The BEST SLEEP I've Had on a Train, Welcome Aboard GWR's Night Riviera from Cornwall to London...

[@steve-marsh]

I'm going to try to start posting on instagram. Who knows how long it'll last, but I'll do my best :) If you're looking for it, it'll be the stevemarsh_youtube account. I won't ask for a follow because I don't deserve it yet :D

[@GabrielsReviews]

Done !

[@we.love.dennis.rickman]

I’ve slept on the overnight trains in Russia quite a few times (20-odd years ago now) and nothing beats that steady, hypnotic motion of a train travelling at night.. I’d always keep the blinds open so I could stare out onto the endless, deep, snowy countryside… glinting in the moonlight. It really was dreamy and other worldly; A proper adventure.

[@petercorcoran8217]

Loved the Russian bunks and every station a bit fascinating

[@overlook237]

That sounds amazing. I'd love to do that and the one in Australia

[@Vodaph0ne]

I bet when the sun comes up it's something else!

[@Morning404]

Can't do that in Russia these days 🇺🇦🇺🇦

[@nigeldunkley2986]

Totally agree! Did Moscow to Beijing by Trans Sib in - 30-40°! a few winters ago. We were two in a four berth spalny wagon and the nights with so little light pollution in deepest Siberia were fantastic so we kept to blinds open - the only thing was the build up of ice - on the inside! But with the Provodnitsa stoking the wee coal stove the heating was belting out heat. And with her always piping hot samovar for pot noodles and chai we were happy as larry!

[@Andronichus]

I love sleeping on a train, plane, boat or anything where there is rhythmic movement and machinery noise. Slept on the floor on a cross-Channel ferry once and actually went out like a light!

[@David7308258]

What a pleasure it is to watch a positive, upbeat review of something; such a change from the 'hate-fest' that is such a feature of everything on-line these days. Very nice indeed.

[@SGtravelsEU]

I was on the Night Riviera a couple of weeks ago and it surprised me how comfort was the main focus of this train. The staff, the ride quality etc. I like how your video shares the same experiences I had (including the closed lounge and late night food location). However even though I had booked a normal room they gave me the accessible room because they noticed me walking with my crutch earlier that day. I really hope the staff gets paid well, because they are so kind ....

[@steve-marsh]

You are so right! The staff really do turn this from a good journey to a great one, and the staff all set to really enjoy their work, nice to see!

[@Chrissyhappy]

Hi. Did you notice if the accessible room had an upper birth too? If I go with my daughter I have to stay in the room with her. The staff sound so lovely it gives me a bit of confidence.😊

[@alisonlyons4691]

Wow ! impressed with that train and the trip Steve, better than the Cally. I absolutely love a night sleeper, though its 40yrs since we did Motor Rail over night, from Euston to lnverness. I really wish there was still Motor Rail. Heaven knows what it would cost. Theres a b&w 1945 film "l know where I'm Going" l love it because the leading lady Wendy Hilliier travels on the over night sleeper from Euston to Scotland. Well worth a watch it's really amusing how things were then in my childhood 😅

[@SCOTLANDAREOFFTAEGERMANY]

@@steve-marshHI

[@deegeraghty9426]

Thanks for such an informative video. 😊

[@josephadams3644]

Your calm voice and a train ride is soothing.

[@CiaranRKelleher]

Steve, my three year old and I were mesmerised watching that video. Everything was so serene, from late night Penzance, to the wonderful GWR Sleeper and then calm early morning London. Bravo!

[@steve-marsh]

Aww I'm sure your three year old would LOVE the adventure!

[@grantelliot9803]

Another awesome video, Steve. Would love to go down to Penzance one day, as it looks like a lovely wee town. And out of all the videos I regularly watch, yours is the one I look forward to the most. You're without a doubt my favourite vlogger.

[@suchcone]

It's a magical trip and I recommend it so much. Steve captured it all perfectly.

[@brianrosson5659]

This is the most beautiful train I have ever seen. You can't get a gin and tonic on Amtrack!

[@valvlog4665]

Passengers should get a 20 pound refund for closed lounge at Penzance. You pay for it. Get contract staff in. Lazy GWR.

[@lukenetherton5673]

Took a trip on this with my Dad from London to Penzance. Both of us are huge rail fans that've been wanting to do this for ages. The incredible sound of the class 57 through the open windows of the slam doors as we departed London! Sat in that bar carriage for a night cap of a few ciders between London and Reading. Too excited to get a restful night's sleep; my dad got some great pictures of Plymouth at 5 am from the cabin window. Unforgettable experience.

[@StrawberrySunday212]

My daddy was a railwayman so we could travel on the trains at a discount, so our holidays always started with a train journey at night, however we never took the sleeper as it was too expensive. But this still took me right back to my childhood. The sound of the engine, the smell of the diesel, the anticipation of boarding and finding our seats, then settling in for the journey. The smell of Palmolive soap always reminds me of these times as the train toilets always had small bars of that soap. Lovely memories of happy times with my parents..Sadly gone now.

[@kernow9324]

Hi Steve, I live in Penzance. When you came out of the station you were so close to a chippy, the Sea View at Adelaide Street. but like most F&C shops down here, they're closed by 8pm. So glad you enjoyed the Night Riviera. Gorgeously shot video.

[@patriciafuchs5970]

Even without lounge access, this appeared to be a lovely experience. That is the quietest train ride I’ve ever seen! What a lovely experience.

[@steve-marsh]

So true, it was pretty much silent and smooth the whole way! :)

[@nygelmiller5293]

To Patricia Fuchs. Lounge closed due to STAFF SHORTAGES? Although not run by the Government, the problem might the same as with NHS and ARMED FIRCES. Lack of pay means lack of STAFF.

[@soavemusica]

What prevented them from offering a compensation - free food, something? Without it, an apology has little credibility. It just won`t do. It is effortless to just close, "sorry". Very, very poor service.

[@Troublebreathing]

Gale who checked you in is so fantastic she was working the night that we rode this train towards Penzance she provided fantastic service

[@WilliamLonsdale-vh3qj]

Having followed your channel for the last year I must commend you for inspiring people to get out there and travel, I’m one for doing as much as I can at 70 years old and this latest vlog is one for me to do in the near future it will be a first time experience. Here’s wishing that you have many more travel experiences to share with all of your subscribers, keep up the good work fella 🙂

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much William and great to hear it! I find as I get older I'm more willing to pay a bit extra for more comfort

[@elpresso1983]

Absolutely wholeheartedly agree with this. Went from London & Lands End the other year to drive from Lands End to John O'Groats. GWR staff were second to none. The lounge was brilliant and the lounge coach bar was fantastic. Room was excellent with a comfy bed and a cracking breakfast the next morning.

[@simonwhitlock9189]

Always enjoy a train journey my favourite way to travel, as always you have outdone yourself and made a first class video for us all to enjoy. Thank you so much and I wish you all the best,cheers.

[@steve-marsh]

Much appreciated Simon! I'd have to agree, this is the way to go :)

[@stvpett]

I want you to know I really enjoy your videos and you've inspired me a bit. I'm a PhD student at The University of Edinburgh and will be returning home to the US for Christmas this year. The first time I will be back in the US in 2 1//2 years. Watching your videos has inspired me to take a round about way home. Instead of flying directly home, I'll be flying to New York City instead and then taking a long distance sleeper train home. I'm looking forward to it. From one Steve to another, best of luck on your continued travels. 😀

[@steve-marsh]

Oh that sounds absolutely fantastic! I am so glad you have taken some inspiration from these videos, that means a lot. And I hope you are enjoying life in Edinburgh!

[@s1dew1nd3r4]

how come your in uni over here instead of the US out of interest?

[@isking1715]

I hope you've enjoyed your time in our beautiful capital Steve, enjoy your journey home as much!! Steve Marsh, the inspiration, I love that ❤

[@isking1715]

​@@s1dew1nd3r4There's thousands of foreign students in our unis just as ours go abroad too. Many reasons to choose beautiful Edinburgh. I'm intrigued by your question 😂😂

[@scottscott232]

I went from London to to Glasgow on the Caledonian Sleeper for a works conference in 2007, and it was absolute luxury. But that was me. I don't know about others, but I had as choice of breakfast in the morning, and a morning 'knock'. Really friendly cabin crew.

[@johnsmuth5062]

Another gem Steve. You guys are so lucky living in the UK. So close to Europe and so many options within.

[@steve-marsh]

I must admit the options are incredible, I am sitting here today researching (and booking!)

[@PlanesTrainsEverything]

I agree with you on a number of points. The Night Riviaera is a far superior product to the Caledonian Sleeper, despite the slightly narrower bed. Also, you're 100% correct about travelling first class - you pay for those 'extras' and your fare isn't adjusted if something advertised is missing. Even a temporary fix like a coffee voucher at a local shop or something would be appreciated, but no.

[@steve-marsh]

Yeah good point, anything would be appreciated, but it feels like they just close the lounges without really trying to find a solution. I was really looking forward to a shower more than anything!

[@houseclearance7509]

Would that coffee voucher be to get up to "crusing altitude" by any chance?

[@gilliancheshire3596]

Staff shortages often keep the lounge closed.Nothing else on the station.

[@davidoswald9253]

I think they really miss peoples personal hygiene needs and believe you me its important to me!!@@steve-marsh

[@paulatavares5220]

@@steve-marsh When we want an extra we pay for it , so if an extra is missing , they should refund some money . The principle should be the same.

[@robharris5245]

My wife and I travelled up to Fort William on the Cally sleeper when the old rolling stock was still operating. Both of us slept well until about Crianlarich when we awoke to watch the scenery. On the return journey we slept once it got dark which quite late as it was late May early June. The old coaches were extremely comfortable.

[@steve-marsh]

Wonderful! I've always wanted to do the full length of the route!

[@robharris5245]

@@steve-marsh you should try it. Well worth it. Particularly in May or June. There is Premier Inn close to Fort William where we stayed for one night.

[@s1dew1nd3r4]

are the replacement coaches a downgrade?@@robharris5245

[@hughmcilveen2235]

First time watching. Steve is a friendly, convivial traveling guide. He also seems to be thoughtful and respectful of other travelers, which is rare. Been watching Tim,walk with me videos, very informative, but a little hard- nosed, and increasingly, his pushy, grating wife Gabby. Steve is a charming, modest chap, and a pleasant change.

[@techlawgenius]

I took the Caledonian Sleeper for the first time last year and was hugely disappointed. Had to change rooms because the first one had an ineradicable stench coming from somewhere beneath the bed, the ride was rough and noisy and I barely slept the whole way. Not doing that again. This journey seems far preferable, and I've never been to Penzance. Very tempting!

[@angelaaz6282]

My goodness…the bed should come equipped with a seat belt! I would end up on the floor for sure and I’m not a very large person😊

[@MrFlyingscot75]

Wow Steve, if there was a way to give a double like this would be the video I’d choose. Love the train and the personnel with their classy uniforms. And your classy and informative commentary make this so much fun to watch. Thanks yet again for bringing a bright spark to a very dark time.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks mate :)

[@tsr207]

A remarkable journey - Steve always makes the viewer part of the travelling experience - his easy manner and humorous asides make it highly enjoyable. Well done Steve !

[@steve-marsh]

Really appreciate it thank you!

[@jimmys6566]

How much was the ticket?

[@167curly]

As a schoolboyvin the 1950s I sometimes saw the westbound steam-hauled Cornish Riviera already travelling at 60mph only a few miles outside Paddington mainline station, and always with a Castle class locomotive, being the heaviest class allowed beyond Bristol. They were always in spotless condition. I really like the line reverting to GWR now too.

[@garethdevlin2732]

What a relaxing video to watch. I would love to do this journey. So many positive reports. Everyone has mentioned (including you) how wonderful the staff are. Well done. 👏

[@steve-marsh]

They really are incredible! :)

[@justinobrien3593]

I didn't know G.W.R had any thunder-birds still in service on the main line!

[@wouterpaap9343]

A train to my heart. Wow, what a beautifull train. Letting people stay on the train until 6:45 is a unheard of good service! And what a friendly staff-lady. One day after your experience I traveled with ÖBB Nightjet from Amsterdam to Innsbruck, my first time. Great way to travel, because of privacy, fresh breakfast, noiseless carriage, good suspension. But the Night Riviera wins for its friendly staff, usage of a shower and the beauty of this (new?) train. Thanks for a well shot video and all the info!

[@steve-marsh]

I've always wanted to do Nightjet! But I've found prices expensive (especially factoring in that I'd need to get to and from Europe) One day!

[@bettycollins3960]

I used the sleeper train to Fort William as a treat for myself about 15 years ago and loved it. I slept really well, even managing in the narrow single bed. After my fabulous weekend in Fort William, I caught the ordinary day train back to London so I could see the scenery I had missed on the sleeper. OMG!! It was the very definition of "cattle class". Because I had boarded at the start of the journey, I had a seat but as we progressed it got busier and busier until people were sitting on the floor. There were suitcases stacked high all over the place. And the noise was horrendous. I put up with it as far as Newcastle and then went in search of First Class. On reaching the carriage, I asked if there were any seats available, to be told "yes, but there would be an extra charge". I was more than happy to pay the extra £63 (I think it was). I said I had to get my suitcase. "Let me help you." Said the steward! When I finally got inside First - it was like walking into paradise. My single seat was bigger and more comfy than my armchair at home. The peace was deafening. No sooner had I sat down than the stewardess asked if I would care for some tea. In a proper china cup and saucer! Worth every single penny!

[@JauneMacReady]

Ah Steve! What a brilliant journey. Makes me want to head down to Penzance just to get the train to Paddington! ❤😃👍

[@steve-marsh]

Haha thanks pretty much what I did and it was WORTH IT! :)

[@mewsdo]

Love your style. So interesting to get your perspective on train rides like this. Cheers from NZ.

[@wessexdruid7598]

Nice to see GWR can still live up to the reputation they always had. Good memories of silver service breakfasts going past Dawlish as the sun rose, in the mid-90s... 🙂

[@steve-marsh]

Oh that sounds fantastic!

[@wessexdruid7598]

@@steve-marsh In the 90s, they used to do 'gastronomic' trips to the SW, with guest chefs, multiple restaurant cars and showcasing local SW ingredients (they keep much of the best local food _local_ 🙂). And there was 'Weekend First' - a first-class seat for only an extra tenner, at weekends. With full lounge access. It encouraged people to use trains. 'God's Wonderful Railway' has a long proud history to live up to, which recently seems to have been forgotten.

[@davidoswald9253]

God's wonderful Railway!!

[@WalkingEng]

This was a really good overview of the experience. Your videos get better and better. Many thanks

[@reubenfevrier2349]

This guy’s a national treasure.

[@laurielatour2862]

Great video & interesting to see the nice sleeper train. LOVE the calm piano music at the end. Please play more of that! Some of the other music is nerve-wracking and takes away from your relaxing, lovely videos. Thanks for sharing parts of the world I'll not get to see in person.

[@twcc406]

I regularly travel the Night Riveria... usually Paddington to the West and agree the staff are wonderful and the ride is very smooth. It may be a bit mercenary but remember GWR have a 'delay repay' scheme and you could get 50% back if the train was 30 mins late into Paddington.

[@mikolaj83]

After watching I've added this experience to my bucket list. Looks good. Thanks.

[@standup2982]

I went on this, with my son, in reverse from Paddington to Penzance a few years ago. We had the accessible room as I use a mobility scooter. It was perfect, plenty of room to get my scooter in. My son was only ten and he's fanatical about trains (still is) so he loved it so much, as did I. Brilliant 👏

[@nygelmiller5293]

To STANDUP. I'm of course pleased that you had plenty of room in the mobility section! However, everybody else DIDN'T. The answer would be, like where some airlines have taken out a few seats to make extra legroom , LESS CUSTOMERS WOULD EQUAL EXTRA ROOM. Greed over space!

[@standup2982]

@@nygelmiller5293 I said plenty of room to get my scooter in, not a massive room. It was just the same as everyone else’s apart from space for my scooter. Of course I’d rather be able to walk and not need it in the first place. Jeez 🙄

[@charmianjohnson2364]

My late husband and I did a few train journeys. Perth WA to Sydney. New York to near Canadian Border, then from East Coast to West Coast of America. Loved the trains, better than flying. Thanks for your video.

[@jeremyfry693]

Great video Steve - I feel that you paying for your journey rather than being on a freebie makes it much more authentic for those of us considering making the same trip. I really must do it - even though I don't live in London and have no particular reason to visit Penzance !

[@petracollins8623]

Love sleeper trains. Used to travel from Bulawayo to Caoe Town every year. Now do the sleeper trains in Turkey whenever possible. Magic

[@steve-marsh]

It's the way to go eh!

[@Diana-andre2018]

Another first class video Steve. The GWR’s Night Riviera looked really good to travel on. I did enjoy sleeping on a train, it was always something I wanted to experience, which I did, on the Caledonian Sleeper to Glasgow. Your breakfast looked nice as well and it was good that you were able to use the lounge at Paddington and enjoy a shower. Great journey and yes, the Night Riviera is the winner😊.

[@steve-marsh]

Yeah totally agree, a train is a great place to go to bed! I was so ready for that shower :)

[@JenniferRussell-qw2co]

That looked fantastic! Thanks for such a lovely review 🙋‍♀️🤗

[@858493]

Such a smooth ride credit to the GWR Drivers that departure and stop were well done.I wish we had trains like that here Down under ours are 60s era on most long haul trips very noisy compared to that...but then again l love sleeping on a train no matter how noisy..have even slept in the second loco at times proving ya can sleep just about anywhere hehehe...thanks again Steve regards Doc from Down Under in Australia.

[@markwringe2826]

You are SO right Steve about the Caledonian Sleeper - style over substance. I've been hankering for a trip on the Night Riviera, and you've made me hanker more.

[@steve-marsh]

It wins in pretty much every category, hope you get the chance!

[@Holland41]

An impressively positive and honest review. I noted the temperature issue. Trying to be cool and feeling fresh in the endlessly hot environments we seem to find everywhere these days is a real chore.

[@boardmandave]

This is the first of your videos that I am watching and I have to say I really enjoy your style of presentation you can count me as your newest subscriber

[@benfoley8174]

I have always been a fan of GWR colour schemes, Brunell was also an utter genius.

[@6yjjk]

I spent the last two nights on the Finnish sleeper. They don't make a fuss about it, it's just quietly brilliant. The upstairs en-suites especially so, with the cool toilet/sink area that converts into a shower cubicle. Always feels like a proper adventure, even being woken up in Tampere by the shunting as they split/join the Turku and Helsinki trains and get it all in the right order - not to mention that they have car carriers as well, another level of train nerd heaven. Also decent scran that's available till the small hours on some trains. Work were only paying as far as Oulu, but I paid to stay on as far as Rovaniemi and get a lie in. Can't beat waking up on the train to the sight of snow floating by. :) Sleeper train protip: Book a cabin with the bed up against the front wall. The guy who drove us down to Tampere on Thursday night seemed to enjoy mashing his brakes, and there's nothing quite like waking up as you roll off the bunk. :P The rest of the journey was delightfully smooth, as was the return trip. They should put that guy back on the log trains!

[@steve-marsh]

Well I've just screenshot this comment! Fantastic!!!

[@6yjjk]

@@steve-marsh Haha! See you soon, then! :)

[@bubbleboy468]

Decent Scran! You Aust Navy I take it? 😊

[@nygelmiller5293]

To 6yjjk. Cars on board? Still a great idea! Years ago, my girlfriend's mum took her family in that way, from Surrey to the coas, (Devon). She didn't want to hire a strange car for the holidays, and so TOOK THE CAR! But it didn't seem a profitable venture, so this service ended in England! You could ALSO take your car from Llyd to Llyss (if I've got the names right!) By air, on an "air ferry" - MY name for it! But that stopped too. I don't think that made enough money, either - but travelling from England to France is now via the Channel Tunnel under the sea!

[@iainhunneybell]

It’s amazing how small things trigger memories, but you opening than sink took me back to sleepers from the late 60s and often Bristol or Birmingham to Edinburgh. Identical excepting the Brunswick Green finish!

[@lorijohnston4311]

Thank you for sharing this, Steve. Taking the GWR between London and Cornwall is on my must-do list for my next trip across the pond. Looks wonderful!

[@steve-marsh]

It really is, I'm not overstating it at all, LOVED it

[@fitzpatrickken]

I used to use sleeper trains from Edinburgh & Inverness to London back in the 70s, I never slept great but it was just nice to stretch out & relax, rather than having my head bouncing off the window in a seat!

[@tungro]

Glad you liked the Night Riviera! I do too, having travelled a few times on it for work. There’s something so relaxing about the very gentle sway of the carriages! And the bed is very comfy.

[@steve-marsh]

Spot on mate! The smoothness of the ride makes falling asleep very easy!

[@richardharrison6993]

Great video. It was fun to watch as I have just walked down all those streets in Penzance and Paddington in the past few weeks.

[@peterbrown6224]

Thank you, Steve. Without that lounge problem, the service seems like fair value. As you write further on down, the NightJet costs an arm and a leg.

[@steve-marsh]

Yeah, I'd love to try the NightJet! But not at those prices!

[@chielmeiberg]

@@steve-marshtip is to do the Ceske Drahy sleepers! They are very cheap, and I even got a deluxe sleeper with interrail for free due to a system glitch😂 (although just a couchette is €9 for the reservation so still quite affordable, between Warsaw and Prague, it was €13 for Prague to Budapest couchette)

[@PhilipDI]

I just watched this video with great interest - very informative, thank you. I travelled on this service once - 49 years ago(!) in September 1974, joining at Bodmin - when travelling from my parents home in North Cornwall to start life at university in London. It looks like a far more luxurious service these days!

[@Griffo5446]

Really enjoyed your video.looking forward to your next 😊😊

[@carbonturk7200]

Most of the time I just mute the traveller...but...you...is a pleasure to listen...! Fantastic oral skills...! Fantastic engagement with sights & sounds...! No more semantics from me...! Always well done...Thanks a million...!

[@steve-marsh]

Haha thanks so much! Really appreciate that :)

[@FloatingCroc]

That was an amazing cabin and great carriages too. I’d be very happy to travel on that. Great review Steve 👏

[@steve-marsh]

Honestly, it is so cool! well worth a try if you get the chance :)

[@bobbiguile9210]

I haven't been on a sleeper train I year's and years. I intend, after watching you and your travels, to rectify that ASAP. At 70 Jim leaving it a bit late but oh boy what an advantage awaits me.

[@murdochaz]

The night train from Inverness to London was amazing. The steady gentle rocking motion of the train was an absolute soporific!

[@s1dew1nd3r4]

that motion makes rail trips unrivalled in my experience, i absolutely love travelling by rail!

[@Terry.W]

Looks like GWR know how to get things right ..well done to them ...sleeping on a train is a special pleasure for me ..

[@oliver206]

Love the video. The other half of the first class lounge in Paddington is much posher. Feels like a gentleman’s club. I think it was used by Victoria on her travels to Windsor and is still reserved for VVIPs when they are using the station.

[@steve-marsh]

I wish I'd known about the other side!!!

[@davidoliver1169]

Hi Steve. Yer another great video. One of the highlights of the viewing week. Love your presenting style and ever present cheerfulness in the face of closed lounges. Have a good week.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks David! It's not often I get the chance to go in a lounge, so it was a disappointment! (and I really needed that shower!)

[@kitswithkaren5003]

Brings back many happy memories traveling on the night Rivera.A lovely way to get to London.A nicely shot and put together video.🐻🐒🤗👍

[@soundman601]

Thank you. That was a pleasure to watch. Plenty of interest for rail enthusisats to observe, some valuable insite into the stations, and plenty of interesting relavent information about the journey and that train. I loved this film and subscribed.

[@steve-marsh]

Roy I really appreciate you watching and subscribing! Thanks man!

[@stevenwilson1816]

Superb video yet again! Another one on my bucket list. I’ve done the Caley sleeper a few times but this definitely looks better. Cheers! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@steve-marsh]

I still love the Caley, but this is just on another level, especially smoothness of the ride

[@nickcutler7759]

This just popped up to watch and what a joy. I live in Australia now but originally from Torquay. Was staying near Penzance in Mousehole last time I was back and walked past the Italian Gardens in Hyde Park while in London. Yet to do that Sleeper Train Journey though. Its on the list 🤠👍

[@MaxPulse1]

1979 we took the sleeper to Penzance from London twice. It was a 1 pound supplement over our Britrail pass! Not quite as fancy, but still very comfortable and my wife and I loved it. In old Mk1 sleepers with no A/C and heat controlled by the guard. Our only visit to the 1st class lounge at Paddo was in 2012 on a trip to Bath. And it has not changed! At least we could get a cup of tea in private😂Keep up the good work.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Michael! Haha £1 supplement - has to be the best £1 ever spent!

[@wessexdruid7598]

I can remember getting the sleeper from Bristol to Edinburgh, and paying an extra £30 to take the car... 😀 Sadly those days are long gone.

[@andrewbillington2337]

This is something I’ve had on my bucket list for a while now and this vlog has made me determined to do it in 2024! Thank you for an excellent video.

[@richm3786]

Steve, completely agree with your sentiments re Caledonian vs Night Riviera. We were lucky enough to have travelled on both in the last year and in terms of customer service and overall experience the Night Riviera wins hands down by a mile! Love the vids, keep em coming

[@steve-marsh]

You are spot on! Glad you've had the opportunity to try both too!

[@5217tuber]

Yes, sleeping on trains (lying down; I can’t sleep in seats) is wonderful. I’m from Minnesota (USA) and have taken night trains to the west coast (Seattle) and east coast (NYC) as well as in Europe and across Australia. It’s a great way to travel when you can.

[@steve-marsh]

Wow some truly great trips there! Would love to come over and try. I'm not just saying this, Minnesota is the one state I want to visit more than any other, I have a feeling it's the 'Real America' not sure if I'm right or wrong, but I'd love to find out!

[@Bobrogers99]

The Caledonian Sleeper, despite having ensuites available, rarely gets such a glowing review! Everything looks new and clean and it all worked, and the staff was helpful. Apparently the bed was comfy and the ride was smooth, which is not always the case in CS reviews.

[@steve-marsh]

Yeah spot on, everything you say I heartily agree with

[@thomascook578]

The new trains are a nightmare, they have flats galore, creating a rough ride. If booking try not to get berths at either end of the carriage, you'll be over the bogies

[@davidoswald9253]

so true and common sense dictates that to the few who know!!@@thomascook578

[@robertcharlessceats3647]

So refreshing. A staggeringly high quality for a British rail service. All pretty new obviously. Another good one Steve, thanks

[@PS-sd8yc]

Hi Steve and Alicia, hope you are both OK. I am in North Yorkshire watching the weather reports for your area. Stay safe.

[@ColinSlocombe]

I myself love penzance 😊

[@ianhjan]

I am 67 and my experience with sleeper trains is a whole lot different to this superb GWR service. When I was a kid we did a lot of journeys from Calais to Basal in Switzerland with SNCF on the Couchette trains. There was 4 of us and 6 (yes 6!) bunk beds per cabin. We encountered many odd people on these journeys.

[@steve-marsh]

Haha I can imagine :D

[@robertp.wainman4094]

Hey - this is interesting as I'm the same age and also did the Calais to Basel couchette several times including on a school trip......but other than some of my schoolmates I didn't encounter any odd people!

[@ianhjan]

One of the more interesting encounters was when 2 people arrived and left their belongings in the compartment, and left. Then another 2 people arrives and thew their belongings out into the corridor. It ended up in fisty cuffs. the police came on the train at Lille and arrested all four of them. My Dad had to make statement at Basal,@@robertp.wainman4094

[@18Reading71]

I remember on school trip to Lyon in about 1973, sharing with 5 other students when a random frenchman came in to claim the vacant top bunk, grabbed the straps to hoist himself up .... ali oops ... and missed.

[@ConstanzeWeber]

My mother is Swiss (from Basel) so we did this trip a few times as a family of five! Most of the time we managed to get the six-berth compartment to ourselves but, on the occasion that we didn’t, I’ve often thought since how much I pitied the poor person who had to share with us!!! 🤣

[@chokoholmes9177]

Thanks Steve. You are an engaging and thoughtful traveler. Keep the films coming

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much!

[@arronblack67]

One hell of a journey Steve. Always love when you have the train videos uploaded!

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Arron, they're a bit of a favourite to travel too :)

[@phillylarkin.s1930]

Please dont use profanities this chanel inc children also..the word which i wont repeat is quite scary especially to my 8 year old , thank you

[@arronblack67]

@@phillylarkin.s1930if the word hell is a “profanity” your maybe as well staying in your bubble. Was used to describe the journey etc not to be offensive. Thanks

[@michaelreilly2320]

I agree 100% with your 'style over substance' comment about the Caley sleeper - I used to use it regularly but after a sleepless night on the new trains never again. It's many years since I've been on the Night Riviera. After watching your blog I must try it again - but in the other direction, so I don't have to get up at 06.30!

[@schwarzalben88]

Unlike the Caledonian Sleeper which has new coaches. The Night Riviera is still using the old BR Mark 3 Sleepers, which were are very comfortable. The Caledonian sleeper is aimed at the tourist market far more than the Night Riviera. At one time Most of the large London Terminals had bathrooms available for passengers on overnight trains. Edinburgh Waverley Station had them too, they were in The North British Hotel when it was railway owned they were accessible from the Station Concourse, amd one could charge Breakfast in the Restaurant to your bathroom. Euston had them ( not sure if it still does) as did Waterloo. and Kings Cross.

[@steve-marsh]

Yeah good point!

[@Mastakilla91]

Absolutly love the fact that this GWR service offers showers at the station. Incredible.

[@nickbarton3191]

Looked luxurious, nothing like a shower when you're traveling, I always try to find one en-route even if it costs an extra bob or two. Not been to Penzance in years, took a train down there for a painting holiday in Mousehole after Uni. Brilliant holiday, as the only poverty stricken student, everyone bought me beer. Happier days.

[@kenstevens5065]

Nice to have a good report Steve. I see that the sleeper cabin cost is almost the same as the train fare. It's worth knowing if you're on a budget that railcard holders only get a discount on the train fare, not the cabin cost. Keep the videos coming.

[@lauraautry6992]

Another great video…the more I watch your train videos the more I want to take a ride. Happy you had a nice trip. The characters at the table at the end was very cute 🤗

[@steve-marsh]

There's just something about a bed on a train that can't be beaten!

[@suchcone]

I did this trip and was too excited by it all to sleep. You really capture the magic of it all. I was absolutely wrecked the next day and managed to sleep (disgracefully: drooling, head bobbing) on the journey back 😅

[@steve-marsh]

Haha I was a zombie walking around London! :D

[@mynameIan]

Second video I’ve watched. Lovely Such a calming and pleasant manner.

[@harley8680]

Really enjoyed this venture down to Penzance. You were a real trooper. I think with my claustrophobia that sleeper car would have been difficult. The temps on a train are always extreme. My worst experience was riding on Amtrak from Ann Arbor, MI to Chicago (a every other week thing) and about 1 hour into the ride the heat went out in my section of car. On a Friday night so the train was packed. No lights, no heat and in January. I could not leave to go to another car as there was no room. Cold as hell for the next 4.5 hours.🥶🥶🥶

[@steve-marsh]

Ohhhh! Although I always favour cold over heat on a train, nothing worse than when it's too hot. Ahhh Ann Arbor, I loved my time there, one of my favourite ever trips!

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Thank you for sharing your trip. Nice!!☺☺

[@LMays-cu2hp]

That was nice to take the shower in the morning there at the lounge. The cabins there looked nice. The Cafe cabin that you had the evening Gin & Tonic I take it had sandwiches and a few hot snacks to have. That $4.75 Gin & Tonic can looked good!!☺

[@plannerjohn]

Steve, we rode that train about six weeks ago and loved it as you did. Just a few observations about our experience: We were able to print tickets at the station no problem. The machine is by the street entrance. The air conditioning was amazing! Best sleep we had in days as a result. 😂 The lounge staff and on-train steward took very good care of us. Top notch service. The Penzance lounge was minimal and less fancy than the paddington one if you can believe that, and we heard the GWR privately grousing about the lack of security and being left on their own. Would not be surprised if the staff had quit or transferred.

[@steve-marsh]

Ah glad you've had the pleasure! And thanks so much for the extra info!

[@rmartin147]

An absolute pleasure to watch your video Steve. A very cheerful and enthusiastic journey.

[@thebazgaz]

At 6'4" I suspect i couldn't sleep on such a narrow bed, but apart from that it looked like a great service. The general seating carriage looked like lovely comfy seats too, a world away from the stuff we get in NW England- where we are just moving away from 40 year old carriages made from old buses.

[@steve-marsh]

I've heard the upper bunks offer a bit more room, they are locked in place but I guess I could have asked for it to be opened

[@alexmarshall4331]

You're 6' 4" wide?

[@daviddwyer5568]

I used this sleeper service a few years ago (going in the opposite direction though) and really enjoyed it. I expected my sleep to be interrupted as I am a very light sleeper but I had one of the best night's sleep ever. The breakfast was good, as you said, and I was fully refreshed and ready to explore beautiful Cornwall. Hope to do it again soon, to me it was definitely worth paying a little extra for the comfort and convenience. My ultimate ambition would be to make one of Canada's mega train journeys. What an adventure that would be.

[@B1ll1709]

The older, much better built, Night Riviera certainly knocks the Cally Sleeper out of the park. However, last month I was lucky to travel through the Rockies on the even older, but also well built Canadian train, which travels from Toronto to Vancouver, and knocks both of them out of the park! Comfortable leather armchairs in the cabin during the day, nice wide beds at night, en-suite toilet and sink, with showers at end of each coach, superb dome observation cars for the stunning views, nice bars and dining rooms, lunch, breakfast and dinner all included, plus canapés and drinks brought round a couple of times. Naturally, with each sleeping coach having its own attendant, and each of the 2 or 3 dining rooms and observation cars having their own cooking and waiting staff, it’s much more expensive (although cheaper than the Rocky Mountaineer), and a memorable experience, which I’d highly recommend if you get the chance.

[@steve-marsh]

I can't tell you how much I'd love to do that!!!!

[@christopherhunter2892]

I travelled on the Canadian as a 4 year old way back in 1964 from Calgary to Banff. At the time it was operated by Canadian Pacific. I still have the ciné films my dad took of the journey.

[@geordiejones2]

Great clip Steve my friend i loved it, and the lady who was looking after you was amazing. Chris.

[@58borges1]

Great journey Steve, thank you. You actually looked rested. Enjoy your week....ps. Heard there was bad rainy weather in Scotland, last wee or so.Hope you guys were not affected. Cheers

[@steve-marsh]

There was a big dump of rain but thankfully lovely blue skies now :)

[@jonclassical2024]

That carriage is very new and stylish! The only train I have been on in the UK is the Javelin from St. Pancreas to Dover Priory. Yes, that bit of London is very, very nice but crazy expensive...I wanted to see Selfridges and walked from Hyde Park over and had a G&T inside....$18 quid in 2018! Enjoyed this, cheers!

[@steve-marsh]

Haha that's crazy! My G&T seems even better now!

[@simonbirt6121]

Hello Steve, I traveled on both the Night Rivera and the Caledonian sleeper on successive nights as part of a grand tour of the UK. I loved the Night Riviera too, such a comfortable train.

[@steve-marsh]

Wow that's pretty cool! I bet you enjoyed a proper bed after it though!

[@WestonMike]

Glad you enjoyed God's Wonderful Railway. I've slept on train many times but only once in a sleeper. Way back in 1972 when I was 14, I went with my brother and parents from Bristol to Newcastle on my first trip to Scotland. In those days there was Motor-rail where the car was loaded onto open wagons and was pulled by the same engine as the rest of the train. As you can imagine, it took a great deal of hassle out of the trip. Short hop through the boarders and over the boarder into Scotland for our first stop over in Spean Bridge.😀

[@steve-marsh]

Haha brilliant mate :)

[@RogEdwardsTV]

Looks fantastic! Isn’t it amazing that a 45 year old train can be refurbished and be so much better than the brand spanking new MK5 Cally Sleeper trains? The hype of the double rooms and the en-suite bathrooms doesn’t alter the fact that this much older train set is vastly superior! 😀😀

[@steve-marsh]

You are so spot on mate! I love your vlog from the older Caley Sleeper, it was awesome!

[@barry5138]

Like many things....... it's called "progress" 😮. Progressing backwards!!

[@davidoswald9253]

Sadly the powers that be don't understand what people need or are looking for!!