Sleeper train "Caledonian" London Euston to Aberdeen

[Pentoman]

I'm taking the sleeper train to Scotland this week - has anyone here tried this? Not doing it for any reason except it's a change from flying and a damn sight easier *I hope*.

Have read up on the web, seems to be:

Just rock up at Euston and board the train when ready - no checks. Is that true?
Small compartment with a sink and bed but no toilet/shower. No showers at all on train in fact .
No mains sockets but can adapt the shaver socket to charge a phone.
Shame the room design Is a missed opportunity - hospital white all round.
"lounge car" sounds pretty cool with its freely positioned sofas and beers served to you.
Any particular sights to look out for? I'll be arriving at 7.30 am and it's my day off, so I need weigh up whether it's worth rising for the view?
Anything else to know?

Looking forward to not having to deal with airport security and queues...

[sunseeker]

Can you tell the cost of this service? I am thinking of doing a trip in september.

[perdu]

When I was a lad...

My sister and I used to travel to Scotland (Brum to Hamilton) overnight at the start of the school summer hols

There is something "rather cool" about looking out at the world at 80mph or so when the day starts to crack, specially if you are going across hilly, misty country

Dammit

You've made me start the "de temps perdu" thing now

I can't say I have done it on your side of the country though

Enjoy it, I quite envy you this one.

[RDM]

Does this service cross the Forth bridge, assume it does. That would be worth getting up early for.

[Amateurish]

I've done this trip a few times, and highly recommend it. The Lounge car is excellent for a haggis and whiskey. Check out Seat 61 for all the inside info.

http://www.seat61.com/CaledonianSleepers.htm

[louiebaby]

The beds aren't particularly long, in case that might be a problem for you...?

[ralphrj]

Pentoman said:

Anything else to know?

What ticket have you booked? There are no single cabins. If you go first class you get the cabin to yourself. If you go standard you will be sharing (with a stranger if you are not travelling with a friend/partner).

[Vieste]

They look cool never been on a sleeper train before.

[rs1952]

perdu said:

When I was a lad...

And when I was a lad, there were overnight trains running with ordinary compartment coaching stock.

Get in one of those, pull the blinds down, chalk "Just married" on the corridor side of the blinds, and you got a compartment for the night all to yourself

The last time I used a proper sleeper was 1974 (Bristol to Glasgow) so my info is a little out of date ....

[Dr Banjo]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Wow didnt realise this

I really want to do this journey. Cannot be arsed with airports and checkin at the moment. (makes note to self..book first class)

[Dr Banjo]

Amateurish said:

I've done this trip a few times, and highly recommend it. The Lounge car is excellent for a haggis and whiskey. Check out Seat 61 for all the inside info.

http://www.seat61.com/CaledonianSleepers.htm

Have to say that looks top notch !

[matchmaker]

RDM said:

Does this service cross the Forth bridge, assume it does. That would be worth getting up early for.

The Aberdeen portion does (in the early hours of the morning), the others do not. I've used it a few times. Quite relaxing and the lounge car is great - sipping a single malt as you speed through outer suburbia is rather civilised.

[rs1952]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

There used to be quite a few of them rumbling around. My "favourites" for outbound trips were:

1925 Bristol to Newcastle mail
0015 Bristol to Manchester
0110 Bristol to Sheffield

There was one occasion in 1976 when I was on the Leeds to Aberystwyth mail, which split at Guide Bridge with part going into Manchester and the other part going to Stockport-Crewe-Shrewsbury. It was split in the wrong place and 3 coaches went to Manchester and only one to Aberystwyth. I was in the one that ought to have gone to Wales but didn't, so we were taxied to Stockport to pick the train up there. There was no chance to lie down and kip that night

Prior to September 1966 there used to be a 2222 York to Swindon (to Bristol on Sunday mornings) running via the Great Central between Sheffield and Woodford Halse. You didn't need to use the "just married" trick on that one - you usually got the coach to yourself, let alone a compartment

Them were the days

[Marky Boy]

http://pan3sixty.co.uk/virtual_tours/scot_rail/tou...

It does look quite good doesn't it. I may have to go for a jaunt on this just for the experience.

[Dr Jekyll]

Is there a window in the compartment? I can't see one.

[Marky Boy]

It's behind the blind. They are closed in the pictures.

[Burrow01]

Have done this a couple of times and really liked it, very relaxing

Train is looking a bit tired now but is pretty comfortable, always went First Class to get a cabin to myself.

Did the run down from Glasgow to Euston which was great, strolled onto the train at Glasgow station around 11pm, had a beer etc in the restaurant carriage and woke up in Watford, 15 mins from Euston

Much better than flying

[Pentoman]

And we're off - if you want to ask questions now is a good time..



First thing- friendly staff, already been invited for a nightcap. Think they take pride in running this service

[Mojocvh]

Brilliant, hoping to do your journey in reverse as part of a short[ish] family break to Nice around Sept/Oct all via train and taxi.

Please keep us updated as to the overall enjoyment factor.

all the best

Mo.

[Burrow01]

Nice to hear - whats on offer at the bar :-)