The Phantom Flyer — Downpatrick and County Down Railway

The Downpatrick and County Down Railway stages The Phantom Flyer as its Halloween event for the whole family. Passengers become part of an hour-long interactive performance with the vampire hunter Van Helsing and his friends and foes, as the operator tells it, while reports of vampires, witches, zombies and a mummy on the tracks spread through the town of Downpatrick.

The show is created by Avalard Productions and the event is run in partnership with the railway. The operator says it returns each Halloween with a new script and some familiar faces. It is designed with children in mind and is suitable for all ages, although parental discretion is advised for very young or nervous children.

The train uses the Downpatrick to Inch Abbey line and is the operator's 450 class diesel set. Parts of the experience take place off the train, so passengers follow directions from the volunteers.

About 90 minutes in total, with an interactive performance on the train and at Inch Abbey. Parts of the experience are off the train, indoors and outdoors, so dress for the weather. Face painting by Kaz-a-Doodle is included in the price for children, and costumes and fancy dress are encouraged. Children under 4 who do not need a seat or face painting travel free.

The train leaves from Downpatrick station, Market Street, Downpatrick, County Down BT30 6LZ, about a 40 minute drive from Belfast. The operator strongly advises booking ahead. Tickets are sold on its FareHarbor booking page, which adds a small fee per ticket. Family tickets cover 2 adults and 2 children, or 1 adult and 3 children. Carers travel free if booked as a carer at checkout and entitlement is shown afterwards. The event is fully accessible, according to the operator, and there are toilets at Downpatrick station but none on the train. The shop and museum are open and a small buffet on the train sells drinks and confectionery. Please read the operator's refunds policy before asking for a refund.