Sleeper Train Adventure

Board in Cornwall, wake up in the heart of London refreshed and ready to explore the capital.

There is something irresistibly romantic about boarding a sleeper train, settling into your own private cabin, and waking up to the quiet hum of London as it comes to life. Great Western Railway’s Night Riviera Sleeper is not just a way to travel between Cornwall and the capital – it is an experience in its own right, a journey that blends the literary idea of classic rail travel – think Daphne du Maurier, Pascal Mercier, Michael Palin – with the pull of modern convenience.

Step onto the platform in Cornwall, and your journey awaits. The evening air is cool; the train, resplendent in its green livery, awaits. Passengers with cabins are invited into the Night Riviera Sleeper Lounge, where a warm drink and a comfortable chair set the scene for the night ahead. The demands of  the day slip away as the train glides out of the station.

As you close your cabin door behind you, you’ll find that the space is both private and practical. Crisp white bedding, a soft pillow, a wash basin tucked neatly into the corner – small details that transform the train into a place of rest rather than simply a means of transport. Settle in with a book or head to the lounge car for a drink, as the landscape rolls past in the dark, occasionally lit up by street lamps or lights from houses, the reassuring sensation of movement lulling you towards sleep.

At some point in the night, Cornwall gives way to Devon, then Somerset, then the Home Counties. There is no need to mark the miles or count the stations as the Night Riviera Sleeper invites you to simply enjoy the journey. By the time you stir in the morning, the train is approaching London. The city wakes as you do, with a complimentary breakfast delivered to your cabin, a quiet indulgence before the pace of the day begins. A hot shower awaits in the First Class Lounge at Paddington, along with the knowledge that you have arrived rested, ready to make the most of the day ahead.

For those travelling on business, this is a way to reclaim time – to avoid the early morning flight or the tiresome, bleary-eyed rush of the first train out of Cornwall. Instead, arrive in the capital refreshed, able to walk into meetings with energy and focus. 

For leisure travellers, the Night Riviera adds another layer to a London trip, making the journey itself an integral part of the adventure. Theatreland, the great museums, the hidden corners of the city all await. With 2-for-1 entry at many attractions (www.nationalrail.co.uk/days-out-guide), there is every reason to step straight from the platform into the heart of the capital’s cultural life.

Some choose to travel up overnight but return by day, missing out on one of the true joys of the service. The Night Riviera is not just a way to get to London; it allows you to enjoy a full day of city life, before boarding again at Paddington and letting the train carry you home. Cornwall waits in the morning, its coastline, harbours, and winding lanes welcoming you. 

The beauty of the Night Riviera lies in its simplicity. No check-in queues, no long airport transfers and no early alarms. Just the gentle motion of the train, the privacy of a well-appointed cabin with ever-changing views, and the knowledge that by morning, you will be somewhere new and exciting. In winter, when the nights are long and the days crisp, there is no better way to travel. And with cabins available from £49* alongside your train ticket, it is as much an indulgence as it is a practical choice.

A journey by rail is one of life’s great pleasures, and the Night Riviera Sleeper is one of the finest ways to experience it. Cornwall and London are two very different places, but between them runs a line that allows you to drift from one to the other as the country sleeps. Step aboard, settle in, and let the miles
pass below you – unnoticed.

* Prices are correct as of 2nd March 2025 and are subject to availability. A valid train ticket is required in addition to the cabin supplement.  Cabin reservations are optional; seating is available on this service. Terms and conditions apply.

GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY
www.gwr.com/Sleeper