Is This Really Britain's Best Sleeper Train?

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I took a ride on Britain's other Sleeper train, the Night Riviera Sleeper Train, to find out if it's really Britain's best sleeper train.
My Caledonian Sleeper video: • 13 Hours on the UK'S L...
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[@stevewaite6461]

My wife and I travelled to London from Cornwall on the sleeper for our honeymoon, this was during the hot summer in 1976 and she unlocked every lock and opened every door in the cabin having a good look around. We finally got to bed and got on with honeymoon stuff when we could hear a clicking sound, then suddenly the wall opened up and 2 guys in the next cabin stepped in, stopped and backed out so quickly that they shut our jackets in the wall. I had to knock on the cabin door to get them to re open the wall and rescue the coats.

[@johnnyboy3949]

Remeber that sleeper passengers also get to use the showers in the first class lounges in paddington and penzance as well! Which is good and I would recommend making use of them!!!

[@richardwilliams5442]

What's my channel penna Magog Tower House Palmer done go to sleep horses lifeboat boots slippers what is a goat Marina the g Farm applies sheep pictures don't beat train stations trains tractors mountains beach Richard williams

[@jimsteinway695]

@@richardwilliams5442 was that English? I know the words were but they weren’t connected very well

[@kennztube]

@@richardwilliams5442 sorry what???

[@frankdsouza2425]

@@richardwilliams5442 Fret not, Richard. For everyone's a fruit and nutcase, though I have to admit, you are in the running for first prize.

[@IH8stpdppl]

@@richardwilliams5442 did you just have a stroke?

[@lucascalma605]

To me, this feels like we're on a business class on a plane rather than a train! That's just a really beautiful suite onboard!

[@Stuie2210]

Living way down in Cornwall this is a great service, particularly when flying out of Heathrow. It is a good way to avoid having to travel up the day before and price wise is comparable to airport hotels and Heathrow Express provides a good link.

[@coover65]

From an Australian POV, it seems ironic to have a "sleeper" train for such a short journey. Very nice though. Anything we have is pale in comparison and ridiculously expensive, like a $7,000 Adelaide to Darwin trip or the outdated Spirit of the Outback.

[@ce1834]

Hope the new train order from CAF replace the XPT sleepers with actual sleeper cars

[@Whitewingdevil]

The Perth to Sydney trip, the indian pacific, is actually pretty reasonably priced for what you get, 2000 aud in the cheapest sleeper for a 4 day, 3 night journey with all food and drink provided, plus excursions along the way. I'm actually planning to take it myself sometime next year.

[@arokh72]

Too true. The 2 overnight services I'm familiar with, here on the east coast, are Sydney - Melbourne at around 11 hours, and Sydney - Brisbane at 14 hours. Sydney - Dubbo, for example, at 7 hours isn't a sleeper train. The Indian Pacific and The Ghan aren't designed to be commuter style services, and are luxury travel experiences, thus don't really count IMO.

[@arokh72]

@@ce1834 I have heard they are not going to have sleeper services on these. I'm old to remember the XPTs didn't have sleeper services at the beginning, though air travel then was quite more expensive and price wise the train and flight were somewhat comparable. I'm just disappointed the NSW Govt didn't go for any of 'pendillo' sets, which would reduce travel times.

[@jamieleemcculloch7486]

The longest sleeper service in the uk is the Caledonian sleeper at 15 to 16 hours from London to Inverness and fort William Edinburgh Glasgow Aberdeen

[@janettesinclair6279]

That was a very civilised way to travel (except for the queue for the loo). My worst sleeper journey was in the 1960's in a twin berth sharing with a stranger who kept lighting up cigarettes all night. You can imagine the fug of smoke in one of those tiny roomettes!

[@hoof2001]

Shame that you didn’t get to see Queen Victoria’s waiting room at the 1st Class Lounge in Paddington, or weren’t told about the proper showers for Sleeper passengers at Penzance station (foc). Strand up ones, not perched on the lavatory ones as on the Caledonian - when they’re working of course. Great video as always.

[@haroldofcardboard]

wow. i took this train and had no idea about the showers in penzance. i took this train in 2020 and hadnt washed in about a week. i could have used that shower badly.

[@egpx]

I'm going to have to try this. I've done the Caledonian Sleeper twice and whilst having breakfast whilst passing over a snowy Rannoch Moor was a magnificent experience, I didn't get a decent night's sleep despite having been upgraded to the Caledonian Double. Despite them being supposedly state of the art, the Mk5 coaches have a terrible ride quality and all the bouncing around makes the cabin fittings creak and rattle all night. Just looking at this video, it is obvious that the old refurbished Mk3 coaches give a much better ride on the Night Riviera.

[@benjaminsnell3393]

Back in 2019 I took the train from Wales up to Edenborough down to the lake district, down to Liverpool then to Scarborough missed the last train in Leads and sleeped in the station, then down to London and out to Heathrow to catch a flight back to NYC. It was very fun.

[@video125com]

You've hit the nail on the head. MK 3 sleeper much smoother than the Caledonian MK 5s.

[@Trektrendy]

Adding this to the list. Great video mate :)

[@KevinJones-qp9er]

Also enjoy your vids ,subscriber 😉 Tokyo train first class just watched

[@noelphilips]

Awesome, thank you!

[@tomhami]

Try the lounge car for pre bed drink and remember there are great modern hotel style showers in the lounges both at Paddington and Penzance. Look forward to your repot on this too.

[@_Username__]

I took a £20 train from London to Dover, so I find £135 is too much for me

[@ayethein7681]

@@noelphilips One of my guilty pleasures of GWR from Paddington was turning up early and spending time in the Gentlemens' club of the 1st class lounge.

[@michaelscott7166]

When I made the same journey last year you could book a shower in the First Class lounge at Penzance for when you arrived which was nice. Not sure whether or not you got unlucky or GWR have rammed up the prices but it only cost me £80.

[@marys6800]

I have always loved trains, especially steam trains with the compartments, but I would feel disappointed having to sleep for most of a train journey. My grandfather was a boilermaker on the railways and my son, his great grandfather's namesake, is an engineer and team leader with the railways.

[@smashoklw]

From the US, I am astounded that any FirstGroup company could do things so well. My wife worked for them for years and in their operations over here they cut corners left and right. I love train travel and that sure looked nice, nicer than anything over here. Looking forward to riding the OBB NightJet this fall.

[@TrainDriverSam]

Worst thing FG did was go abroad. Should have just stuck within the UK.

[@superted6960]

As has been said elsewhere, the Night Riviera uses refurbished Mark 3 stock. Whilst there's some age on it now, they're amongst the best (if not the best) stock the UK has produced, in terms of passenger comfort. Not surprising then you had a good night's sleep.

[@alanmichael5619]

Having recently done this journey from plymouth to paddington and it was a genuinely lovely experience - it's really good for when you have a flight. Fun fact: The first class lounge in Paddington was once Queen Victoria's personal waiting room.

[@AndyWoodger]

My wife and I are taking the Caledonian Sleeper to Aberdeen in December, so it was interesting the comments you made about it. The Night Riviera seems like good value, although no ensuite facilities. Another great video.

[@lorijohnston4311]

I'm so glad you reviewed the Night Riviera, Noel! I have this journey on my bucket list for the next time I visit the UK. I'm happy to hear that it's smoother than the Caledonian Sleeper (I agree with you that while comfortable, it's not particularly smooth) and an enjoyable ride with solid sleep. Will you be showing us any of Penzance?

[@tomhami]

The smooth quiet ride is down to GWR continuing to use and invest in their fleet of Britsh Rail mk 3 sleeper carriages built in the 80's. They are quieter and smoother than the Spanish built mk 5's used on the Scottish sleeper and not full of tech that can break down. You should have check out the lounge car for a pre bed drink!

[@lorddarlo6194]

Ah Spanish things not being well made here in the West Midlands the Trams which are made by CAF have been out of service twice to three times for Cracks they are currently out of Service for Cracks which were found eairler in the Year/late last year I don't use it despite it going to Wolverhampton which Is where I commute through I get the bus which near enough follows it expect it deviates to serve my town.

[@haroldofcardboard]

i took this train in 2020 was a lotta fun. nice to see your detailed review and fond reminders.

[@MrMecabih]

when you said the prices i was left stunned. No wonder why trains from to Cornwall and Devon are carrying air most of the time. Just checked a train from Torquay to Paddington in next week. 146 pounds! Taxi is cheaper! :O Flybe used to fly from Exeter to London City for 39quid. They are killing this form of transportation winding their price up like crazy! Absolutely nobody here chosing train over car to travel from Torquay to the North or London. Advance fare to Manchester from Newton Abbot is 170 quid. It is cheaper to fly from Exeter to Malta and catch flight from there to Manchester than using a train!

[@frankdsouza2425]

Noticeable that not one person from the tail companies can be found to respond to legitimate observations such as the one you have made.

[@scottevans2685]

This seems to be the case all over Europe (driving long distances being cheaper than taking the train the equivalent distance). Makes ZE-RO sense whatsoever.

[@steelspark115]

Noel, I absolutely love your train videos and would LOVE to see more of them but I had a question for you. Would you ever consider doing a "Full Ride" train video like you've done with your full-flight videos? Either way I love your videos Noel and can't wait for the next one. Cheers from Seattle!

[@briana6887]

I never been on a plane once and watching you travel is amazing

[@Gruezi583]

Have wanted to come to the UK for the sole reason of taking this trip to Penzance. I remember watching a beautiful video of that town. Best wishes from the U.S

[@Purely-Flight]

Congrats on 300k subscribers Noel! Keep up the great work!

[@noelphilips]

Thanks a ton!

[@thomasmcanea8531]

Noel, if you're willing to put a 'Big king' in your mouth then you need not worry about "wiping down the bacon". Great video, thanks.

[@Ashwin-zg7rt]

Noels fav part of any trip video - when he looks fwd to a little bit of sleep 😂

[@williamgriffis8733]

Great way to finish my Easter Sunday! Awesome video Noel. Looking forward to traveling to England. I do want to ride the rails. Happy Easter from the United States!

[@simondlatham5939]

Great video as ever Noel, however, you forgot to mention the shower rooms @ Penzance that sleeper passengers get to use upon arrival

[@Clivestravelandtrains]

I enjoyed this as I'm travelling to Penzance next month using a rail rover ticket, and going via London and the sleeper is definately an option compared with the cramped Cross Country trains we have to endure. Thanks.

[@niceviewoverthere4463]

Another from an Australian POV (allbeit an ex-pat), I would do that for the experience, the comfort, and lots of other intangibles. Just lovely. Trouble is, you end up without your car and rental over there is gruesome at the moment...

[@mikevale3620]

We travelled around Penzance, Lands End, St Michaels Mount by public transport no problems.

[@Bogeyboy-kz8uu]

I took both sleepers back to back about 6 years ago and I'm glad someone else felt this one was easier to sleep on

[@cabottaxi]

Great video mate . Never knew this train existed. Would have been better if you has your own private loo. Had visions of you trying to get changed for bed in the station and the window blind shooting up to the ceiling . Everyone on the platform getting an eyeful. Lol

[@lindavainomae3489]

Thanks for the review of this train - it certainly seems very quiet and smooth. I usually find it difficult to sleep on trains but this one seems worth a try!

[@wendylim1936]

Look forward to experiencing The Night Riviera this coming September!

[@JohnG1988]

Great vlog and review of the train and journey. I'm travelling from Kent to Land's End via car soon looking forward to the adventure will be stopping at Penzance for a bit.

[@noelphilips]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@ChrisBmufc]

Happy Easter from Dublin everyone!

[@simonhutchings6256]

Noel very informative vlog , It looks like the Night train is worth ago . Sadly over the last few weeks I’ve used my local SWR trains I’ve ended up on a bus replacement service 😞

[@Sam-xq8xh]

I thought SWR ran buses more than actual trains normally anyway 😂😂😂

[@simonhutchings6256]

@@Sam-xq8xh it does seem like it 😂

[@swc8544]

Regular traveller on the old night riviera. Great train and great service. That little bonus sink doubles up as a great urinal after one has had a few light ales too....

[@peterbilt3385]

That was funny, but not good!

[@swc8544]

@@peterbilt3385 Wow.....don't tell me you have never done it

[@adamtastic8848]

I think the night riviera sleeper is one of the best I have been on it many times

[@SoiBuakhaoRoutemasterbus]

You're riding on one of British Rail's MkIII coaches on this sleeper. They date from the early 1980s so are now around 40 years old! But have been refurbished, and as you found out still give an excellent ride..... First sleeper train i ever rode on (way back in 1979) was the BR MkI stock, a bit more basic but still a comfy ride, Kings Cross to Newcastle via Hartlepool. At one time there were many night sleepers all over the UK incuding from Scotland to Plymouth, that one being withdrawn at the start of privitisation as it didn't fit in with any Train Operating Company.....

[@pkurt101]

You know Noel, I'm beginning to think you really like small, cramped, confined spaces. - That's ok, so do I. I love the little cubby hole rooms they have at the Tokyo hotel airport. Have you every stayed in one?

[@grantporebski7048]

Loved Paddington the bear growing up

[@cambsy37]

I have done the night riviera, few times, when on 7 day 1st Class All Line Rover, and the MK3 Sleeper refurb is really good, and classy, and think, could have been the other way the caledonian sleeper, could have gone, I like your train vlogs the most as its way I travel, Im looking do 1st class 7 day All Line Rover in September, so will sample the Night Riviera again, The 7 day 1st Class All Line Rover,is something you should look at doing, as its unlimited UK travel for week and 1st class is £818.00 so less than a lot of your Business or 1st class flights, only extra would be sleeper berths. It’s really great ticket, throughly recommend it.

[@nickhingle5534]

Boy, that sure is a modern train. I thought it had some good lights, in the ceiling. Also, I think it’s really good that the room has a little counter spot, where the sink is located, so you can put stuff aside, like a CPAP at night, & you could eat some breakfast or something.

[@andywatterson4161]

Great video Noel! Hopefully you will have better luck than your last video from Penzance, when lockdown happened 🤞🏻

[@alankavanagh8997]

Hi Noel 👋 From Ireland 🇮🇪 watch in from Japan every week 🇯🇵 Have you ever been here? Love your videos 👍

[@jamesrichardson476]

I'm toying with the idea, one day, of going down to Penzance on the sleeper, to catch the Scillonian ferry to the Isles of Scilly - we go there whenever we can. The drawback is that we live in central southern England, and would have to go up to London to catch the train, which would be a rather roundabout trip. However, the ferry normally departs from Penzance at about 9.00 am, slightly dependent on the tides, therefore driving from home means leaving at 2.00 am. A trip via London might be preferable.....🙂

[@mattgopack7395]

Seems like the best way to make that work would be to spend a day or two in London first - also gives a nice contrast between the big city and the isles, right? :P

[@jamesrichardson476]

@@mattgopack7395 yes, although I've just discovered another alternative, which is to catch the train from Reading, which is only about 35 miles north of us. However, both directions involve pick up/set down in the very early morning, which rather defeats the object of the exercise. So London is probably the best bet - we're only about an hour from Town on the train and go there regularly for shows, concerts and the like.

[@JackCalico]

Thumbs up for the KLF t-shirt alone.

[@ogjk]

That loco and train look like they are built like military tanks compared to other trainsets. That coupled with excellent track maintenance deffinatley made for the good ride.

[@DerekArmsden]

Kompliments on the KLF T-shirt!

[@dazlebluefrogify]

nice video as always mate but you missed the best scenery with your window being on the wrong side , so you've done the" english riviera " come back to france to do the renewed "french riviera" from Paris to Nice but brink food and beers as no bar on the train

[@antharro]

British Rail Mk3 carriages. BR knew customer comfort was important when they were designed, something well known in the railway community, which you discovered for yourself. Sadly Mk3s are mostly gone from the network now, so enjoy them while they last!

[@lecochonbleu]

I'm someone who always likes older trains. I much preferred older planes too. I am definitely someone who has difficulties with change and may be more nostalgic than most also, but I think my preference for the older models is also separate to those elements of personality. I wondered Noel if you would be interested in making a video talking about the issue of whether modern trains are more efficient than older trains. We all know that planes are considerably more efficient these days than the older models, but what about trains? The South Coast sleeper train you got off looked like a monster of a piece of transport!

[@simonbird1973]

I can confirm this is the best sleeper service having used it myself!! 👍💤💤💤

[@iancharlton678]

Around 40+ years ago I rode my Honda CB550 to Paddington….. along the platform, then lashed it to the wall in the guards van. This was described as the “milk train” ? Basically, it took forever, slowly stop starting all the way to Par near St Austell…. where I got off, then on to Penzance. The carriage had a side corridor with sliding door compartments - Harry Potter style….. so I claimed one next to the guards van and slept across the doorway, ensuring my sole occupancy….. 🙂🇬🇧

[@sachabunniksglobaladventures]

Hope you had a good visit to Penzance, i always wanted to see this part of England. Your sleep looked great, we really enjoyed your review of this train trip

[@noelphilips]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@scottevans2685]

Gotta love the bilingual signs in English and Cornish.

[@nr077961]

Another great video, Noel. Keep up the good work!

[@noelphilips]

Thank you!

[@jonclassical2024]

Who knew, learned something new, a train all the way to Penzance...now on my bucket list, thanks Noel!!!

[@noelphilips]

Any time!

[@gerrysmith7773]

Loved the jamms tshirt!!👍🏻

[@johnmopperson2441]

Great video as always. Out of curiosity Noel, how did you decide to travel back? Cheers.

[@BibtheBoulder]

I think he flew to the Shetland Islands on the UK's longest domestic flight....

[@johnmopperson2441]

@@BibtheBoulder yes seen that now I posted the comment before that video was released.

[@darrenwilliams118]

You can't beat the old mk3 sleeper coaches. I once did Inverness to Euston on the old mk3s and slept all the way from Inverness to Rugby and only woken up then because I had my breakfast delivered.

[@Noeland]

Looks a lot more comfortable than some of the Amtrak sleepers we have in the states. I would never be able to travel this way though, thanks to claustrophobia.

[@jameswl2207]

That is a beautiful class 57! Worthy the compliment of smooth ride.

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Yes, I understand being away of the crowd is good!!! Thank you for sharing.

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Hahaha!!! I like the train lounge there with the nice old gentleman's sofa furniture! I still like that leather furniture sofa items. Hahaha!! I was laughing!! I am 57 years old and I am getting older! Hahaha. But in general going to the membership lounges to wait before departing is so nice!

[@LMays-cu2hp]

I was thinking about the bathroom in the sleeper room that you had as well.? I liked to have my own bathroom. But the service on this train ride is a little different! But it looks like the whole train ride looks good. Well, you got breakfast at a nice time in the morning and a nice selection!!! Coffee any morning is needed!!!! Hahahaha.. Again, thank you for sharing your cool trip.

[@philhowells7715]

Noel, How did you book the room on the sleeper please? I've tried booking various journeys low season/mid week, but can only find seats on the sleeper train available on the GWR website.

[@brentford2]

Very cool - My wife is doing this trip in May

[@ecclestonsangel]

Bendy-wendy, Noel? Is that like timey-wimey? Lol! You are too funny!

[@jonahsgang8830]

If you ever need to stay over night stay in the Hilton it’s rlly convenient you literally can walk from your train to your room it’s also a nice place in general

[@cameronbell858]

I am here for the KLF t shirt. Stayed for the train reviews.

[@paulpaxtop1580]

“ so I can wipe down my bacon before I eat it”. 😂 classic N.P. !

[@markclayton626]

That was a lovely little vid Noel, thank you 🙏

[@noelphilips]

Many thanks!

[@glendabull2118]

Come to Australia and try out our Indian Pacific,The Ghan plus the other trains,I’m afraid we cannot there out of our price range but I think you would love them..

[@davidmaclachlan]

Thanks for sharing. Looks like a fun trip.

[@moondustangel889]

Loved this video. Penzance is gorgeous. You'll have to have a Cornish pasty and a walk along the beach. Look forward to your next adventure.

[@noelphilips]

I am glad you enjoyed it!

[@lash66]

Nice to see you use the Leicester term "COB"🤓 ,but Noel your loosing your origin that was a bacon roll / baguette , either way glad you enjoyed it another great review.

[@bagnome]

Would be cool if for one of your train journey's you chartered a private railcar.

[@torgeirbrandsnes1916]

Great vlog as always. Very nice cabin at a Great price. Looking forward to the next one!

[@noelphilips]

Thanks 👍

[@trainsandmodelshungary]

Really really fond of sleeper trains 😍 can’t wait to try one in the U.K.

[@cheesegod295]

nice to see you down in the south west!

[@katiepartridge1402]

I went to Cornwall with college but can remember what year it was and I loved it but it was such a long day of traveling and I had to get 4 trains but on the way back it was 2 trains we stayed in Newquay but we travel to different parts of Cornwell

[@rayhewitt6722]

we travelled europe in 1974 on interail. me and my girlfriend hardly ever slept.so excited were we to travel through the night and arrange our cabin seats pulled together and view weather permitting a million of gods gifts sparkling in the sky. magical .

[@Neville60001]

4:31-As much as I hate to say it, Amtrak needs to learn from GWR how to create a good sleeper cabin (and maybe also VIA Rail needs to do that, too.)

[@SamsVlogstrainsmore]

Great review Noel! I would love to do this sleeper train one day.

[@noelphilips]

You should!

[@frankdsouza2425]

@@noelphilips Good to see that you do respond, Noel, even if only occasionally.

[@EMTevjorgensen]

I've ridden the Underground for a couple of weeks on trips to London and finished a 1,000 piece puzzle of the London Underground and I don't remember 'The Elizabeth Line' or the Purple Line. Is that new?

[@aspielife9323]

"Bendy Wendy"? LMAO. Makes it sound like this video is a 1970s porno. Hahah. Just made me laugh when he said that. ^_^ Bendy Wendy and the Lusty Plumber.

[@hughrcarteruk]

Noel - please also review the lounge / buffet cars when you do sleeper trains

[@user-or5vc4ni2w]

From China, there are still a lot of sleeper trains in China now, and some of them run for more than 60 hours. Normally we have 6 passengers in a room, and we also have 4 people rooms and 2 people rooms for some of the trains. If you visit China, you must try it out. They are a lot cheaper than the high speed trains.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Is it the best sleeper in the UK? I asked the same question last year when travelling in the opposite direction and I’ve since been back on the Caledonian Sleeper too. Tbh, they both have their good and bad points, it would have been good to have checked out the lounge car and filmed that, as I found it to be most welcoming and homely. Btw, when I videoed it, it was much less than the price you paid (without a railcard too) so you can do it a lot lot cheaper if, as with most rail journeys in the UK, you book well in advance.

[@gregpower833]

So weird seeing Penzance and those areas from the train. I live down this way so only see it from the roads! Looks like a good trip though!

[@ryan2manyfishburgh595]

I love the videos. - I think it’s time to do more “in town touristy to-do” videos. I’m aware that lots of other people do them - but I think yours would offer a lot. - Your sensibilities and perspective are unique and awesome.

[@ghostrider5951]

Once you get to Penzance, showers are available complete with lounge area...

[@trainsfan2114]

It’s named night Rivera sleeper it’s nice train. But wen I went Penzance I was in standclass Sleeper seats were unconfirmed standard class

[@heatherb2870]

Nice waiting lounge !!

[@markc7099]

Loved the vid Noel, thank you for sharing. 🙏

[@noelphilips]

My pleasure!

[@bacondad6960]

Don't you even joke about wiping down your bacon!!!!!!!!!! Keep up the good work!

[@88sandman]

Nice video also wanted to ask you is that Mat Berry's voice announcing 'The Loo Review's?😊

[@jamespotter3334]

Dunno about the train to Cornwall but did you get the train to transcentral. Also the MK3 sleepers are by far the best riding coaches. Same stock as the Royal train too.

[@milohunter5257]

0:51 *ON THE TOP RIGHT HAND CORNER* Good Choice 👍😏