GWR First Class Review | Penzance to London

An afternoon aboard one of GWR's Intercity Express Trains (class 802) between Penzance in Cornwall and London Paddington.
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Date of Travel: 04/03/2020
Class of Travel: First Class
Rolling Stock: Class 802 Intercity Express Train
Cost of Ticket: £58.10 ($72.16, €64.26; Railcard discount included)
Origin: Penzance, United Kingdom (England)
Destination: London Paddington, United Kingdom (England)
*Currency conversions correct as of 25/06/2020

[@luisabela1027]

My dad drives the new class 800 iet for gwr, its like a spaceship in the cab!!!

[@andrewwilliams2353]

The finest way to travel was still the old style compartment and side corridor. You had complete control over your environment- heating, ventilation etc. if you were travelling late at night the seats were long enough to stretch out on and have a kip. The lights could be dimmed or switched off. If you had the compartment to yourself you could shut the door, pull down the blinds and have the journey in complete peace and quiet. Bliss !

[@dave1001]

Yes that was the best way to travel and the seats were really comfortable too which included the backs and arm rests unlike todays rock hard seats. They call this modern? i prefer the old than the modern

[@Felyxorez]

Here in Switzerland and Germany, there are still a few services that offer compartments. For example old ICE 1s to 3, german intercities or BLS Regio expresses. I agree, travelling in compartments is really different... except if they are crowded

[@louieryder7106]

dont know if anyone cares but if you're stoned like me during the covid times then you can stream all the latest movies on InstaFlixxer. Have been streaming with my girlfriend for the last few months xD

[@guskhari6983]

@Louie Ryder yup, have been watching on Instaflixxer for years myself :)

[@GrrMeister]

*Yea Right - Nostalgia ain't what it used to be !* With respect to Lionel Bart. They've changed our local palais into a bowling alley and Fings ain't wot they used t'be There's teds wiv drainpipe trousers and debs in coffee houses And fings ain't wot they used t'be There used to be trams Not very quick got you from place to place But now there's just jams, half a mile thick Stay in the human race, I'm walking They've stuck parking meters outside our door to greet us No, Fings ain't wot they used t'be Monkeys flying around the moon We'll be up there wiv 'em soon Fings ain't wot they used t'be Once our beer was froffy, but now its froffy coffee No fings ain't wot they used t'be It used t'be fun Dad and old Mum paddling down Southend But now it ain't done Nevermind chum, Paris is where we spend out outings Grandma tries to shock us all Doing knees up rock n' roll Fings ain't wot they used t'be We used to have stars Singers who sung A Dixie Melody They're buying guitars Plinkety plunk, backing themselves with three chords only Once we danced from twelve to three I've got news for Elvis P Fings ain't wot they used t'be Did the lot we us t' Fings ain't wot they used to be

[@mnbz2031]

I love the style of your videos, good camera work and quality, clean editing, no rambling, nice sound, clever and witty subtitles. Keep it up!!

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks!

[@tim.bird.london]

Thanks for the shot of the bike bay, always nice to know what facilities are available for those of us traveling with a bike. Good summary at the end, concise, informative and entertaining. Cheers Tim.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks!

[@louislegrand2865]

Thanks, Dylan! Another beautiful video in which you explain the route well, you take the time to explain it well and to show us beautiful landscapes. Your trip reports are very pleasant. Thanks to you, we are discovering lots of new regions that we didn't know before and it's fantastic what you do! Thanks to you. Thanks to you, I improve my English too !!! (!!!) 😉

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks 😁 Glad you enjoyed it! Your English is way better than my French!

[@stevesteffen7001]

One of these days I will get to the UK and get to ride a few of these trains. Thanks for the videos I love your format.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Glad you like them!

[@rangifamilyontour4371]

Hi Dylan, we really like your Reports. keep on traveling and stay safe.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks 😁

[@edwinleslie1330]

I'm bored with flying and driving to .... from Austria to the UK.... Then! Thanks to you ..... Train Travel.... Portugal, France, Belgium, Holland, Denmark, North Germany,Sweden and (by ship).... Norway!.... Thanks Dude. 😉

[@martincordel6227]

I was on this train in standard class, there is no differents apart from the reclining seats, every thing he has shown you can get in standard class, I would not pay the extra..😊😊😊

[@TheSmittenman]

Plus you need a railcard, and to travel during off-peak times. And probably book the full 13 weeks in advance to get one of the handful of tickets at this price haha

[@leokronenberg8645]

@@TheSmittenman You could also use seatfrog to get a cheap upgrade.

[@tomwatts703]

Watching these videos makes me miss even just taking a 10-minute trip on a 323 into Birmingham 😆 I'd love to be able to do some proper travelling like this once it's possible, though I'm not sure I could justify going to the continent unfortunately

[@johannesbols57]

I think I speak for many of of your subscribers when I say your trip reports liven up an otherwise rather dull Friday morning. I'm sure the attendant wouldn't have minded if you'd switched to a four top to charge your electronics if they'd been in dire need. And finally, on a personal note, I'm so glad you filmed the left side of the entrance to Paddington. I always ride the Heathrow Express in First Class (yeah, I know, daft as all get get out) because it's the back of the council flats in Paddington that tell me I'm back in London. It's been 11 years, but I would've still gotten a lot homesick seeing them again. Cheers.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks! I'm glad you are enjoying the videos.

[@tomarse99]

The activation system has been a constant problem since the IET came in, sometimes work most of the time don't. Add in the confusion when they have incorrect coach lettering too. 1st Class in a HST at least gave you a big comfy seat. Heck you can't even get a hot bacon roll on the IETs now. So much for having better facilities..

[@RocketJSykes]

yeah... at least they are keeping the HST with Mk3 Slding door coaches. (imagine if they were the original slammy doors)

[@jamesthompson3099]

Another relaxing trip over late breakfast here in the US. Thanks Dylan!

[@DylansTravelReports]

You're welcome 😁

[@MegaDeano72]

12:26 Dawlish! there is actually a webcam that watches that bit of track and I also live just outside Newton Abbot so get to visit that area regularly. Excellent footage young man, keep it up!

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks!

[@olivergray1367]

Can’t believe it’s faster to get a train to Edinburgh than it is to Penzance!

[@s125ish]

Oliver Gray and Glasgow

[@robtyman4281]

That's because after Exeter, the line isn't really built for high speed trains. It's too winding, and it's not possible for high speed trains in any part of Cornwall, or the section between Exeter and Newton Abbot which includes the bit the main line is separated from a beach by a wall. Also the reason why this section (past Exeter) hasn't been electrified with overhead cables, as they'd get destroyed every winter. The seas in winter off Devon and Cornwall are the most ferocious in the whole of the UK. Have you seen pics of massive waves crash over the wall onto the line, or of sea spray enveloping trains. It's mad. It's the reason why the new Azumas terminate at Exeter, and you have to transfer to a slower diesel train for the rest of the journey. The line past Exeter is too dangerous to put overhead cables on.

[@Jackinfinite]

Rob Tyman you remember when the line got destroyed at dawlish?

[@stephenlittle7534]

Slower yes. Don't want to wake the sheep up. He He. By the way I live in Dawlish.😁

[@socklesslad]

GWR have certainly improved their first-class offering since I last travelled with them. Back then you got tea and biscuits served two or three times during the journey if you were lucky! You did get an HST, however, so it wasn't all bad.

[@wrestlem8]

I found the 800 series of trains that GWR Now lease / own to be Very uncomfortable I wrote letter to GWR customer complaints & never received a reply The older HST sets were Very Comfortable in first class not like the horrible cheep & nasty seats in the Hitachi trains GWR haven’t listened to Customers who pay lots of money to travel first class there’s no more traveling chefs & not many Pullman services running since Covid I feel GWR are just maxing out there profit for the company & too blazes with customers be it in first class or standard . GWR had something Good once that No other train company had which was good service & Comfortable trains but now they see passengers as Cash cows the staff are excellent but the management takes a lot to be Desired probably failed train managers or failed chefs

[@mrbennetts]

Thank you for the lovely video, Dylan. I am very disappointed with the first class seats on GWR. The old HST leather seats just felt so much better and luxurious. These Hitachi trains are very impressive once they get going though. I’m very proud of our station here at Penzance.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks!

[@B-A-L]

Well all GWR had to do was fit the same seats to these trains! Hitachi had nothing to do with the interior of the trains so we have nobody but ourselves to blame!

[@mrbennetts]

@@B-A-L I hadn't thought about the seats being GWR's choice. They made a bad decision.... or do they just want us all to go to one dumb-down class in the future?

[@6699Jackie]

Thanks for sharing, i have travelled from Paddington to Exeter St Davids a few times and back again, i go for a few days holiday. I have also used the branch line from Exeter to Paignton, via Dawlish people wave as train passes by. I think i might try first class as i saw a few offers last time i booked, its good to know they offer drinks. Such a lovely journey by train, i am getting itchy feet but cannot go anywhere at moment with pandemic but hopefully come summer things will change.

[@Parallel395]

Another great travel report over a lovely part of the country. Thanks for sharing!

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks 😁

[@telemachus53]

Hey! We didn't hear the door slamming in the HST! And at Penzance too - where I travelled as a kid. I love the nostalgic sound of going-on-holiday!

[@jenniferrobertson7510]

Great video...won't be traveling the GWR Cornish Riviera this year due to Covid-19, so your video really made my heart sick for Penzance and the station. The sleeper lounge in Penzance is a brilliant service with friendly staff support. Cheerio for now.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks 😁

[@spekyspectacles105]

Great content mate. I’m really glad you did this one. I’ve been on this stock out of Paddington to St Austell standard class and I found the seats really stiff and quite unpleasant. By the time I’d arrived at Tiverton I’d had enough. Yes these new trains are sleek and pointy and shiny but they don’t have the same excitement as the old HST.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks!

[@RocketJSykes]

yeah....

[@TarrelScot]

Very good summary of the trip. I agree with your comparison with LNER; I think they have the edge with service. Also, the East Coast Main Line is faster, with the train regularly hitting 125 for quite long stretches. I did the Inverness-London run in first class just before lockdown. Having seen negative comments about the seats I was dreading the trip, but they were actually fine (it's an 8-hour trip). I think a big difference between the IET and HST is space. I felt the standard class sections of the HST were spacious and airy, whereas I feel I'd really want to be travelling first class in the Class 800 to avoid feeling claustrophobic.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks! The seats on the IETs are fine imo.

[@Lexzim9098]

When lockdown is over, I would love to try the GWR Hitachi, and will also like to see how it compares to the older HST's. However for me, one of the biggest disappointments is the fact thta the windows are almost alwys dirty!!

[@Jackinfinite]

Kinda inevitable when going past the coastline

[@kuroneco-j4n]

The windows being dirty are probably because they got hit by the sea waves at Devon!

[@Lexzim9098]

@@kuroneco-j4n Good point, but how often do they "properly"wash their trains??

[@MickeyFKNMouse]

@@Lexzim9098 once a day at the yard where they also get a clean inside. Most Cornish trains and buses are filthy. Roads are dusty as hell as are the lines just as mucky.

[@susanhayes7605]

My dad worked in the trimming shop at litchchurh lane Derby .as I since told you my first dining chairs were covered in intercity 125 fabric 😃he would not have been impressed by the seats now

[@Jackinfinite]

Again, this videos fantastic!

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks!

[@robertpowell8309]

just over 2 years later and I can now gladly tell you that both Penzance and Truro lounges are open for 1st class customers most of the day :)

[@arjunamin9399]

I’ve always wanted to ride that train...

[@Leonard_Wilson]

So you paid for a first class seat and the outlets weren't working? SMH The sad thing is that the train looked nice aesthetically and it's quite fast.

[@Jackinfinite]

peter buckley this is Karen in one comment

[@GofaqYusef]

@@peterbuckley265 What?. Could you speak a little louder, i didn't hear you.

[@borislavyanev9709]

JJKK

[@DaveDeltic]

The speed is merely a perception. The line-speed limits are just the same for this type of train as for any others so it's unlikely to be any faster, although it might accelerate more quickly.

[@RocketJSykes]

Yes, It was asthetically pleasing, but the IET's low build quality.... (good old BR HST is the best{I think})

[@SC-sf8xt]

Made similar trip but going to Falmouth , its beautiful country side and the train you were on was faster and much more quiter. I think dirty windows and the no nice lounge is a negative too

[@jackledouxchoosealifenotak164]

Evening Dylan keep up. The good work pall

[@southerntransport466]

Yay another trip report

[@aidansuttie4101]

Keep up the good work, great content, highlight of my Fridays!

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks Suttie!

[@EarlJohn61]

Greetings from Australia! In 2017, I had the mis-fortune to catch a train from Penzance. My destination was Swindon and there were supposed to be a limited number of stops on the way... NOT including Bristol Temple Meads... Something like: Plymouth, Taunton, Bridgewater, Swindon,.... => Paddington. The train left at a reasonable time, (I was not on a tight schedule so I wasn't too worried about the odd 10 minutes) but the driver came on over the PA and apologised for the 20 minute late departure... (his comment that he would endeavour to make up some of that time would come back to haunt all of us). All was fine, until we left Bridgewater, something like 10 minutes late... (we'd made up ten minutes) As we were about to enter the Bristol Temple Meads railyards, we hit a red light! Twenty minutes later, we started to move, slowly. We pulled into the station and the driver made a mistake (or was directed to) and unlocked the doors. Of course, all those who wanted Bristol Temple Meads had departed earlier to catch a connecting train *Because This One Wasn't Going To Stop There.* But a football match had just finished in town & suddenly it was standing room only! We moved on only to be stopped at the next red light! To shorten this story, the next 3 stops took about 3 hours and I, with my newly broken wrist (courtesy of a boulder that bit me in Pendeen the previous day), was getting very short tempered... I should apologise to anyone offended by my typically Australian use of the vernacular as I attempted to alight at Swindon, by first throwing one bag out the door then dragging the second out behind me. I did learn *_NOT_* to catch trains in England on long weekends if you want to get anywhere at a reasonable time frame.

[@thumbun3769]

Greetings from California. Very cool video -- I want to visit Cornwall on my next trip to the UK. I love traveling by rail in UK and Europe. =

[@EthanAfro707]

The 4 times ive been on an IET were all in first class and i love the reclining seats and the food service is normally very good

[@TackleTheDog]

I find it funny how after every bathroom tour, you always lock onto the toilet for a couple seconds 😂

[@DylansTravelReports]

😅

[@Paradice4Life]

First class really down graded with these IETS. Gone from a soft premium leather seat to a plastic one. there no different to standard class. Plus cup sizes are smaller aswell when having a hot drink compared to the cafe on HST. Wish in general there was more food variety. Like bacon rolls , plain cheese sandwich. first class lounge at paddington is great. First class advance tickets makes it worth while.

[@AviationRailAdventures]

The new trains are rubish!

[@HMSDaring1]

Agree, crying shame about the seats. But I think that's not their fault. Apparently leather was allowed on the old one but the new trains had to have some fire resistant materials? Don't quote me on that, but that's what I've heard.

[@iankemp1131]

@@HMSDaring1 Maybe that's the case, but no reason why one shouldn't have deep seat squabs with some "give". ScotRail has just refurbished the InterCity 125s with comfortable Mk4 style seats, fine for a 4 hour journey (Dylan has reviewed these).

[@HMSDaring1]

@@iankemp1131 Yeah agree. Its a modernism style that the seats look elegant and svelte but are uncomfortable. All the IET family now have these uncomfortable seats, not sure why with these trains we've taken a step backwards in terms of quality.

[@jkrghjmmhmmkgfffgh6924]

I love the train that you are on

[@bwolper]

Lovely trip. I am glad it was a good value.

[@alexplaysii]

I love the class 802! They look sleek and modern, even though I don't live in the UK, it still looks amazing! I want to ride this some day.

[@cubed2164]

I know a good friend that has a holiday cabin in Cornwall and I hope to ride GWR once this whole pandemic blows over

[@stevecooksley]

GWR's refurbished 1st class on their HSTs was the best I've travelled on. These didn't seem to bad but lacked that bit of elegance the previously mentioned sets had to offer. They could do with cleaning their windows as well (for those who had a window!)

[@Doliehop]

He seems like a nice guy.😊

[@galaxy_mooncat779]

1:28 almost walked into a door oops! Hahah great video though I subscribed

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks 😅

[@charlesbaran1106]

The views of the sea must be beautiful in fair weather, if that ever happens!

[@DylansTravelReports]

Ik right. Last summer, I was luck enough to experience it on a beautiful, sunny evening.

[@daveelliott5855]

Nice to see the station looking tidy use to litter clear between platforms once a month, a 6 hour return trip for 1 1/2 hours work. Always started after the sleeper had left the station,

[@maureendesquitado9894]

Hi Dylan I enjoyed the video!!! Thanks

[@DylansTravelReports]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@robinjones6999]

As always Dylan, an excellent report. (Ive done the N.Abbott section), but Penzance looked, in the rain, like a scene from some apocalypse movie. You cant win them all!

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks! It always seems to rain in the UK 😅

[@tundetheepic8631]

Dear Dylan, I’d like to buy your logo because I like it and your trip reports so I subbed then I started to almost like almost all of your videos the thing I said about is when I went on it I found it was very narrow then i knew you was right. The service was cancelled so I went on a southern and your vid was right so I started to say the vid was helpful

[@derricklewis5397]

nice on dillon

[@GWRTrainFan]

@Dylan's Travel Reports the plug socket wasn't working because they hadn't switched the electrics on for the train. Explaining why the seat reservations weren't on either.

[@f-btsc9944]

Nice video, I like the design of this train

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks!

[@theflippedpacer2429]

I don't understand the hate that these trains get, they're brilliant

[@seaside-dn8dp]

There crap. The Seats barely align the windows, the toilets stink, Unreliable, the seats are rock hard and just a big downgrade from the traditional Loco Hauled trains. Next time I'm going to the west country. I'm taking one of the castle sets instead as it was a big mistake taking one of these

[@warweezil2802]

I now prefer to drive from west wales to London rather than travel on these. No fresh hot food.. if I want to drink from a flask I’d bring one . For many it’s a step backwards

[@penninetrains1398]

Very enjoyable and well-filmed review as always Dylan.....shame about the lousy weather! Maybe there aren't enough first class passengers departing from Penzance to make it worth FGW's while, staffing-wise, to open the sleeper lounge during the day.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks! I initially thought that about the lounge but considering there's a train about every 2 hours to Paddington, you'd like to think there was something.

[@ChrisPinCornwall]

Before I retired, I did the journey from Cornwall to London every other week. I felt first class in the IETs was far less comfortable than the HSTs, and they were less comfortable than the old locomotive hauled Mk 3s. That's progress! Thank you so much.

[@316maxwell]

Your killing me DYLAN!!!!!! I need to be on a train!!!!!!! 😱🤦‍♂️🥺🙏👍

[@alisonsmith8953]

Great journey despite the rain ☔️🙂

[@DylansTravelReports]

Sunny, sunny Cornwall 😁

[@Bobrogers99]

As you said, there wasn't much "polish" to the trip, but it was comfortable enough. While it would be disappointing to have nonfunctioning outlets, everything else seemed to be in good order. Perhaps the maintenance people were unaware of the power outage?

[@DylansTravelReports]

Possibly. It happens from time to time.

[@thisaccounthasbeenabandone1649]

I went past there before on holiday, I went on one of the boat rides and saw dolphins.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Nice!

[@mscott3918]

The magic of travelling by train has certainly gone. I used to love the chocolate and cream pullmans and the old carriages with 6 seat compartments. Far more comfortable than the present offering.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Compartments is certainly something I wish they'd bring back in Britain.

[@goodi2shooz]

I always enjoy a rainy day train ride. Despite the outlets not working it seemed like a decent ride for the price and I never mind paying a little bit more for comfort. We were lucky enough to take a train trip to Santa Barbara just before they shut us down again this past week. We had Sleeper Car Service both ways because that's the only way to get privacy on an Amtrak and you don't have to wear your masks in your room. The only bad part of the trip was I had for the very first time a room attendant that was just awful.. Bad attitude, zero service, acted like we were a bother more than anything. Never had that happen before but it was made up by the train attendant we had on the way back who was just wonderful and got much respect and kudos for her service as well as a generous tip. The other downside was we currently downgraded dining service which was like a bad mix up of TV dinners and airline food. At least we had thought ahead to bring some snacks LOL. First time out in 7 months and we loved it but we're back in quarantine again. Hope you are well, looking forward to future videos as always.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Hope you're safe and well. I've heard the situatuin in CA isn't too great atm. At least you got to do your trip.

[@RD-ht6go]

Nice. I always order standard class between Weston, Bristol and London and I'm quite fine with it. And I don't know if it's the train's problem but GWR's 2+2 standard class configuration feels narrower than the 2+3 second class on Chinese bullet trains.

[@RD-ht6go]

@bouke Kalkwijk That explains. Thank you.

[@kiwitrains]

I travelled from Bristol to Paddington first class did not get any drinks or food very disappointed you are right LNER and Avanti are superior for catering first class

[@RD-ht6go]

I think Bristol to London is too short to have meals.

[@westy6214]

@@RD-ht6go It’s longer than London to Birmingham Which has a full meal offering via Avanti. Both are also intercity services and have fully-equipped kitchens so there is no excuse

[@sxflyer5410]

virus wards lol... crazy how things changed in such a short period of time! Nice tripreport btw! :)

[@Ethans-Life]

I rode this and absolutely loved it

[@lmlmd2714]

Glad GWR seem to have fixed the toilet problem. I used the new trains a few times in 2019 between Truro and Reading when I couldn't get affordable flights and consistently found most of the toilets were broken in some way or other.

[@DylansTravelReports]

I think it's usually just a fault with the automatic door.

[@mtrdjn]

Travels around Cornwall remind me of Poirot and the places where he solved perhaps the most serious but also the most interesting murders. Today, GWR offers us truly beautiful trains (IC - HST), although I am surprised that the service in the first class is not a little richer, considering that the trip lasts a little less than 6 hours, but also because of the rich and widely known tradition of GWR. Is it possible that the price of the trip varies so drastically in relation to the train departure period (as I noticed in your two videos from 2019 - £ 39.25 and from March this year £ 58.10) or did I not understand something best there. By the way, I apologize for having to seek help from Google in order to write better in English, because I'm not that good at it. Thank you for the video, for this, but also for all the other reports from the train journey. I’m definitely sure the top three in the rail travel presentation program are on you tube: You, Nonstop Eurotrip and Simply Railway. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart, and with the experience you gain in this activity (or business) I believe that we will get better, more creative and meaningful video programs that are already to be commended!

[@DylansTravelReports]

Yes the price varies depending on how many tickets are sold (there are so many tickets at one price then when they sell, the price goes up) Thanks for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed 😁

[@miahaskurti4539]

Its Good That You Feel Comfortable On The Seats!

[@andrewdales8136]

Another great video Dylan. Never realised you were so tall at least 8ft, must have been to the giants causeway. The trains seemed very quiet even in diesel mode. You have a very long thumb BTW. Anyway enough of my madness, take care and keep safe. Regards to your little relative from last week.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks! Yeah I think I maybe paid Giant's Causeway a visit in the past 😂

[@archer7234]

Really good video. Plz keep it up

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks, will do!

[@Trainviking]

This one is definitely on my list as well :)

[@DylansTravelReports]

Just make sure to go on a sunny day as it's amazing!

[@jezbo7827]

Travelled first class on this recently, found this train to be noisy due to the engines being mounted under the coaches and also the coach creaked a lot like it was a poor quality build. The ride isn’t as nice as a MK3 or MK4 coach! Seats were ok. Bring back the HST’s! 👍

[@darrellleverkuhn2204]

Hey Dylan. I really enjoy your videos. I’ve been to London several times but this past winter I had the chance to take a quick trip around the UK via train and really enjoyed it. Landed at Heathrow in late February and went to Windsor. From there to Cardiff for the night. Then Swansea to Shrewsbury for the night. On to Liverpool and Carlisle for the night, then to Edinburgh for a few days. Back to London for a few days. Even took a side trip to Brussels. I loved every minute. Your vids make me anxious to get back. Just a quick question, I bought all of my tickets (some 1st class and some standard) on the Trainline app. I was happy with the pricing and flexibility. Is that the best site to use or is there something better? Wish our system of trains in the U.S. was as nice as the UK.

[@darrellleverkuhn2204]

By the way.... the date you traveled for this video I was on the Eurostar from London to Brussels for a day trip. I remember that rainy day.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed my video and I'm pleased to hear you enjoyed your trip! The trainline is good for split ticketing (where it is cheaper to buy two tickets for the same train) and just generally keeping all of your tickets in one place. That said, they do often charge a small booking fee so I tend to shop around and just buy my tickets directly from the operators where possible.

[@JB-ek4yx]

@@darrellleverkuhn2204 & hi from Shrewsbury! I hope you had time to take in some of our historic sites, particularly our station which is a bit dull inside but has the most impressive front

[@darrellleverkuhn2204]

James Burton - Hi. Yes... Shrewsbury was one of the many surprises along the trip that I really knew nothing about until I arrived. I walked for hours in a light rain and really enjoyed the city. Looking forward to returning soon. And yes, I thought the stations was very nice. The idea of Swansea to Shrewsbury came from Geoff Marshall’s KZbin show “All the Stations”. I rode the exact train he and his wife Vicky rode. The whole trip around the UK was amazing.

[@henrybatty5177]

It is better to use the website of the train operator you are using as train line charges a booking fee

[@devon896]

The IET's aren't bad trains but they need a bit of improving to match the HST's, especially in First Class. Hopefully by 2026 they will get a proper refurb with the same FC seats the HST's used to have, proper GWR interior inside, not Hitachi carpets. The bogies also need some work to get rid of the annoying clunking sound.

[@AzrallDRG]

Good review and video. As a regular traveller between Swindon and London, it's nice to see other's thoughts. I really don't like the seats on these new trains, the arm rests are too low to be comfortable for someone over 5ft 6'. The old trains, in my opinion were better and more comfortable.

[@clashgaming2073]

I’m from Penzance :)

[@MissouriMatt54]

Thank you for the video.

[@B-A-L]

Anyone complaining about the interior of these trains needs to be reminded that they were built to British design and standards not Hitachi's. I suggest you all take a look at at the Hitachi 885 series trains if you want to see what we could have had instead!

[@mrberryman]

You asked for comments about the seats on these trains ... haven't tried first class, but standard class is awful. I live in Penzance and have used these new trains quite a bit for long journeys. I find them far too upright and very hard and unforgiving over long journeys. Also, in standard class, - the legroom is minimal (my tall friends get really uncomfortable; sometimes good to be short!); - I've never had a problem with the power sockets; - I don't think I've ever caught a train from Penzance station where the digital seat booking thing has ever been activated, that's fine when you have a seat booking, not when you don't because you might have to move once the system boots up; - the loos are tight but very functional; - the aircon is great ... when it works! Which should be always for such new trains, but I promise you is not the case; - I have to say, the ride seems much smoother than in other, older, trains, and it's pretty quiet too (I do miss the discernible train track sound though!); - and finally, the most ridiculous thing is the poor sod who has to get the trolley service through the teeny-tiny walkway on a full carriage with legs sticking out (for relief from their tight constraints from the seat ahead), bored kids wriggling around, bags and straps poking out and people trying to pass; Overall, I don't hate these new trains, but I do prefer the old carriages -- I found them to be MUCH more comfortable for long rides, although the aircon wasn't so great.

[@andrewwilliams2353]

I agree. As an old-ish git I still miss the rhythm of the old clickety clack of the old 60 ft rail lengths. Very soothing and restful. They've mucked about with everything but haven't improved a single thing. The old BR Mk1s had a style and class. Wood panelling, excellent ventilation (real air not the artificial muck they pump through now), heat that you could control yourself and which warmed you where you needed it most - the bum and legs ! I don't travel by train if I can avoid it these days as I find it an ordeal to be dreaded instead of the treat it used to be. I even remember a trip to London from S Wales a couple of years ago where the cold air whirred about your feet and the heat was blowing in your face. What bloody idiot worked that one out ? Getting to and from your seat meant bumping into other passengers due to the narrow central aisles. Armrests which can't be folded up out of the way so you have to be a contortionist to sit down (no, I'm not fat - 6 ft and 13and 1/2 stone). I bet the morons who design (?) these contraptions never travel in them and I don't blame them.

[@elektricdrop]

First class seats are not much better! So much better on the HST with large leather seats

[@johnjohn6486]

Very nice trains.

[@RocketJSykes]

The most luxurious was to travel will always be the HST's First Class

[@therago-xm7lg]

Can you do VIA rails Canadian from toronto to vancoover

[@DylansTravelReports]

I will do some day!

[@DylansTravelReports]

A subscriber journey is something I've thought about and certainly something I'd be open to in the future.

[@therago-xm7lg]

@@DylansTravelReports I like that your a big youtuber but you read the peoples suggestions

[@aidanmcgregor8789]

It’s really expensive. It’s over $1000CAD a person to take it from Toronto to Vancouver.

[@stephenjenkins1058]

Preferred the hst coaches you felt you were in 1st class the seats were much comfortable. Also if you are sharing a table and the sun comes out you have a blind which covers the whole window not curtains like hst which means the sun may not be in your eyes but in the other passenger which means if they pull down the blind your view is obstructed

[@missgfaulkner]

been wanting to ride an IET for ages, finally be getting one to Newton Abbot in a few weeks! hope the windows will be a little bit cleaner at least...

[@DylansTravelReports]

Enjoy your trip 😁

[@missgfaulkner]

@@DylansTravelReports thank you, can't wait! 😄

[@6yjjk]

Looks like avoiding the end seats is a good strategy in both First and Standard. No windows, and in Standard I remember a particularly idiotic piece of trim perfectly positioned for smashing one's elbow against.

[@adamblunsdon7784]

Nice video ok that train on the 15th of September

[@gabrielstravels]

15:55 Travelling on GWR first class this weekend from Oxford to Worcester Shrub Hill (spoiler alert: vlog will be filmed), and in my case, the difference between a standard class advance single and a first class advance single was only £1.65!

[@paulhorner6811]

HST good, IET bad, that's it really....I have to say this is after several fabulous 1st class trips on the HST Pullman service...

[@grahamnancledra7036]

Like many others I don't like the IET's. Such a shame that we lost the 8 car HST's to be replaced by the 4 car "Castle" Class trains (as some call the refurbished units) These refurbished trains give a great ride. The other thing that many don't like is the 5 car units that link or split with another 5 car unit at Plymouth. On the very few "special" occasions I travel up to London or back down to Truro, I used to treat myself to a Pullman meal. Now I have to ride in the Cornwall portion to Plymouth and then change to the front portion with my baggage etc to get a place at the table. The opposite when returning to Cornwall. The ride in the IET's is nowhere near as good as HST's. I note that a few other correspondents say the same.

[@warmachineuk]

As a Reading-Paddington commuter (till the pandemic), I say the IETs are a better ride than the HSTs and I liked the HSTs already.

[@DaveDeltic]

Nearly all ride-improvement is due to infinitely improved track-work during the last decade, especially the rationalisation of point-work and the installation of continuous welded rail. It also depends on how many "flats" the wheel/tyre assemblies sustain over a period of time before being ground off.

[@ajb229]

Agreed on the lounges. I think all modern trains have hard uncomfortable seats. Funny how one carriage of the HST is still slam door

[@evilcdh]

The only real difference between 1st Class and Standard Class is the 1 + 2 configuration instead of 2 + 2. Comfort is no better and very uncomfortable after a couple of hours. Nowhere near as luxurious as the previous leather reclining seats. They oozed class. Would you fancy being allocated the seat next to a wall for 5 hours? I used to travel this route regularly in the previous rolling stock but after one journey in this new carriage I've returned to driving from St Ives to London. That says it all!

[@iankemp1131]

Evaluation of the seats may be weight-related. I have a friend who is somewhat heavier than me, travelled from Exeter to London first class and swore they would never do it again, far more uncomfortable than the HSTs. With the comfort of cars still steadily increasing, can't help feeling the railways have missed a trick here by actually reducing passenger comfort. Maybe Hitachi designed for the average Japanese.

[@Lynxfan2]

Hello Dylan, it is 125 MPH east of Exeter St Davids through to London Paddington. For your information, the section of line between Newton Abbot and Exeter St Davids along the sea wall is restricted to 75 MPH. Best wishes and take care. Kind regards, Peter Skuce. St Albans. Hertfordshire.

[@DylansTravelReports]

I only clocked the train doing 110mph between Exeter and Reading. I think it's only the portion on the GWML that's 125mph?

[@chrisshields1775]

@@DylansTravelReports I agree. 110 is the max on the Berks and Hants Line that goes from Cogload Junction east of Taunton via Westbury, Pewsey and Newbury. Joins up with GW Main Line at Reading then it is 125 to London Paddington. The GW Main lime to Bristol and Cardiff is 125 most of the way and can be done on Elrectric from the Overhead wires. Those stop at Newbury on the Berks and Hants

[@channel-0741]

It's very good review of this train😘😘😘😘

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks!

[@Gaizhun]

Heya Dylan, another cracking video from you! Well done :) Have you ever considered doing reviews on various heritage railways i.e. North Yorkshire Moors dining trains and suchlike? I know it seems a bit far fetched, but I am curious as to whether you've given it any thought?

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks! I've given it some thought. I'll maybe look into it.

[@ads1066]

Nice video as expected Dylan, disappointed to see the lounge not open and non-working powerpoints on such a new train unit. When I lived down in South Devon I would often catch "The Golden Hind" up to London and back sampling the on board full breakfast/dinner, and here the service would be first class, the fittings and ambience service appropriate. Somehow watching your video it seems the first class coach is somewhat "Democratized" and having free snacks and a paper cup of tea/coffee to me is insufficient if you have paid for a first class ticket and why wasn't the unit before being dispatched to Penzance station properly cleaned at the depot? It is a sad state of affairs we are having to travel on these anonymous "Tin Cans" like the awful Pendolino trains from Euston but progress is progress and you did mention the staff were most attentive and did their best, I wonder if the full breakfast and dinner service is still available on these units and how can they measure against the far better roomier HST pullman sets? The unit catches the overhead wires at Newbury almost three quarters into the journey as already mentioned some 4 hours from Penzance. I hope as the units settle into a regular routine, they can be utilized and deliver a service which the HST had faithfully given us for so many years and us regulars do really miss, but thank you for the video Dylan!

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed!

[@DanielsUKT]

Nice trip report not much scenery due to the typical British weather 😅 but nice journey I think the LNER and TPE ones are much better than GWR ones and a bit dissapointing the only fast bit on GWR is between London to Reading

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks! The weather is always rainy here 😅

[@DanielsUKT]

@@DylansTravelReports yes sometimes it can be annoying but it's better than the Ridclously hot summers we get there

[@lorijohnston4311]

I've found GWR to be a solid, comfortable journey. I hope to do the sleeper from London to Penzance and then a return like this one back to London in February, should Americans be able to travel in Europe by then. Quick question for you, Dylan - did you stay in Penzance or elsewhere in the Cornwall region? I'm wondering if Plymouth or Exeter are worth the stops. Love the video, Dylan! I love British trains. Thanks so much!

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks! I arrived in Penzance earlier in the day on the Night Riviera.

[@lorijohnston4311]

@@DylansTravelReports , thanks! I hope to take the Night Riviera to Penzance as well.

[@lorijohnston4311]

@TheRenaissanceman65 , thank you so much for your info! I'm hoping to visit the Cornwall area next February, dependent on the COVID situation, and was planning maybe 2 days at Penzance and Truro. Wasn't sure if anywhere else in the area was worth a stop. I considered St. Ives -- heard it's touristy, as is Land's End. Plymouth seems a good choice, at least for a small bit of time, on the way back to London. Again, thank you!

[@Horizon301.]

Lori Johnston don’t forget Bristol :)

[@lorijohnston4311]

@@Horizon301. , Bristol is worth the trip?