London to Cornwall by Sleeper Train: THE NIGHT RIVIERA

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I'm so excited to share with you my trip on GWR's amazing Night Riviera sleeper train. This overnight train conveys excellently appointed sleeper berths as well as two seated coaches. Join me as I travel from London Paddington to Penzance, taking in the lounge, shower facilities, cafe car, bed, amenities and full details of our epic journey to Britain's most southerly railway station!
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0:00 Intro
1:22 Tickets and cost
1:55 GWR First Class Lounge at Paddington
2:52 Sponsored integration with MyHeritage
4:40 Shower facilities, and the GWR Sleeper Train
7:03 Boarding the Night Riviera, and first look at the sleeper berth
8:55 Scilly Isles connections!
9:25 Lounge/cafe car
10:20 Departure at 23:45, and our route
11:18 Dropping the rear loco at Reading
12:09 Loo review
12:33 Thoughts on the berth and bed
13:59 CORNWALL!
14:40 Breakfast
15:09 GWR Night Riviera seats
15:46 Final run into Penzance
17:22 Penzance arrival, and those showers! Thanks and goodbye
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[@Paul_Lucas]

Thank you to MyHeritage for sponsoring this video! Get your own DNA kit here: bit.ly/Winginit and use coupon code: Winginit for free shipping! Merch store: teespring.com/stores/wingin-it-3 Follow me on Twitter: @paul_winginit ¦ twitter.com/paul_winginit Follow me on Instagram: paul_winginit ¦ instagram.com/paul_winginit My website: www.winginit.me

[@skedzer4803]

I like your videos!

[@jonathanirons231]

Folks. Never ever never ever give your DNA to a private company. They say they have "never sold or licenced" personal data to a government agency (elegantly *not* saying that they have never "provided" it), but they then go on to say that they will do so "if required by law". Don't do it. Just don't. Please.

[@mohammadislam2652]

Hello Wingin it paul lucas Happy Christmas day Stay Healthy And celebration Beautiful

[@matthillmedia]

I'll be honest I often ignore all the adverts we see on KZbin but this one got my interest - I'm gonna do it. My family history doesn't seem to have spread from London in my measly attempt at Genealogy, hopefully this will show my heritage as something a bit more varied 🙂

[@d.raysturges7795]

When I am about to leave Britain to return to the USA, I use my BritRail 1st class pass to take a day train to Penzance, and then take the Night Riviera back to Paddington. After spending some time in the 1at Class Lounge, I catch the Heathrow Express to Terminal 5. It saves me an hotel expense in London, and is a lot more scenic and enjoyable. Having done this about ten times, it is a very good way to wind up a trip.

[@paulchamberlain2067]

Am doing the same in about 3 weeks, day train down night train back to Paddington….very much looking forward to it!

[@chrism7395]

@@paulchamberlain2067 get a window seat on the left hand side (facing the direction of travel) for the best views

[@YmrMom42]

Clever! Thanks for the tip!

[@jamespsyfer]

@@paulchamberlain2067Paul, what was your outlay in total please? I’m thinking of trying that out also.. sounds like a nice round trip ! 👍👍👍

[@paulchamberlain2067]

@@jamespsyfer I had a Britrail pass from Australia for 1st class and paid a surcharge for the cabin…think the surcharge was 75 quid

[@marvwatkins7029]

The ideal is to take the sleeper one way, and day train the other so as to not miss out on all the beautiful coastal scenery (weather permitting).

[@stan8364]

This is what I did, Good advice👍

[@fayesouthall6604]

Exactly Penzance to Exeter is beautiful

[@LessAiredvanU]

Living near Penzance, I would take the sleeper to Paddington. I understand that you can stay onboard for an extra hour or so, which means you miss the height of the rush hour in London. I would not want to miss the beauty of Cornwall on the other way, and Devon and Somerset have some decent sights also.

[@Clutching.My.Pearls]

Now that's a smart move!

[@PokhrajRoy.]

6:27 Geoff Marshall and Paul Lucas are Co-Chairpersons of the Slide-y Window Slammy Door Appreciation Society. 😂

[@simonbaker6962]

I did this trip a few years back. It is superb throughout. I then flew up to Aberdeen from Newquay and took the Caledonian back to London. A fab 2 day trip.

[@herenow6953]

That sounds like a fab trip!

[@JC-il6ps]

Which sleeper did you rate higher?

[@davidp1288]

That’s a great trip. I believe that Logan air are no longer doing the trip from Newquay to Aberdeen (via Manchester) which is a pity.

[@simonbaker6962]

@@JC-il6ps The caledonian employed the old carriages, and they were quite cosy. However the riviera oustrips the new cale train all day long.

[@broadsword6650]

I guess the "uncomfortable bar stools" are actually more like a padded post to brace yourself against while standing at the bar when the train is in motion! 😅

[@andrewshakespeare2691]

Intended to keep you tilted forward and not comfortable. If you sit back and relax, you'll probably drink more slowly, and thus not spend as much Same reason a lot of pubs provide few seats and play music too loudly to enable easy conversation. They want you to keep buying more drinks. The last thing they want is for their customers to relax!

[@Chief_Brody]

or for homosexuals?

[@Useaname]

Haha

[@questionmark9819]

I had no idea that there were sleeper trains from London to Cornwall, the most beautiful place in the world! Thanks 😊

[@martharetallick204]

Indeed!

[@willlyons9823]

Can't believe you didn't close the door behind you! Tut! 🤣

[@englishfuguefan6685]

We used to use the sleeper, when the children were young, for getting up to London and Heathrow. But that was some years ago when they used to have the Plymouth Sleeper Coach which you could board at 9pm and was picked up when the train came through at midnight. Sadly that service was terminated for cost cutting reasons. It was such fun!

[@DarthReluctant]

Back in 2016, I took the train down to Penzance, stayed the night, and then came back the next night on the Night Riviera. An excellent journey on all points!

[@skedzer4803]

Cornwall seems like a lovely place, might want to go there sometime.

[@Drdee1]

Hi Paul, I've done the first class daytime riviera down to Penzance with a three course meal - delicious by the way! My neighbours use the night sleeper to get down to their friends in Cornwall and I was wondering what the experience was like. Thanks for another great video

[@stephenbaker7079]

My wife and I took a sleeper train from London to Penzance on the evening of our wedding in 1971. It was a very exciting journey and a novelty to be woken up to breakfast brought to us about 6am!

[@1973Washu]

Sleepers are always a treat. You save money on a hotel stay and arrive somewhat refreshed in the morning to wherever you are going.

[@YARROWS9]

The one to fort William is lovely. Once you enter the Highlands it's stunning.

[@RushfanUK]

If I had to pick one of the two sleeper services it would be the Caledonian, it may be more expensive but the double bed, en-suite shower and toilet along with a more extensive menu would swing it with me along with the Scottish scenery along the way.

[@FalconsEye58094]

Look how magnificent your station is and how they decided to keep a historic area used by the queen available as an additional area for guests, unlike here in America who built equally as great structures and decided they were of no importance anymore

[@rowanmorgan457]

Fantastic video Paul. One of your absolute classics.

[@rowanmorgan457]

@@Janus-fn2uz oh my actual God. Go to bed already.

[@AdamSlatopolsky]

Thanks for your video, Paul. I'm loving it. I miss so much when night trains used to be a quite popular way of travelling. Hope you had a great time!

[@simmer484]

The burritos from BarBurrito are very tasty. The first class lounge at Paddington is deceptive. When you walk in don't turn in to where the food is. Keep walking and you will get to the beautiful waiting room featured in this video. I used the night train after an evening drinking in london. I didn't have a room but the bigger seats are easy to doze off in. The slow rolling makes it a very gentle ride. It's very peaceful. Many people just sleep across the row of seats to save money on a room. The lounge bar was shut due to some issue so the train manager gave me a load of free snacks. I highly recommend this train.

[@jtb52]

I used to run the buffet car on the Manchester to Penzance summer night trains..nice memories

[@jlhutto]

timing is impeccable, get to experience this exactly 1 week from today

[@M94K]

I must admit as I've used GWR before it's a nice train journey down ! Great scenery and smooth journey.

[@catherineallen6024]

Based on this video, we planned a fortnight of night train and long distance train travel through the continental Europe to end in Penzance with a beach holiday. It didn't quite go to plan, in that the berths were booked out and we didn't get beach weather - but - the day train was a glorious trip in both directions and we absolutely loved Penzance which (as non-UK people) we hadn't really heard of before your video. Thank you for the inspiration! We enjoy all your videos, but this one was a particular treat and inspired a great holiday!

[@TheMaartian]

Fun video. Thanks. A couple or three things you didn't mention about Paddington Station. 1) It's the terminus for the Heathrow Express. 2) There's a bar at the top of the escalator where you can grab a pint or two of London Pride before 3) checking into the hotel that is part of the station. I don't know who is managing it now, but 20+ years ago, Hilton renovated it after it had fallen into disuse. I was a Hilton Diamond at the time, so got their best room each of the many times I stayed there. Lots of good restaurants and shops and Hyde Park are an easy walk from Paddington, which makes that hotel a great place to stay. And being able to simply jump on the Heathrow Express saves a lot of time and cab fare.

[@pnwlion9337]

Put the coffee on its “wingin it” time 👏 👏

[@Dodilafir]

I took the cross country from Newcastle to Penzance in 2011 it was fantastic...

[@TheRareVideosXL]

What a scenic journey and an amazing video.

[@tamsime1629]

Great stuff! Everyone using this service should watch this video before travelling. I've regularly used the Caledonian sleeper but never this one but now quite tempted. I've used the day service but sleeper travel is entirely different. I do miss the Scotland to the West Country service which I did use, including once taking the car with me. Long time ago but pleasant memories. Thanks for efforts.

[@imgoodatmoaning9561]

I took this train about 10 years ago when I was taking a 4 year old child. I didn’t fancy spending 8 hours on a day train trying to keep her entertained. It worked out great as she fell asleep within minutes and woke up not long before the last stop. I slept terrible in the upper bunk but at least no stress from having a toddler with me.

[@ZStarGalaxy]

Is there something to stop them falling out of the bottom bunk?

[@imgoodatmoaning9561]

@@ZStarGalaxy no there wasn’t. She actually fell out of the bed onto the suitcase that I’d put on the floor next to the bottom bunk. Didn’t hurt herself and didn’t even wake up so I just put her back in the bed.

[@ryanfrisby7389]

Excellent trip report Paul!😸

[@hoof2001]

Unlike the Caledonian sleeper, it doesn’t fail constantly. Hopefully the Scottish Government follow through and sack Serco next year. All respect for reporting Victoria’s waiting room and the shower facilities at both PAD and Penzance: no other blogger has reported on this.

[@Rocky-lh4od]

Absolutely love this Paul what a nice surprise ❤

[@barvdw]

This was actually my first night train I took in sleeper (I had taken come CNL before in couchette, but that's not the same), a lone December morning some 10 years ago. Walked through a rainy Cornwall from Penzance to somewhere halfway to St Ives (luckily, there was one of those rare buses for the last end, my clothing and shoes were absolutely soaked). Because I don't like the early arrival in London, I prefer to take this train going out. I want to check out the refurbishment, but it definitely looks worth it.

[@edwardharvey418]

People may have said this already, but the upper bunk is much wider. Sometimes it can be locked away but the steward will unlock it if you ask.

[@stewartbrodie1720]

Agreed. As @Wingin’ It! Paul Lucas pointed out, the jutting out bit does make the lower bunk quite a bit narrower. When I travelled, the steward looking after my carriage told me that you should be able to add a special request for the top bunk be made up in advance instead of the lower one. I'm definitely doing that next time.

[@marsha1963]

Thanks for such well made, cheerful and pleasant videos.

[@AAA77444]

Definitely a winner train for me👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@jodydorsett8726]

I was thinking during the early boarding segment "I'd be straight to bed".

[@deletebilderberg]

Wonderful! I’m an unapologetic 🚂 🤓

[@IndobanglaTrain]

Amazing place.

[@BLUEsurf63]

Lovely video Paul, nothing like a train journey to Cornwall.

[@jeffreyamernick9810]

Awesome Wrangler shirt from my town of Greensboro, North Carolina! Thanks for the great content Paul. Safe travels as always.

[@dsdonovan]

Another great travel adventure! Thanks for letting us live vicariously!

[@moobaz8675]

What a lovely civilised way to travel. One to add the list 👍

[@Chuck-Pat]

Looks cozy !

[@PokhrajRoy.]

I am a huge fan of the Caledonian Sleeper because I’ve seen videos and would love to travel in it one day.

[@jo.s7993]

If you do the Plymouth to Penzance route in May, you get a real treat. The route is lined (or was) with very high Rhododendron bushes which come into full bloom around this time. I know they are considered a menace by gardeners & landscapers alike, but they make for a stunning & magical journey in this particular context loaded with pink & lilac flowers.

[@swampophelia2098]

I love the idea of sleeping in a bed on a train, the movement of the train would give me a good nights sleep

[@philipareed]

I live in Westbury and sometimes see this train trundling along the avoiding line over on the embankment in the fields opposite the house. A really good video 👍👍

[@pbnygiants]

From one Paul to another, great video.

[@mikeharland3358]

Glad to know we have something that is incredible.

[@marionbloom1218]

I used to use this service quite often up until about ten years ago, travelling to St Austell for business with English China Clays. I always loved it. Such a good night's sleep, comfy bed, and in those days they offered a fairly ok microwaved ready-meal in the bar car if you wanted it. The cost of the sleeping berth was economical compared to paying for an hotel room overnight, and of course saved six hours or so of my waking time by travelling whilst asleep. The cabins look still as they did in those days, although they have clearly refinished them in the interim. Not having an en-suite toilet is more of a problem now I am older and have to get up in the night to go! But only a minor inconvenience. I always felt so at home when I got into my snug little cabin! And the gentle rocking of the train is so soporific - I think like being back in the womb! So sleep is no problem. Waking up at (I think) around 6:30 to be ready to alight at St Austell was a bit early, but well rested. This is such a civilised way to travel for business, being moved whilst you are asleep is the next best thing to having an instant teleporter to travel in! And vastly less stressful than going on the aeroplane. I always used to come back on the afternoon service, which gives a nice ride along the coast. I miss that journey! Since then I've often used the sleeper to Scotland, when it used the same carriages, but not used it since the new rolling stock was introduced.

[@walterfillingham]

Seems better value than Caledonian Sleeper and although older looks a better more solid service.

[@Mat-eq8mk]

Great vid! I took this train a while back and loved it. The only downside is that the trip is too short to get a good night's sleep, especially as they wake you well in advance of Penzance.

[@barvdw]

Better than the Lowland Caledonian, though.

[@Canarywharfdebz]

Brill video and it has inspired me to visit Cornwall! When I was a kid we always used to take a sleeper train to the continent. This was prior to the channel tunnel. I loved sleeping on the train! Flying is great but I still love train journeys.

[@deanharber3651]

Another great video Paul so informative thank you 👌🤙

[@truebrit3578]

I first took the NR sixty odd years ago and have over the years taken it several times. For me, at least for connecting to the Scillies, it is the best option.

[@declanjoyce8640]

What a lovely video.... Thanks Paul.....

[@francisflood8921]

Very nice, Paul... as always!

[@bobgriffiths6600]

Another great trip report. Many thanks. I’ve done the journey by day train, think this will be my next adventure.

[@satyris410]

That sink will look mighty tempting at 3am...

[@Jammy_dodger-1]

Red bull express. Used 2 see the inbound at Reading around 6 am but about 25 years ago. Still the same manky old 47’s. Learn them at Saltley. Webby was my instructor. Happy days.

[@jacquelinecrouch1983]

Great and informative video, thanks for posting this Paul

[@dazzlingdaz187]

Loved this from the slam doors to the view from the rear of the train, its unique. 40 quid seems great value for a room for the night, did you have a good night's sleep? PS love the shirt!

[@johncburke2517]

Another excellent, insightful video, I will add this wonderful experience to my bucket list 👍

[@jamessmith6402]

Absolutely excellent video really enjoyable 👍 thanks Paul

[@Paul_Lucas]

Thanks James! 👍

[@clairemccallumgibney]

Excellent as always thank you.

[@ravsingh1576]

Hi Paul, just came across your channel today. Great video and excellent footage. Thanks for sharing your journey.

[@YemenDaddy]

We love you Paul

[@Somesayilooklikepeterkay]

Great video yet again Paul this train is one of the journey's on my bucket list along with the Caledonia sleeper and the Gerald of Wales

[@Paul_Lucas]

What a list! Hope you get to take them all soon.

[@MrStuartAllan]

Great video Paul, one for my bucket list.

[@flyer1658]

Really enjoyed this thanks Paul

[@PED1010]

What another great video Paul 👍

[@thermometredupochard]

Thank you for a very interesting documentary on this! Keep up the good work!

[@Missfrankiecat]

The last two times I have travelled on this service (post pandemic) we have boarded quite a bit later and near to departure time; I also noticed that both times there were passengers who thought they had booked a cabin and hadn't, so I think some people find the website booking system for the sleeper a little confusing - basically you book a ticket to travel on the service and then go on separately to book a cabin. I agree about the narrow berths - it is quite tight for men and fatter women! Still a great option.

[@CodeDeb]

I took this train only I didn’t have a cabin. The ride was endless and I spent most of the time sitting in the cafe car

[@henningrossbalson8394]

I took this train just ten days ago. I can confirm that it is an extraordinary train, very comfy way to travel. It saves a whole day of your holidays and is cheaper than a hotel room in either London or Penzance. Snacks, water, tea and coffee in the lounge car are free. It's only Softdrinks & alcohol you'll be charged for. Our train went in top and tail constellation (loco on both ends) all the way to Penzance.

[@davidlawmon1058]

amazing and you dont waste a day travelling. wake up and you on holiday done it twice now definitely the way forward

[@doctorsocrates4413]

Looks very exciting.

[@anearangies2969]

Brilliant!

[@Clutching.My.Pearls]

Definitely would take the night train! Great journey and video. Thanks!

[@lawrenceakini7278]

Thanks for this vlog. Safe travels. Cheers.

[@peterbrameld696]

A great review, thank you.

[@geecee3478]

I so wanted to see the bacon roll and/or croissant for breakfast...

[@jeremysmith4437]

Great video I live with n Cornwall and the sleeper is vital for business because you can work all day and then travel overnight ready for the following day

[@shoibaford]

thanks for a well produced programme i did not know there was a sleeper on this route its on my list now next time i am back in the UK

[@richardsanders4624]

Excellent Video-Summery 😀👍

[@LotusLady9]

Thanks Paul🌞

[@bethfrazier414]

Beautiful !

[@rezaalan3991]

Great trip. Both between Daytrip Train and Night Train is excellent, hope I can try them in the future.

[@garethlewis3647]

Day train for me though it's nice to see what happens on the night train.

[@martharetallick204]

Took the day train while I was a college student. Highly recommend it.

[@matthillmedia]

Thank you so much for this Paul. We have be trying to decide which to do first - this or The Caledonian, then there's the opportunity to do London to Brussels to Berlin, decisions decisions but think we'll go for this option, I haven't been on a slam door train in many years. Some of those camera shots were fab btw, pulling out of Reading and the Viaduct are my particular favourites. Happy New Year & travels in 2023. Thank you for all of your wonderful videos. Matt

[@Bad_Karma1968]

Great vlog as always Paul

[@marilyntaggart1220]

I love your videos! You do your ads so much better than others. Your voice is very nice to listen to for a video!

[@michaelsansom6]

Excellent!

[@fayesouthall6604]

As I’ve gone by day so often I’d definitely like to try the sleeper

[@lorijohnston4311]

I am most definitely doing this on my next trip to the UK. My plan is to take the sleeper in one direction and the daytime train in the other so I can experience the views and the sleeper. Looks like a wonderful, comfortable service. Thanks for sharing with us!

[@arfabarmcake2776]

Great video as usual 👍

[@vmaxlegends549]

Always looking forward to your great videos which always lift my mood. Love from India

[@Paul_Lucas]

So glad! Thanks for tuning in!