Tag: travel London

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.

Susan Calman on board as voice of new Caledonian Sleeper

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Guests travelling on board Caledonian Sleeper will soon be woken by one of Scotland’s most popular celebs – after Susan Calman was named the voice of the new trains.

The TV and radio star is no stranger to travelling to some of the nation’s best-loved destinations having recently presented Channel 5’s Secret Scotland.

And now, her tour of Scotland will continue six nights a week as she ‘travels’ on board Caledonian Sleeper between London and various Scottish locations including Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Fort William, Glasgow and Inverness.

Susan, who will voice all scheduled announcements, is a frequent guest on board and a huge advocate of sleeper travel. During her time on BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing last year, she even filmed on the train as part of the show.

Susan said: “I spend almost as much time on the Caledonian Sleeper as I do in my own house and so it was a great pleasure to give voice to the new trains. I look forward to being woken up by myself. Although it might give me a fright occasionally.”

The new Caledonian Sleeper trains will be introduced by the end of May 2019 and for the first time will include rooms with double beds and en-suite toilet and showers.

Ryan Flaherty, Serco’s Managing Director at Caledonian Sleeper, said: “Susan is the perfect fit as the voice of Caledonian Sleeper. Like us, she has a real sense of adventure and is completely at home travelling around Scotland.

“Our ambition with our new trains is to deliver a timeless experience for guests and I know Susan is thrilled to be part of such a huge change to the service. We’re firmly on the final countdown now and I cannot wait for guests to step on board and see the new Caledonian Sleeper for the first time.”

The new 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 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.