Tag: Scotland to London

Caledonian Sleeper officially launches £150m new fleet of trains

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Serco Caledonian Sleeper has launched its new £150m fleet – with the first guests travelling on the revitalised overnight rail service.

The new carriages made their debut last night (Sunday 28 April) on the Lowlander route between London and Glasgow/Edinburgh. This will be followed by their introduction on the Highlander route between London and Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William in the coming weeks.

Designed to accommodate the modern-day traveller, the new trains offer accommodation ranging from completely new comfort seats for the budget traveller to rooms with double beds and en-suites – for the first time in the history of Caledonian Sleeper. Accommodation includes:

  • Completely new redesigned comfort seats with personal locker, reading light and charging point
  • Classic Rooms (solo or shared use with an option of interconnecting rooms, toiletries included)
  • Club Rooms (solo or shared use with en-suite, station lounge access, breakfast, luxury toiletries included)
  • Caledonian Double (double bed with en-suite, station lounge access, breakfast, luxury toiletries included)
  • Accessible Rooms (double or twin, toiletries included and directly adjacent to accessible toilet)

Combining travel to and from the heart of London with comfortable overnight accommodation, prices for Comfort Seats start from £45, Classic Rooms from £140 for Solo or £170 for two people sharing (equating to £85 per person), Club Rooms from £205 for Solo and £250 for Shared and Caledonian Doubles from £335 for Solo and £400 for Shared.

All Accessible Rooms are priced at the same level as Classic Rooms – including those with double beds. Caledonian Sleeper has engaged extensively with experts from The Shaw Trust to ensure the best possible experience for guests with access needs, including placing accessible toilets adjacent to accessible rooms. In addition, Caledonian Sleeper’s Guest Lounges in Dundee, Fort William, Leuchars, Perth, Stirling and Inverness all offer accessible shower facilities.

Other new features are included on the new trains, such as a hotel-style keycard entry system, charging panels and WiFi throughout the train.

In addition to introducing its new fleet, Caledonian Sleeper has also launched a new marketing campaign which will inspire potential guests to ‘Dream Big’. Debuting across digital, social and outdoor advertising platforms, it is designed to encourage a new audience to discover Caledonian Sleeper and the world of possibilities it unlocks.

Ryan Flaherty, Serco’s Managing Director for Caledonian Sleeper, said: “Our new trains have been years in the making and to see them make their debut is a huge moment for everyone involved in making this dream a reality.

“The overriding ambition has been to deliver on our vision of a Caledonian Sleeper service fit for today’s traveller, one that combines the modern facilities people expect with that feeling of nostalgia that comes from long-distance railway travel. We want guests to have a magical journey with us, whether they are travelling for business or for pleasure.”

Rupert Soames, Chief Executive of Serco, said: “This is a proud and exciting moment for everyone who has been involved in bringing these new trains into service. It has been an incredibly complex project and this is the culmination of a huge effort and investment by all parties. We are very grateful to everyone who has contributed and we can now look forward to the new service and all that it offers to travellers between Scotland and London.”

The fleet, built at a cost of £150m, has been part funded by capital grants from Scottish Ministers and from the UK Government.

Michael Matheson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, said: “The Scottish Government is proud to have played its part in the launch of this new Caledonian Sleeper service. In subsidy over the 15 years of this Franchise, in support for this fleet of new trains, and in funding for stations and passenger lounges – this is clear evidence of our genuine commitment to both rail and tourism in Scotland.

“The scale of change is remarkable, and a credit to everyone who has worked on this project. I know those involved have been driven by an ethos of transforming the passenger experience and putting guests first. This is demonstrated by the on-board staff, the real stars of this service.

“Caledonian Sleeper shows the best of railways, and the best of Scotland. It’s time for this franchise to shine, and to be a real source of pride for the people of Scotland.”

Rt Hon David Mundell MP, Secretary of State for Scotland, said: “It is fantastic to see the launch of the new Caledonian Sleeper service. The UK Government has invested £50 million in the new fleet, improving vital connectivity between Scotland and England, and improving the service for the thousands of passengers. I was pleased to travel on their debut journey and look forward to using this service for years to come.”

To book a journey on the new Caledonian Sleeper, visit sleeper.scot.

Caledonian Sleeper gives first look inside new trains on revamped website

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Caledonian Sleeper has unveiled the first images from inside its new fleet of trains on a revamped website launched to mark the final countdown.

As well as showcasing the revitalised Caledonian Sleeper, the website – sleeper.scot –makes it easier than ever for people to book their magical journey and explore the destinations the trains reach.

The overnight rail service between London and Scotland will be transformed by the introduction of the £150m fleet, with a total of 75 new carriages set to make their debut.

Caledonian Sleeper’s new trains will begin operating by the end of May, initially on the Lowlander route between London and Glasgow / Edinburgh. They will subsequently debut on the Highlander route between London and Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William.

Designed to accommodate the modern-day traveller, bookings can already be made for travel on the new trains from 2 June. Once the official introduction date is confirmed, the booking system will be updated.

Guests on the new services will be able to enjoy a range of accommodation types, including rooms with double beds and en-suites – for the first time in the history of Caledonian Sleeper.

Compared to the current fleet, the new trains will provide significantly different and improved accommodation:
• Comfort Seats
• Classic Rooms (solo or shared use with an option of interconnecting rooms, toiletries included)
• Club Rooms (solo or shared use with en-suite and shower, station lounge access, breakfast, luxury toiletries included)
• Caledonian Double (double bed with en-suite and shower, station lounge access, breakfast, luxury toiletries included)
• Accessible Rooms (double or twin, toiletries included)

Ryan Flaherty, Serco’s Managing Director for Caledonian Sleeper, said: “The launch of the new Caledonian Sleeper is fast approaching and travelling on our service will be a truly magical experience that will transform travel between London and Scotland.

“I would encourage anyone interested in being one of the first to experience the new trains to book their travel on our new website, which has been completely revamped to reflect the monumental and exciting changes to our service.

“Caledonian Sleeper is competitively priced and means guests can avoid the hassle or additional costs of getting to and from the airport. It is the only way to be at your destination in plenty of time for early morning meetings or a full day’s sightseeing without the cost of a hotel.”

Combining travel to and from the heart of London with comfortable overnight accommodation, prices for Comfort Seats start from £45, Classic Rooms from £140 for Solo or £170 for Shared, Club Rooms from £205 for Solo and £250 for Shared and Caledonian Doubles from £335 for Solo and £400 for Shared. Various Railcard discounts may also apply, while guests are always assigned the best value ticket when making their booking.

Caledonian Sleeper fares have no hidden costs and allow guests to bring multiple suitcases or excess baggage on board without incurring any additional charges. And with centre-to-centre travel, there is an additional cost saving over flying as there is no need to pay for connections to take you in or out of the city. That means Caledonian Sleeper is not only the most civilised way to travel – it is also frequently the most cost effective.

With a 12-month booking window, it also means that guests can plan their travel well in advance. That is a major advantage over other train operators, where cheaper advance fares are usually only available from 12 weeks before travel.

The new Caledonian Sleeper coaches were constructed by CAF in Spain at a cost of over £150m, part funded by a capital grant from Scottish Ministers of £60m.

Testing has been underway across the UK throughout 2018 and early 2019, while the coaches are currently undergoing final fitting out in the Central Belt.

Caledonian Sleeper to host bothy-inspired preview event of Highland Adventure Fest

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Caledonian Sleeper is set to be transformed into Scotland’s first mobile bothy to offer guests a preview of Highland Adventure Fest.

Guests on board the London to Inverness service on Friday 22 March will be able to congregate in the Lounge Car ahead of the festival – which takes place on Sunday 24 March – and hear from Geoff Allan, author of The Scottish Bothy bible and a speaker at the festival.

Katie Masheter from Planit Scotland which is leading the event, said: “As a direct route from London to Scotland’s wilderness Caledonian Sleeper is often the preferred travel option for many adventurers and so we thought it was only fitting to host the preview of Highland Adventure Fest on board.

“The festival, which is in its first year and take places from 10am – 4pm on Sunday 24 March at Inverness Leisure Centre, is designed for all outdoor enthusiasts with talks, activities and exhibitors providing plenty of inspiration. We are very excited to be bringing a snippet of this to Caledonian Sleeper guests – we’ll even be offering complimentary tickets to Highland Adventure Fest so that guests can enjoy the event as part of their Highland escape.”

The Highland Adventure Fest event forms part of a calendar of seasonal and timely on board events hosted by Caledonian Sleeper which take place throughout the year, including on the new trains which are due to begin their introduction by the end of May.

Graham Kelly, Serco’s Guest Experience Director at Caledonian Sleeper, added: “The on board events offer our guests a snapshot of some of the great celebrations, festivals and events taking place across the country. Highland Adventure Fest is part of this exciting mix and we’re sure that the preview will get guests enthused about attending the festival or planning their next Scottish adventure.”

To find out more about Highland Adventure Fest, visit www.highlandadventurefest.co.uk

To find out more about Caledonian Sleeper, visit sleeper.scot.

Magical moment as Caledonian Sleeper’s future meets present

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Caledonian Sleeper’s future met its present on Saturday morning as testing continues on the new fleet of trains.

Six of the new carriages were out for winter testing over the weekend, running between Polmadie in Glasgow and Fort William on the West Highland Line.

And for two fleeting minutes at Tulloch Station, the new carriages – on their way back to Glasgow – passed the current train as it neared the end of its overnight journey from London.

It comes as trial operations enter the final phase, with preparations being made for the new fleet to begin operating by the end of May 2019.

Ryan Flaherty, Serco’s Managing Director at Caledonian Sleeper, said: “We only have a few weeks of testing left so it feels fitting that our current trains were able to sit alongside our new trains in the wild.

“It’s particularly symbolic because ‘old meets new’ is something we really want to capture when we debut our new carriages. We aim to offer a timeless experience and magical journey for guests, combining the nostalgic feeling of railway travel with modern facilities that travellers expect.”

The fleet, built at a cost of over £100m and part funded by a capital grant from the Scottish Ministers of £60m, has been designed to accommodate the modern-day traveller and cater to both business and leisure travel guests. A range of accommodation options will be offered, including:

  • Caledonian Double (double bed with en-suite)
  • Club Rooms (solo or twin with en-suite)
  • Classic Rooms (solo or twin)
  • Comfort Seats
  • Fully accessible rooms for guests with reduced mobility

Other new features will also be included, such as a hotel-style key card entry system, more accessible rooms, charging panels and WiFi throughout the train.

The trains will initially be introduced on the Lowlander route between Glasgow / Edinburgh and London before being rolled out onto the Highlander route which serves Fort William, Aberdeen and Inverness.

To find out more about the Caledonian Sleeper, visit sleeper.scot.

Undiscovered Shopping in London

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London is famous the world over for its shopping. High street shops, iconic designer outlets and towering department stores make the city a shopping haven for those seeking leading brands and bargain prices.

 

But, away from the hustle and bustle of the likes of Oxford Street and Regent Street, is a closet of smaller boutiques, quirky curios and markets off the beaten path.

 

Here, we’ve highlighted our favourite shopping destinations where you’ll get lost in winding streets and hidden gems rather than overwhelming crowds.

 

Neal’s Yard

 

Tucked away in Seven Dials, Neal’s Yard is a must for cosmetic and beauty fans. Here, you’ll find the flagship of Neal’s Yard Remedies offering organic skincare products, as well as specialist boutiques such as Kiehl’s and perfumer Miller and Harris.

 

Leadenhall Market

 

Harry Potter fans will instantly recognise this Victorian marketplace as the setting for Diagon Alley.

 

Although wands, broomsticks and owls can’t be found here, the cobblestone passageways will bewitch shoppers with their lamp-lit window displays selling clothing, stationery, watches and perfumes.

 

Camden Passage

 

If you’re on the hunt for pre-loved treasures such as antiques, vintage clothes and quirky trinkets, then head to cobblestone laneway Camden Passage. Filled with small shops and cafes, you’ll find everything imaginable in this Aladdin’s cave.

 

Broadway Market

 

Broadway Market is the perfect place to wander on a Saturday morning. Browse the dozens of stalls selling fresh produce, food and drink, accessories and vintage clothing before nipping into one of the nearby pubs or cafes for a bite to eat.

 

Regent’s Park Road

 

Avoid the crowds of nearby Camden Market and stroll along Regent’s Park Road in the Primrose Hill area.

 

Stocked with quality boutiques selling clothing and footwear, here you can relax in a cosy restaurant or wander along the picturesque canals, taking in the city views.

Caledonian Sleeper Raises a Glass to Rabbie Burns with Guest Event

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Overnight rail service Caledonian Sleeper paid tribute to the Scottish Bard on Friday (25 January) by inviting guests to enjoy an evening of traditional Burns Night celebrations.

Arranged in partnership with Newrest, a tailor-made catering and food service company, the event saw guests welcomed on board the Inverness to London service by a piper before a selection of complimentary canapés, including miniature haggis from Dingwall based Cockburn & Son, were served in the Lounge Car where guests relaxed whilst they travelled through the night.

A nip of Tomatin 12 year old single malt Scotch was also offered, with glasses raised in celebration of Robert Burns and his much-loved work. Featured on the current Caledonian Sleeper drinks menu, Tomatin is an award-winning distillery local to Inverness with a rich history dating back to 1897 which can be discovered at the brand’s visitor centre and gift shop in the Highlands.

Graham Kelly, Serco’s Guest Experience Director at Caledonian Sleeper, commented: “Burns Night is a special evening in the Scottish calendar and so we wanted to provide our guests with a memorable experience that would allow them to toast the famous bard.

“Not only was this event a celebration of one of the country’s most famous figures but also our traditions and great produce, with Newrest and Tomatin providing a mouth-watering sample of some of Scotland’s finest food and drink.”

The Burns Night celebration is the start of a calendar of on board events hosted by Caledonian Sleeper which will take place this year, including on the new trains which are due to be in operation by the end of May.

With kitchens in Edinburgh and London, Newrest, which is delivering all meals on board the current and new trains, will be at the centre of many of these events, offering guests a taste of Scotland as they travel across the border.

Peter Berkeley, Country Managing Director, UK, at Newrest, added: “We were very excited to kick start our relationship with Caledonian Sleeper with this great event. We’ve worked hard to create a menu of fresh produce with local suppliers which will be delivered on the current and new trains and the Burns Night event is a glimpse of this.

“We hope everyone on board enjoyed the evening and we look forward to creating more events for the coming months.”

To find out more about Caledonian Sleeper, visit sleeper.scot.