First class

Yes, from Inverness to York on LNER. Lovely breakfast and lunch (lunch/dinner on return journey). Guaranteed seat with no fighting for it, plus luggage room. Love my pre-lunch/pre-dinner gin and tonic and constant tea/coffee/crisps/biscuits. And a single seat to myself. Worth every penny. Makes the long journey part of the holiday.

I used to travel First Class between London and Glasgow regularly when Virgin had the franchise. Now that Avanti run it the price has rocketed even with a Senior Railcard so travel Premium Economy and buy my food in M&S before departure. Same comfort but much cheaper!

I now travel first class and I love it. There is more room to sit comfortably.
I eat on my journey which is provided, the menu is basic but it makes my life easier. I travel with LNER between London and Newcastle upon Tyne.
I was sick to death of being in over full carriages and how loud and noisy people could be. I’ve not experienced this on any of my recent journeys. My journey before London is first class but the difference is huge as it is very basic. No comfort seats food service on here but it is a quieter and a more spacious journey as it is not full to bursting.

I go to London regularly to see my family and travel First Class and get assisted travel. It is a lot less hassle and the staff are always so helpful and I am quite well know because of my regular journeys. It is not 'posh' as some people think but it is generally quieter more room and there are drinks and food. It is definitely worth paying the extra. I get assisted as I am disabled.

I like travelling first class when going to London. I enjoy the extra space & free food and drink.

On some first class GWR trips from London Paddington to Plymouth, you can get a silver service lunch or dinner (costs £38 for 2 courses… 3 courses also available).

On my bucket list is a First Class Return to Edinburgh ….hopefully, a nice relaxing train ride

I didn't realize you got drinks and sandwiches on first class. I thought it was just more comfy seats with more legs room and less noise.

Always Leeds to London. And you get great waiting room with refreshments at kings cross; armchairs WiFi juice, coffee etc on tap. So relaxing and worth being very early for your train.

J52

We use first class, with a rail card and advance booking it’s not overly expensive.
Going on EMR to London in the morning , you get coffee, a choice of biscuits, crisps and a sandwich. I sometimes save mine for lunch.

It really does depend on the line.

EMR is brilliant and actually by the time you’ve taken the free coffee, water, sandwich, crisps and cake it works out cheaper than buying lunch in London! Not to mention the space and comfort.

On the other hand Southern had no difference between first and second except a plastic screen across a third of the coach. Same seats, same grubbiness, same travel companions because the plastic screen didnt keep out any noise.

I go First if there is an upgrade available and it's not too expensive. When I was working I usually knew about journeys well ahead of time, so could take advantage of any offers, and upgraded regularly. The experience is variable. Sometimes the extra spend is pretty much covered by what you would pay for coffee and food, and on a long journey it's good to have quiet and a bit more room. One journey from (if memory serves) Crewe to Penrith was awful, as the FC carriage was next to the buffet car and the door was broken, so every time someone came through (which happened regularly and disturbed the 'peace') it stayed open, and the two of us in the carriage had to take turns to pull it shut to keep out the draught. I would have been better off in Standard and resented having paid more for the trip.

Another trip from Newcastle to Kings Cross was rescued by FC, however, as there was a problem with the heating. It was red hot and the rest of the train was crammed, as the train before had also overheated and the passengers decanted onto our one. It was full in FC, but not uncomfortably so, and we were given fresh chilled water at regular intervals. I think the people in Standard had to buy theirs when the trolley came round, which would be rarely, as there were people standing and it would struggle to get through. I was so pleased not to have to stand for hours in an overheated crowded train.

My favourite memory of FC was travelling from Glasgow in terrible weather. It was near Christmas, and the snow was deep. The trains after mine were cancelled, and ours was very busy, as other trains were already cancelled, connecting trains had been delayed and people were desperate to get home. A guard came in and asked if the people in FC would mind other passengers sharing, and of course we agreed. A group of students came in and were clearly not used to FC travel, as they kept commenting on it and politely asking people if we minded their sitting with us. When the refreshments arrived they weren't offered any, so everyone who had a FC ticket took two or three pastries and drinks, and gave them to the students. It was lovely to see their faces - they couldn't have been more pleased if it had been a banquet . They had waited for ages to get a train to take them home for Christmas, and thought they'd have to have to stand for hours, so a comfortable seat and free Danish pastries was an unexpected treat.

These days I don't used trains as often as when I was working, and whether I upgrade depends on the length of the journey and how much it will cost - fares are high enough as it is. If I'm travelling at weekends I always upgrade though, as being stuck in a carriage with Hens or Stags can be a nightmare, but on a Tuesday morning or similar I only do it if there is a negligible difference in the price.