The journey starts in London and ends up in a beautiful seaside resort town – and you can sleep the whole way there if you like
Embark on an enchanting overnight UK rail adventure from London to a picturesque seaside resort.
Sleeper trains offer a touch of glamour that’s missing from the daily grind of commuting. Typically, such luxurious trips come with a hefty price tag, especially for private cabins. Yet, on the famed Great Western Rail’s Night Riviera service, you can experience a comfortable journey from London to Cornwall at a bargain – costing less than a night at a hotel.
It’s one of only two sleeper trains in the UK, with the other being the Caledonian Sleeper from London to Scotland. The trip departs from London’s Paddington Station and takes you all the way to Penzance, nestled at the very edge of Britain.
TikToker Lucy took this journey and shared her “magical” experience on her channel Through Lucy’s Lens. She raved about it, saying: “Did you know there’s a train journey in the UK where you can travel from London Paddington to Penzance overnight and sleep in your own private cabin?”
She continued, describing the perks: “First of all you’re whisked away to the First Class lounge at London Paddington where you can enjoy a selection of free teas, coffees and goodies and you’re actually sitting in the waiting room that was built for Queen Victoria.”
Imagine boarding a train at 10.30pm and being whisked away to your own private cabin – that’s the luxe experience Great Western Railway (GWR) is offering, with cabins starting at a bargain £45 for a solo room and just £34 per head for a twin. This cost is on top of rail fares beginning at £59.50, reports the Express.
Lucy was enamoured by the overnight journey, saying: “Once it’s time to sleep you can lie back in your bed which has really cosy linens on it and sleep while the train rocks all the way down to Penzance.”
After enjoying a snug night’s rest, Lucy was greeted with breakfast in bed delivered by a train host before she set off to explore Penzance. Reflecting on the trip, she shared her long-held desire: “I’d wanted to take this train journey my whole life and it really didn’t disappoint because the most magical thing of all is when you wake up you’re waking up to the sunrise in Penzance.”
Mark Hopwood, GWR managing director, has highlighted the service’s success: “The Night Riviera remains extremely popular, with occupancy rates reflecting the general increase in leisure travel we have seen across all GWR services since the pandemic.
“We have listened to customers and added more flexibility to the way in which they can book. For example, a family of four can now book connecting rooms with all range of twin and solo options.
“A sleeper refresh was completed during 2019 and proved a big hit with customers. Highlights included a complete redesign of the lounge car with bar-style seating; onboard WiFi; hotel-style keycards for the doors; plus a wardrobe, charging points and improved lighting in the cabins.
“Sleeper Lounges with shower facilities have also been introduced at Penzance and Truro to reflect the facilities already offered at Paddington.”
