I took the Caledonian Sleeper luxury overnight train from London to Edinburgh. The cabin was cozy, the views were beautiful, and the bacon rolls were tasty.
I boarded a Caledonian Sleeper luxury train at London Euston station, where I had access to a private lounge with drinks and snacks. I was headed to Edinburgh, Scotland.
Boarding at London Euston station.
Kevin Shalvey/Insider
I boarded a few minutes before my 11.30 p.m. departure. A porter met me outside my car to take my breakfast order. Coffee or tea? "Coffee, please."
Car "F" of the Caledonian Sleeper at London Euston station.
Kevin Shalvey/Insider
My cabin had a locking door, which would have been handy if I'd chosen to wander the train.
A Caledonian Sleeper room key.
Kevin Shalvey/Insider
My room was tiny and cozy. I fell asleep as soon as the train started rolling, missing my chance for cocktails or a glass of wine in the Club Car.
White linens, plush pillows.
Kevin Shalvey/Insider
While I slept, the train passed through small towns like Dalwhinnie, which is home to a famous whisky distillery. The whole journey took about eight hours, and I slept through most of it.
A Caledonian Sleeper travels through Dalwhinnie.
When I woke up, the train was stopped on the tracks. I opened the shade to my first views of Scottish greenery.
Fog and foliage.
Kevin Shalvey/Insider
It was a foggy morning.
Is that lavender growing next to the tracks?
Kevin Shalvey/Insider
My en-suite cabin had sleeping masks and earplugs. I had a private shower with soap, shampoo, and towels.
The train's tagline is: "Journey of a Night Time."
Kevin Shalvey/Insider
A porter delivered breakfast at about 6.45 a.m. Orange juice, coffee, breakfast bars, and bacon rolls.
Breakfast delivered.
Kevin Shalvey/Insider
A few moments after breakfast arrived, the train started rolling again.
Beautiful foggy Scotland.
Kevin Shalvey/Insider
I watched the farms outside Edinburgh roll by as I ate.
Morning fog in the countryside outside Edinburgh.
Kevin Shalvey/Insider
The coffee was good but the views were better.
Morning coffee.
Kevin Shalvey/Insider
The train pulled into Edinburgh Waverley station a few minutes before the scheduled 7.23 a.m. arrival time. Commuters were boarding a morning train opposite ours.
A commuter train at Edinburgh Waverley station.
Kevin Shalvey/Insider
I stepped off the train feeling well-rested, well-fed, and ready to explore.
Exiting the train in Edinburgh.
Kevin Shalvey/Insider
The Caledonian Sleeper at Edinburgh Waverley.
The train in Edinburgh Waverley station.
Kevin Shalvey/Insider
I walked around the city, checking out the Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood.
The Scottish Parliament building.
Kevin Shalvey/Insider
And views of Holyrood Park, below a rock formation called Arthur's Seat.
Holyrood Park.
Kevin Shalvey/Insider
I went to the National Museum of Scotland.
The National Museum of Scotland.
Kevin
And I walked up to see Edinburgh Castle at sunset. The following day, I took the express train back to London.
Edinburgh Castle.
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