Looking for more Scotland travel tips? Finally the review! The Club Car has a range of different seating types from booths to small tables. London to Scotland sleeper service tipped for renationalisation, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. Read more: Get My Complete Scotland Travel Guide. In this article discover one of the most popular sleeper train journeys in the world the Caledonian Sleeper service from London to Scotland (and vice versa). Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. As we wined (or whiskied, in this case) and dined, the train slid out of Euston station and sped northbound. Available for single or shared occupancy. Serco had unsuccessfully attempted to renegotiate its Caledonian Sleeper contract last year. On top of all that they do seem very friendly. Our phone lines are only for those without internet access. It has bunk beds and the same shower and toilet combination as the Caledonian Double. The fact that you can board and alight for up to 1h before / after avoids any rushes, there isn't any of the hassle of airport security or queues. A senior union source said . You dont need to worry about which half of the train is going where, as the staff will do that for you when you board. Geoffrey Morrison. Transport minister Jenny Gilruth said the service, which connects some of Scotland's most rural stations to London, will be operated by an arm's-length company owned by the Scottish Government from June 25. For those staying in rooms, there are Club Cars, a lounge car which serves drinks and hot food. It is important to check that if using a Britrail Passor Inter-Rail/ Eurail (that includes Great Britain) that you check the dates are still valid on your travel pass for your journey before travelling. Yes well, some. We had to make sure we were in the right section of the train as it was going to split at Edinburgh. You are able to smoke at the station before you board, and when you get off, but there arent many opportunities to smoke while riding. Like all trains, its recommended that you buy your tickets as far in advance as possible. Sleeper trains run nightly from Sunday to Friday. THE Caledonian Sleeper service will be brought into public hands this summer, the Scottish Government has announced. He has over twenty years experience as Head of Economics at leading schools. From this date, the Caledonian Sleeper services will be provided by Scottish Rail Holdings, an arm's length company owned . Caledonian Sleeper to be nationalised. Train lovers like ourselves always prefer rail travel to any other form of travel, not just for the considerable advantages over other modes of transport but also for the environmental benefits. The Caledonian Sleeper rail service is to be nationalised later this year, the Scottish government has announced. The Caledonian Sleeper Route information, Caledonian Sleeper Boarding Times and Timetable, Caledonian Sleeper Options for sleeping or seating, Comfort Seats (sometimes referred to as sleeper seats), Click for further information and to book your Caledonian Sleeper Train tickets, Best of Britain by train (14 day itinerary), How to travel on the Harry Potter train in Scotland, Guide to the 9 main train stations in London, Guide to overnight sleeper train travel (tips), Podcast Episode 5 Guide to the Caledonian Sleeper Train, 13 Tips to save money on rail travel in the UK. Hello from both of us Tracy and Doug Collins. This includes the onboard showers and lounge facilities as well as enjoying the unique sleeper berth experience. KOVERED Eden Backpack Review: The Best Travel Carry-On? Company Reg no: 04489574. Admittedly, Im not the best sleeper so no, I didnt. There are several reasons why the Caledonian Sleeper service may make a loss: Overall, the Caledonian Sleeper service is a complex operation with high fixed costs and fluctuating demand. I had never ridden on any form of sleeper transport, so it was a first for me in many ways. The advice would be book early if this is what you want. Whether it is for business or leisure, Caledonian Sleeper will take you to some of the UKs most wonderful destinations. The Caledonian Sleeper rail service is to be nationalised later this year, the Scottish government has announced. The word Caledonian is taken from the Latin word which generally refers to the . Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Requested to be no bigger than 70cm wide, 120cm long. Staff travel holders are not permitted to travel in the overnight seated accommodation on these services. Since 2015 we have partnered with ARRAN Sense of Scotland to supply our guests with bath and shower gels, shampoo, conditioner, handwashes and body lotions. Our train was due to depart from London Euston at 21:15 so we got there an hour before. The move comes after ministers decided last year to terminate Serco's contract to run the service seven years early. The Caledonian Sleeper offers an excellent alternative, take the train late at night, get 7 hours of sleep and wake up refreshed and in the centre of Glasgow, all before 7:30 in the morning so you can make . A creative scene like no other, Glasgow is famous for the arts, live music, and comedy. LS23 6AD To what extent will state-ownership under Scottish Rail Holdings bring about a change in business objectives and pricing? Though we have travelled on this service on numerous occasions this was our first time travelling on the new and updated sleeper service in January 2020. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The Caledonian Sleeper rail service will be nationalised after Scottish ministers moved to terminate the operating company's franchise agreement seven years early. Some of the UK's best destinations are connected by the Caledonian Sleeper. The Caledonian Sleeper train is the name of the service that runs on the train route between England and Scotland 6 days a week. Image: Andrew Smith. Boston House, Other transport-related firms which have been brought into public ownership in recent years include shipbuilder Ferguson Marine in 2019 and Prestwick Airport in 2013 - both of which have proved to be controversial. The staff and security work hard to ensure passengers are safe and comfortable during their entire trip. This follows the announcement on 5 October 2022 of the Scottish Government's decision to terminate Serco's Franchise Agreement on 25 . These are available at the following stations. With Caledonian Sleeper, you get to say goodnight to queuing, and wake up to something different while you travel between Scotland and London. Free goodies such as sleeping masks and earplugs, Breakfast room service - complimentary if you upgrade, Free eye mask that I still use months later, More eco-friendly than flying and driving, The carriages and rooms are a bit cramped, Food is expensive and dishes are on the small side, The lounge car isnt open late so dont rely on it to eat, Its not as nice waking up extremely early in London, Could do with having entertainment on board. Assistance Dogs Welcome on board. The 800m agreement, signed in 2015, had been due to run until 2030 . Highlander Route Departs Sunday to Friday each week (not on Saturdays) from Fort William, Aberdeen and Inverness. Rob is married to Allie and together they have been traveling the world for the past 5 years. Inside the compartment was a bunk bed, a sink and hand towel in the far end with a window above it and a small table that could be pulled out. Off the train, Club and Double Room guests also have first class lounge access at the station while they wait to board the train. Rail Staff taking children have two options they can travel in a 75% discounted adult fare or use free or a 2.00 inter-available . For more information, visit myPrivacy Policy. Sleeper train travel provides fantastic travel memories and stories to tell with some of the, Highlander Route Departs Sunday to Friday each week (not on Saturdays) from: . We took on the task with the vision of upgrading the . Check terms and conditions regarding breakfast or room type. Inspired by the destinations we serve across the UK, the six posters are designed to celebrate the heritage of Caledonian Sleeper while also looking to the future. That all depends on where youre going. Overall weight with guest and luggage does not exceed 300kg. Caledonian Sleeper rail service to be nationalised. While more expensive than other sleepers in Europe and the USA, it is the most updated experience you can get on a train and is worth the price. In my opinion, yes it is. There are options to choose from for your accommodation for each journey depending on your preferences and budget. Now it is possible to reserve sleeper berths and pay the supplement only at the Caledonian Sleeper website. They both tasted good, and at that late hour are about all you will need. Essential resources. He writes extensively and is a contributor and presenter on CPD conferences in the UK and overseas. The out-sourcing company will stop operating the cross-border rail The Caledonian Sleeper service is a train service operated by Serco that runs overnight between London and various destinations in Scotland, including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness, and Fort William. Arguably, the most important part of the review. With everything in place for a relaxed Transport minister Jenny Gilruth said the service, which connects some of . Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is amazing to fall asleep in one country/state and wake up in another and enjoy the views along the way! If you are considering booking the Caledonian Sleeper for your next journey from London to Scotland you will find everything you need to know in our article. If that were the case, I would skip the Club Room and go for the Caledonian Double upgrade from a bunk to a double bed! So, is the Caledonian Sleeper worth it? The Caledonian Sleeper breakfast was arranged by ticking the items that we wanted off a paper menu after boarding and hanging it on the door outside to be picked up. It was painfully early and there were no pretty views to enjoy. Its a great spot to have dinner or get a change of scene from the rooms. The one big downside is that although you get a slight discount on the room overall, the cost is still much higher than if you were splitting it with someone else. The other one is the Night Riviera Sleeper from London to Penzance! To facilitate a smooth transfer of power, Serco will coordinate with the Scottish Government in the coming months. There was no WIFI, no charging sockets and the lighting was terrible. More information on how we process your information can be found in our Privacy Policy. It was a good while before we found our carriage, but eventually, we bundled through the door and looked for our room. RMT Announcement on strike dates during March and April please check our service alterations page. These are Caledonian Sleeper staff who greet guests at the train. Can you book a room on the sleeper train as a solo traveller? An experience which harks back to a bygone time, we enjoy a For other queries, you should find the information on our website, or you can e-mail us . No spam, just awesome travel content. Rather than a train getting you from A to B, this sleeper train is part of the experience of travel. The bed was comfortable and cosy. This week, we take a trip aboard the Caledonian Sleeper "Highlander" service from Inverness to London Euston to see if the problems with the new rolling stoc. Lowlander Route Departs Sunday to Friday each week (not on Saturdays) from Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Central. Thanks for the link. Confused? For the same reasons, the Flexible tickets was also not an option. Transport Scotland. Required fields are marked *. Can you take dogs on the Caledonian Sleeper? You should not have any concerns over safety on the Caledonian Sleeper. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. All rooms on board our new trains capture the spirit of Caledonian Sleeper and remain the most civilised way to travel between London and Scotland. No spam, just awesome travel content. Alternatively, you can use a valid National Rail ticket provided you also have a reservation to travel on the Caledonian Sleeper. We have a love for train travel and enjoy exploring the UK by train. However, Ive heard that even those rooms are a bit cramped (I overheard a tall man complain about it in the Club Car). - My 10 key tips for being a sustainable traveller, -Monthly newsletter featuring all the latest blog postsand news. RST Ref: 90-007-002 Rail Staff Travel Restrictions Summer 2022 v2 Page 11 Caledonian Sleeper Please note the restrictions that apply to ALL operators' services detailed on pages 6 and 7 above in addition to the information below. for about 20 minutes before we heard the announcement called. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. I was looking at the Staff T&Cs for travel on the Sleeper, and the RDG website tells me only to book First Class (single occupancy birth and what not) only if I have the First Class entitlement. Unique in that two people can sleep on the same level, it is one of the few sleeper rooms in the world that doesnt utilize bunkbeds. With over 35 years experience exploring the UK we are here to help you plan your travels to (and around) the UK. All Caledonian sleeper tickets need to be valid on the ARRIVAL date of your end destination station not necessarily on the date you leave starting point train station. Dont worry, we wont bombard you with emails, and you can unsubscribe at any time, but our e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date every step of the way. Jenny Gilruth said nothing about how this world class service can be improved under the Scottish government.. MINISTERS have confirmed they are to nationalise the key Caledonian Sleeper service which operates overnight . Mercifully it was a bit cleaner as youre sharing with other people in your carriage rather than the whole train. Complimentary sleep kit, including Scottish toiletry items. The move comes after ministers decided last year to terminate Serco's contract to . But rail unions welcomed the transport minister's announcement. The Caledonian Sleeper service will be brought into public hands from this summer, the Scottish . Highlander Route Departs Sunday to Friday each week (not on Saturdays) from London Euston as one train before dividing/splitting into sections at Edinburgh Waverley railway station (in the middle of the night). If you board the train at 23:00 in Edinburgh, for example, theres a strong chance it will be closed. Trains to Edinburgh and Glasgow are available to board up to 1 hour and 40 minutes before departure. NETHERLANDS Railways (NS) says lower passenger numbers due to changing working patterns and a shortage of staff led to an operating loss of 304m in 2022, down from a loss of 952m the year before. Yes, you can take up to two pets with you (including dogs and cats) but it will cost you extra. I should add that I didnt actually book the tickets myself. The capital of the UK and one of the worlds most spectacular cities, London needs little introduction and gives you access to business, entertainment and leisure on a grand scale. In 2019, Serco put an improvement plan in place after the service was hit by strike action, technical faults and the late delivery of new trains. New opening hours Monday-Friday 24 hours Saturday Midnight to 1600 Sunday 1200- [], We have teamed up with Mackies of Scotland to grant one lucky winner and their plus one an unforgettable railway experience aboard the Caledonian Sleeper and a years supply of chocolate. They write: "Britrail / Inter-Rail / Eurail / FIP Coupons will need to be valid on the date you arrive in your destination but not necessarily on the date you join the train for departures before midnight.". It will be operated by an arm . If you try and book two weeks before you travel, theres a very good chance your ideal accommodation wont be available. Now, I think you should be aware of the 'full' experience prior to booking this means of travel-. The Glasgow train stops at Motherwell before joining the Edinburgh train at Carstairs. Single journey ticket purchases, you buy 2 tickets for a return journey. However, they may travel in the seated accommodation on the legs of the journey between Fort William and Edinburgh and vice versa, and Kingussie and Inverness where the sleeper train forms a day service (reservations are not required). From 25 June 2023, the service will be run by Scottish Rail Holdings (SRH), an arm's length company owned by the Scottish government. Then, retire to your comfortable cabin for a night on the rails. Ticket code. Its only available to guests staying in rooms though. OUR VIEW This is the type of room we prefer and generally settle on, it seems to tick the boxes for us in facilities, availability, as well as the cost value for money. You will not need to bring your own towels to utilize the shower facilities while riding. The decision to end Serco's contract came after the company tried to renegotiate the deal through a "rebase clause", to put the loss-making service on "a more sustainable financial footing". Messages. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Overall was better than expected after reading reviews and we both managed to get enough sleep to allow us to do some sightseeing before checking into hotel room - however . It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. OUR VIEW We have never stayed in one of these rooms. The three sections terminate at Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William. Until recently, holders of BritRail passes and all-line Rail Rovers had to reserve and pay for sleeper berths by telephone, or in person at a rail station, as the reservations system only sold reservations complete with a travel ticket. The main purpose for riding this train is to experience sleeping on the train, and it is hard to sleep in the Comfort Seats on the Caledonian Sleeper. https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/online-prv-on-cal-sleeper.175891/. Do you know this baby? The Fort William train stops at Helensburgh Upper, Rannoch, Corrour and Crianlarich. Despite that, it's been pretty well loaded every time I've taken . If you are travelling Southbound, the train will only board from around 11pm onwards. I would like to receive periodic email communications about Caledonian Sleepers' services, news updates and promotions. Here is my honest review of riding the Caledonian Sleeper in a Classic Room. Caledonian Sleeper passengers arrive "too early". The decision to terminate this agreement was announced by the government in October last year. NOTE Important to check booking for timetables alterations that may occur due to unforeseen circumstances, i.e., weather, unplanned engineering works etc, safety, public holidays or winter months. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The move confirms widespread expectation in the rail industry that the service would be . In a statement to MSPs, Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth said an arm's length company of the government would take over the franchise on 25 June. You can revoke your consent any time using the Revoke consent button. Highlander Route Departs Sunday to Friday each week (not on Saturdays) from London Euston as one train before dividing/splitting into sections at Edinburgh Waverley railway station (in the middle of the night). Comfort Seats on the Caledonian Sleeper are very nice and provide a comfortable ride to your destination. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. The Club Car wasnt open for breakfast during my journey which was a shame as it would have made the experience more enjoyable. If you are unsure about travelling around Britain by train our Guide to Train Travel ebook contains everything you need to know (including 10 itineraries), Click to book your Caledonian Sleeper train ticket, Visiting the London Eye (Best Tips, Tickets & Tours). 5 Of The Best Cycling Routes In Scotland For Epic Views, Complete Scotland Packing List: What To Wear For Every Season, 9 Best Scotland Small Group Tours You Need To Book (2022), Isle of Skye 2 Day Itinerary: Amazing Things To Do, 12 BEST Day Hikes In Scotland You Need To Experience, The Best Cyprus Itinerary for a Long Weekend (Or More!). Times may differ on return and from weekdays to weekends. Mr Whitehurst also said that since Serco took over the management of the Caledonian Sleeper in 2015, it had brought about "massive improvements to every aspect of the service for our employees, our passengers and for Scotland, despite having made significant losses on the contract". Some of the UKs best destinations are connected by the Caledonian Sleeper. These tickets must be valid between stations served by Caledonian Sleeper for part . There is no question that from March 2018 onwards the 1st class designation no longer applies. While the service provides a unique travel experience, it may struggle to generate enough revenue to cover its costs, resulting in a loss for Serco. Would I downgrade to the Comfort Seats? For more information, read our privacy policy. My Honest nuud Deodorant Review: Does It Really Work? John Whitehurst, managing director of Sercos transport business, told BBC News that the company was disappointed that the Scottish government did not ensure value for money by examining the possibility of a direct contract award to Serco. Rail Passenger Rights Service Quality Report. + Free Scotland packing list for ALL SEASONS, + 5-step guide to planning a trip of a lifetime, + Monthly newsletter with helpful travel tips. I was fortunate enough to ride it twice with my partner from London to Fort William and from Edinburgh back to London. It was impossible for two people to be in there wearing backpacks though! our Scottish holiday. Club and Double Room guests are meant to get priority over Classic but we were still allowed in. OUR VIEW Using the fixed tickets suited our needs best of all, knowing with our research and itinerary planning exactly when and how we planned to travel we could manage our travel cost better throughout. Narrow was a theme that carried right through to our room. The inspector told us to walk down the platform to our carriage where a colleague would check us in, and give us keycards for the room and a menu for our breakfast orders. National Rail (NR) Priv Discount on Oyster for holders of the Rail Staff Leisure Card - Update. It wasnt an issue with the facilities. Rooms on the Caledonian Sleeper all sleep 2 people only. The shower is integrated into the bathroom, so youll flip the toilet seat cover down and it then doubles as a bench for the shower. The Scottish Government has announced it will take over providing Caledonian Sleeper services following the expiry of the current franchise on 25 June this year. OUR VIEW All the on-board hosts we have ever come across have been extremely helpful and knowledgeable not just about the train and the facilities but have excellent train route knowledge about what to see on the way. Breakfast was delivered to our rooms early the next morning about an hour before we were due to arrive in Fort William. Castles, dungeons, ghosts and tunnels give Scotlands capital an air of mystique, but theres more to Edinburgh than history and creepy tales. You can upgrade or change your room type on the Caledonian Sleeper Flexible Ticket up until two days before your trip. 2002-2023 Tutor2u Limited. Heres how long it takes for some of its most popular destinations if youre travelling from London. We did get a free tea, juice and a biscuit though! With the Sleeper franchise ending on 25 June 2023, we have carefully assessed the options for successor arrangements by the current legislative framework and our Franchising Policy Statement.. Arriving in London on the return was less fun though. Access priority is given to the Caledonian Double and Club Room guests. "Given all that, there can be no conclusion other than that this is an ideological decision. Breakfast is NOT included but can be purchased. He tweeted: 'In 15 . The current fleet of trains, launched in the Eighties to transport people between London and Scotland overnight, has undergone a . Scottish Conservative transport spokesperson Graham Simpson said Caledonian Sleeper had offered a world class service under Serco. The sleeper service provides a Highlander and a Lowlander train service options for passengers to choose from travelling either Northbound from London Euston or Southbound from Scotland. We rode the Caledonian Sleeper Train in a Caledonian double bed from London to Glasgow. The routes to Glasgow and Edinburgh are too short to fully enjoy. These ticket types should be used for making reservations for Scotrail staff and Gold Status pass holders. She said the step would "provide stability and certainty" for passengers and staff. These include train failure . The fastest the Caledonian Sleeper can get to its destination is the route to Glasgow which takes 7.5 hours and the longest route, to Fort William, is almost 13 hours. Image credit: Richard Clinnick. The Caledonian Sleeper is a sleeper train that connects England with Scotland. The seating configuration is the same as conventional UK First class seating carriages with 2 -1 seats in an airline type set up. Having travelled on sleeper service around the world we think this is one of the best, and the Lonely Planet also agreed in 2016. The Scottish Government has moved to nationalise the Caledonian Sleeper service after ending the contract with operator Serco seven years before its scheduled date. of stunning coastal scenery, the North Coast 500 (NC500) naturally follows the rugged coastal edges of the North Highlands one of Scotlands best-kept [], We have been looking at ways to make our service more sustainable and we are constantly working with our partners to help reduce our carbon footprint. Ministers nationalise cross-border train service after Serco stripped of franchise. Given all that, there can be no conclusion other than that this is an ideological decision. Read about our approach to external linking. Towels are provided in sleeper car rooms on the Caledonian Sleeper. The Caledonian Sleeper rail service will be nationalised after Scottish ministers moved to terminate the operating companys franchise agreement seven years early. I would like to make it very clear that the Caledonian Sleeper staff will transfer to the Scottish government-owned entity, with their terms and conditions protected..
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