Bleak

Worst train journey to London in a long time. There were two stag parties, a hen party and a screaming child in our carriage. That's not just the proverbial screaming child, he was really, really screaming at the top of his lungs at high pitch. And he was at the table opposite us. For three and a half hours. Not constantly, just often and with no warning. At least the stag and hen parties all got off at Newcastle after the first hour and a bit.

I've made a new rule for myself as a result. If we can't get the quiet coach, then we fork out for first class. If that's too expensive, then we fly. It's all worth it in the name of sanity.