The idea of a sleeper train conjures up images of Agatha Christie and the Orient Express.

For as long as I’ve been schlepping my way back to the North to visit friends and family - which in reality is only 10 years but when you’re a regular user of Avanti feels at least 67 lifetimes - I’ve looked longingly at the Caledonian Sleeper on the neighbouring platform.

Calm, quiet, luxurious. No battle to the death for a seat - or a space on the floor of the refreshment car, which has happened with alarming regularity.

• Beautiful UK beach with white sands and crystal-clear waters is 'best in spring'


• Traditional village feels like stepping back in time with fairytale castle and cobbled streets

It looks like a haven of peace in an increasingly hectic Euston Station.

From the cosy lounge on the platform, where you can grab snacks, sweet treats, tea, coffee and cold drinks - or as we were travelling after work on a Friday - treat yourself to a glass of something stronger to the orderly and efficient way you board - it was a dream come true.

This feels less like getting on a train and more like checking into a luxury hotel.

Exactly on time you queue to be handed the key card to your room - we were staying in a Club room - to try out the cosy beds.

There’s no denying the rooms are what can only be called compact but this is a train afterall and one of the huge bonuses of a Club room is you have your own ensuite bathroom, complete with toilet and even a shower (neither of us were brave enough to try this on a moving train).

Then it’s off the restaurant car for your two-course meal. I opted for the pate starter and Mac and Cheese for a main, while my friend had the Haggis main course and cheese board for dessert.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say this is absolutely restaurant quality food. No wilty, bland fair here. The pate was delicious and the pasta was ridiculously decadent. I’m told the Haggis was incredible and the cheese board was bigger than anything I’ve seen in a restaurant not on rails. It’s fair to say I was not expecting such incredible fare on a train.

A special mention at this point to the wonderful staff, who go out of their way to make this feel like a special, luxury experience.

A glass of wine and we were ready to call it a day and took ourselves off to our room to get tucked up and spend the night snoozing while we whizzed up the country from London to Inverness.

Waking up in the Highlands to views of glens, peaks, snow, lochs and snow really was a special moment.

Bleary-eyed we made our way back to the restaurant car where we were greeted with a full Scottish breakfast, which is certainly not for the faint of heart.

Bacon. Poached egg, portobello mushrooms, a toasted tattie scone, a puddledub link sausage, haggis, black pudding and a lorne sausage (this is a flat sausage for the uninitiated). Not only delicious but we were stuffed.

Watching iconic places like Aviemore roll past while sipping on piping hot tea and taking in the scenery while we came back to life was like something out of a dream.

Something, as a regular user of the West Coast Mainline, I’m certainly not used to we arrived in Inverness spot on time, rested and ready to begin our Scottish adventure

Tips for the train

Take an eye mask, you’re whizzing through the countryside at speed but there are regular stops and despite the blinds light from the stations does seep through and could disturb your sleep. Eye masks are provided in the complimentary sleep kit but they don’t block out a lot of light and unless you have a gigantic head, won’t fit

Take ear plugs. While this is undoubtedly a luxury experience, you are sleeping on a train and trains can be loud. Again, ear plugs are provided in the sleep kit but they’re not the best so invest in some good ones to get the best possible night’s sleep.

Give yourself plenty of time for breakfast on the journey up to Scotland. The views are fantastic and you won’t want to miss any of them

Caledonian Sleeper

• The Caledonian Sleeper is one of only two sleeper services in the UK. The other operates between London and Penzance.


• A sleeper service has operated on this route since 1873.


• Two services leave London each night - Sunday to Friday with no service on Saturdays.


• The first to depart splits at Edinburgh into three routes - Aberdeen, Fort William and Inverness.


• The later service only travels to Glasgow and Edinburgh and splits at Carstairs.

Travelling on the Caledonian Sleeper

• There are several ways to travel on the sleeper service.


• The cheapest option is the seated coach, with prices starting from £54 to £100


• There is a classic room, with prices starting from £210 to £305


• A Club ensuite room, which prices starting from £360 to £520


• Caledonian double solo room, with prices starting from £410 to £475


• A Caledonian double ensuite room, with prices starting from £485 to £570


• Accessible rooms are also available with a solo £210 to £305, and a twin £290 to £405

For more information about the service and everything on offer please visit the website.