I Spend The Night On A Sleeper Train - The Night Riviera

The Night Riviera is a sleeper train operated by Great Western Railway (GWR). It is one of only two sleeper services on the railway in the United Kingdom but what is it like to spend the night on one?
I find out! The Night Rivera Sleeper train leaves from London to Cornwall. It's an 8 hour trip taking me hundreds of miles overnight, to the most westerly point of the UK.
I'll find out what's on offer in the First Class lounge and take a shower and see what's exactly on a sleeper train
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[@johnwelch5132]

Whenever James Bond took an overnight sleeper Tain he ended up having a very violent fight in the Room. Glad that didn’t happen. Thanks as always for yet another great vid 😊 Always enjoy watching.

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Thanks John

[@t.lstriker3795]

Scotland sleeper would be good to see . One thing , was that top bunk wider than the bottom one

[@WalkWithMeTim]

I thought that

[@danpanther]

The old first class trolley service photo. That’s what first class used to be - actual service. Now it’s just austere waiting rooms and a coffee machine!!

[@tanya2448]

Please do the Scotland train. It is refreshing to see a train review from a non train person, who still present it professionally,

[@jessbooth5495]

Agreed 🙏

[@themintleaf1778]

In East Africa we had East African Railways which was first class luxury. I have not found trains or service that good anywhere in the world so far. We used to travel first class two days to reach the coast. We looked forward to train ride rather than destinations. First class service was superb. Beddings were spotless, dining cars were luxurious. The smell of food was intoxicating throughout the first class. Food was delicious quality food. Tea service was pure silver, china and silver cutlery. The staff wore proper uniforms. I guess those days are gone and cannot find it anymore. Now the Chinese built speed trains replaced those luxury trains and the journey is cut short so no overnight journeys. It is like riding in a bus.

[@sarahhayhurst9944]

I remember the sleeper train from Nairobi to Mombasa and it was amazing. It was a never-to-be-forgotten experience. I was only a little girl at the time, so I had a child's perspective but it seemed luxurious to me and it was definitely exciting. I don't know if the service still runs - maybe you could look into it, Tim.

[@christinagreaves7932]

Just wanna say tim , ive had worring times latley and going on youre trips with you has cheered me right up , thankyou 😊

[@thornbird6768]

Me too Christina 😢 I love to watch Tim on his travels .

[@AlisonBryen]

Same. Life has been hard for me too recently, but these types of channels help me to unwind and put the world behind me. Atomic Shrimp is another favourite channel of mine.

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Hope you are ok

[@sarahcarter9061]

I've just discovered his channel too and I agree that it is ideal distraction.

[@residentelect]

​@@sarahcarter9061 Yeah, I'm similarly finding life a challenge, just as you and the guys posting above are, Sarah. I have terrible insomnia due to one reason or another, and although the "sleep hygiene" advice is to not watch screens, I actually find watching a channel like Tim's genuinely helps me relax. Not sleeping is bad enough, but to then start to feel anxious _because_ you can't sleep is a viscous circle, so having something like Tim's travels to concentrate on really does help me mentally, which in turn makes me feel better physically. I hope you, the OP, and everyone replying, finds the strength to keep on pushing through all of the pain, anxiety, uncertainty and frustration, and emerge the other side able to live your best lives, because all of you deserve it so much. All the best from a wide awake Yorkshireman!

[@suemarshall6185]

I can fly from Manchester to Newquay for £40 now with Flybe. Makes the train look very expensive

[@nukathecat4319]

Penzance is my home town. I'd love to see a seaside review of it, from you. Great video as always 👍

[@WalkWithMeTim]

yes didn't have time this time around plus rather was a bit rubbish

[@liveroom4235]

£55 add on for the sleeper is a bargain given you get snacks and breakfast which is worth at least £20. Great idea for a trip some day.

[@davidturner2741]

It is something you should do once in your life, its a classic.

[@WalkWithMeTim]

agree

[@keith7050]

Paul Lucas and Noel Phillips have competition now, you should do more like this

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Thanks Keith

[@spiritofthetime]

The ghosts of British Rail still stalk the corridors of the Night Riviera 👻👻👻

[@trixie9777]

I just found Tim & am going back to previous videos. I see this was pre “____ # of people can fit in this shower!” 😂😂😂

[@BELTED007]

Gees that was actually a great value experience Timbo.

[@PostcardAndAPint]

Oo we’ve always fancied an overnight train. Cool to see where queen Victoria waited. That was one narrow bed. Oh no changing cabins in the middle of the night!! We enjoyed this experience, I think we would like to do this too. Cheers for showing us around. 🍻

[@TykitFleine]

Thank you for skipping over the slurping / chewing sounds, little details like that are really appreciated 💙💙

[@reggie811]

Very interesting video! catching up whilst the house is quiet lol!

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Glad you enjoyed

[@michaeldowd8422]

As a person whose put on a few pounds over the years, I would worry I'd get stuck trying to walk down that trains corridor ☺️

[@anitasheehan6243]

You and the rest of us 😅😅

[@waynep613]

A really good well put together review, most people won’t appreciate the time and effort that goes in to editing something like this but I do! Looking forward to the Scotland sleeper review!

[@WalkWithMeTim]

very true Wayne , glad you think so

[@websitesthatneedanem]

Likewise! 👍

[@fredbear72ify]

Looks great except the narrow bed certainly an experience.

[@gillianwatkins943]

The corridor is so narrow, love the vid.

[@Trektrendy]

Fantastic video mate, having done this myself I’m totally with you about the narrow bed. You should get yourself on the double bedded Caledonian sleeper to Inverness, naturally haggis needs to be on the menu 😅

[@EK.entertainment]

Yassssss!! Trains are my favourite thing on earth, I'm a total nerd for them. You are living my absolute dream!!!! (My first date with my fiancé was in the National Railway Museum in York 🤣)

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Lol

[@dolaghosh8244]

Superb 👏👏thanks for sharing Tim👍👍

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Glad you enjoyed it Dola, Thanks for watching

[@steveyogilmore5314]

"Can I get a tea please ?" "No Sir its my job to get it for you".

[@EmmaKelly74159]

Brilliant, thank you so much, I enjoyed every minute. 😘

[@WalkWithMeTim]

thanks Emma

[@steveallen1635]

I'm looking forward to watching this one! I looked into taking this train, only problem I found, was that the average price of a hotel in Cornwall was £250 a night (high season)! I go to Spain, for a week, for the same price,

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Yikes

[@aidanfell4297]

Holidaying in the UK is not cheap unfortunately, as sometimes there's no better place than home🇬🇧, but your money will get you further in other places. I spent one month in Bulgaria for example, cheap accommodation and you could eat out always for under a tenner, and that wasn't laminated menu pub food, it was actually good food. And flights there are really cheap

[@vinniesuperstar8923]

do what I did. Arrive at Penzance just before 8am and catch the 10am train home ;)

[@allylou5151]

😟why does it cost so much here in UK, no wonder people go abroad as get more for your money.....it's shame as lot nice places here as we have all come to see watching your films Tim😁👍

[@seanward4545]

I did it and stayed in a b and b in carbis bay (about a 10-15 min walk from the station)...absolutely lovely and it only cost me £50 a night...better than some travel lodges and especially for the area...

[@WALK_AND_TREK]

It was the best video I saw, thank you my good friend❤❤

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Wow, thank you

[@jillcox6685]

I often took the train when my daughter lived in Cornwall. Always a pleasure to do so!

[@alexbmwfan342]

Welcome to my hometown of reading, Tim.

[@alexbmwfan342]

You might of passed by my house who knows

[@alexbmwfan342]

Because my house is next to a track behind a small woods

[@Marigolded]

I don't know if feeling sleep-deprived the following day would be worth it to me, and for first class there was a lot wrong with it. Why was there no power? Why was there no running water to your room? Why did the lights fail to turn off when you returned to the toilet? Even so, I was surprised it wasn't a lot more expensive. Thank you for sharing your experience, Tim, I absolutely loved it, the train looked magnificent, and Paddington Station is a special place. Of course I'd love to see the Scottish sleeper experience. I have a feeling it might be better with proper food rather than packets of snacks.

[@WalkWithMeTim]

yes I was gutted tbh

[@KempSimon]

Fun fact - You don't need a First Class ticket to travel on GWR's "Night Riviera" Sleeper train as it conveys only Standard accommodation. Neatly explaining why none of the carriages has a gold stripe painted along the side at cantrail level.

[@WELLBRAN]

If you live in Penzance and are catching a long haul flight, this train is very worth it. It's really our train not so much London to Penzance as everyone thinks

[@Ricky33HD]

What a brilliant video , never even knew this was a thing , so thank you for this 👍🏽

[@WalkWithMeTim]

you are welcome

[@mikebailey7344]

I did the Caledonian sleeper train in Scotland a few years back . It's brilliant

[@bexhil7]

Another great & fantastic video of I Spend The Night On A UK Sleeper Train - The Night Riviera i have been to Penzance Auntie lived there!.❤❤🧡🧡💛💛💚💚💙💙💜💜🤎🤎🖤🖤

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Thanks Michael

[@paulroossien5322]

Nice video tim the Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 sleeper train would be really interesting cheers

[@PrincessNottingham]

This train is loads better than the Caledonia sleeper. 👍

[@WalkWithMeTim]

defo

[@deb-1558]

Nice little room 🥰

[@sarahcarter9061]

The London Riviera sleeper train is top of my bucket list

[@aidanthefreerunner]

Mate this looks cool love your videos walk with me family are behind you!!!

[@walthamwalker]

Well Tim it beats Pontins You should be able to claim money back for the problems with the cabin Looking forward to your Scotland trip 👍👍👍👍

[@jimmyscott9990]

I have fancied the scottish sleeper for a while, the scenery is supposed to be unbelievable, I feel like falling asleep whilst having the movement of the train will be relaxing, great vid

[@KempSimon]

The new Spanish-built Mark 5 carriages used by Serco Group plc for its Anglo-Scottish "Caledonian Sleeper" services have tiny wheels and inside-frame bogies, which give a lousy ride. In the "Club Rooms" (ie en-suite cabins with toilet and shower) waste water sloshes around in the underfloor retention tanks. There's very little room to store bulky items of luggage in the Classic or Club cabins because the washbasin isn't covered by a hinged lid and there's no shelf above the window. Yes, the Scottish scenery is fantastic on all of the three "Highlander" routes (Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William) but you only get to see it in high Summer because (of course) you're travelling overnight. Personally I believe that Great Western Railway's Standard-class "Night Riviera" Sleeper is a superior product at a cheaper price, but you need to try both to make a valid comparison,

[@theabandonedhunter3604]

I thought that was a wicked video Tim, I really enjoyed that and very informative. Would love another one of those videos. 👍

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Thanks.. noted

[@pennyblackstamp]

How exciting Tim just like James Bond without villains! You do such brilliant things on your channel you'd think first class would be without issues but the room looks amazing. I hope the lad in the photo got a share in any left over cakes. Thanks 👍

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Lol thanks Penny

[@FraserAtSea]

Ah, I'm going to be vlogging this train next year - this was so good to see here. It looks like a great product actually - thanks for sharing!

[@websitesthatneedanem]

Very tastefully done Tim! ... especially the bacon roll! 😁

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Lol

[@lexyoutube5146]

4.58 - It's hardly big enough to change your mind in, lol! Joking aside Tim, having access to the refreshments, spending time in the 1st class lounge which has character and then boarding the sleeper train for some overnight travel does make for a nice experience.

[@MrDbone75]

A very good Friday morning to you sir and your family from Wellington Somerset

[@AbandonedLandscapes]

Another great video Tim thank you for sharing 👍

[@WalkWithMeTim]

thanks

[@ChrisA93]

Tim another great video. Lovely train bed is tiny especially if your more on the larger side like me lol. Loved this new type of video.

[@benmiller.]

Would love to have the opportunity to go on this! Great video as usual

[@ELITEDEMON991]

Always good to experience new things, thanks for sharing Tim 😎

[@WalkWithMeTim]

you are welcome

[@barrycoppock]

Many years since I did sleepers to Penzance and Scotland, so was very interesting to see what the current day offers. Would be great to see a comparison with the East Coast sleeper. The advantage of using the sleeper is that by travelling overnight you gain a day at your destination outward and a further day before you return.

[@xr6lad]

And be out of your bed at 7.30 with luggage…. Yea no.

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Good idea barry

[@TidyRC]

Correct!! Someone who gets it. 👊🏼

[@johnbarnes888]

In my opinion, train is the best way to travel. That bed looked like a comfortable version of a caravan bed where you have to sleep on your side! Beautiful lounge at the station though. Love those leather chairs.

[@WalkWithMeTim]

We agree!

[@jessbooth5495]

Great video. I love train Vlogs and was excited to see this video as I haven’t seen this route. Goodness, that was not the experience I was expecting 😮 Keep up the great content. Thanks from Australia 🇦🇺

[@isabelstokes4042]

This makes me want to take a tour around all the beautiful stations in London. The architecture looks amazing!

[@clarea1801]

Im glad you showed the lounge aa I'd booked first class to bath one year and the lounge was closed. Also you could've given the lady who brought your breakfast a visual treat by not wearing a top.

[@Mellbergfan]

Definitely do the Scotland sleeper train! Great video.

[@bishbashbosh1532]

Definitely do the Scottish sleeper train I found it amazing so comfy and great views on the way excellent video as allways 👍👌

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Thanks I hear its bumpy

[@colin.d]

Unless you are going all the way to Penzance (more likely Exeter or Plymouth) then surely the sleeper is not really worth it especially as you can't rely on getting a decent length of sleep time.

[@johnwebster2157]

Excellent Tim yes I would sample experience 👍

[@WalkWithMeTim]

☺️

[@nathanwotton5995]

What a lovely experience Tim. It looks amazing when you stay over night on a train 🚆

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Absolutely

[@KempSimon]

The beautifully-refurbished Mark 3 Sleeper coaches on GWR's "Night Riviera" - plus the cheap ticket prices and excellent sustomer service - really puts Caledonian Sleeper's Anglo-Scottish overnight trains to shame!

[@UrAvrgYoutubeWatcher]

Love that everything is complementary when you pay for first class lounge 😉

[@WalkWithMeTim]

yes me too .. wanted to take some with me lol

[@jmarshal]

That cabin was about the size of one of the hotel rooms I stayed in while I was in Japan!

[@MargaretUK]

That was great, thanks Tim, and what a fab station Paddington is. Yes please for more sleeper train videos, hopefully with everything working next time 👍

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Let's hope

[@tsangyman]

Nice video and unique trip, definite would like Scotland train experience.

[@annehicks9992]

My favourite train. I don't use the cabins i sit in an ordinary seat. You get a pillow. Blanket etc so comfy

[@cherrymoore5166]

Tim, I've watched your other sleeper train ones! And this is by far my favourite ❤ I will definitely be looking into this 😊 brilliant

[@treinenliefde]

Like you say, 185 pounds isnt bad. Looks like a really nice train. We're finally seeing some new night train carriages in Europa so hopefully the quality will be similar to what's over in the UK.

[@jackiesmithsmetaldetecting]

It costs me £100 fro Liverpool to scarborough on the pennine express to my mums

[@robertp.wainman4094]

​@@jackiesmithsmetaldetecting You know TPE stands for Terrible Passenger Experience!

[@traceybeerling4776]

Hi Tim I'd love to try a sleeper train looks lovely in 1st class . Yes I'd like to see another trip I love this sort of thing. Thanks for sharing with. Love to you as always Tracey 💕 xxxx

[@WalkWithMeTim]

thanks Tracey

[@Mat-eq8mk]

I really like this train, but for two things: 1) The bed doesn't need to be that narrow. There's a back rest thing they could remove. A small thing, but very frustrating when it only runs at night. 2) The journey is too short. It doesn't depart London until midnight and they wake you up for breakfast at 6:30.

[@Howardthompson]

Can sometimes get the fare a bit cheaper if you book in advance. Not sure if you found, but the bottom bunk has a fold down tray on it and can convert to a sofa if you're not using it.

[@christinehodge3608]

Yes it would be nice to see the Scottish video, liked this video very much

[@geebee6737]

I once did an overnight sleeper from Rome to Paris through Switzerland , totally awesome experience that took around 15 hours back then. The cabins were all 4 berth so you had to share with total strangers but just added to the experience and was very reminiscent of the Orient Express. Coffee and croissants for breakfast followed by a journey from Bercy to Gare du Nord on the Parisian metro to catch the Eurostar home. I think everyone owes themself such a journey 👍

[@markjames8603]

Yeh weird sharing with complete strangers, the ferry from Harwich to Gothenburg was the same, just one of the tiers of cheaper travelling, coach seat, shared accommodation, standard room then 1st class, although the difference as I recall from standard to 1st was a bowl of fruit and maybe some complimentary towels 😁

[@WalkWithMeTim]

agree!

[@michaelscott7166]

Wow! I paid £80 for this a year ago. Forgive me if I missed it in the video but I was able to book in for a shower in the First Class lounge on arrival in Penzance which I thought was a nice touch.

[@WalkWithMeTim]

yes I did too

[@donnatrevithick1318]

When I lived in Penzance I used this service a couple of times. It was comforting to be able to sleep and not worry about your suitcase and bags. Being woken up with a tasty breakfast and freshen up in your room. It's a great way to travel. The first class lounge was shelter in the evening, before the trip and you can board early and get settled before the other passengers. Highly recommended.

[@anitasheehan6243]

What a fantastic job love the vlogs you do such an amazing job

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Thank you so much!!

[@MetalFan10101]

7:18 Very dangerous game indeed!

[@marieryan2541]

Hi Tim I like your Riviera train trip as for me I'd rather travel during the day down to Cornwall same destination though. Yes do the overnight to Scotland it will be interesting.

[@WalkWithMeTim]

It's very expensive but you get a double bed lol

[@visualstoryteller7777]

Something different, great thanks Tim

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@visualstoryteller7777]

@@WalkWithMeTim I did thanks and I hope you did as well

[@lindaredmond6779]

Really enjoyed sharing your experience Tim. Always wondered what it was like. I'd love to see the Scotland sleeper..Always sounds so lovely x

[@WalkWithMeTim]

yes bit more expensive lol

[@lindaredmond6779]

@@WalkWithMeTim thought it might be useful 😄

[@lindaredmond6779]

Don't no where useful came from lol.

[@themaskedman8867]

Sounds like a good experience. Would like to try that ☺️☺️☺️

[@anitasheehan6243]

You just make the best vlogs lm addicted love them and your so kind about the places you stay even if they are not great 👍

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Thanks so much 😊

[@vixthatchick4228]

Looks really nice this fairplay, deserve a bit of luxury 😊 thank you Tim

[@WalkWithMeTim]

My pleasure!

[@CraftyWitch1990]

It looks lovely but the best in my opinion will always be the Caledonian sleeper from Glasgow to London or vice versa. So comfy!

[@WalkWithMeTim]

I look forward to trying it

[@samhenwood5746]

I’ve always fancied doing this & it’s on my bucket list 🤗Thanks Tim 😀👍

[@andymullaney1594]

Have love to go on that train ,have been on train Leeds to Penzance on the cross country train ,then Penzance,to trulo ,a like looking out the window,all the different places,great vidio Tim 👍

[@WalkWithMeTim]

You should!

[@ChuckleHoneybear]

Please visit more sleeper trains!

[@basbeestKT]

Nice review and please do the Caledonian Sleeper as well. And possibly the Belmond Royal Scotsman (but you might want to get a sponsor for that XD )

[@WalkWithMeTim]

I think I need one it's so expensive

[@dorisacker6292]

Wow! Looks "posh!" Better than most hotels I have seen you record from. I would love to try this if I ever get to UK.

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Yes I didn't check the pillows on this one lol

[@maxinew4703]

Done that journey many times when spending a nice week in London. May of got merry a few times lol x

[@amymartin8512]

Definitely Scotland 👍 can’t wait for another video 😍

[@WalkWithMeTim]

More to come!

[@vinniesuperstar8923]

I've done the Night Riviera, Lowlander (new stock) and Highlander (old stock) and slept like a baby on the NR. Not so well on the Caledonian Sleeper's. Glad you mentioned the noise, I was lying in bed talking on the phone and I heard a shrill voice, "can you please keep the noise down!"

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Yes u can hear people clearly

[@Robinjupton]

Tim, please do the Scottish sleeper train, it's amazing.!!!!!!

[@nysavant]

Interesting video. Did they offer you any compensation for the problems experienced? Would like to see the Scotland sleeper please 👍

[@WalkWithMeTim]

I'm still waiting

[@markhep]

I love the hotel videos tim I literally been watching them all over this last month. And started on the others now. I want you job 😂grate videos 👍👍👍

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Thanks .. means alot

[@345berry]

Thanks for sharing, I would like you to try the Caledonian sleeper next between London and Edinburgh.

[@chattybatty7726]

The best sleep iv ever had was on a over night cross channel ferry …now that was 36 years ago maybe you could try one… I’m sure you would love the motion mind you we did have a lovely calm night with the weather

[@thebard9786]

Interesting vid. Cheers, Tim 👍

[@MidlandRailEnthusiast]

This was yet another fantastic Vlog Tim I’m glad you reviewed the GWR Night Riviera Train Il agree with you the walkways are very narrow indeed and so are the beds but I’m glad it was comfortable it’s a shame you had no running water and the electricity wasn’t working and for the staff to nearly to forget to serve you breakfast was really disappointing I would say the lounge car did look fantastic but I believe the Caledonian Sleeper has bigger beds shower and toilets on board and better and more up to date rolling stock so please do review the Caledonian Sleeper as I and many of your viewers would enjoy finding out how much better it is compared to the GWR sleeper train I continue to enjoy watching your Vlogs Tim carry on being awesome keep up the good work take care and stay safe

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Thanks Simon..yes was disappointed

[@MidlandRailEnthusiast]

@@WalkWithMeTim your welcome Tim

[@TardisMarch]

Excellent video Tim. I think the price for what you get is absolutely brilliant. all the best buddy 😊

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Thanks joe