Britain's BEST Sleeper Train - GWR's STUNNING Night Riviera Sleeper From London to Cornwall!

The Night Riviera Sleeper, operated by Great Western Railway (GWR), runs between London Paddington and Penzance as an overnight sleeper services (except for Saturdays), and has been on my to-do list for a while. Having been disappointed by GWR many times this year, I decided to give the service a go and see what it was like, especially as it was obtained for a bargain price… so join me as we experience the Night Riviera Sleeper train between London and Penzance in Cornwall!
Journey details:
Date of Travel - September 2022
Operator - Great Western Railway
Train Type - Class 57 + Mk3 loco haul set (The Night Riviera Sleeper)
Origin - London Paddington
Destination - Penzance
Price - £94.20 (Super off-peak single + room supplement, including Railcard discount of 1/3)
Duration - 8 hours, 8 minutes
Thanks for watching and I hope you enjoyed the video!
Music from EpidemicSound and is used under license.
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[@thearsenalmisfit2414]

The fact that you had to travel on a train with engines that were originally designed back in the 1960s and the passenger car are old mark IIIs from the 1970s to find comfort tells you how bad the quality of GWR has become. Not that any of the ither companies are doing much better. I use to love going to Penzance by train but not any more. The traveling environment that we get now is shockingly poor. From the rough ride quality , piss poor commuter seats on intercity services, poor build quality and harsh lighting . It all adds up to a very unenjoyable experience. The only place worse is on an airplane where the whole experience is hostile.

[@MarcsCupofTea]

Lovely in depth review. Cannot wait to do this myself as a sleeper train has been on mine (and Mrs T's) bucket list for ages. Like to do the Caledonian Sleeper but heard so many bad things about that which has put me off along with the price. Hoping to vlog it and give my verdict too 😁

[@tyzer85]

Travelled on this on Monday 3rd. It was a superb journey and the staff were amazing and friendly throughout. I would defo suggest you at least try this once!

[@mikevale3620]

I'm from Australia and I've travelled on the Night Riviera twice. So handy after touring around Penzance and the Isles of Scilly to have a meal at the pub opposite the station, which by the way will happily store for a fee your excess luggage as it can no longer be cloaked at the station. Then hop on board for a nightcap and a pleasant journey to London. Also good that you can occupy the sleeper in the platform at Paddington till around 7:30 AM.

[@thetrainkid3177]

Another train to add to my mile long bucket list!

[@EU_Red_Fox]

Same! I’m just adding so many with the most pricey being Seattle to Miami (my wallet will hate me if I can ever pull it off).

[@mall231]

​@Austin K wow that sound fun what's the name of that train

[@clivecobbold6815]

Hi mate the EX BR MK3 SLEEPER COACHES ARE the best SLEEPER coaches in the uk I have been in them many times I do not like the mk5 SLEEPER coaches please stay safe and well mate goodbye for how 3

[@Class777]

I’ve been looking at tickets for this service recently, what a coincidence! Been thinking should I, and this video has helped me so much! Thanks so much!

[@afinecity1830]

The lounge looks quite basic to me. More like a waiting room with free tea and coffee. Not a lounge by any normal standards. Train was good though!

[@andysmart2379]

Sadly he didn't show the other part of the same Lounge which is part of the original Victorian station and is like something out of a Victorian TV period drama. Fantastic room. Great place to begin your journey.

[@tomhami]

I've done it twice now, comfortable, quiet, and comparatively cheap IMHO. If only they refurbished instead or replacing the Scottish sleepers we could have had similar, reliable and value service!

[@neville132bbk]

On the 100 k line from Wellington to Masterton, NZ with its 3 early morning and 3 late afternoon "workers" trains, we have very nicely refurbished ex BR Mk 2 carriages,,, excellent lighting in 3 phases, Tables!!, power points for every person and quite comfortable seating. Racing along at an average speed of +- 62km/hr it is a pleasant way to travel,,, and now that the Gov't is holding such services to 50% of normal fares, much more affordable.

[@newbeginnings8566]

A real sad, spartan lounge.. Nothing first class about it.. A manned bar service and some decent little sandwiches or such like would be more appropriate.. Less fatty crisps and sugar filled snacks.. Paid alcohol drinks could and should be available. Better, comfortable seating and less austere is the requirement for a lounge.. It was more like a bus station waiting room.. A comfortable overnight maybe but not really a trip to take for train journey pleasure.. Good review as always.

[@michellebell5092]

I look forward to your trip on the Caledonian sleeper. I’ve done that twice , one in a berth and one just in the seats. On balance I preferred the seats ,

[@argonaut816]

My trip on the Caledonian sleeper was epic. The power lines were down so we spent the night in Euston station. But got full refund as a result. Had to rescue my partner who got lost in the Glasgow half of the train, before the split. On the return from Dundee got chatting to oil workers from Aberdeen in the lounge bar. Several whiskies later, and back in London, headed off to work. Don't think I got much done that day.

[@andysmart2379]

We traveled on this service earlier this year and were very impressed! Nice cabins, very friendly staff and the Victorian First Class Lounge on platform 1 (can be used by Sleeper passengers) was a delight; like something out of a TV period drama and includes showers. (From your comments it seems you didn't see the lovely part of the Lounge which was adjacent to the area shown in your video). The ride comfort was excellent and Class 57 hauled as well. The rear 57 comes off at Reading as the sleeper depot is at Reading West (formally serviced at Old Oak Common of course). Such a contrast to the Caledonian Sleeper, which is overpriced and less comfortable than the old Mk3 sleeper stock they used. Incidentally, Serco who run the Cally Sleeper, are losing their franchise early due to poor performance. Not surprised. By the way, like you I have been regularly unimpressed by GWR. The Night Rivera is without doubt the jewel in their rather tarnished crown. Great video.

[@amanda_wm_3261]

Loved my trip down to Cornwall on this service. Very comfy and great staff. Lovely to see Paddington bear at Paddington station too. Great video as usual. Thank you.

[@ReubenAshwell]

Brilliant video, I wanna do the Night Riviera sometime. :)

[@downonthestour]

Great Video Midland. Really need to do the GWR sleeper again soon.

[@pm4808]

The lounge at Paddington to the other side than filmed is more old fashioned with leather seats. I believe it was originally Queen Victoria's waiting room. I am not sure if it is always open though.

[@neville132bbk]

This video scrutinised from Levin NZ by me "LeviNZ". Not that I'll ever get back to the UK again but the cost of that trip at about.. NZ$180 is, I suppose, bearable to pay as otherwise you'd be hiring a rental car at ?? rates. It is certainly very much more reasonable for the same level of amenities as the Caledonian Sleeper ( viz Kuga's Travels ). Just as you were pointing out the Resident Bear at the the station, I was, at 2125 on Tues 25th, just finishing a....marmalade sandwich--true. If it's good enough for her late majesty, it's good enough for me.

[@coxjohnable]

Thank you for sharing this experience! Greetings from Germany. :)

[@vinniesuperstar8923]

was that definitely the route that you took? When I went RTT had us going via Bristol Parkway.

[@andysmart2379]

It takes the direct Penzance route as shown in the video.

[@ozmac8695]

Enjoyed this one much more than the Caledonian Sleeper videos that I’m on in 4 weeks when I’m over. How do I get the rail card for the discount? And when is the cheapest time to travel? I’m coming over with a Britrail card. Mid week or weekend? Cheers. I’ve subbed!

[@anthonywarrener1881]

Thank you for a great ride. Good to see the GWR sleeper service is still providing a quality product.

[@gftyhify]

Another KZbinr ‘daniels trip reports’ tried out this train in a seating carriage and said it was awful. Seats are not comfy enough, they don’t recline and they don’t dim the lights so sleeping is very difficult

[@norfolkngood8960]

They're standard seats so no they don't recline. If travelling that way you need an eye mask, generally night time the lights aren't as bright but did he ask them if they Could dim them or was it just a case of moan about it? If you understand what you're getting in a seat, a standard class mk3 seat you can take extras to get comfy easily enough it's quite a cost saving when I looked

[@simonpe3trie102]

I think for that price and up to around £100 . For what you get is that a quote and good enough? However, I wouldn’t like to pay anymore. But would be happy to pay much more for better quality. And ensuite. And an actual meal . Or at least the option for a proper meal. Of decent quality.

[@JJthrashing]

Great video of the GWR sleeper,I think the 57s don’t go all the way top tail formation it gets uncoupled when it reaches Reading station then gets left there for the return back to Paddington station and that will be the front loco to head out to Penzance again.

[@jessicatomlinson750]

Good 👍🏽 🎉Geoff marsh

[@jessicatomlinson750]

Ho🎉

[@KeithApp]

Rishi Rich travelled on this train two weeks ago. He visited one of the poorest areas in the country wearing a £750 backpack.

[@Sarahbryson321]

Ooh

[@arnoldspottingvideos5269]

Great video mate. I like the Riviera Sleeper they look sleek 👍

[@Bobrogers99]

I gather that the ride was smooth enough for you to sleep well. Having access to the lounges for comfortable seating and snacks before and after the trip is worth something!

[@MichaelMick-n1r]

Jackson Laura Perez Christopher Brown Patricia

[@genuinepetermorgan]

looks like a much nicer experience than my caledonian sleeper trip a couple years ago!

[@peterwhitaker4038]

i've never quite understood what first class is. so you get a bottle of water, crisps and oatmeal biscuit in an area next to where everyone else is. you get the same train as everyone else and you end up at the same destination ..not a minute earlier than the rest? oh and you pay more?

[@mikevale3620]

Yes...and you get a private cabin and don't have to mix with the noisy kids, snorers and farters all night in the sitting cars.

[@simondavey7787]

A very comprehensive review. Thank you for an excellent video.

[@Vodaph0ne]

4:05-4:08 Why would you put chairs on a wall mounted TV?

[@SteveSmithRailways]

A very comprehensive guide to the cabin and the whole journey which I thoroughly enjoyed. Definitely something that I would like to do. Maybe I'll have to wait until I'm eligible for an old person's railcard....lol. Hope you popped into town and bought a pasty. Can't come all that way and not partake in one of those.

[@dextermak]

might go on this soon i have been to penzance though

[@Doris-trainpalcode-RT777E]

Thank you for sharing. Very useful information😊 By the way I know a discount can find cheaper train tickets, if someone needs, I am happy to share ❤

[@MarioStahl1983]

This is indeed a beautiful train. Only one thing: Why on earth do I need a sleeper train for a journey that doesn't take that long anyway??

[@jamesstewart6685]

Was wanting to go to Penzance to watch Berkshire play Cornwall in a one day cricket match on a Sunday. 1st train doesn't get into Penzance until about 2 pm. OK I'll get the night riviera on Saturday night. NO, of course not it doesn't run on Saturday nights. Useless.

[@andrewbutler6477]

Recently travelled on the night Riviera at the end of may was unusual on that a mk 1 barrier coach was in the formation travelled via Yeovil and run around at Exeter the Elizabeth line is so clean modern my local station in the valleys is a platform with a bus shelter and a rubbish dump

[@zalikaandfamily]

Wow stasiunnya besar, bagus dan komplit dengan segala sarananya, terima kasih sudah berbagi

[@linesided]

Best review of the service. Thank you so much for reviewing the product instead of your ego like so many other youtube "reviews"

[@ollieperry9657]

No shower room or did I miss it?

[@aviationtrainsfc1]

18:20 fire alarm on a train?

[@barrieshepherd7694]

Yes - there have been fires over the years - mostly smokers having a quick fag thinking they won't be caught.

[@ashleyjiscool]

Sleeping + fire= oof But if you have fire alarm you escape

[@colinlambert882]

Surprised that the coach upgrades didn't replace slam doors with automatic plug doors.

[@somax1259]

you know in theory you could have mk3 sleepers with HST power cars and have a high speed sleeper train

[@EthanAfro707]

what app do you use for your speed check thing? i've been trying to find it for ages but still haven't

[@alanpearce1753]

This train was fun to travel in the sixties, and in the nineties, you never knew what was going to happen

[@phillynch3819]

Thought I had 2 videos playing during the beginning credits, dodgy!

[@johnallan4826]

In your dreams

[@chrisgironde6669]

There is, or was, the original older 1st class lounge to one side of what you were in at Paddington

[@michaelstaley2241]

This is a quality service very good content.👍🏻

[@slly8611]

The crazy thing is that the berth you were sleeping in was the exact same as my berth 😅

[@christopherhood9241]

certainly better value and far more comfortable than the Caledonian sleeper

[@andrewhutchinson36]

Hmm Very different from my experience of GWR!! As a Salisbury resident, my GWR travel is largely confined to the Cardiff Portsmouth route, You wont be surprised to know that the mere utterence of "GWR" makes me feel sick. My son has christian them "Gulag Trains". My verdict on GWR is that they are by far the worst operator. But I am willing to concede that this is based almost exclusively on the Cardiff Portsmouth experience. Perhaps the bigger question is why such a heavy trafficked route like Cardiff Portsmouth offers such a poor service. Overcrowded, unreliable late running trains, even in off peak hours. Why is Cardiff Portsmouth always the poor relation? This was true even back in the 1970s. I am thinking it has more to do with Railway history and tradition rather than any contemporary commercial decision.

[@grangetowncardiff6935]

Try Manchester to Cardiff with TfW. Absolute shambles. And they lie to you.

[@corpsimmons575]

16:57 What app is that? That looks like a sick speedometer app

[@shirellx5471]

I’m wondering the same thing

[@finleymcmahon3647]

It’s called speedmeter

[@mudchute4dlr]

@@finleymcmahon3647there are loads of apps called speedmeter, which one

[@ozbolli]

Nice video mate.

[@martinhall60]

Very interesting and informative video. Well done sir 👍

[@mustapha_transport]

at 6:15 what app did you use?

[@1292liam]

good question, sadly he doesn't seem to do answers

[@dandavidson4717]

Looks like it’s just Google maps.

[@thetrainandbusspottertflgw3669]

Please can you do the British pullman please

[@jacobporrett]

Never been on any sleeper service before. Looks good.

[@andrewharrison5983]

I know that a lot of the younger generation may not have been on slam door trains, but even the thickest of the snowflakes should be able to open a Mk3 door! As for the comfort of the seats, nothing built since the Mk3 is comparable. Pendolino and Azuma seating is awful. The Mk2D, E & F are still better than anything other than the Mk3.

[@andysmart2379]

Agree but there are issues regarding the crash worthiness of Mk3s as they don't meet today's standards; and calls for them to be withdrawn from the mainline, including HSTs. That would be a sad day.

[@barrieshepherd7694]

@@andysmart2379 Probably calls from the Rolling Stock Leasing Companies and rolling stock manufacturers?

[@andysmart2379]

@@barrieshepherd7694 Yes quite probably. The unions are also calling for their withdrawal. Problem is the 156s, 158s etc etc also don't meet current standards so any such decision has big implications. By contrast, the report into the Stonehaven HST derailment said that the Mk3s stood up well to the crash and modern stock would have fared little better (paraphrasing here).

[@barrieshepherd7694]

@Andrew Harrison Nothing wrong with the Mk4 coaches IMHO - initially yes, ride was terrible, but damping and bogie tuning solved that.

[@Great_WesternTVFan]

I'm from the younger generations and I travelled on the slam door trains.

[@strongbow310]

What about the parliamentary train

[@Westlondontransportguy7045]

Can you review the ato on the district line

[@thetrainandbusspottertflgw3669]

Ok now I really wanna go in that

[@berillyispog]

Chiltern railways operates to paddington as well.

[@Great_WesternTVFan]

Not anymore.

[@mudchute4dlr]

wasnt that just a single ghost train?

[@kieranl8181]

Still got slam doors

[@mudchute4dlr]

SLIDEY WINDOWS, SLAMMY DOORS!

[@xr6lad]

Tbh the Paddington statue: come on. Obviously very little thought gone into finding a location with 2 hulking bins right next to it. Great photo : you can capture trash at the same time. The entire set up looks poorly thought out.

[@trainrover]

so: you're 1st gen British, right? wherefrom do your roots originate then, pray tell?

[@DIEMLtdTV]

Talking about Paddington, I stayed at the Hilton London Paddington last year and it was superb. I even got a room with a good view of the station so made the most of it…. A night at Paddington Station (in 10 seconds) kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJbch5uVoZl0mbs