GWR Night Riviera Review! Still the best?

[@OliverTurnerMSc]

Nothing like the smell of the Bakerloo line to wake you up in the morning!

[@aidengillag]

Good review as ever Dylan ! Looks like GWR are keeping those sleeper sets in top notch condition. Really really can't wait to try them out one day soon. Also good to see that an onboard service is being offered. The snack box is a nice touch and hopefully a fuller offer will return soon as theres really no excuse for anywhere not to be able to now. Everyone is SAFE 👌🙌

[@John_Fugazzi]

Cornwall looked really nice with clear blue skies and the calm sea. The cabin was well thought out in its use of space and the sheets looked far above what one would expect on a train. The breakfast looked Spartan. I hope, post Pandemic that they go back to regular service and don't try to keep things as they are now just because passengers are used to it. glad they didn't force you off the train at 5 A.M.

[@neilrmartin1984]

@TheRenaissanceman65 what is the covid justification for reducing or stopping hot food? Or is it just a demand thing? At least the airlines are slowly reintroducing 'proper' meals

[@KempSimon]

@TheRenaissanceman65 - Presumably it's to minimise close contact between railway employees and members of the public who might be infected with Covid-19 but aren't aware of it. Employers have a legal duty of care to their staff under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974)

[@rain_down_]

The lounge looked like a really chilled place to relax and have a beer.

[@KempSimon]

Just don't try sitting down on the stools in the bar - they are certified instruments of torture! The Lounge Car is so bright;y-lit and sterile, it reminds me of a hospital operating room!

[@johnburke5384]

Another excellent report Dylan, thank you. I know we have been through the most dreadful pandemic and appreciate the need to cut back on the niceties....but I think the time has come now to start producing hot meals and dining services once again....

[@DylansTravelReports]

I agree! Restaurants are open so surely it should be no different on the trains.

[@michaelscott7166]

When you compare £119 with the price of a night somewhere like an Ibis or Premier Inn in Central London it isn't all that bad a price at all.

[@vanessamedeldelossantos7853]

cbt] fjeueyte6[4]iii89896oiiō68ooo888888oio

[@vanessamedeldelossantos7853]

@TheRenaissanceman65 c

[@seprishere]

Yes, BUT you CAN get a Premier Inn for about £70 a night with breakfast near Westminster Abbey (i.e. I have such a booking).

[@michaelscott7166]

@@seprishere You can at the moment because there's significantly lower demand for hotels. But in non Covid times and not choosing either brand's budget hotels you're going to struggle.

[@seprishere]

@TheRenaissanceman65 To be fair, in my case (from Newport or from Preston) there is no such option of a sleeper train.

[@johnakerman5428]

As well as being the cheaper option the daytime service offers some wonderful scenery, particularly in Devon and Cornwall.

[@bowlerstuff9589]

Yes but would you rather sleep or sit on a rock hard IET seat for 7-8 hours

[@johnakerman5428]

@@bowlerstuff9589 Well, once things are back to normal I'd visit the buffet a couple of times. When the train has a few minutes stop I'd stretch my legs on the platform. And I'd think what to do with the money I save.

[@KempSimon]

The point is that if you travel overnight by Sleeper train you can still put in a full day at work, enjoy six hours of rest during your train journey and arrive at your destination in the morning feeling refreshed and all ready to go again! The GWR "Night Riviera" train is a Standard Class service so you can use a very cheap Super Off Peak Return ticket to travel on it and then pay the variable supplement of £80 (Solo) or £55 (Duo) depending on whether you are on your own or have a companion. The view at night, as the train crosses the Royal Albert Suspension Bridge (the only one of its kind in the whole world) from England into Cornwall, is nothing short of spectacular.

[@johnakerman5428]

@@KempSimon Well I guess that not all of us have to go to work as soon as we arrive in London - and maybe don't sleep too soundly on an overnight service.

[@TorIverWilhelmsen]

Think of the sleeper option as a combined hotel bed and travel.

[@andrewmarsden1970]

Good review. Need to do this one and the Caledonian Sleeper.

[@DougPaulley]

A challenge: do both sleepers and the longest railway journey in Britain in 36 hours.

[@robertbalazslorincz8218]

no way...

[@markwringe2826]

Well if you do plan to take the Caledonian Sleeper, save up - and prepare to be deeply disappointed.

[@DougPaulley]

@@markwringe2826 ta. Yeah I have experience of such.

[@atlanticcoastexpress]

Thanks Dylan! An enjoyable review. I was amused by the refusal of the warm air drier to start…and I think I know why it didn’t come on! I’ve only got one arm and whenever I’ve used this form of drier (usually fitted with a ‘hand capacitance’ detector…my one hand hasn’t triggered the drier ). Offering my artificial right hand to join the natural hand doesn’t seem to trigger them either because the prosthetic doesn’t provide the essential capacitance ! No problem if you are travelling with a friend though…just get them to put one hand below the drier. Thanks for sharing your video. Regards, Rob.

[@I_luv_pancakes]

I travelled on the Night Riviera around 2 weeks after your trip. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I slept. The beds are very comfy, and it’s a smooth ride. The lounge at Penzance was open then, but the GWR website was still saying it was closed. Hence, I didn’t arrive in enough time to really make the most of it. I agree, the Penzance coastal path is a lovely walk, though parts were closed when I was there. Great video, love watching your experiences!

[@DylansTravelReports]

Good to hear the lounge has reopened!

[@KempSimon]

The Drivers of the Class 57 locomotives which haul the "Night Riviera" Sleeper train have long had an enviable reputation for being very gentle on the power and the brake handles. The Mark 3 carriages have excellent soundproofing and the outside-frame bogies make for a smooth ride, particularly if you are lucky enough to get a cabin in the middle of a carriage, away from the wheels!

[@sodorflubbs5000]

I struggle with slam doors. My arms aren’t long enough to get the doors handles open. It’s really embarrassing lol Plus I love sleepers. I live in Aberdeen and I’m trying to find a reason to travel on the Caledonian Sleeper again. I loved it.

[@moestrei]

Maybe you arms are just too flubby?

[@andysedgley]

You'll have to wait until the RMT strikes are over, all Caledonian sleepers are cancelled atm 😕

But why does it only has a handle on the outside?

[@sodorflubbs5000]

@@andysedgley I think it’s also COVID too

[@andysedgley]

@@sodorflubbs5000 That's awfy right wing for an Aberdonian! Yes I'm sure there's limited staff due to Covid.

[@abus3562]

Nice looking train, looks very comfortable. Thanks for the tour. For myself, taking a night train when I am on holidays is not something I do. I want to watch the world go by and riding all night in the dark is not the way to do it. Give me the great daylight hours to view the passing scene.

[@evdanker]

The brief view of the scenery was nice. You should include more of that in upcoming videos.

[@hoof2001]

So much better than the Serco Caledonian sleepers

[@jonathanroberts1328]

Well you'd see more , if he wasn't constantly in every video going straight to film a toilet! Kinda creepy

[@onlineamiga]

@@jonathanroberts1328 how is it creepy? he's reviewing a train service. The bathrooms are part of that.

[@jairusjoaquinombao1502]

You somehow stand-out from other travel youtubers. Keep the good work up!

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks!

[@michaelgoodridge6813]

Excellent video - really enjoyed it!

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks!

[@DanielsUKT]

Great trip report I hope to do the night riviera someday. Those coaches and the lounge car looks fancy

[@WayneKline]

Another great video Dylan, well done. When travel returns to normal and I get back to the UK, there are 2 of your trips I want to do, both overnight. London to Inverness and London to Penzance.

[@alfiebryanrailvideos]

Already booked the holiday after seeing this video, definitely something on my bucket list. Great review, very detailed.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Enjoy your trip!

[@anthonywarrener1881]

Thank you for a fascinating review ! The GWR Mark IIIs have been refurbished very well, - shame about the slam doors, though the Lounge Car in particular looks great. Glad to see some onboard service, and hopefully with the lockdown being eased very soon, more variety will be available. Well done for undertaking this adventure in this difficult time.

[@patricialegge2482]

I love sleeper trains call it a kid thing, but I still get excited when travelling by sleeper.

[@johnairs2735]

For quite old rolling stock the interior refurbishment looks impressive and comfortable. The food will hopefully improve when Covid restrictions allow.Thanks for your informative and interesting review. I'd like to do the walk along the coastal path you did at the start of the video too. A good place to see the Longrock train depot.

[@KempSimon]

If you start off at Sandbanks in Poole you can walk all the way to Land's End and then back to Minehead in Somerset along the South West Peninsula Coast Path. If the tide's out you could carry on past Long Rock depot to explore St. Michael's Mount!

[@lindavainomae3489]

Thanks for sharing this beautifully refurbished train. Nice that they let you have a bit of a sleep in...although I agree about the breakfast - perhaps a sausage mcmuffin from the Maccas on the platform would be a better option 🍔☕.

[@nivardofloresperez1169]

That's a very nice looking train, very elegant, for some reason, it reminded me of James Bonds films. Thanks for the ride, it was awesome as usual.

[@Steve-xf4uv]

heavyweight coaches on VIAThe coaches remind me of the Canadian heavyweight coaches that VIA use. Beds looked comfy. Great shot and explanation of the locomotive. BUT in this report I really loved the cute little shunter engine that brought your wagons to the station. Thanks.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Glad you enjoyed 😁

[@robertbalazslorincz8218]

hold on doesn't VIA use lightweights?

[@Steve-xf4uv]

@@robertbalazslorincz8218 They use the LRC coaches on locals, and the Renaissance lightweight sleepers on many long hauls but still use the mid-50's built BUDD heavyweights on many trains. Best cars they have, and most comfortable sleepers - CP bought them, refurbished several times already.

[@archmage07]

I'm going on it this summer- it looks lovely. Thanks for the great video Dylan :D

[@miketrueman5473]

Another great video. I’ve never been on a sleeper train but I definitely want to try both the Night Riviera and the Caledonian Sleeper sometime. Fingers crossed I’m lucky enough to get the chance one day.

[@FrangoTV1]

I’m catching this train from Penzance tonight thanks to your report raising my awareness. Naturally, I’ve booked a cabin!🛌

[@DylansTravelReports]

Hope you enjoyed your trip 😁

[@FrangoTV1]

@@DylansTravelReports Yes I did thank you. . . and I got my bacon baguette brought to me at 6am! There was no amenity pack in the cabin though - I think you got one of those on your trip.

[@CrazySquirrelProductions]

You keep making me add things to my bucket list Dylan! Thanks & stay safe!

[@arnoldspottingvideos5269]

Great video on the sleeper train to London Paddington I definitely enjoyed it 👍😉.

[@timecircuits88]

I really miss slam doors, they were good fun to open as a kid.

[@Andrewjg_89]

Probably the best trains on Great Western Railway. The Night Riviera is such a amazing train. Always wanted to go ride on it. And to ride on the GWR Class 387 Electrostar and the Class 800 and Class 802 IETs.

[@KempSimon]

On Serco Group plc's overnight "Caledonian Sleeper" trains between England and Scotland you can buy a three-course, Scottish themed meal in the Lounge Car during your journey. The Lounge Car on the GWR "Night Riviera" train is essentially a harshly-lit "pub on wheels" which sells alcoholic drinks and bar snacks. It would be nice to have a supper menu which was bilingual (English and Cornish) with some showcase Cornish cuisine, even if it was only a microwaved Starrey Gazey Pie, or a proper Pastie with beef at one end and apple at the other!

[@Andrewjg_89]

@@KempSimon Sounds really nice. Thanks for the info :)

[@MrDanso99]

I’m travelling in September on that train, it’s great to see what to expect before I arrive there. Great content mate ☺️

[@mariabetancourt6797]

That is the nicest sleeper room and lounge I have seen on a regular train .....very nice

[@louisthetravelspotter]

amazing video dylan mate this gwr night riviera sleeper review is loads better than the other one you did and i love the 57s

[@TEBEnthusiast]

I see them pass my house! Lovely experience

[@davidwilliams8405]

So far looks nice and quiet, kind of reminds me of Ventura County, just north of LA.

[@simonbaker6962]

Travelled on this in 2019 and it was superb. However nothing can beat the Ghan on which I travelled in 2016.

[@chrisshields1775]

The station was absolutely packed to the rafters about 4 years ago when 60163 Tornado ran the Cornishman all the way from Paddington to Penzance. I rode the train as a merchandiser for the A1 steam loco Trust. It was the first time 60163 ran into Cornwall and when we tried to leave the train there ere so many people who had come to see Tornado the police had to clear a path for the passengers!

[@moestrei]

The magic of steam.

[@Ethan_trains]

Great u traveled on the sleeper train again it’s amazing comfy beds in my opinion

[@davidscarrett3804]

I can remember travelling on the Night Riviera and the seating was old 1st Class seats very comfortable. Great video.

[@KempSimon]

Not any more! Same on Serco Group plc's Anglo-Scottish "Caledonian Sleeper" trains, where comfortable old seats have been replaced with new ones which are instruments of torture!

[@michaell1751]

I travelled this service back in the summer of 1976 in Mk 1 coaches dating from the late fifties as anyone who was around at the time it was the hottest summer on record the temperature was unbearable. There was no single occupancy back then , you had to share ,I will never forget it , how times have changed. Sadly a couple of years later there was a fire on board this service at Taunton with great loss of life. As a result of this BR introduced various safety measures to the newly introduced Mk 3 stock. RIP to those that perished.

[@roger0929]

Not sure I would call lowering a window to open a door from the outside a "safety measure." Still, I guess it's an improvement over locking people into the carriages.

[@KempSimon]

I'm pretty sure that there was single occupancy of cabins on British Rail Sleeper trains during the 1970's but in order to have a room to yourself you had to buy a First Class travel ticket and then pay the Reservation Fee on top!

[@scotsguy422]

@@KempSimon Yes, correct, and let's remember the P pot supplied under the bed just in case! For second class passengers sharing a berth was okay if you had your missus with you, not so good with a complete stranger snoring and farting all night in the top bunk! The old Mk I's were well out of date by the late '70's and as usual BR management were dithering about whether to invest in a new fleet of sleepers. Perhaps if they had used more imagination, i.e., marketing and attracted more family passengers it could have been a very different story. As usual BR management failed everyone. Can't believe they still use the old Class 47 bodyshell with uprated Yank engine inside!

[@KempSimon]

@@scotsguy422 - Doesn't Serco Group plc use the bodyshell of that most quintessentially English of all locomotives - the Southern Region's Class 73 Electro-Diesel - with an uprated Kraut engine inside, to haul the Caledonian Sleeper trains between Edinburgh and Aberdeen/Inverness/Fort William?

[@scotsguy422]

@@KempSimon Yes indeed, however numerous technical issues have plagued the fleet. I've seen the sleeper service arrive headed by a class 66 with the 73 tucked in to provide train heat on dozens of occassions. Also noted the Haymarket depot class 47 tucked in behind a class 66 one morning! Not entirely sure if the class 73 has been a huge success to be honest. Given the relatively light loads these days (load 8) I suspect a class 67 would be more than adequate. When you consider these services were often load 18 headed by a single class 47.....

[@euroguy393]

The last time I was due to travel on the Night Riviera was just before the refurbishment began. Despite boarding on time at Paddington and settled down to sleep, the train never actually departed due to a fault in one coach. Instead, at about 1am everyone had to transfer to an HST set and I had a really unpleasant, uncomfortable and chilly journey down to Cornwall. At my advanced age, I detest not having a bed to sleep in at night. Anyway, having already experienced breakdowns on the Caledonian sleeper too, I lost faith regarding sleeper travel and haven’t been on one since. However, I’ve decided to give in another go next week on my next trip to Cornwall. Seeing this excellent trip report has pumped up my enthusiasm somewhat as the berths look excellent and quite classy. I just find it a bit strange that the pillow end of the bed is now by the wash basin. That doesn’t look right to me.

[@markwringe2826]

Very interesting to see this, as last week I had my first journey on the Caledonian Sleeper - heavily marketed as an 'experience'. Pity it's such an uncomfortable experience, and in many ways a disappointment compared to the old sleepers. But going by your review, the Night Riviera seems to have got it right. And for about one third of the price of the Caledonian Sleeper! Thank you Dylan. I hope I get a chance to try it myself before long.

[@stormhammerfirebrand5820]

Thank you for another excellent video report. I love watching your travels. Also, you took this trip on my birthday. :-)

[@maureendesquitado9894]

Hi Dylan Excellent video!!! I really like the Paddington Bear Statue!!! I enjoyed the video alot!!!

[@Loy9816]

For someone like me who like to have a little snack before sleep the snack box is a huge 10/10 service.

[@KempSimon]

I wouldn't describe the meagre contents of the "Snack Box" as falling into the category of "healthy eating" ...

[@BibtheBoulder]

Wow! Excellent timing Dylan as I am looking at doing it this week.....

[@thatfootballfan5371]

Another great 👍 report Dylan keep it up 👍

[@ericericson3535]

Great video! I think everyone should experience a night in a sleeper car once in their life! It is better though with proper, full-fledged dining car!

[@transitcaptain]

I love how he does face reveals

[@TheArkamedBat]

Face covering reveal 😂😂😂😂

[@samuelfellows6923]

Using his mask as an excuse 🥸

[@euroguy393]

Is he maybe a bit shy? Certainly no need to be wearing a mask in the sleeping compartment

[@philipwalton4877]

Cleanest right hand in the world right now

[@willmanthorp3030]

Great video, Dylan. I recently travelled on the Caledonian Sleeper so it was interesting to watch this and compare the two services. I pretty much agreed with your overall judgement. I, too, was disappointed with the breakfast + I didn't have the luxury of the lounge car being open (I was quite jealous when I saw yours was!). But I didn't realise that the Night Riveria cabins are not en-suite! (or are some of them?) while the Caledonian has so! So at least above all else, I was able to depart the next morning feeling nice and phresh. I don't think I'll bother with a sleeper service until all restrictions are removed (whenever that is) -- not that I often get the opportunity anyways but it's still exciting!

[@KempSimon]

There are free hot showers for "Night Riviera/Koskador Ruvyer an Nos" passengers in the Customer Lounges at Paddington, Truro and Penzance/Pensans. The cabins have a wash basin with plenty of hot and cold running water plus a hand towel and bar of soap.

[@kellypaws]

Incredibly good value. Last time I checked the Caley Sleeper is was about 3 times that.

[@KempSimon]

GWR's "Night Riviera" (or, if you prefer the Cornish language version, "Koskador Ruvyer an Nos") is a Standard Class service where you pay a variable supplement of £55 per person for duo occupancy of a cabin, or £80 for solo occupancy. On Serco Group plc's Anglo-Scottish Caledonian Sleeper trains, any cabin with en-suite facilities is First Class and is priced accordingly. What I like about the "Night Riviera" is that you still get a complimentary breakfast tray (with an optional hot bacon roll) brought to your cabin in the morning, even though you're officially travelling in Standard accommodation.

[@andrewwilliams2353]

I've never been in a sleeper as the need has never arisen. Having said that, the pre pandemic review you gave of the Night Riviera made it look very tempting. Cornwall has always been a favourite holiday spot for me and I try to go, pandemic permitting, every year. However, as I live in Carmarthenshire, the Night Riviera is a long way off my route - I usually drive, which isn't such an ordeal once I get over the Bridge and start heading south west. I do remember a memorable train journey with my grandparents in steam days (wowee) from Camelford back to Llanelly as it was spelled then. We had an SR spam can to Exeter but from then on it was GWR all the way. We changed at Temple Meads but I don't remember changing again after that. We even had a compartment coach from GWR days. I still recall the thrill of standing in the old Brit Standard corridor connection and seeing the ballast fly past underneath through the little gap - those coaches were not close coupled ! There were also doors to every compartment as well as the corridor access. At Swansea there was even a platform trolley service to every compartment that wanted it. Old fashioned service indeed. I can still hear the Castle class engine blasting its way round Landore loop west and through Cockett tunnel before relaxing a bit down to Llanelli. Oh yes and it didn't cost a penny as my Grandad was a driver on WR and had free travel for himself, my Gran and, apparently, me too !

[@frankpellow]

thanks very much.

[@leizirsheidabdalah4700]

I just remember to sleep-over in a train when i was a kid, on a Renfe Hotel Train between Coruña and Madrid, unfortunately the service cuality has decreased. During that travel there was a strike by part of Renfe workers and they quited the restaurant coach :(

[@Delta-pantages]

Once again, you have brightened my weekend with your excellent, detailed review. Now, I want to make that journey! Top bunk or bottom?

[@noggin48]

That was a brilliant review, the prestige of what was the Great Western Railway, seems to live on, except for the possible iffy breakfast bag. At least it was what I would call a ' Real Train ' being a Locomotive hauled for the true boys within us!

[@interstat2222]

They missed a trick not lighting the lounge in warm white (2700k) lights. In the middle of the night, when you're most likely to visit, who wants to be woken up by daylight (4000-6500k) lights? Other than that, I love the decor. If they went full Gatsby theme it could've been like something out of a classic Hollywood movie! We need to make train travel more of an event like they do in the US. Great report as always. Feel like you're there.

[@johnselekta]

Not bad - at all. Been checking these out late at night at our local train bridge in South East Cornwall for a while. I might do it next trip up to see my fam. Breakfast is a bad one though, funny how I get a bill from South West Water saying "you must pay this bill, regardless of the pandemic situation", but when to comes to an opportunity to cut a service and save the board some money it's suddenly "due to the pandemic..." and a loss for Joe public. Improvise, adapt, overcome - can always bring a hotplate, ingredients and a heat alarm cover ha ha :D :D :D Good vid.

[@billmmckelvie5188]

Great review thanks, now time for the multi million dollar question which of the two UK sleeper services do you consider to be the best?

[@omkardalvi3790]

Awesome as ever !!! Good capture Dylan..hope you are well

[@richardblackwell1230]

Haven’t used this service but used the Sleeper service to Edinburgh quiet a bit in the 80s and 90s for work. Even used it several times when you could take your car on the service as well. Especially remember travelling down to London with the car on the night of the Great Storm.we were woken up at Birmingham New Street and were told that Euston had been flooded (no mention of the storm) and was told to get the next train to Paddington via Reading leaving our car on the train at New Street. Eventually had to pick the car up from Euston at about 8pm that night. Still don’t understand why they didn’t just divert the sleeper to Paddington rather then all the agro we had to go through but can’t remember if Paddington had access to Motorail services to allow the cars off 🧐🧐

[@ikolkyo967]

I gotta hand it to the UK, they make old coaches look so damn modern compared to the Amfleets and Horizons running around the US.

[@annettecurtain5052]

I live in Bristol and will def be giving the routes on here a go 👍🏻

[@limeyfox]

A couple of corrections - the sleeper runs at a top speed of 75mph for passenger comfort, and most nights the Up train is routed via Bristol and Swindon. There is actually a booked stop at Swindon for staff purposes, although some nights engineering maintenance work means it is diverted via Newbury and/or Melksham.

[@woodturninguk6134]

Nice review Wanted to do this for about 40 years now lol I will be in about 4 weeks but in the opposite direction

[@DylansTravelReports]

Enjoy! Make sure to visit the lounge at Paddington before hand as it's now reopened.

[@jgodfrey546]

The Night Riv is the outbound leg of a planned trip to visit a couple of Heritage Rys down on Cornwall...once things settle down again....

[@KempSimon]

The Isles of Scilly are well worth a visit of you've never been before, particularly the sub-tropical gardens on Tresco. The Sleeper arrives at Penzance/Pensans in time to connect with the ferry to St. Mary's.

[@regcotterill7332]

Another great video Dylan. I much prefer this older rolling stock to the more spartan looking Caledonian variety This looks looks a lot more comfortable than the newer rolling stock.

[@KempSimon]

Serco Group plc won the Caledonian Sleeper franchise on the strength of their promise to introduce new, rather than refurbished, rolling stock. From what I've seen and heard of the CAF Mark 5 carriages, they seem to have some pretty basic design faults .... such as water sloshing about in the tanks which supply the en-suite shower and toilet, keeping the cabin occupants awake all night!

[@alexmcwhirter6611]

Hello Dylan - I had thought GWR's sleeper could not compete with Cal Sleeper given its age. I have now changed my mind after seeing the renovated interior). But the downside is that there are no en suite cabins (owing to the rolling stock's age). Interesting that the lounge car is open whereas that for the Cal Sleeper has been closed for ages because of the pandemic.

[@KempSimon]

There's a wash basin (Not, I repeat, NOT a "sink") in each cabin of the "Night Riviera" with hot and cold running water, plus free shower facilities in the Sleeper Lounges at Paddington, Penzance and Truro. If you want an en-suite cabin on Serco Group plc's Anglo-Scottish Caledonian Sleepers you have to buy an expensive First Class travel ticket. The GWR "Night Riviera" (or, if you prefer the Cornish version "Koskador Ruvyer an Nos") is a Standard Class service on which very cheap Super Off-Peak Single and Return tickets are valid!

[@simonc7947]

Nice to see the 08 shunter. I didn't realise that there were any still in use as station shunters; I think a lot of loco hauled trains have the main locomotive do the shunting these days.

[@moestrei]

I sell sound decoders for model trains. If a customer is unsure of what sound to use in a small shunter I program this 08 Class one.

[@bobblue_west]

My only complaint --- the journey isn't long enough. Maybe the train could do circuits around Wiltshire then arrive at lunchtime in Cornwall.

[@seanh2286]

Another good trip review, Dylan. I always appreciate your acknowledgement of accessibility features in stations & on trains. I would suggest, however, that referring to this train as "fully accessible" (6-minute mark) is misleading; you show that the train is accessible for wheelchair users in parts, but "fully accessible" suggests -- to me at least -- that it is accessible for people with all types of disabilities from end-to-end.

[@brettb-h2831]

Is that an 08 variant still shunting at Penzance?

[@Robslondon]

Wonderful video Dylan, keep up the great work

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks!

[@rezaalan3991]

Love this cabin, looks spacious thanks to the lighting system.

[@KempSimon]

The bed is still two feet wide, as is the standing area in the cabin! Only way to get 13 cabins (or 12 cabins plus pantry) into a 23 metre-long Mark 3 carriage!

[@robyoungquist5803]

Brilliant review! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻. I thought the cabin decor was stylish yet functional. The bed looked really comfy. The only thing missing (for me) would be a WC within the cabin. The “snack breakfast” is nothing to write home about but given current circumstances, it’s probably better than nothing at all. 🤨

[@KempSimon]

Space is at a premium on overnight Sleeper trains. A it is, there are just twelve cabins squeezed into a 23-metre Mark 3 carriage. If each cabin contained a WC fewer passengers could be carried, so fares would have to go up to compensate. There are two toilets at the end of each carriage which is good enough for me!

[@inwinters1011]

I'm quite surprised that the service uses a diesel locomotive all the way. Can't there be a locomotive change along the way? That's what we do in France with the night trains that run under wires for the first half of the journey, with a locomotive change mid way during the night. However, the fact that the train arrives early but that you get to stay on board for a while longer is absolutely fantastic! Thumbs up to the GWR and Network Rail for permitting that!

[@chrisshields1775]

It goes from Taunton via the Berks and Hants. The wires stop at Newbury coming out of London and that is only about 50 miles from Paddington. Hence diesel for the remaining 260 miles!

[@alexmcwhirter6611]

Cal Sleeper operates with a loco change (as the lines north of Edinburgh are non-electrified).

[@Aidankiwi]

FYI Dylan the Class 08 shunter that brought the stock in from the depot is painted with a representation of the flag of Cornwall - a white cross on a black background.

[@scotsguy422]

Brilliant advert for passengers, seeing a 1950's 350 shunt bringing the stock in!!!!!!

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks for the info! I never realised.

[@KempSimon]

@@DylansTravelReports - It's the Cross of St. Piran, the Patron Saint of Cornwall (and also Tin Miners)

[@walterclements7968]

If only the breakfast was good this trip would be nearly perfect. I love how the cabin looked like everything was of really high quality. The ladder, the sink etc. it all looked good and the bed looked really comfy as well.

[@KempSimon]

It's NOT a sink! It's a wash basin! 

[@shueber]

I used this sleeper twice and I paid far less than the £119. Both times I paid £ 63,50 for a single cabin and that is only 3 and 5 years ago. The sleeper is not a bad service but I woudn't pay over £70 for a private cabin.

[@sherlocksteve9109]

Sounds like you had a very nice adventure. But seeing Penn State pretzels? Are they from Pennsylvania? If they are, I'd be shocked they are in the UK. Just amazes me. While I'm a big guy for my size, I would get claustophoic in a room like that (compared i traveled in the amtrak sleeper before.). I would still have to take a handicapped room. But great work on the handicapped WC (toilet or bathroom or whatever you call there!). Great work! Travel safe please.

[@andrewdales8136]

Another great video Dylan. The corridors don't look big enough for a gat lad like me lol. Is consist your new buzz word ? Keep safe and take care.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Yeah, these corridors are pretty narrow 😅

[@louislegrand2865]

Thank you very much to you for making us travel, Dylan, we need it a lot right now! And in addition, a night train, my favorite trains !!! Very cool. You showed everything well, it's like we were there. I love that. Thank you again very much to you.

[@slaycattrains]

me: reads the word sleeper train also me: reads it as hotel train

[@mratp123]

Please come to estonia! I like your videos much! :)

[@DylansTravelReports]

I would love to once it's possible 😁

[@mratp123]

@@DylansTravelReports oh, come when you want, maybe i can even see you :)

[@thomaslowdon5510]

I think its great but Its the disembark st 6.45 gets me. What are supposed to do at that time in a morning ?

[@truebrit3578]

As Penzance is a gateway to the Scillies perhaps a video on the options to travel there might be an idea?

[@EuroDC1990]

I used this service in the seated sleeper a while back. Thankfully at the time there was one of the refurbished seated coaches and one unrefurbished. The refurbished one was fully lit and the 2+2 seating with no recline and limited legroom was awful. Thankfully I was able to move. I've used the seated section on the Caledonian sleeper and whilst not great it's at least bearable. This on the other hand... Oh my gosh, never in a million years!

[@KempSimon]

Your unfortunate experience in the seated Sleeper coach was down to GWR's use of the Class 57 locomotives and the seated carriages to provide a day service to/from Par at a time when they would otherwise have been sitting idle in the depot at Long Rock. The luxurious 2 + 1 reclining "armchair" seats were replaced with 2 + 2 seating simply to cram more office workers and school children into the same amount of space.

[@charlesbaran1106]

Funny juxtaposition: The door to and from the platform opens manually (handle only on the outside), but the door to the cabin has an electronic key card! Very nice service, nonetheless.

[@KempSimon]

Fitting sliding plug doors to carriages built in the 1980's with slam-doors would be a difficult and expensive task, but GWR has done it for the short-formed HST "Castle" sets, which comprise four high-density, Standard-class carriages sandwiched between two Class 43 power cars. The slam-door Sleeper carriages were only intended to last around ten years following their refurbishment.

[@michalislamprinos38]

Great video. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@Backwardlooking]

You would have to get of to sleep very quickly if you wanted eight hours of sleep.. Still, if we wish to have more usage of public transport there should be more sleeper services. However I doubt that that will happen.

[@torontosteve]

Love to do it when I can visit UK again

[@ironmantrains]

Awesome video by the way! 3:20, loco hauled Mark 3 coaches are certified for 110mph, not 125mph. HST coaches are certified for 125mph.

[@KempSimon]

And the top speed of a Class 57 locomotive is 95mph, although west of Newton Abbot the maximum line speed is ......

[@richardstevens1385]

There's a definite feeling of The Blair Witch Project at the beginning (minus the snot) as you crunch along the path... but a very relaxing review with the background hum the train

[@KempSimon]

Fun Fact - In 1596 the Spanish Navy launched an amphibious raid on the village of Newlyn, picking a Sunday morning to attack because they knew that all of the locals would be in church. The guns of St. Michael's Mount - seen in the opening sequence of Dylan's video - couldn't open fire upon the Spanish ships because, thanks to Queen Elizabeth I's parsimony, they had cannon balls but no gunpowder!

[@welshboyoo715]

I think that the ticket was good value, who knows how long these sleeper services will keep running? Maybe we should try it before they vanish. Good video as ever Dylan.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks!

[@KempSimon]

The refurbished Mark 3 coaches used by GWR for its Anglo-Cornish "Night Riviera" Sleeper train have got another decade of life left in them. There's talk about adding an extra Sleeper coach to the consist - at least on busy evenings during the Summer - and Cornwall County (or should that be "Royal Duchy"?) Council has been supporting the service financially, as anyone who has used the lounges at Penzance and Truro will realise. The "Night Riviera" is a good way to reach Penzance/Pensans if you are catching the ferry to the Isles of Scilly, which it is intended to connect with.

[@Didderly]

I read that a lot got turfed out at Plymouth last year, & had to carry on in a day train etc ( no bed) but I decided to still give it a go. Guess what ?,. around 5am knock at the door, got kicked out at Plymouth. I decided not to take the seat for another 4 hours & headed back to London. Got a full refund & still enjoyed the trip. Maybe one day I will try again. Good report Dylan.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Wow, didn't realise they did that.

[@frederickabeauchard7905]

That bed looked *really comfy!

[@KempSimon]

It is! The bed linen is of very high quality. Just a shame that the berth is only two feet wide. When I last travelled on the "Night Riviera" (or, if you prefer the Cornish version "Koskador Ruvyer an Nos" I paid £80 as the supplement for solo occupancy of the twin-berth cabin. The Stewardess folded the top bunk back against the bulkhead to give me some headroom but of course the duvet and the two pillows had to go under the bottom bunk as there's nowhere else to store them!

[@gen12345able]

Is there anywhere in London to get a worse breakfast?

[@gen12345able]

wiki has the top speed of the parts bin locos at 75mph