleasure Beach.”
Celebs who love Blackpool
Plenty of A-listers have been spotted in the northern seaside town, including Robbie Williams and Samuel L Jackson.
Tim Burton, who is arguably the town’s biggest fan, first visited Blackpool in 2006 to watch The Killers perform.
Since then, he’s returned to the town on several occasions, even shooting his Miss Peregrine’s School For Peculiar Children in the Blackpool in 2015, and turning the lights on at Blackpool Illuminations.
Burton told Granada Reports: “I just love the whole vibe. It surprised me because I don’t really know why. Sometimes things are an emotional response.
“I don’t know if it’s because I grew up in California and used to wander alone on these amusement piers.
“It just had a gravity to me; the old and new, the texture of the older buildings. The whole environment was something that really spoke to me.”
Free attractions in Blackpool
THE resort town is filled with fun (and free!) activities year-round, here are three of The Sun's top picks.
Stroll along the PromThere’s plenty to see and do, from taking a selfie outside the Blackpool Tower to checking out the three piers where entry is free.
Visit Stanley ParkThe 390-acre park is open from 9 am daily with free admission and the park’s many activities start at only £1.Marvel at the Blackpool Illuminations.
The famous lights show costs £2.4 million to stage, the equipment is worth £10 million, and they attract more than 3.5 million visitors to the town every year. Check online to find out display times each year.
Plans are underway to develop pet-friendly apartments at the seaside theme park.
And this award-winning theme park is opening a new £300m attraction in the UK.