such a nostalgic feeling, for years I frequently traveled between London and Bristol across the period from the old GWR model to the new Hitachi train. The seats were a lot more comfortable on the old model.
The first time I took that train was during my first visit to London (before I ended up working there). I was traveling to visit friends. I boarded and was impressed by how nice it was. The car was empty - I guess I was a bit early. I looked around and took a seat. A conductor approached me and said hello. He was very polite. He said, "So, what do you think? Nice, right?" Or something like that. I replied that I thought it was very nice. He said something like, "Really first-class accommodations." I agreed. And then he said, "No, seriously. This is First Class. You'll need to find a seat in one of the other cars." But the seats in the standard class were very nice, too, and it was a fast trip to Reading (my stop).
Thanks for posting such a nice video. I've done that day trip from London several times. Enjoyed tea in the pump room. Hope to visit the UK again soon. Seven pillars is a great book. It transports the reader to another world. I had no idea Lawrence had to rewrite it.
Hello There, a great walkthrough of this fantastic trip, such a beautiful route throughout, thank you for sharing this, it's much appreciated. Cheers Peter :)
Did Bath and back to London in 2012 on my last trip to the UK. 2 observations, the 1st class lounge has not changed a bit, other than the Queen Vic bit, and the seats on these trains aren't a patch on the leather ones on the HST's. Still want to get back there to at least take the ride again. Not looking too hopeful at the moment though, we can't even leave the country!
Took that very same trip in the Spring 2019. That, and our other rail trips in Europe were all planned with info from your site, from the Philippines! Great content as always!
This is so helpful and reassuring. Why did the voice say village names at 4:50? Is it letting people know all the stops that will be made eventually? I am riding this train to Bath Spa. thanks!
Reminds me of my same train journey in 1979, difficult to pen my postcard as the 80 mph carriage was swinging from side to side. Now the ride is way way smoother.
Question! Is it better to buy a paper ticket or can you just use the Oyster card at any time? Will it be the same amount being charged on the Oyster card?
I think the most interesting part of the journey was the close-up of the electric sockets, but the highlight was the “refreshment” trolly. In the 1960s British rail gave over a whole carriage to the serving of stale pork pies and curled “cheese” sandwiches. Rather than improve the standard of food, they now send it round in tiny trolleys with a credit card machine. As usual, the toilets, like the common French public toilet, defied description.
These are the most uncomfortable train seats in the UK , worse than anything I have ever been on in the UK. The lounge in Paddington is a delight albeit the food offering has been dumbed down and down over the years.
The hot spring is a reminder of the volcanic birth of Great Britain when the Atlantic opened between the Eurasian and North American continental plates about 65 million years ago. - Heinz
118 miles and Google planner is estimating 2hours 44mins drive at the time I checked…7.30am on a Saturday. Probably one of the quickest times to travel.
It's very rattly and a bit whiny! Is it just the camera picking up more of it than you'd notice in real life, or is it actually that loud? Yet to travel on one of these...
Yes the IETs are noisy and hard riding inside! Other trains HSTs, Eurostars and TGVs are much quieter and smoother. So much for ‘Bullet Train technology’.
Nice trip, done it many timesfrom Swindon but i noticed you didn't comment on the seating or were you so racked with pain that you couldn't find the words?! For my meagre frame they are the most uncomfortable seats i have ever used on any form of public transport - horrendously hard, upright with a very short seat. We use National Express for london trips to avoid permanent hip injury..
You are quite correct , as I understand it they would not pay for the comfy seats when buying /leasing these trains resul5 is on3 of the most uncomfortable seats in Britain , ok for a short journey , awful for a long , this alongside the appalling catering , a misnomer, simply typifies the wrong approach to the passenger .
No: the water is unsafe due to bacteria thriving in the hot spring water: biohazard. You’d get pretty ill if you ingested that. Thermae Spa over the road though uses the hot spring water which they filter fully into their rooftop pool where there are amazing views across the city.
@@samtrak1204 Swimming in the original baths has been prohibited since 1978, when a girl died from a meningitis-like disease after ingesting bacteria while practicing with a swimming club. A few people have taken an unauthorised dip since, but it's not allowed and they do theoretically take their lives in their hands by doing so.
come to America ride Amtrak we have engines like the GE Genesis P42 siemens SC-44 HHP-8(Acela express) siemens ACS-64 new Avelia liberty(for Acela express) new ALC-42 and in Florida we have Brightline the passenger cars r surfliner superliner horizon new venture amfleet viewliner
for brand new trains they are noisy and uncomfortable ..1st class is nothing like as plush as it should be and no buffet coach another cock up... all round rubbish from GWR
'First Class's What a disappointment. No luxury here. minimalist yes but paired right down. Standard class ? Seating suitable for Far East countries. Train suspension reminds me of old London trams. Shame. bring back 125.
The 125 was terrible. Good god. I live in Tokyo and the 125 was seen as a joke. Friends would come back from the UK and were shocked how bad the 125 was.
💯 agree. Said that further up. Uninspiring. Seats don't look overly comfortable. Colour pattern dull. Even some nice prints on the wall and maybe a bit of secluded lighting.
