The eerie story of the ghost who haunts the Blackpool Pleasure Beach Ghost Train

Did you know that the Blackpool Pleasure Beach ghost train is actually haunted? 

No, I’m not talking about the cheap animatronic haunting that we’re all too familiar with on these rickety old ghost trains – I’m talking a real life, actual spiritual haunting.

The myth dates all the way back to 1930, when the now infamous ghost train first opened its doors. It was initially opened as a single deck ‘Pretzel’ ride, but was rebuilt and designed as an Art Deco double deck in 1936 by Joseph Emberton. Fun fact: It is actually notable for being the first ride to use the name ‘Ghost Train.’

Dr. Neil Clifton / Flickr

Anyway, one of the ride’s original operators was fondly nicknamed ‘Cloggy’ for his wearing of clogs. Rumour has it that Cloggy was a very committed member of staff who would do anything to ensure that customer service standards were reached and that riders got the fright of their lives while on the Ghost Train.

And, following his death over twenty years ago, it seems that Cloggy is still committed to the role.

Over the years, various reports and stories of strange happenings within the ride have been rife, with guests only finding out later that the extra ‘sensations’ were not actually part of the Ghost Train experience at all – they were caused by the hauntings of Cloggy, who had become the ride’s resident ghost. 

Echoing footsteps, groaning sounds, scratching noises, and the sound of clog-laden footsteps are all common place within the ride, noises which staff members insist are not part of the spooky Ghost Train experience.

And, in 2004, the TV series Most Haunted Live paid a visit to the Pleasurebeach, where famed host and alleged ghost hunter Derek Acorah seemed to hear and have contact from Cloggy.

Various team members also claimed to have heard odd noises, with one even saying he had been touched on the head.

@thechoice_1980 / Instagram

And, quite remarkably, Cloggy isn’t the only entity that haunts the popular theme park – The Alice ride is allegedly home to a phantom hanging man, while the Tunnel of Love is also said to be haunted, this time by a blood stained woman. Not very ‘tunnel of love’esque, is it?

At the Star Pub, which has since been demolished, there were also sightings of shadows and a male figure in the cellar – he was said to bear a resemblance to Karl Mar. 

Though of course, all of these rumours are merely down to speculation and are yet to be proven with any evidence (I’m definitely not just saying that so I’ll sleep soundly tonight…)

What kind of paranormal experiences have you encountered at Blackpool Pleasurebeach?