Caledonian dreamin'...

Why tear around at breakneck speed when you can take it easy on a sleeper train says JANE LAVENDER

- JANE LAVENDER

TO me, the idea of a sleeper train always conjures up images of Agatha Christie and the Orient Express. And for as long as I've been schlepping my way north back from London 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. No, it looks like a welcome 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 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. Leaving 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.