Ghost Train returns to Exbury Gardens for Halloween half-term

Exbury Gardens has welcomed back family favourite the Halloween Ghost Train for half-term.

The popular attraction has already been fully booked until Sunday but passengers who managed to get tickets can expect a pantomime-like experience with songs, jokes and some spooky friends along their journey through the scenic gardens.

This year the ghost train will see even more masks than usual, with face coverings being one of the new Covid safety measures in place to protect customers.

The steam railway have significantly reduced their ticket sales, with only alternate compartments available and to just one family or support bubble to allow for social distancing.

Exbury has tried to remain positive throughout the pandemic. Marketing Manager Celise Galloway told WINOL: “We were always certain we could make the event as safe as possible for our visitors.”

Exbury’s Halloween half-term is also host to craft activities like pumpkin carving and bat box making, in what was supposed to be the last week before the gardens’ winter closure. Instead, the Autumn opening has been extended for, at least, a week more.

Marketing Manager Celise told WINOL: “This has been a difficult year for so many, both physically and mentally.”

“And so, it made sense to allow people the benefit of visiting our stunning gardens.”

The Gardens are made up of 200 acres of woodland landscape within the New Forest. Each year, the attraction closes over Winter for routine garden and railway maintenance before their Spring reopening in March.

Those wishing to visit the gardens or take part in the Halloween fun, must buy a ticket and book an arrival slot online at https://www.exbury.co.uk/booking.