Treat yourself – Travelling first class with national rail…
By Rachel Ducker
Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, First Class can give you the space and comfort you’re looking for.
A few advantages of travelling first class are comfortable seats and tables with plug sockets and USB ports, enhanced Wi-Fi and complimentary drinks and snacks from the bar, this felt like a real treat when my friend and I travelled down to London for a girls night away. With five children between us this little escape warranted the best of everything, including train travel.
Tickets were easy to book via the website and with a rail card you can save even more pennies. They have many options available – see more information here about national rail and rail cards.
Our journey felt like a real treat and the service was smooth. We enjoyed sipping on coffees, whilst planning all the things we wanted to do whilst in the city.
Tips for getting cheaper First Class tickets
When you book online or on the app, you can see the cheapest tickets available.
- The earlier you book in advance, the more you could save. Learn more about Advance tickets
- If you’re buying on the day, travel off peak
- First Class tickets are cheaper with some Railcards
About National Rail
Rail Delivery Group manages National Rail products and services on behalf of the rail industry. National Rail provides customers with journey planning, real time, fares, and rail-related information. National Rail also helps customers save 1/3 on most rail journeys (and 60% on kids’ fares) with Railcards. The range of Railcards consists of 16-25, 26-30, Family & Friends, Two Together, Senior, Disabled Persons, Veterans and Network Railcard. There is also a 16-17 Saver that saves customers 50% off their rail journeys, including season tickets. For more information visit www.railcard.co.uk. For more information on journey planning, fares and booking travel assistance visit www.nationalrail.co.uk.
Five top things to do whilst in London…
Big Ben
Visiting big ben is your opportunity to dive into the history of London and learn about some of the events that shaped the city such as the bomb that destroyed the House of Commons chambers in World War II but left the tower standing. Situated in the heart of Westminster it is one of the worlds most famous clocks. Whether you take a guided tour or go it alone, this landmark should be on your “must see” list when visiting London.
Afternoon tea
Having afternoon tea in London is a great way to have a pitstop in-between all of your exploring. The Parlour at Great Scotland Yard Hotel offers a new sensory afternoon tea experience created in collaboration with Floris London, the only appointed perfumer to Her Majesty The Queen and is one of the best. Boasting a delectable selection of sweet and savoury delights, paired with Veuve Clicquot champagne and a wide selection of herbal teas it really puts this place on the map.
London Eye
Renowned as being the world’s highest observation wheel, British Airways London Eye offers a spectacular view of the capital city in 30 minutes. This is definitely rated as a unique experience. The London Eye is the world’s largest cantilevered observation wheel. It was conceived and designed by Marks Barfield Architects and was launched in 2000. It has won over 85 awards. It is located on the south bank of the river Thames. The nearest station is Waterloo, but Charing Cross, Westminster and Embankment are also a short walk away.
Sky Garden
The sky garden has fast become one of London’s most visited attractions and is often referred to as the ‘walkie talkie’ building due to its top heavy appearance. The best part of your visit is that its completely free if charge if you can book your tickets in advance – compare this to £32+ per ticket to get into The Shard, you get all the same views. Its the sixth tallest building in London so the observation decks give you a great view across the city.
There are four different dining experiences here as well as a bar, located on floors 35-37.
With planning Sky Garden is well worth a visit.
Tootbus – Theme River Cruise
Complete your visit to London with a cruise along the river Thames. Hop off at Westminster, take the river cruise to Tower Pier and board the Yellow Route again at the Tower of London.
You can get a Tootbus pass which is available for 1, 2 or 3 days. Choose the option that suits you best and pick the sights you want to explore.
