I travelled on the Caledonian Sleeper from Birmingham to Scotland - here's why the sleeper train is worth it

Standing on the platform at Birmingham International station at around 10.40pm watching the Caledonian Sleeper train roll in, I knew I was going to be embarking on an experience that I wouldn’t forget.

I had never been on a sleeper train and I was so excited to see what the luxurious Caledonian Sleeper was all about, after the train’s owners announced new departures from Birmingham International at the beginning of this year.

I travelled on the sleeper train to the beautiful Scottish Highlands town Fort William. The train departed Birmingham at around 10.42pm and we were quickly seen to our room - a Club en-suite.

The room features twin bunk beds and an en-suite shower. First things first, I must say it is small. Now, you can’t be expecting a huge room when you are on a train, but if you are thinking of travelling on the sleeper train you must know that the rooms are tight.

There wasn’t much room at all between the bed and the wall, so if you are taking luggage I would recommend bringing no more than a 10kg suitcase with you - mine just about fit under the bed.

There is a little sink at one end of the room with a window, and a mirror on the door on the opposite side - a clever effect to make the room feel bigger. We quickly dropped our bags off and headed for dinner in one of the carriages, holding onto the rails as we walked through the train.

I tried the Macsween haggis, neeps and tatties with a whisky sauce dish and it was lovely. There were also sea bass and a plant-based burger to choose from, for mains.

The dinner area was buzzing with different groups of people, excited about their journeys, and one group of lads from London were raring to go and climb Ben Nevis the following day.

We went back to our room and it was lights out. I must say, trying to sleep on a moving train isn’t the best, and you are rocked about quite a lot throughout the night. I didn’t have the best sleep.

But the views you wake up to in the morning make it all worth it. We were treated to the most stunning views of the Scottish Highlands in all its glory.

We got really lucky with the weather, gliding through the Highlands during a lovely sunny morning.

We spotted deer, Highland cows, lambs - and even a stag standing proudly in one of the fields.

Expansive lochs glistening in the sunlight and rolling mountains were really a sight to behold. It was amazing, and totally trumped getting a flight to Scotland.

I had a delicious traditional Scottish breakfast and a latte while taking in all the beautiful views that passed us by.

It was so peaceful, relaxing, and an amazing experience. You can choose to have your breakfast in your room, and you pre-order what you want the night before, but it is best to eat it in the Club car as otherwise you miss all the views of the Scottish Highlands.

We arrived at Fort William at around 10am, so in the morning had plenty of time just to relax and take it all in.

Departing this beautiful town a couple of days later, at around 7pm, we rode the sleeper train back and it was another experience in itself watching the sun set over the mountains and the sky turning a pinky-orange colour.

We arrived back at Birmingham International at around 6.30am very tired, and sleepy, but grateful to have ticked off a bucket list experience.

A return ticket for the Caledonian Sleeper from Birmingham International to Fort William for a Club en-suite room costs around £520 for two people. It is expensive, but I personally think it is worth it - especially as a one-off, unique experience.

You can’t beat waking up to stunning views and the magical element of the journey. It was an experience I won’t forget.