Experience Sleeper Trains in the UK with iBestTravel
The era of the sleeper train may be fading in many parts of Europe, yet it thrives in the UK, enabling travelers to explore the farthest corners of the country comfortably. Journeying from the western reaches of Cornwall to the glens of the Scottish Highlands, one can enjoy a unique experience in their own compartment. Here’s how to make this memorable journey.
Stage 1: Cornwall to London
Beginning near England’s far western tip, Penzance boasts a variety of attractions to explore before boarding the Night Riviera sleeper train operated by Great Western Railway. If you wish to include the westernmost point of England in your adventure, consider taking a local bus to nearby Land’s End.
The crown jewel of Penzance is St Michael’s Mount, located in Marazion. This historical abbey stands majestically on its island just off the coast, and at low tide, it can be accessed via a causeway. The recently renovated Mount Haven Hotel offers stunning views of the Mount and a delightful dining experience.
Since the Night Riviera departs late in the evening, there’s ample time to enjoy dinner at one of Penzance’s historic pubs, perhaps sampling local ales at the famous Admiral Benbow, reputed to have inspired the pub in Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island.
At Penzance railway station, sleeper passengers have access to a lounge featuring comfortable seating, showers, and complimentary drinks.
From Monday to Friday, passengers can board at 9:15 PM, with the train departing at 9:45 PM (on Sundays, these times are 30 minutes earlier). Unfortunately, there is no service on Saturdays. After boarding, settle into your compartment and then head to the lounge bar for a refreshing glass of Prosecco or your favorite nightcap.
Aboard the Night Riviera
The Night Riviera underwent a significant refurbishment in 2018, transforming its bar area into a cozy space with comfortable seating and a welcoming atmosphere. Sleeper travel fosters a sense of camaraderie, providing opportunities to chat with fellow travelers and make new friends before turning in for the night.
The updated sleeper compartments now resemble sleek hotel rooms equipped with upper and lower berths, complete with pillows and duvets, along with provided towels. Notably, one wheelchair-accessible compartment is available on each service.
The inviting zig-zag brown and green carpet enhances the hotel ambiance, while a foldable washbasin conveniently doubles as a small table. Each compartment offers storage for belongings, a power socket, reading lamp, and complimentary wi-fi, with toilets located at the end of each carriage.
Your overnight journey takes you past Truro, Plymouth, and Exeter, arriving at Paddington Station, where the iconic Paddington Bear statue greets you. The train arrives in London at 5:23 AM (5:03 AM on Mondays), but passengers may remain on board until 6:45 AM.
Before disembarkation, a simple breakfast is served, including options like a bacon roll, and passengers can book a refreshing shower in the station’s first-class waiting room, steeped in history.
Stage 2: London to Scotland
To keep the railway enthusiasm alive, consider visiting the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden, showcasing a rich array of exhibits focusing on rail history. Additionally, the Postal Museum’s Mail Rail offers an engaging ride through underground tunnels where postal items were once transported beneath the city.
Next, embark on the Caledonian Sleeper heading north from London Euston to Scotland. Unique services run nightly, excluding Saturday. The Lowland service departs Euston at 11:50 PM from Monday to Friday (11:28 PM Sundays), splitting into two trains, reaching Glasgow and Edinburgh at 7:22 AM and 7:23 AM, respectively.
For an earlier adventure, the Highland service departs at 9:15 PM from Monday to Friday (8:59 PM Sundays), with boarding starting 45 minutes prior. This service divides into three routes, arriving in Aberdeen, Inverness, and Fort William at various morning times.
Inverness, being the northernmost destination, offers connections onward to John O’Groats, which is heralded as the opposite edge of Land’s End. The scenic Glen Mhor Hotel, located riverside, is an excellent accommodation choice in Inverness.
Aboard the Caledonian Sleeper
Similar to the Night Riviera, the Caledonian Sleeper has recently undergone a major upgrade. The standard sleeper compartment, the Classic Room, includes single or twin bunk options, washbasins, toiletries, and free wi-fi access. The new accommodations are not only shiny and sleek but also well-organized with ample lighting and charging ports.
For those seeking a more luxurious experience, the Club Room and Caledonian Double provide hotel-like amenities. Additional features include en suite toilets and showers, lounge access at stations, breakfast options, and priority access to the dining car. The Caledonian Double offers a double bed rather than bunk beds, with accessible options available as well.
The Club Car acts as the social hub, inviting travelers to gather and partake in delightful dishes made with quality Scottish ingredients. Enjoy engaging conversations with fellow passengers amidst the backdrop of stunning scenery as the train travels north, elevating the experience far beyond what air travel can offer.
Make it Happen
To embark on this remarkable journey, explore the Night Riviera services through the Great Western Railway website and select the appropriate sleeper berth. For connections to Scottish sleeper trains, visit the Caledonian Sleeper website for further details.
Tim Richards traveled with the assistance of Visit Britain. Contributions are made without accepting complimentary services in exchange for positive coverage.
