Sleeper Train from Penzance to London | GWR's Night Riviera Sleeper

After a lovely afternoon walking through the Penwith Peninsular in Cornwall, it's now time to bid goodbye to the South West aboard GWR's iconic Night Riviera sleeper train.
so many people have said what a good service it is, that I really feel that it is about time that I try it for myself. so join me as I sleep my way to London!
Departure: Penzance, England, UK
Destination: London Paddington, England, UK
Cost:
+ Super Off-peak standard class single (Penzance to London Paddington) with 1/3 railcard discount: £52.10 / €60,90
+ Single Cabin supplement: £58.00 / €67,80
Date of Travel: May 2023
Operator: Great Western Railway
Motive power: Class 57 diesel locomotive hauling BR Mark 3 sleeping cars
Thank you to everyone that supports the channel by subscribing, liking, commenting or just watching these videos. I really appreciate it!

[@andywillis2650]

What a great video Johnny. Fantastic welcome from the member of staff at Penzance, added bonus of 2 breakfasts, and showers at either end. Definitely on my bucket list ! :)

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@andywillis2650 undoubtedly the best sleeper service in the UK. The facilities at the stations is exactly what a traveller needs at the start of a day. And yes, the staff were wonderful 😀 Thanks for watching 👍

[@Timstravels01]

Thoroughly enjoyed this. What a credit to GWR their staff are; that sort of customer care really makes all the difference.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes Tim it really does. I had a great journey thanks to the staff at GWR Thanks for watching another. Keep travelling! 👍

[@ampersand.]

There`s always an extra sense of anticipation with a night train, isn`t there. And what lovely staff you encountered :) Thanks for the top quality vid, we really enjoy your work.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes. There's always something about boarding a night train. Oh, and the staff really were wonderful. They also made it extra special Thank you, as ever, for the kind words 👍

[@Del-bm]

Another great trip report, thanks for sharing with us

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

And thank you for watching another! 👍

[@michaelstaley2241]

Yes staff very obliging looks an impressive product…👍🏻

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes. It is great! Thanks for watching 👍

[@ChaimkeProductions]

love it. no goofyness or special effects just straight to the point grear and informative

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you, that is very kind. 👍 Of course, the lack of special effects could just be down to me not being able to work out how to do them in my edit software 😉

[@FunnierIrishPerson]

Amazing, I was on the Caledonian Sleeper when I was visiting England before. Never been on the night riviera, must try it sometime.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Do it! Highly recommended. As I say in the video, having the lounges and showers at both London and Penzance are a real winner. 👍

[@walterfillingham]

From watching a few KZbin videos of both Caledonian Sleeper and Night Riviera, I’m of the opinion The Night Riviera although older is much nicer than the Caledonian Sleeper. I believe it’s also more affordable, living in Inverness we tend to look at the Caledonian Sleeper as being unaffordable and really just for the tourists (and local members of parliament!). Though as I haven’t traveled on either, I cannot really give my opinion. Fantastic video as always

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

For me, it would be the Night Riviera with the Caledonian bed! But it the end, the Night Riviera is useless if you want to go to or from Scotland, so it isn't a choice you can make. I did Inverness to Euston and as I recall it cost me, with a railcard, under £150. If you need to be in London first thing in the morning then I think compares OK with a flight and hotel. However, I have seen some very expensive ticket prices too, so I do know what you mean. Thank you so much for the kinds words. Helps to keep me going 👍

[@sandiandgregh]

That looked like a wonderful night journey. We were impressed by the staff we saw in your video; so friendly and professional. And Queen Victoria’s private waiting room…thanks for showing that. Have a great week! - Sandi and Greg

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks! Yes, the staff were wonderful and a credit to the service. And the old royal waiting room is lovely. Quite a hidden tourist gem. Have a great week too! 👍

[@johnmcgoldrick1906]

New to the channel. Enjoying the relaxed and informative presentation. A league above the rest.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Wow, that is very nice of you to say! I just try to make videos that I would enjoy watching, and I'm so pleased you like them too. If you are new, there's quite a big back catalogue to catch up on! Thanks for finding me 👍

[@Northerner_Transport_Hub]

I really like these videos that you do, very professional and showing all aspects of the sleeper train Sometimes people don't show everything but then to be fair maybe they're in a rush to go to sleep

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you for the kind comment. I try my best! ...and thanks for watching another 👍

[@christinehodge3608]

A enjoyable train journey, your room was lovely looking, fresh and clean, you definitely liked your cabin,

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes i loved it. Definitely the best sleeper train in the UK. Thanks for watching another video 👍

[@sueodlin5596]

Thanks for showing the accommodation for those of us now mobility challenged. Would I be able to easily access the lounge? Looking forward to watching more of your videos.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

The lounges at both Penzance and Paddington are accessible. If you mean the club car on the train itself, I can't remember if the access door from your sleeper coach into the club car is wide enough for a wheelchair - I suppose different wheelchairs are different sizes! If you can walk, even if you need help, then I'm absolutely sure that if you press the call bell, the steward will gladly assist you into the club car. I'm also equally sure that Lizzie behind the bar would make your stay there very pleasant and would again be very happy to assist you back to your cabin when the time comes. They really are 100% when it comes to customer service. Thanks for watching this video. Do dip in to the others, there's 70-odd of them for you to choose from! Let me know which ones you enjoy most!

[@nuinmarnuinmar5321]

Wow, those prices are very tempting - thanks for sharing.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes indeed. An "affordable luxury" I reckon. Thanks for watching 👍

[@lovefive5733]

Thank you for uploading this video 😊

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

And thank you so much for watching. You doing the watching is what keeps me going 👍

[@lovefive5733]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels you are most welcome.

[@cryzcryz2345]

An interesting option for night travel but I prefer day travel because I can look out the window and admire the scenery 🤗 And I don't like narrow beds 😆 Thank you fot this great movie!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Haha, yes I know exactly what you mean. Of course I had enjoyed the views that morning on the run into Penzance, so I got the best of both. Thanks again for the kind comment 👍

[@modelrailpaulcee]

Must say the member of Penzance staff was a credit to GWR - I’ve only done the journey in the seated accommodation and it was quite a few years ago!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, she was lovely, as were all the staff I met. A great service! Thanks so much for watching 👍

[@rickolson3114]

The table for one is for me... Stumbled onto your channel and like it a lot. Subscribed If you ever make it to the US for a train ride please come with low expectations.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Well thank you for finding the channel and leaving a nice comment. Y'know that table might be handy if you needed a proper table to sit and work without the distractions of the happy people all drinking and chatting. Lots more videos to discover on the channel, so please have a browse through. There's a new one each week. 👍

[@Davehearne43]

Keep up the good work

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks! I shall try. It's folk like you, watching and commenting that keeps me going, so thank you 👍

[@smogmonster1876]

Nice video and nice that there was no objection to you filming inside the Lounge at Penzance. Nice of the lady to give you a tour. Why is it that Train Stations and train staff don’t mind filming but so be tide anyone who film in a bus station.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

The whole vibe of the Night Riviera service is that they have immense pride in what they do are everyone was more than happy to talk to me and show me things. It really was a great crew from start to finish. I highly recommend the service ❤️ Thanks for watching 👍

[@ztmsl]

Love the T-shirt and hoodie!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Haha thanks! I've been going to Rock for People since 2013. It's a great festival. And thanks for watching. 👍

[@duncanbrown1864]

As a bit of an industry insider (no details, clearly) The folks who work on the Night Riviera absolutely love their role's, they always try and do their best. Lots of KZbinrs come through so they are kind of used to filming by now!! Nice vid. Glad you enjoyed your journey. Great Western Railway HQ consider this the "jewel in the crown", and it really is.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I really did, and I thought the staff and the operation was marvellous. Do pass my thanks on to anyone you see 👍

[@gavinfinlayson485]

Lovely video, thank you! I have subscribed and look forward to working my way through the rest of your content

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you so much! Welcome along to the channel. 👍 There is a playlist of everything in chronological order if that helps!

[@cwp0]

Lovely vid..

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Aww thank you! And thanks to you too for watching 👍

[@TheVillagediot]

Lizzie is very good friend of mine shes amazing

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes. She was great! Please pass on my regards and thanks 👍

[@tomhami]

Excellent report! I've done the Riviera sleeper three times now and the Cali twice to Ft William and Edinburgh on the old stock. Used to love the cali and still love the Riviera, not brought myself to try the expensive, rough riding and noisy new Mk5 carriages. Planning the Riviera again in Sept!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you, you are very kind 👍 I'm your next Riviera trip will just as wonderful as mine! Best wises for your journey 👍

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Great video mate, reminded me of my trip a couple of years back. The staff are great I agree and the lounge in Penzance well worth an hour or so if you have the time. Agree the bunks are a bit narrow and I didn’t get much sleep tbh but it was nice to have a shower at Paddington.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks Mark! I didn't have a hour in the lounge this time as the walk through Penwith, and the one or two beers on the way, meant Paul and I walked in not that long before departure! It was a great walk though! Thanks for watching and commenting. Best wishes to you for your journeys to come! 👍

[@fmcb269]

Had to go to Falmouth a couple of years back for a family event. Super Off-peak return from Ramsgate was good value at about £90, but the cost of my hotel was eye-watering so I only stayed the one night and travelled home overnight instead. My cheap ticket was valid for the seated coaches at the rear of the Riviera Express, so I joined it at Truro and rode it back to Paddington. Never again! The seats were so uncomfortable that I got hardly any sleep, and the seven hour journey seemed interminable. Definitely going to spring for a cabin next time and hang the extra expense!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

yes you should. It is a really lovely experience. Far superior to the Caledonian Sleeper imho as it does the important things really well and isn't distracted by useless flashy add-ons.

[@duncanbrown1864]

The "Airline" seating isn't a fantastic way to travel. With that ticket type you could have excessed cabin accommodation, and that would have been a much better time,

[@truebrit3578]

My first trip on what was then the Penzance sleeper would have been in the early 1960s. I remember very little other than bring thrilled at being able to be up so late to catch the train. The real highlight would have been earlier in the day when we flew in a BEA Rapide from the Scillies where we lived.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Crikey what memories! Well the rolling stock is a little newer... thanks for watching and I'm pleased it rekindled some old memories 👍

[@john07973]

Looks great and with Railcard decently priced. I think your last couple of minutes filming were at or near the old Royal Mail area of Paddington if I'm not mistaken

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Indeed I was. Right at the end of Platform 1 👍 Thanks for watching 👍

[@jacquihughes6172]

Looks good

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, it was great. Thanks for watching 👍

[@colinriley123]

Nice chat up line at Penzance. Impressed! Good video; your pleasure shone through. You didn't say how well you slept? Have done this a couple of times and I don't sleep well on night trains. What did impress however was the skill of the drivers; all the stops were almost in perceptible.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, pleased I blagged my way in late to view the lounge at Pz. I slept pretty well, even though the bunk was a bit narrow. Thanks, as ever for watching 👍 ...I'd better get back to editing next week's video! Which is about the "what happened next" bit of exploring out of Paddington

[@msjacksshipsadventures8382]

Might do this for my 18th with my best friend idk where from as I am from Exeter maybe London but idk

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I'm from Exeter. My advice is to do just what I did. Travel Pz to London. Get a cheap ticket Exeter to Pz to enjoy the views and the journey. And then you have a whole day in London. It would also work the other way too I suppose. Thanks for watching and enjoy your travels 👍

[@msjacksshipsadventures8382]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels Thank you very much might see you around maybe

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@msjacksshipsadventures8382 indeed. Happy to say Hi one day. I'm on X as johnnyhoover if you are there. Can DM me through that

[@msjacksshipsadventures8382]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels ok

[@alanshelly7068]

Lowestoft is the most Eastern train station still running in the UK from Alan in Lowestoft buddy 😊

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Indeed it is! Thanks so much for watching and commenting 👍

[@Andrewjg_89]

Have you been to Reading Green Park, Marsh Barton, Okehampton and Portway Park & Ride. The Riviera Sleeper trains are so nice and very well maintained.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, they are great! There's videos on the channel for Marsh Barton and Portway and I can reveal soon up will be Okehampton. Not managed Reading Green Park. Thanks for watching another 👍

[@liamburke1741]

Fantastic video. Those mk3 interiors are beautiful, far better than the Caledonian sleeper interiors. 👌

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I like them both. I think I prefer the actual bed on the Caledonian, but I agree the overall interior on the Night Riviera wins out. Thanks for watching and for the kind comment 👍

[@Quebecoisegal]

I thought that it went via Bristol TM but maybe it did when the mail went via the rail. The run from Exeter to Bristol is pretty interesting.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I really don't think it does. There's certainly no timetabled pick up at Bristol TM. Mind you, I was asleep during that bit! Thank you for watching 👍

[@456789paul]

it can go either way I guess depending on maintenance etc I would imagine it usually goes past castle cary and up to swindon but a few years back it ended up following the south west trains route into Waterloo

[@GabrielsReviews]

​@@JohnnyHooverTravels It is booked to on a Sunday night / Monday morning non-stop ( believe me , my first time on-board , I woke up passing through Bristol Temple Meads. ). Sometimes it ends up going via Melksham . I'm told it occasionally has to go in and out of Wales due to engineering work but I've never seen it happen.

[@mudchute4dlr]

0:21 Night Riveria

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Damn! What a daft mistake! Doh. Thanks for pointing that out. More care in the future needed... 🤦‍♂️ ...hope things improved for you after 0:21...

[@mudchute4dlr]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels yw lol

[@whitekasimir3752]

Thank you, what a nice train, everthing so clean. May I ask this: The timetable says London Paddington, arrival 05.05 early in the morning. Do all passengers have to leave the train immediately or is there a longer period of time, maybe until 07.00 until the train leaves for the depot? Or can I only go into the lounge at 05.05? Does anyone know?

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@whitekasimir3752 Yes, the train sits on platform 1 and you don't have to leave until about 7 am. There is then not really a limit on how long you spend relaxing in the lounge before/after you take your shower there. Thanks for watching 👍

[@kevinellis8869]

I think the service might benefit from a slightly later departure and being able to remain on board until 07.30.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

You might be right, but Paddington is a very busy station in the morning and they must free up Platform 1 for more services. Thank you for watching and commenting 👍

[@Lynxfan2]

Hi there Johnny, did you receive your complimentary continental breakfast served to you in the sleeper cabin? Are you aware that the Mark 3 carriages were refurbished around 2017/18 with new carpets, new dado side panels, new bedding, improved saloon lighting diffusers etc ... ? Best wishes and take care. Kind regards, Peter Skuce, St Albans. Hertfordshire.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I did, but I consumed in the comfort of the 1st Class lounge when I got off the train. My apologies for not mentioning it in the voiceover. Thanks for watching 👍

[@liamcranston471]

Hi, thanks for the video! Which website did you use to book it? I'm having troubles when trying to travel on the sleep train as part of a final leg of a journey.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I booked directly with GWR on their own website. They have pages for the night riviera. Oh... and thank you so much for watching 👍

[@liamcranston471]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels Thanks! :)

[@user-ep5cw9ub4g]

Do the Night Riviera first-class lounges' showers provide any type of slippers?

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Didn't see any. But not sure what use they would be as once you've showered you pretty much have to get dried and dressed immediately. The shower area was checked/cleaned by the steward each time as far as I could tell. I was the last person of the morning and the area was still sparkly clean when I went in! Thanks for watching 👍

[@Bitsforboats]

Well done on exposing the utter sham our ‘railway system’ is nowadays. This route is 100% taxpayer supported. What you folks want is ‘comfortable’ travel at the taxpayers expense, isn’t it? Benefit scroungers.