Episode 171 Guide to the Night Riviera Sleeper Train
In episode 171 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy is joined by UKTP rail expert Doug Collins to unpack the Night Riviera sleeper from London Paddington to Penzance.
Doug shares the essentials for booking, checking in, and making the most of your journey, including how to access the First Class lounge at Paddington, when to board, what berths are really like, and exactly where to sit for the best views of the Cornish coastline and St Michael’s Mount.
You will hear about onboard life, breakfast choices, and simple strategies if plans change. Tune in to decide if the Night Riviera deserves a spot in your next UK adventure.
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Episode 171 – Summary
What you’ll learn in this episode
🚆 The Night Riviera is one of only two UK sleeper trains, running overnight from London Paddington to Penzance at the tip of Cornwall, and it is well worth adding to your itinerary.
🌜 Doug shares step-by-step practicals: how to book, check-in and boarding times, berth layout, and how to access the First Class lounge at Paddington.
🍽️ Learn how to order breakfast for the train and why having your morning cuppa in the lounge car is a highlight for coastal views on arrival.
📸 Discover which side of the train to sit on for the best vistas, including St Michael’s Mount as you roll into Cornwall.
🏆 Pro tips for a smooth trip: seat reservations, handling unexpected changes, and what to do if reservations are not available.
🧳 What to expect at Paddington and Penzance stations, including lounges, showers, a Paddington Bear photo stop, and last-minute food shopping.
🚄 What it is actually like onboard: berth comfort, ride quality, and how the Night Riviera compares with the Caledonian Sleeper.
🥐 Why it pays to arrive at Paddington early and how to make the most of lounge access for a relaxed start.
👋 Stories and helpful advice from Doug’s journey, and why UK train travel is so friendly and social.
🎥 Bonus: a peek at upcoming YouTube videos and digital resources to help you plan your own UK rail adventure.
UK places, foods and words/concepts mentioned
Places
- Night Riviera route highlights: Reading, Exeter St David’s, Newton Abbot, Plymouth, Liskeard, Truro.
- Paddington tips: Platform 1 is common for departure near the Paddington Bear statue and GWR lounge; Platform 8 is a possible alternative.
- GWR First Class Lounges: Paddington and Penzance lounges available to berth passengers.
- Arrival views: Mounts Bay and St Michael’s Mount on approach to Penzance.
- Penzance extras: Harbour stroll and Wharfside shops for quick bites.
Foods
- Onboard breakfast: Pre-order and eat in the lounge car for coastal views.
- Simple options: Porridge, cereal, sausage bap, juice, tea or coffee.
- In Penzance: Classic Cornish pasty or a supermarket meal deal for a quick refuel.
Words / Concepts
- Night Riviera (GWR): Overnight sleeper London Paddington to Penzance.
- Berth: Your sleeping compartment; one accessible berth type is available.
- Key card: Hotel-style card to access your berth.
- Lounge car: Relaxed seating and breakfast service on arrival.
- Seat reservations: May be unavailable after disruptions; have a plan.
- Real Time Trains: Handy tool to check live running info.
- BritRail: Pass option for international visitors planning wider UK rail.
- USB sockets: Power points available in berths.
- Engineering works: Planned maintenance that can cause diversions or delays.
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