Originally Posted by
layz
The only train services I'd rate travelling on over driving or flying are East Coast (both classes), Virgin (first class only, would actively avoid them in standard - due to cramped seating and poor luggage space), First Great Western (believe it or not - but only trains that are running a proper catering service) and the Caledonian Sleeper (not tried the Cornish one). I've not tried Chiltern or Grand Central so can't comment on that.
There is minimal difference between the Caledonian Sleeper and the Cornish Sleeper. They're both good but could do with improving the breakfast offering.
First Great Western's Travelling Chef is quite simply superb. The breakfast range and quality is more than one would expect.
Chiltern don't have first class = avoid! Virgin much quicker and more frequent London to Birmingham.
Grand Central only run a few services each day. If they cancel one they'll put you on one several hours later = avoid!
East Midlands are good if travelling between Sheffield, Derby or Notts and London.
Hull Trains are quite simply the best. They get the highest customer satisfaction ratings of any rail operator and their advance fares are good value. Their First Class offering is quite simply stunning.
As for air vs car, I never drive. It's either rail or air for me. Scotland is air, anywhere else is rail. I find rail very relaxing and rarely suffer delays. I go to the north west from London approximately twice per month and can honestly count on one hand the number of delays of any consequence. London to Cheshire in 90 mins great. My experience of flying BA to GLA is being seat shifted, having poor times to choose from (first flight from LHR is (07:10 then next one is after 10:00 = very poor!). Breakfast on the 07:10 is welcome although not as good as breakfast on long distance trains.
If I didn't leave near to Heathrow I'd consider getting the sleeper to GLA and train back but flying is considerably quicker for me.